Despite objections, the Joliet City Council has approved a $3.5 million loan from the city reserves for the Joliet Public Library to improve its branch on Black Road.
Currently, the library has spent more than $10 million from a state grant on its Project to renovate the downtown library.
The 20-year loan will be used to remodel the Black Road branch by having new carpeting and paint; a play area for children; more private study rooms; and separate youth and adult areas for quiet time.
According to the agreement the library can prepay the loan without incurring any penalties and has asked for one refinance during the 20 years of the loan.
The loan agreement also allows a lien on the library’s property tax receipts to ensure proper payment and requires that three percent of the library’s property tax is allocated toward capital improvement projects.
Councilwoman-at-large Jan Quillman said she is not comfortable taking money out of reserves to help the library especially during uncertain economic times.
“We are putting our reserves at risk,” she said.
Joining Quillman in voting against the loan was councilman-at-large Joe Clement, who said he does not support the library.
“I cannot support it,” he said. “It is not a precedent we need to set. I don’t think we should go down this road.”
But councilwoman Suzanna Ibarra, who represents District 5, said the library is more than about books, there are people not privileged enough to have internet and printers at home and the amenities the library provides are the only way these residents can get these services.
The council also approved the Vista Ridge subdivision for 8301 Caton Farm Road.
The site, which now sits on 120 acres of farmland, would contain 397 dwelling units at full build out. The petitioner is planning to develop 321 single-family homes and 76 townhouses.
