All: The question of which scenarios the List Members would pick, among the various choices on the closing of neighborhood libraries or reduction in services, poses a valid question. But, there may be a finger on the scales as far as the official decision is concerned.
One official option includes the closing of Walker Library in Uptown. Walker is one of the more heavily-used of the neighborhood libraries. The official reason that it is on the list for possible closing is that, even though it is a relatively new building, significant capital must be spent to cure a problem with its leaky roof (that is, its parking lot) that has existed from the day Walker opened. But, unofficially, there is supposedly a developer waiting in the wings who wants to buy the land, demolish the library, and construct high-density apartments and shops. Thus, from the city's point of view, the closure of Walker gains not only not having to repair Walker's roof but also gains some one-time revenue by the sale of the property plus putting the property on the tax roles. To date, none of the public information on the various library options includes even a whiff of the sale/conversion information. But... (You knew there was going to be one, didn't you) ... the question is whether Uptown NEEDS more: one good and well-used library or more shops/apartments. (And one factor to consider in that is that the second floor of Calhoun Square is largely vacant now.) For decision making purposes, there needs to be an honest statement by the Library Board/City as to whether on not one factor in the decision on the Walker Library for official purposes is that the Walker site would be sold and converted to shops/apartments. If it is correct that the sale and conversion is intended, then the public input needs to include specific input on what Uptown needs more: a neighborhood library or more shops/apartments. To be clear, I'm not saying that converting Walker to shops/apartments is an illegal, immoral, or fattening choice. I am saying that the public input needs to have the same information that is available to those who are making the official decision. To also be clear, I think that closing any library is a bum decision. However, the city only has a choice between which bum decisions it is going to implement. And everyone in Minnesota should remember having to close libraries and/or cut library services when the Pawlenty administration comes around asking for re-election and crowing about coming through with its "no new taxes" pledge. Steve Cross Prospect Park TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
