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Parker [Change Location]

Douglas County Libraries bond issue: No!


Douglas County Library Bond Issue- NO !!

I am not opposed to bonding as a vehicle for legitimate capital purposes. I realize that the current Parker library is utilized to capacity and that parking is at a premium. I realize that a different venue can be justified.

However, I am adamantly opposed to the currently proposed plan. It is a recycled version of the same failed plan from a year ago.

My problem is not with the need or financing being put to a vote but with the building being planned itself. A contest was held between 3 architectural firms for the design of the facility. While the selected plan is attractive and stylish it is a disaster for the mobility impaired. In fact of the 3 plans it is the absolute worst for anyone with limited mobility.

The short of my objections are:

1) Handicap parking is across the entrance street from the building.

2) First floor is predominantly lobby and service areas instead of resources.

3) Elevator access to other floors is on the opposite side of the building from the entrance.

Simply put the selected design puts glitz ahead of function for its constituents.

Merlin

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See my own upcoming article this week in response to this issue (and others). First, we hired an architect, not a floor plan. Our architects never had a chance to talk with us during the design -- we'll be looking at access issues and much more if we are able to move forward. All of 2009 will be given to a careful and public design process. Regarding the second comment, I remind you that there are NO "vacant buildings" for sale to the library -- even if we had the library had the money to buy them, which we don't.

These objections are not sufficient reason to oppose the new library. The Board made significant modifications to address all the past concerns of the financial package, to which past critics do not disagree. The design is wonderful and inspiring, not just a warehouse of shelves some would prefer. The increased parking will be better for everyone. The first floor has a fantastic design, as kids will walk down the "Yellow Brick Road" to the children's section! Jamie LaRue's articles pointed out that the town does not own or control the pre-existing buildings mentioned by Ms. Morin, and the Town Council's visionary plan has the Town donating the land - so this is a win-win situation for everyone! I applaud both the Library District Board and the Parker Town Council for their fantastic plan. Our kids deserve library resources and literary inspiration of the same quality that HR and Castle Rock enjoy now – if not better!

I agree with you Merlin.. suddenly everything we build in Parker has to be glitzy.. what happened to the old small town feel that was the reason people moved here in the first place! We do need a bigger library and better parking, but why not utilize one of the many buildings in Parker that has been vacated? Remember.... the library we have now used to be the Bowling Alley! Chris Morin
Showing 1-3 of 3 comments