Wasilla got more than it bargained for with building purchase

The city of Wasilla’s announcement that it has found a new home for its aging and cramped library came as a surprise to many, including a library steering committee and Friends of the Wasilla Library.

Charged with finding a new location for the library, it seems puzzling the committee was left out of the loop of such a significant decision. City officials say there was no time to consult the committee, that the amazing deal it got for purchasing the Meta Rose Square shopping center — $1.5 million — was too good to pass up. The asking price is $500,000 less than the indoor shopping mall’s assessed value, but had to happen before the end of the year.

It seems unlikely there was absolutely no time to consult with the committee about this, a body of city and community members who have put considerable time and effort into finding a new home for the library. How much time could it have taken to make a few phone calls or send out an e-mail to the committee members calling for a special meeting?

That’s not to say the Meta Rose is a poor choice for a new library. It’s still centrally located and more than twice the size of the current library. Still, at 21,000 square feet, it’s much smaller than the 37,000 square feet the committee has determined is needed.

“It’s frustrating,” said Jeanne Troshynski, chairwoman of the steering committee and president of the Friends of the Wasilla Library. “We worked with a consultant. We’ve really tried to be diligent making sure we’ve looked at what the community needs. Now, it’s all for naught.”

We’re thrilled Wasilla city officials have put such a high priority on upgrading its public library. It’s long overdue. But we’re forced to wonder why, if the city can be so easily swayed by a “buy me now” offer, how much real research and study went into determining if the Meta Rose Square shopping center really is the best choice.

Also, by acting outside the loop of the steering committee, the city has alienated those it had asked to help. Asking community-minded residents to give their time and effort, then ignoring them is not good policy. How many will be so willing to step up to the plate again?

The city got a great deal and the Meta Rose may make a wonderful library, but the monetary savings from acting so quickly may have cost Wasilla more than it bargained for.