As a Gannon University alumnus, I had an opportunity to attend an online presentation about the NePTWNE Project on Nov. 16th. The research study is both inspiring and essential on so many levels addressing issues related to lake ecology, public health and the economy. Opportunities for students will be endless as they study issues and discover ways to mitigate solutions through engineering and manufacturing. I congratulate the county executive and county council on supporting the study to the tune of $3 million using federal funding (American Rescue Plan Act funding) and state funding (Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program).
What I continue to be troubled by is the gift of a portion of the Blasco branch of the Erie County Public Library to Gannon University at a bargain-basement lease price for 25 years ($7 per square foot) for Gannon’s Great Lakes Research and Education Center, a part of Project NePTWNE. I feel the county executive and county council have not been good stewards of county/public property.
As a lifetime library user, I find this offensive. It is not as if there was lots of unused space at Blasco. I had the opportunity to tour the space allocated for the research and education center. The area will displace adult services staff moving several of them to the staff training room and other rooms on the second floor. These are the people who plan and implement programs and services for the public. That begs the question, where will staff training take place? In addition, the computers recently moved to the first floor to create better public access will be moved back to the second floor. In addition, it appears some of the collaboration spaces (meeting rooms) used by the public will be taken away. These are public spaces leased to a private university.
Gannon University has plenty of space on campus and is known to buy space when needed for expansion. They are well endowed and continue to ask for financial support. In June when the bayfront space Gannon was negotiating was no longer available, the county executive generously offered space at Blasco with absolutely no opportunities for public comment. On Oct. 17th, concerned citizens overflowed the county council chamber asking the lease with Gannon to be tabled for further investigation. Members of the county council voted the request down.
Sometimes when you are offered a deal that is too good to be true, it’s time to say, “No, thank you.” Frustrated concerned community members picket regularly in front of the university. Before knocking down walls, displacing staff and public spaces at the Erie County Public Library, I ask Gannon to do the right thing and withdraw from the lease.
Marcy Sargent Bencivenga, Gannon alumni, class of 1971, McKean
If you know any Gannon Alumni please share this and ask them to help us convince Gannon to rescind the lease by signing our petition and contacting Gannon administrators.