FW: [Mpls] Library scenarios -- A Finger on the Scales

[paetznick, ryan]

Title: Message

Keith brings up a good point, if the city's agenda is to develop the existing Walker Library site, perhaps a mixed-use building of library, housing, and shops is a step towards meeting everyone's agenda. Hennepin County Library and the city of Edina in the not-too-distant-past constructed such a successful facility for the Edina Library.     I would also like to thank Steve Cross for bringing up the Walker Library and its future plans. Walker Library has one of the highest density per capita users in the city, making it one of the most successful and needed libraries in the city. Moving Walker to another location would be a huge disservice to the community. Walker's large proportion of foot traffic comes from its immediate location, in Uptown, next to the transit station. Moving it several blocks to the East would make it less pedestrian friendly and certainly in a less than optimal location. Pocketing one time savings by selling off the building will never recoup the great current location.     One of the points that should be made is that Minneapolis Public Library is a holder of the public trust, and that includes keeping the public's libraries, not selling them off to benefit the library system, the city council, or a private developer. Library administration, the Minneapolis City Council, and the mayor need to come clean about what is pushing this action to close. It's not a bad roof that is causing it, either.   And, of course, once  Walker is sold off, that's it  -- MPL will never have the money again to open another library.  And what Steve says is so true  -- do we need more high density housing and cute little shops in the area? Yep-look at the empty space in Calhoun Square for a clue. Perhaps this all needs to be brought to the public and have them weigh in on their feelings about the library, and what they feel is best for their neighborhoods. A series of public meetings...? Specifically for Walker?    Ryan Paetznick Minikahda Vista Saint Louis Park      -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Friday, June 13, 2003 9:49 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Mpls] Library scenarios -- A Finger on the Scales (skins?)   In a message dated 6/13/03 9:35:29 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > >  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. >  Let the developer build on top of the existing "basement" space (library). He gets the "air-rights" and pays for them, in perpetuity. New residents of the building, and shoppers, can have the library as a bonus destination. The library budget gains the income stream. It could be more attractive then the current, leaky, bomb shelter. The only losers would be the skateboarders, and graffiti artists. I do sympathize; around 1989, on a warm summer evening I played my conga drum outside there. Baaaaaba-Luuuuuuuuu. My stage name: Bongo Dave. Now, as I am a "little older" , friends call me Bongo Davey Boy. Keith, Bongo Dave, Reitman  NearNorth  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