Editorial: Civic center or Memorial Hall, let us know

Alpena Municipal Council earlier this week delayed until August any decision on how to proceed with a civic and convention center for the community.

Before the body are two proposals: Either renovate the current facility on Johnson Street or move and renovate the former Memorial Hall/Alpena Armory building in downtown. Either proposal would cost the city in the neighborhood of $3 million.

The issue is one that first came before council nearly a year and a half ago and after Monday, it appears to be one council members are conflicted over as to how to proceed.

Regardless of what the council eventually decides, ultimately it will be the will of the electorate that really will determine whether the project proceeds or not. Either route council chooses will probably require a millage by voters.

That being said, we would like to hear what you think about the proposals. Which one do you favor, and why? Would you ultimately vote in favor of millage to renovate a structure, or in these economic times are you dead-set against it?

If you are a city resident please send us your thoughts. Send them to the attention of Editor, The Alpena News, 130 Park Place, Alpena. Mark on the envelope "Civic Center."

For those with e-mail, reply to bspeer@thealpenanews.com. Again, put "Civic Center" in the subject line.

Mayor Carol Shafto possibly summed up the quandary best Monday when she said "I favor them both. I favor Memorial Hall for the excitement. I favor the civic center for the conservative approach."

Tell us how you feel about the issue. Let your voice be heard.