This petition is to show Benderson Development that we care about saving the historic North Park Branch Library from demolition and that we thrive for the public green space in which surrounds the building.
We understand that the building has been vacant for almost 10 years due to asbestos and lead paint; however, we were lead to believe that the library was only being relocated temporarily until the building was back up to code. We feel like we've been let down. We also understand that Benderson Development purchased this property and as the land / building owners, they essentially have the right to do so as they please with the property; however, we want to argue and emphasize the importance that the historic building and its surrounding land has for North Buffalo.
Of the four corners within the Delaware & Hertel intersection, 3 of them are congested with strip malls, chain fast-food restaurants and vacant, prairie-like parking lots. The corner in which the library stands is the only corner remaining with green space, benches, bike racks, trees, shade, and some relief from the carbon emissions that urban dwellers so desperately try to avoid. In addition, there is a mass amount of residential streets with families on the side of the intersection where Benderson plans to demolish and build. If the library were preserved, children would not have to cross the busy and unwalkable multi-laned streets to get to the library, which is currently housed in a suburban style strip mall in an abandoned parking lot, next door to a pool hall with a bar.
The closed library building is charming, historic, and the definition of what a library should feel like: quant, inviting, and calming. The design and materials are that of quality. New development will likely not have good materials or continuity. Urbanists and millennials are not seeking new development to shop, dine, or dwell. They are seeking places with integrity to the neighborhood and good design. The last thing that Delaware and Hertel needs is another let-down. We need to redesign the intersection, while preserving the library, for the #NewNorthBuffalo that it's becoming.
Finally, if the former library cannot feasibly stay open as a library due to the sale from the city to Benderson, we propose that it is preserved with a new use, for example, a coffee shop, book store, or a small business center. We just feel that demolishing, which all leads to the landfill, is not the best plan for that space. Re-using the already built infrastructure and land would build the community for what defines Buffalo, NY!
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
January 27, 2016
107 Comments
I have been a north buffalo resident for 45 years. This library must be preserved. The alternative, demolishing it and replacing it with a suburban style structure is unacceptable to this community.
I have always thought this would be a wonderful site for a community based arts center- small shops, tutoring /after school space, classes. Please retain the architecture and green space for this part of our city!
I live in North Buffalo. It is still a lovely neighborhood, but the beauty is eroding with each new generic development that comes in, like the Walgreens at Delaware and Hertel. Surely SOMETHING can be done to re-use the library building!
It would be excellent to see this historic spot restored. She's a real beauty. No matter if you demo or save it, the owner still has to remove the asbestos from the building so that should not be an excuse for demolition. There are plenty of vacant lots all around this library to build new on!
Please save this landmark! For years I walked classes of students to the North Park Library... one year my Kindergarten class planted the beautiful daffodils that still bloom there every Spring!
A library is a source of life! 'then I received my first book, and my life began.' You literally build anywhere else. You show some class and leave the library alone and restore it to what it is; money is a renewable resource.
My mother grew up using this library. It would be a shame to destroy the legacy this property holds. Our future thrives on the past.
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This petition is to show Benderson Development that we care about saving the historic North Park Branch Library from demolition and that we thrive for the public green space in which surrounds the building.
We understand that the building has been vacant for almost 10 years due to asbestos and lead paint; however, we were lead to believe that the library was only being relocated temporarily until the building was back up to code. We feel like we've been let down. We also understand that Benderson Development purchased this property and as the land / building owners, they essentially have the right to do so as they please with the property; however, we want to argue and emphasize the importance that the historic building and its surrounding land has for North Buffalo.
Of the four corners within the Delaware & Hertel intersection, 3 of them are congested with strip malls, chain fast-food restaurants and vacant, prairie-like parking lots. The corner in which the library stands is the only corner remaining with green space, benches, bike racks, trees, shade, and some relief from the carbon emissions that urban dwellers so desperately try to avoid. In addition, there is a mass amount of residential streets with families on the side of the intersection where Benderson plans to demolish and build. If the library were preserved, children would not have to cross the busy and unwalkable multi-laned streets to get to the library, which is currently housed in a suburban style strip mall in an abandoned parking lot, next door to a pool hall with a bar.
The closed library building is charming, historic, and the definition of what a library should feel like: quant, inviting, and calming. The design and materials are that of quality. New development will likely not have good materials or continuity. Urbanists and millennials are not seeking new development to shop, dine, or dwell. They are seeking places with integrity to the neighborhood and good design. The last thing that Delaware and Hertel needs is another let-down. We need to redesign the intersection, while preserving the library, for the #NewNorthBuffalo that it's becoming.
Finally, if the former library cannot feasibly stay open as a library due to the sale from the city to Benderson, we propose that it is preserved with a new use, for example, a coffee shop, book store, or a small business center. We just feel that demolishing, which all leads to the landfill, is not the best plan for that space. Re-using the already built infrastructure and land would build the community for what defines Buffalo, NY!
Updates
Reached 100 supporters
January 27, 2016
107 Comments
I visited here frequently as a child. I would walk from my dad's house on Lovering Ave. down to the library. Imagine the alternative, walking down the street to go to a strip mall or Burger King... not exactly a memory worth keeping.
I have been a north buffalo resident for 45 years. This library must be preserved. The alternative, demolishing it and replacing it with a suburban style structure is unacceptable to this community.
I have always thought this would be a wonderful site for a community based arts center- small shops, tutoring /after school space, classes. Please retain the architecture and green space for this part of our city!
I live in North Buffalo. It is still a lovely neighborhood, but the beauty is eroding with each new generic development that comes in, like the Walgreens at Delaware and Hertel. Surely SOMETHING can be done to re-use the library building!
It would be excellent to see this historic spot restored. She's a real beauty. No matter if you demo or save it, the owner still has to remove the asbestos from the building so that should not be an excuse for demolition. There are plenty of vacant lots all around this library to build new on!
Please save this landmark! For years I walked classes of students to the North Park Library... one year my Kindergarten class planted the beautiful daffodils that still bloom there every Spring!
A library is a source of life! 'then I received my first book, and my life began.' You literally build anywhere else. You show some class and leave the library alone and restore it to what it is; money is a renewable resource.
My mother grew up using this library. It would be a shame to destroy the legacy this property holds. Our future thrives on the past.
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I visited here frequently as a child. I would walk from my dad's house on Lovering Ave. down to the library. Imagine the alternative, walking down the street to go to a strip mall or Burger King... not exactly a memory worth keeping.