Library News

Benning Residents File to Block Demolition of Library

For Immediate Release
Contact: Robin Diener
202/387-8030;
cell 202/431-9254

Benning Residents File to Block Demolition of Library;
Court to Hear Request Friday June 29 at 10 am

WASHINGTON, DC– June 28, 2007 – A group of residents of the Benning community have filed a request for a Temporary Restraining Order to prevent the demolition of their neighborhood library.

In addition, the request calls for: an engineering study evaluating costs of renovating and expanding the existing structure which was designed to have another floor added; an environmental impact study; a meaningful process of public consultation; and binding public authority for acceptance of plans for library development.

The Benning Library has been closed since December 31, 2004 when it was emptied and shut down for rebuilding according to publicly vetted and funded plans overseen by DC Public Library. In October 2005, the board of Library Trustees canceled those plans. DCPL maintains that it will rebuild on the same site but no new plans have been drawn up.

The complaint also cites an ongoing failure by DCPL to inform Advisory Neighborhood Committees of any plans regarding the disposition of the Benning Library. District law requires recommendations by ANC’s be accorded “great weight.” As no new plans exist for the Benning Library,
the ANC’s could not have seen them, assessed them, or rendered an opinion.

The motions and complaint for a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction to stop the demolition of Benning Library. C.A. No. 2007 CA 004286 B, were filed on June 22, 2007 in DC Superior Court.

The hearing for the TRO has been scheduled for Friday, June 29, 2007 at 10:00am in Room 4220 of the DC Superior Court.

Robin Diener
Director