Statement before
the Glenn
A. Walsh
Council of
the
Sell-Off Electronic Mail: < gaw@andrewcarnegie.cc >
Historic Library Internet Site: < http://www.andrewcarnegie.cc >
Building
? 2009 December 8
Good morning, I am Glenn A. Walsh
of
Regarding the proposed sale of the
original Hazelwood Library
in the Mayor’s revised budget proposal, does the Mayor realize that this
building cannot be demolished? Several years ago, the
Carnegie Library abandoned this building in deplorable shape.
Hence, for all practical purposes, the market value of this building is ZERO
!!!
More importantly, this building holds great historic value as one of the first
neighborhood library branches built by Andrew Carnegie. In addition to the
historic facade, the building contains beautiful wood-work, original book
stacks and
circulation desk, and a unique and ornamental skylight.
Further, this building includes a 250-seat auditorium which was utilized by the
Neighborhood until the building was completely closed.
Carnegie Library should renovate and reuse the
original Hazelwood Library
building as a public library, what it was designed for. This building and
auditorium is the gem of Hazelwood and needs to return to use by the general
public. Carnegie Library Board member Senator Jay Costa has already said he
wants the Hazelwood Library moved out of its present building, due to beer
sales on the first floor.
I, respectfully, ask that the
original Hazelwood Library
building be withdrawn from the list of buildings for sale by the City of
Thank you.
gaw