DCPL did little outreach between Spring 2008 to Fall 2008 for three public
meetings. Only two of these meetings reviewed actual architectural plans. By
the third meeting in Winter 2008, DCPL was claiming they had reached their final
design.
<- glass cube expansion on side of library
In January 2009, the District Dynamos help form the Ward One Library Coalition
to contend with the concerns being raised by a great many people in Ward One.
Many letters from various coalitions in the community were delivered to DCPL
and the City Council. This
unified campaign culminated in a letter sent from Jim Graham's office to Mayor
Fenty asking for a pause in the design process.
The pause in the process allowed for discussion involving DCPL and the community
about ways to move forward. At the March 2010 ANC-1D meeting, most of these
community groups came together to construct
a collective ANC resolution which asked DCPL to renovate the Mount Pleasant
Library within the footprint of the current building, with only a slight
expansion if necessary.
In late March 2009, DCPL hosted a public meeting to show Ward One their brand
new concept plans they claim were based on the public feedback they heard. The
huge expansion plans shifted from the side of the historic building to the rear.
At
this meeting, Jim Graham did a straw poll to get a sense of the opinion in the
room. Many people were pleased that DCPL moved the expansion away from the
side of the building. However, many people also saw concerns with the plans,
from the perspective of those living adjacent and behind the library and to
those who would have to use the proposed ramp. It became very clear that Mount
Pleasant residents were willing to consider a renovation only and look to spend
the money in other parts of Ward One
without library services.
DCPL did not want to change these plans and even discarded
a compromise plan worked out by Jim Graham and a working group of Ward One residents.
In June 2009, DCPL hosted what has been the last public design meeting showing
plans with no change, just more details.
Ever since Summer 2009, seniors and residents with disabilities and Latino
families living in the buildings around the library have been organizing to
voice their concerns about these proposed plans. Who will listen?
Join
the campaign, sign the petition.
LIBRARY
DYNAMOS