Library or Lunch?

Are Westwood residents ready to pay the equivalent of one lunch per month to see the Library renovated? My informal, scientifically baseless quick poll shows strong support for the Library, and I'm inclined to agree that the time is right to make an investment in our community infrastructure. But in an economy filled with doubt, are people going to be so quick to cast those "yes" votes?

A resident pointed out to me that my poll is inaccurate--the average cost per household will be be $106. But the schedule of payments--to finance $9.3 million over 20 years, assuming 5% interest and an average home value of $532,000, begins with a cost of $140 in the first year and declines to $73 by year 20.

For a recent override experience, consider Dedham's Avery School project. At an average cost of $60/household, it was approved with 60% support. But that school is a disaster in desperate need of repair. The investment had an immediate, obvious need as well as a long term vision of how it would help the town re-invest in education to improve the overall Dedham school system.

Is the need in Westwood anywhere near as great?

You can learn what's being proposed by attending a number of meetings I described in this article. If the Special Town Meeting approves the override, it will appear on the April 27 ballot for Town Election.

Thoughts? Do you want to afford this? What's the real cost of doing nothing?