DC Public Library leadership
(DCPL) wants to renovate and expand the Mount Pleasant Library, which is
the only library serving all of Ward One. This project calls for removing the
current accessibility ramp and replacing it with a new one.
The proposed new ramp will take library users to the rear of the building into
the new expansion. In addition, it is about three times as long and as high
as the current ramp, making it harder for seniors and disabled library users
from accessing the building and library services.
DCPL has not asked any Ward One seniors or library users with disabilities
if this is ok. DCPL has not asked any organizations or City agencies serving
seniors and residents with disabilities if this ramp would be appropriate.
* According to DCPL staff, the proposed ramp meets ADA guidelines,
although they have not produced any written reports or analyses showing how
this is indeed the case.
|
|
Recently, Ward One seniors and
disabled advocacy organizations and residents councils have been alerted
to this issue, not by DCPL, but by the District Dynamos and friends.
DCPL has not meaningfully spoken with any Ward One seniors or library users with disabilities about the proposed ramp.
Seniors and residents with disabilities, along with the organizations that serve them, are quite concerned about the proposed ramp... and have begun to write letters.
In solidarity with Ward One neighbors who want dignified and safe access
to our library, we need to demand engagement of DCPL with our Ward... otherwise
a ramp that is created with the lofty and announced aim of helping people
will actually punish generations of Ward One residents unnecessarily.
|
The Dynamos took serious note of how the Commission
on Fine Arts twice disapproved of the Mount Pleasant design plans over the
summer.
These CFA Commissioners were quite uncomfortable with many elements of the proposed
access ramp but couldn't seem to get DCPL to offer any alternatives.
The Dynamos wanted to test if DCPL had outreached to any Ward One organizations serving residents with disabilities and/or seniors living in Ward One to see if DCPL had asked for their input about the proposed ramp. The Dynamos implemented a solid outreach plan proving that as of late November 2009, no organizations were contacted by any DCPL staff.
On October 20, 2009, many seniors and residents
with disabilities participated
in a press conference / rally in front of the Mount Pleasant Library.
video by D. Love
On a beautiful fall day, when more than twenty-five seniors, people with disabilities,
advocates, ANC Commissioners and friends gathered at the foot of the historic
Mount Pleasant Library together in a campaign for engagement, equality, and
justice. The message to DCPL -- Preserve welcoming access to all library
users.
Since
then, letters and resolutions from local Ward One seniors and disabled advocacy
groups representing hundreds of Ward One residents are growing and there doesn't
seem to be an end in sight. , See
the letters here.
Photo by Nancy
Shia
Given that construction of our library plans will last for generations,
a decision to move too quickly will hinder access to many residents for generations
to come. We must make time to hear out all concerns in an open and according
way, aspiring to tenants of good civic discourse.
There is still time to change the proposal so that our newly renovated Ward
One library can serve all of our users equally. Right now the Historic Preservation
Review Board staff is looking over the plans and gearing up suggested changes
which then has to be discussed with the staff of the Commission on Fine Arts.
In addition, the library has to seek building permits, and ultimately get the
Council to sign off on the construction contract.
WHAT YOU CAN DO EASILY, RIGHT NOW...
