Whitehouse village leaders gave narrow approval Tuesday night to a proposal allowing a new Toledo Lucas County Public Library branch, with the council splitting 4-3, according to WTVG.
The decision came after public comment and pointed remarks from council members. Village Councilman Dave Riggenbach stated he was disappointed with the library, the Metroparks and residents.
About two years ago, Lucas County voters considered placing a full-time public library inside Blue Creek Metropark. The measure passed in all three precincts, including a 214-vote margin among Whitehouse residents, per WTVG. That proposal was later abandoned due to library budget limits.
The library now intends to construct a branch on the pollinator garden property beside the roundabout off State Route 64.
Resident Rebecca Rude, who has lived in the village more than three decades, echoed the councilman's concerns and questioned why the library now wants to own the land.
Riggenbach also aimed criticism at residents who supported the library, saying he had heard only from opponents over a three-month span, and explained his no vote on the land sale.
Going forward, the library plans a traffic study, community engagement meetings and design work, WTVG reported.