This petition will show the amount of care and concern Ward One residents have
about a central community issue -- their only Ward One Library, the
Mount Pleasant Library.
DC Public Library leadership has not finalized plans or received construction
permits for their designs. These
plans still haven't been given the complete green light by the community
and so there is still time to weigh in.
In particular, there are two major constituencies affected by DCPL's proposed
plans -- seniors and library users with disabilities and neighbors living and
working in the buildings around the library. Library advocates, like you, can
help make the difference.
WHAT DO WE WANT?
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The
current accessibility ramp brings library users into the front of
the building down a 3-foot decline along a 40-foot ramp.
The
proposed new ramp is about three times the length and the height (7-foot
incline; 120-foot long ramp) and sadly forces library users into the rear
of the building.
photo by N. Shia
Ward One residents are asking DCPL to eliminate the proposed ramp
and keep the current ramp -- this won't interfere with the project plans
in any significant way all the while upholding dignified, welcoming, and
safer access.
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The
proposed library expansion plans show that part of the new building
in conjunction with the proposed ramp will completely block entry from
Lamont Street to the shared backyard behind and adjacent to the library.
photo by DCist
Given the recent history of fire along this shared corridor between 16th
Street and Mount Pleasant Streets, DCPL's proposal to completely block
this entry route will only further stifle already limited fire safety
and emergency access which increases the possibility of disaster to residents,
businesses, their property, and perhaps even their lives.
Ward One residents are asking that DCPL more efficiently manage
their design and move it laterally, far enough away from the northwest
corridor entry point so to eliminate the blockage.
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With
just a slight adjustment to the expansion plans in conjunction with keeping
the current access ramp, both of the remaining legitimate community concerns
will be ameliorated and DCPL will get the expansion they think they need for
their library services and the community will get a dignified construction plan
which respects neighbors living around the library and our Ward One seniors
and residents with disabilities.
The District Dynamos ask that you sign
a petition in solidarity with Ward One residents who will be negatively
impacted if DCPL's proposed library design plans move forward. Ward One residents
deserve better -- and this is still possible with your support.
Please also contact Councilmember Jim Graham and Councilmember Harry
Thomas and ask them to call for public meetings so to bring DCPL leadership
together with Ward One residents to review and discuss openly changes to the
proposed library design -- simple and unobtrusive changes which can provide
safe and welcoming access for seniors and residents with disabilities and changes
that seek to widen fire and emergency access to the shared backyard behind the
library.
 Jim
Graham (Ward One)
Office Phone: (202) 724-8181
jim@grahamwone.com |
 Harry
"Tommy" Thomas (Chair of Libraries Committee)
Office Phone: (202) 724-8028
hthomas@dccouncil.us |
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