(click images to enlarge)
In an effort to better serve the reading and library needs of our community, the Chicago Public Library and the Public Building Commission are in the process of building a new Edgewater branch library at the site of the current library at 1210 W. Elmdale. This new library will be one of the largest branch libraries in the city, containing more than 60 new computers for public use, free wireless-internet connection, a green roof, and over $500,000 of new books and other reading material upon completion.
On April 26th, we held a community meeting with the Chicago Public Library and the Public Building Commission as well as the achitects for the project. Residents expressed concerns about the proposal to locate the parking lot at the north end of the new property, with traffic entering from Broadway. Residents were concerned that the new driveway and curb cut on Broadway could increase traffic congestion and create safety concerns at this location. Responsive to these concerns, the Chicago Public Library and the Public Building Commission reviewed the proposal and have re-designed portions of the plan. The new plans move the entrance of the parking lot from Broadway to the alley west of the library. As with the current library the parking lot will be accessible from the alley via either Elmdale or Norwood. Pictures for the new library and adjacent parking lot can be found by clicking the links below.
The Chicago Public Library also agreed to place a “book mobile” in the Broadway Armory Park parking lot (Thorndale and Broadway) during the construction of the new library. This location will serve as a temporary pick-up and drop-off site for books while the new library is being constructed. The start date and hours of operation for the “book mobile” will be announced in the weeks to come.
To begin preparing for construction of the new Edgewater Library, the current location will cease operation at the end of the business day on June 16. The proposed completion date for the new library will be spring of 2013. Library services will continue for all Chicago residents at the following locations:
-Bezazian Library, 1226 W. Ainslie
-Rogers Park Library, 6907 N. Clark St.
-Budlong Woods Library, 5630 N. Lincoln Ave.
-Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Ave.
This project will be an important addition to our community and my office will provide ongoing updates on the progress and status of the construction.
3 comments:
While not the ideal design concerning parking, I am happy that the Alderman, The Library Commission and the designers took a second look at this design and augmented the parking. It is a vast improvement than having cars come in and out of that lot onto broadway causing all kinds of new traffic issues, removing more onstreet parking opportunities and causing issues with buses at the stop located on the corner. Thanks to Alderman Osterman for listening to us citizens and I hope we have more public input before the next public project is planned, designed and constructed in our Ward.
I'm really impressed with Alderman Osterman's response to the obvious displeasure from the community on the initial library plan. It is important that when spending the kind of money that we are on a project like this we do it right the first time. Hopefully we can get something done that will benefit the whole community for years to come.
I'm thrilled that they are actually using one of Chicago's best assets...the alleys. I do not understand why curb cuts and street facing garage entrances keep being approved when alleys exist. Between that and strip malls with front parking lots have transformed some previously walkable streets in this city into ugly auto-oriented landscapes.
I was hoping they would relocate the parking to one long row along the alley and make the library fill the lot into a complete "streetwall" along Broadway.
I'm very happy Harry got involved and they listened to his request.
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