Our view: Let voters decide fate of City Center Project

The evolution of the proposed Carson City Center Project has - so far - been a good example of civic leaders listening to their constituents.

The $50 million downtown library plan, controversial since its inception, has been publicly praised, scorned, revamped and fine-tuned while being moved along incrementally by a commendably cautious Board of Supervisors.

In the public hearings that have been held, and in discussions in the community, the project's critics have maintained that it's unneeded, that it overreaches, that it fills a void that doesn't exist, and that it will cost the city money it doesn't have. They also point to the struggling economy as a reason to hold off.

The project's backers say the library complex will boost downtown, draw business, revitalize the area and serve as a rich resource for Carson City residents of all ages. They tout the fact that the land and half the money for the project would come from the private sector, and they note that interest rates are low and now's a good time to finance construction.

But while even the proponents acknowledge that the financing poses several questions, the critics pose just one:

Why not let voters decide?

Calling for a direct vote of the people in no way negates or diminishes the board's responsible, transparent stewardship to date.

The city is being asked to commit almost $24 million in public money toward the project, which would include a Knowledge + Discovery Center (library), a plaza, a parking garage and related infrastructure. That's a hefty investment, and one that city residents themselves must willing to make if a project of this magnitude is to go forward.

The project's opponents filed a petition Wednesday with the Carson City Clerk's Office that essentially will ask the board to agree not to spend any more public money on the project unless voters specifically authorize it to go forward. The group must gather about 3,000 registered voters' signatures by the end of June to put the proposed ordinance before the board.

A yes vote on the ordinance would put the matter in voters' hands, which is where it belongs.

While some may frame the issue as a litmus test for supervisors, it needn't be that. There's an abundance of integrity, civic pride and good intentions on all sides. Both sides do agree on one thing: The City Center Project, even in its slimmed-down incarnation from its original $87 million cost, would change the nature of Carson City.

The Board of Supervisors, seeing merit and potential in that sort of change, has voted to allow it to get this far.

But the voters have never been asked. Downtown merchants who work in what would be the shadow of the complex and its parking garage have never been polled.

If the City Center's potential benefits have been properly outlined and the many questions answered, its proponents should not object to a citywide vote. And they should accept the outcome.

If voters decide that the project should go forward, then the opponents should heed that message, as well.