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Commission approves Phoebe Hearst statue for Fourth and Main after trustee objections
Summary
After debate between the Historic Resources Board and Hearst Free Library trustees, the commission voted 3–2 to place the new Phoebe Hearst statue at the corner of Fourth and Main. Trustees said placing the statue adjacent to the library entrance would better protect and preserve the site.
The commission voted 3–2 to place the incoming Phoebe Hearst statue at the intersection of Fourth and Main rather than next to the library's west entrance, following competing recommendations from the Historic Resources Board and the Library Board of Trustees.
Bob Wren, chair of the Historic Resources Board, told commissioners he and the board "believe that the intersection of Main and Fourth Street is the best location," arguing the corner would improve visibility and 'open up the library.' Library trustees and the library director countered that placing the statue adjacent to the building would simplify maintenance and reduce vulnerability to vandalism. Kurt Wyant, the library board chair, said the board had made a deliberate choice and asked the commission to respect the trustees' decision.
Commissioner Mike Beausoleil moved to place the statue at Fourth and Main; Commissioner Paul Smith seconded and the motion carried 3–2. Commissioners Beaudette and Gates voted against the location, citing concerns about oversight and the trustees' preferences. The commission voted on the site only; plans for concrete, unveiling in June, and landscaping remain subject to follow-up coordination with the library and HRB.
