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Where's the compromise? , Where's the compromise? (1)

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Where's the compromise? BY PENNY COLES NIAGARA ADVANCE Those opposed to removing services from the downtown core - both individuals and groups - are angry they were not recognized as part of the process spelled out in a motion to defer the decision on the fate of the library and community centre for three months. But they intend to offer their help, welcome or not. The motion made by Alderman Austin Kirkby Monday night and approved by Kirkby, Dave Lepp, Jamie Slingerland, Dennis Dick and Lord Mayor Art Viola, asks for a postponement on the relocation of the library and community centre to allow council to meet with the school board - Niagara District Secondary School has not been ruled out yet as a possible site for the library - and to allow council to complete further studies on future uses of the Court House. Kirkby says it doesn't exclude the possibility residents could be consulted, but some of the 400 people who attended and spoke at a public meeting organized by the town last week are disturbed that no acknowledgement or response was made to their offers to help work towards compromise or alternatives - it was like that meeting hadn't happened. The Chamber of Commerce is one of the organizations that has stated removing services from the downtown core could spell disaster for the Old Town, as it has in so many towns and cities across Canada. Their concerns have not been acknowledged or addressed, says board president Janice Thomson, one of those shocked by lack of response from aldermen - in fact the only response has been anger from town staff and the library board. Monday night's council vote "resulted in an acceptable outcome," she said. "It is bitterly disappointing" that all the input from residents willing to serve on a committee to assist in compiling data to help council in their decision was completely ignored - their offer was not acknowledged or discussed. The library board has responded to their concerns with a PHOTO: "Alderman Rob Copeland points an angry finger during Monday's Council meeting."

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