Why the rush to sell Gibbs? Citizens should be asked for their opinion

Why is there a rush to sell off the now-vacant Gibbs Library Building on Belair Road? This building has a unique location and is well-suited to serve this community for many years to come. The building has parking and access to one of the major roads in the heart of Evans. After all, it is the property of the citizens of Columbia County.

Has anyone bothered to ask us, the citizens, what we would like to do with the building? Maybe the citizens of Columbia County do not want a commercial development there. Maybe the citizens want the building to be used as the Warren C. Gibbs Senior Center in the heart of Evans. Maybe the citizens want the building to be used for the Warren C. Gibbs Columbia County Tourist Information Center. Maybe the citizens want the building to be used as the Warren C. Gibbs Columbia County Chamber of Commerce building. The list of possible uses, for the better good of the community, is almost endless.

The new library took many years to plan for and build. Plans for utilizing the existing Warren C. Gibbs Library for the betterment of this community should have been planned out for at that time. Selling this property off to developers should be put on hold immediately.

This property was donated to Columbia County to serve an altruistic purpose for the betterment of the community. In the spirit of this donation, and to honor the generous gift bestowed to our community, this building should continue to serve in whatever positive means possible.

Scott C. Nichols, Evans

(Scott C. Nichols is chairman of the Democratic Party of Columbia County and a county commission candidate.)