A lawsuit over Gannon University’s Lake Erie Education and Research has been settled as of Dec. 19, the university announced Wednesday in a news release.
The center, located at Erie’s Blasco Library, faced opposition from a local group, Keep Our Library Public, over lease terms. Now, both sides have reached an agreement.
Gannon will help the library with membership drives and new programs, decided annually by university and library leaders. The lease is set for 10 years, with options to extend.
Since opening in October, the center has welcomed nearly 5,000 visitors. It features interactive exhibits, a NOAA Science on a Sphere, and a science lab for students. Gannon’s president says the community is embracing the project, which aims to educate the public about the Great Lakes and environmental challenges.