MIDDLE RIVER, MD—A prominent community organization is sharply criticizing Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier’s decision to abandon plans for a new public library branch in Middle River, calling the move a “blatant insult” to taxpayers in the area. Councilman David Marks is also blasting the decision.
Josh Sines, President of the Essex Middle River Civic Council, issued a blistering statement on Friday, asserting that Klausmeier’s recent decision to halt negotiations over a proposed leased facility was about priorities, not affordability.
“Baltimore County’s decision to abandon plans for a Middle River library is a blatant insult to the taxpayers who have waited far too long for fair investment in their community,” Sines said.
Accusation of Misguided Priorities
Klausmeier announced Friday morning that she was ending the pursuit of the Middle River branch, citing concerns over “tens of millions” in long-term lease, maintenance, and staffing costs that could force future tax increases.
Sines countered that the proposed lease option would have delivered a new branch “at a fraction of the price of a traditional build,” arguing the lease would cost “roughly half what a new library would.”
“This isn’t about affordability. It’s about priorities,” Sines stated. “The truth is simple: if this project were located in another part of the county, it would already be under construction. But because it’s Middle River, once again we are told to wait.”
Demands for Transparency
The civic council also accused the Klausmeier administration of inflating the projected costs of the project.
“This administration has consistently not given the right information on the numbers and cost of this library, continually throwing wild numbers out but when asked for facts to back those numbers they will not provide it,” Sines said.
Sines insisted that the money and the need for the library are both present, criticizing the County Executive for what he sees as a reluctance to act.
“The library lease option is on the table at half the cost of new construction. The money is there. The need is there. What’s missing is a County Executive willing to make decisions!” Sines stated. “Every answer can’t be to kick it to the Next County Executive, she has the job and the responsibility to do that job.”
Councilman David Marks calls decision ‘giant middle finger’
Councilman David Marks on Friday issued the following statement:
Kathy Klausmeier’s Friday morning decision is a giant middle finger to the Middle River community. The Baltimore County Council is being asked to subsidize development by the hundreds of millions of dollars elsewhere, but now the County Executive pretends to pinch pennies when it comes to Middle River. This is yet another profound disappointment from this administration.
I look forward to working with a stronger, friendlier County Executive and the new Council representative to get this done. The Eastside deserves better.
Please follow and like us:
Disclaimer: This news has been automatically collected from the source link above. Our website does not create, edit, or publish the content. All information, statements, and opinions expressed belong solely to the original publisher. We are not responsible or liable for the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of any news, nor for any statements, views, or claims made in the content. All rights remain with the respective source.