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| Greenwich Village's Residents Tells Owners of Library: Love It or Leave It The Greenwich Village Block Association came out swinging, as neighborhood residents sent "fighting words" to N.Y. Public Library President Paul LeClerc over the library's ill-conceived plans to squander $2-million to re-do the interior of the Jefferson Market branch, a landmark that was built in the 19th century as a courthouse. Designed by Frederick Withers as part of the Jefferson Market judicial complex in the mid-1800s - - a triangular site that once held a jail, a police precinct, a firetower, and a marketplace in addition to the court - - this architectural triumph won the distinction as "one of the ten most beautiful buildings in America." In the 1950s, this beloved building was saved from the wrecker's ball by a group of Greenwich Village activists and designated a national landmark. Though the interior was reconfigured as a neighborhood branch library and put into use, the exterior facade has not been maintained by the N.Y. Public Library. Several years ago a problem with the exterior masonry developed and unsightly scaffolding was erected. Residents supposed that the NYPL would locate funding for repairs expeditiously. But they mistaken. The “shroud” of scaffolding stands and the building continues to deteriorate. The NYPL intends to make the controversial “teen center” in the library. Not only the “teen ghetto” is a frivolous use of public space - - but as well as a waste of $2-million of tax-payers' money. The GVBA and an army of volunteers have agreed on this: While the NYPL is the current guardian of cherished Venetian Gothic building, the structure belongs to us. Specific elements of the renovation scheme may be worth consideration, but the NYPL must consult with the community. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Construction News :: home page |