Interesting meeting at the Library Implementation Committee this afternoon.
First, the architects discussed the lay-out options for the north (smaller block). They basically said that while it could be done, that they would not recommend the north block because it was too tight--just not enough space to allow for the best layout. They then proposed their brainstorm of putting the library on the south block and making the north block a park. Hey, didn't we talk about that option on this list back three weeks ago. It's interesting that this list wasn't mentioned as the source of the idea(just doing my bit as an E-Democracy board member to get us due credit). The architects proposal included moving the planetarium to the north block with a "large" skyway connecting it to the library. This proposal was from the same team that ruled out a having the planetarium on a separate block because of the cost (construction and operation) a separate building would add to the planetarium. After a lot of discussion: the Mayor preaching fiscal constraint against the park Ellie Webster asking us to consider this in light of seven future generations One citizen member concerned about the cost of a park another citizen member urging a park numerous comments that the planetarium needed to be integrated with the library NO real numbers on the cost of the park, the amount of tax increment the housing would generate (other than it was less than they expected), no costs for parking (although they said underground parking was looking more feasible financially than initially. Finally, three separate motions from Carol Becker 1. Library on South Block passed unanimously 2. Planetarium on South block (I think it was 5 yes, Carol and Ellie no, Otis Anderson abstaining) 3. Get real numbers on parking, housing, park, and other options for north block (this is really paraphrased) (appeared to be all yes, Otis Anderson abstaining because he wanted to insure a park) Thank goodness Carol is pushing for real numbers--I thought she has said those would come out at this meeting. The staff seems very reluctant to provide them. One concern of mine is the Mayor's comment that the decision on the north block was not with the committee but with Planning and MCDA--I sure hope that he just mis-spoke. This is clearly a decision for elected officials to make, not city staff. (And with the joint agreement the City and Library Board have on this project, it appears that both have to agree.) _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
