Petition to Save the West End Library

On Tuesday, July 10, the DC Council enacted an emergency resolution to SELL three pieces of public property, including the West End Branch Public Library, to a development company, Eastbanc. In so doing, Council abused its power -- designating an emergency without real cause -- in order to avoid its legal obligation to give public notice and consider citizen input.

West End Library

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Also included in the sale is the adjacent special operations police station, as well as a firehouse on another nearby block. A drawing that Eastbanc has been presenting during its sales pitches to West End residents reveals why the firehouse is included in the deal. The sketch, which Eastbanc will not allow to be reproduced, shows a library on top of a firehouse, with the library in turn crowned by units of "workforce" housing.

Attendees at Eastbanc's PR sessions have laughed the idea down. Despite this clear public disapproval, Eastbanc continues to show the firehouse/library/affordable housing parfait as an option. A partner in the Ritz Carlton project in the West End, Eastbanc is distrusted by many nearby residents for its failure to provide such promised amenities as green space and retail.

This is a way for government to consolidate services and turn public space into private profit.

The West End Library recently had $150,000 in upgrades and is one of the most used libraries in the District. Libraries in Anacostia, Benning, Shaw and Tenley have already been closed for more than two and a half years without the promised rebuilding. In addition, tragically, the historic Georgetown library was closed after a fire on April 30.

Sign the petition below to demand the DC Council rescind its "emergency” legislation giving West End property to Eastbanc, and instead conduct financial analysis, hold public hearings, and require competitivebidding in a transparent environment. Public property belongs to all District residents. Demand that this public property shall not be disposed of without our consent.

The more info you provide, the more weight your petition signature carries. Your personal information will be transmitted only to the DC Council and no other outside sources.

First Name: Last Name: Email: Phone: Ward: xx 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 MD VA Not Sure Address 1: Address 2: City, State: Zip: Comments: By checking this box, I give permission to transmit my signature and information to the Mayor and DC City Council as evidence of yet another person concerned about the action of the City to surplus the West End Library in Georgetown. I want the "emergency legislation" retracted so that clear public input can be had about the deal before any of this public land is given to a private developer. If public input does show a desire to redevelop this land then an open and competitive bidding process among the private sector can take place so that DC residents receive the best outcome for their assets. By checking this box, I give permission to list my name on the public list of petition signatures (your full name will be listed). Include me on the Save the West End Library mailing list. Include me on the general Library Renaissance Project mailing list. What color is dirty coal?

 

 

/dynamos/westend/