St Cecilia's Community Fights to Save Local Library
Thursday, a group of 18 parishioners from St. Cecilia's Catholic Church visited City Hall to demand that the City honor previous commitments made to the community regarding two blighted properties, and to express their concerns over a plan to close their neighborhood library. The group had impromptu meetings with a Deputy Director from Mayor Dave Bing’s office, and City Councilwoman JoAnn Watson, regarding their concerns.
During their meetings with the Mayor’s office and Councilwoman Watson parishioners explained that in August 40 parishioners met with Kim James, the former Director of Building, Safety and Engineering. At this meeting Ms. James committed to moving two blighted properties that they are concerned about further along in the demolition process. She also agreed to a follow up meeting on October 20th. They reported that the blighted buildings are in the same dangerous state they were two months ago.
The parishioners also expressed their concerns over a plan to close the Richard branch of the Detroit Public Library, located just blocks from their church. The library is used by countless numbers of students and residents. Summer camps at St Cecilia’s alone bring over 600 students through the library's doors during the summer months. Additionally, this library is the only place many residents can access the Internet to search and apply for jobs.
The representative from the Mayor’s Office agreed to set a meeting with the parishioners along with a representative from Building, Safety and Engineering. Councilwoman JoAnn Watson plans to support St. Cecilia's community by attending a vigil for the Library.
St. Cecilia's community will be holding a vigil at the library on Friday, October 14th, at 6pm. For more information contact Tubman Organizer Luke Allen: luke.allen[at]tubmanorganizing[dot]org
