Friday, September 28, 2007

Tenley Library Demolition

The District of Columbia Public Library (DCPL) announced today that the demolition of the Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library has been scheduled for Monday, October 1, 2007 at 1 pm. Two days later on Wednesday, October 3 at 6 pm, DCPL will host a second round of community meetings at the Tenley Friendship Neighborhood Interim Library concerning the design and construction of a permanent library.

"I want to personally thank the Friends of Tenley-Friendship Library and this community for your continued patience with us since this library was initially closed," said Ginnie Cooper, chief librarian of the District of Columbia Public Library. "Over the next few weeks, those who work and reside in this area will see DCPL moving forward with the demolition process and in our commitment to hearing from the community regarding its desires in a new library."

Invited Guests include:

* Ginnie Cooper, DCPL Chief Librarian
* Mary Cheh, Ward 3 Councilmember
* Harry Thomas, Councilmember and Chairperson of the Committee on Libraries
* Scott Cartland, Principal of Janney Elementary School

A "Most Commonly Asked Questions" sheet concerning this demolition has been posted on the D.C. Public Library's website at www.dclibrary.org and is also available at the Tenley-Friendship Interim Library, 4200 Wisconsin Avenue. NW.

WHAT: Media Briefing of Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library Demolition

WHEN: Monday, October 1, 2007

1:00 pm (Actual demolition with machines begins)

WHERE: Field of Janney Elementary School, 4130 Albemarle Street, NW

(The actual location of the Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library is 4450 Wisconsin Avenue, NW. Media check-in for pre-demolition tours is on the field of Janney Elementary School, adjacent to the library.)

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MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What Should The Local Neighborhood Community Expect?

Residents, local business owners and patrons should keep in mind that Goel Services, the contractor for the demolition of this library, is razing a building made of metal, concrete, wood, and bricks. Diesel powered, heavy construction equipment will be used to take down the structure. Horn use will also be necessary on site.

As of press time, Goel Services had not applied for extended hour working permits; therefore, its working hours will be according to District of Columbia law. Also, no weekend work has been scheduled; however, if work falls behind schedule due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstance, the company may need to apply for extended or weekend hours.

What Will The Demolition Process Entail?

There are three phases to the demolition process:

Phase I The building will be demolished with machines.

Phase II Waste will be segregated into separate piles of concrete, metal, and wood and then disposed of accordingly (recycled or landfill).

Phase III Site restoration. The land will be backfilled and grated; seeding will eventually occur.

What is the estimated timetable for the demolition process?

Four (4) weeks are scheduled for demolition and removal of debris. Backfilling and seeding will come once the ground has been cleared.

What about Pedestrian Traffic?

All plans for demolition were reviewed by the District of Columbia Board of Condemnation before permits were issued. As long as all posted signs are abided by pedestrians, no problems should occur.

What About Child Safety?

DCPL and Goel Services are aware that there are several elementary schools in close proximity to the demolition site and every safety precaution has been considered to ensure child safety. All project team members are expected to work in a professional manner. The public should feel free to bring any issues concerning child safety to the attention of DCPL immediately.

What if members of the community want pieces of the building for memorabilia?

A preset number of bricks have been set aside for those who desire a keepsake from the former structure. Contact Nancy Davenport, interim director of library services, at (202) 727-1101 to reserve one of these bricks.

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