Seattle Press on Line - Greenwood Debates Condemnation for New Library Site

Greenwood Debates Condemnation for New Library Site

May 17, 2001 -- The Culture, Arts and Parks Committee of the City Council approved the Seattle Public Library's (SPL) request for condemnation power if necessary to acquire the McDonald's site at 8533 Greenwood Ave. N as the location of the new Greenwood Public Library Branch.

But CAP Committee chair Nick Licata said on May 11 he is considering a two-week delay in sending the measure to the full City Council in order to give opponents of the measure a chance to show support for their view.

Kate Martin, a Greenwood activist, told the CAP that committee condemnation authority is premature, because it closes out options for the community to work with the property owner on development of the site. Martin said, "The best bet to get us the building we asked for is probably to let the owner of the land develop it."

Martin, whose views were endorsed by several other community members, hopes to see offices share the site with the library, which would provide more jobs for people living in the community.

SPL project manager Doug Bailey said the Library is still negotiating with the property owner, Greenwood Shopping Center Inc. (GSCI), and has not ruled out private development of the site.

Bailey said the library is studying the feasibility of locating mixed income housing on the site as well as the library branch.

A spokesperson for GSCI said negotiations with the library were continuing, and refused to comment on their development plans.

Public reaction to the library's initial design proposal for the library was highly critical, and a new design has not been shown to the community. But there appears to be consensus on the McDonald's property as the best location for the community.

Mike McGinn, president of the Greenwod Comunity Council, said he hopes an underground parking structure is included in the plan.

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