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What
About Marriage for Lilly Library and Florence Association?
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The
Florence Association reported recently that it has sold a strip of land
to Lilly Library to enable the library to meet the set-back requirements
for its proposed building addition. While the scrap of property was appraised
at $600, the library in the spirit of neighborliness and goodwill agreed
to pay $1,000.
Renovation and enlargement of Lilly Library are long overdue and it appears
as though the library project train has finally left the station.
But, in our view, it is unfortunate that more discussion was not given
to the possible integration of the library project with improvements to
the Florence Association property. As it now stands, it is going to be
a tight squeeze to fit the library expansion on its own site, most of
which will occupy and displace present parking spaces.
A more interesting notion would have been to strike a deal with the Florence
Association (until recently known as the Florence Civic Association),
to extend the library onto the association's property, knock down the
existing yellow structure and combine the renovated library with a small
museum and community center that would be owned and administered by the
Florence Association.
A modern community center in the heart of the Florence would do much to
enhance the community for the many newcomers who are moving to the area.
Despite one renovation and a second in the works at Forbes Library downtown,
it, too, lacks a commodious and inviting space where community groups
can gather for civic meetings and ceremonies.
In Florence, the library and association have more in common and more
to gain by combining their physical presences than by standing side-by-side,
linked only by cordiality and history.
We think an opportunity has been overlooked for a bold initiative to alter
the face and energize the center of Florence.
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