That the city needs to borrow or rent space from Tufts University to have community meetings is proof that our neighborhood NEEDS a community room that can be used independent of library activities. We cannot depend on Tufts to provide our community space.
I really liked the new plan that the city came up with. The community room was designed so it can be used when the library isn't open. Sunday afternoons would be a perfect time for a poetry reading, chamber music concert, knitting club get-together, etc. That wouldn't be possible if the performance space is incorporated into the main library building.
As is my understanding from attending all of the library planning meetings, the amount of 'green space' will not change. The driveway and parking lot will be removed as part of the landscaping plan. I would be thrilled to see that big stretch of blacktop gone. Yes, it is a shame to lose some trees and plants, but new ones will grow. This is not just a plan for the next few years. This is the plan that will build the library facilities used for the next hundred years.
$6-8 Million seems like a bargain if it buys us an accessible, vibrant library and a flexible use community space that we can use 12 months of the year. if the city can spend $9 Million to renovate Lincoln Park and many, many millions on Union and Assembly Square, why not spend some tax dollars in Davis Square? We deserve nice things too!
RE: Library Renovation/Garden Destruction
I really liked the new plan that the city came up with. The community room was designed so it can be used when the library isn't open. Sunday afternoons would be a perfect time for a poetry reading, chamber music concert, knitting club get-together, etc. That wouldn't be possible if the performance space is incorporated into the main library building.
As is my understanding from attending all of the library planning meetings, the amount of 'green space' will not change. The driveway and parking lot will be removed as part of the landscaping plan. I would be thrilled to see that big stretch of blacktop gone. Yes, it is a shame to lose some trees and plants, but new ones will grow. This is not just a plan for the next few years. This is the plan that will build the library facilities used for the next hundred years.
$6-8 Million seems like a bargain if it buys us an accessible, vibrant library and a flexible use community space that we can use 12 months of the year. if the city can spend $9 Million to renovate Lincoln Park and many, many millions on Union and Assembly Square, why not spend some tax dollars in Davis Square? We deserve nice things too!