New Central Library | Construction - Page 28

Policy Wonk · #**541** Posted **Sep 9, 2014, 1:24 AM**

Not to belabour the point, but modern buildings have done little to address the vagrant problems in the San Francisco, Seattle or other libraries.

I completely support this project, even in this location. But I think other locations would have created better outcomes as a library. Vagrants don't make anything more vibrant.

RyLucky · #**542** Posted **Sep 9, 2014, 1:41 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Policy Wonk

Not to belabour the point, but modern buildings have done little to address the vagrant problems in the San Francisco, Seattle or other libraries.

I completely support this project, even in this location. But I think other locations would have created better outcomes as a library. Vagrants don't make anything more vibrant.

If only there were some institution where anyone could have a quiet place to study and better themselves... You know, somewhere adolescents could go to get away from chaotic home lives... Maybe somewhere with workshops that can help you write a resume... Maybe a place with internet access... Somewhere new Canadians could take classes and access resources related to immigration for free... Somewhere safe... you know, with a security desk or checkout counter...

Ramsayfarian · #**543** Posted **Sep 9, 2014, 1:55 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by RyLucky

If only there were some institution where anyone could have a quiet place to study and better themselves... You know, somewhere adolescents could go to get away from chaotic home lives... Maybe somewhere with workshops that can help you write a resume... Maybe a place with internet access... Somewhere new Canadians could take classes and access resources related to immigration for free... Somewhere safe... you know, with a security desk or checkout counter...

If only there was a place where one could learn how to properly use punctuation.

bt04ku · #**544** Posted **Sep 9, 2014, 1:57 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramsayfarian

If only there was a place where one could learn how to properly use punctuation.

Imagine what Christopher Walken could have become if he just had access to a public library.

Ramsayfarian · #**545** Posted **Sep 9, 2014, 2:05 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by bt04ku

Imagine what Christopher Walken could have become if he just had access to a public library.

I'm just happy he had access to a dance class or two.

• Video Link

RyLucky · #**546** Posted **Sep 9, 2014, 3:30 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramsayfarian

If only there was a place where one could learn how to properly use punctuation.

A dependent clause is not a complete sentence. I learned that in a library.

Policy Wonk · #**547** Posted **Sep 9, 2014, 6:45 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by RyLucky

If only there were some institution where anyone could have a quiet place to study and better themselves... You know, somewhere adolescents could go to get away from chaotic home lives... Maybe somewhere with workshops that can help you write a resume... Maybe a place with internet access... Somewhere new Canadians could take classes and access resources related to immigration for free... Somewhere safe... you know, with a security desk or checkout counter...

I don't think I understand what you're trying to say.

Are those services dependent on being co-located in the immediate proximity of the hardcore homeless and substance abusers?

Why of all "land uses" is inebriated loitering the only sacrosanct one? If I was a resident of whatever neighbourhood and I opposed up-zoning you guys would tell me to piss-off and that I'm a plague on the earth. Why is vagrancy, which is urban kryptonite something to be inclusive of? There is no inherent need that those services be offered in that location. (Edit: to clarify, I mean the Drop-In Centre etc)

Policy Wonk · #**548** Posted **Sep 9, 2014, 6:56 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramsayfarian

I'm just happy he had access to a dance class or two.

• Video Link

Hijacking...

Someone told me he did a couple shows at Theatre Calgary in the 80's, but I can't any reference to this anywhere. Does anyone know which shows and when?

Wooster · #**549** Posted **Sep 9, 2014, 3:16 PM**

For the lazy

The architect from Snohetta explaining the design of Calgary's New Central Library. This will be a gem.

Skip to about 10:00 to hear him start talking, about 20:00 when he starts revealing the actual designs.

• Video Link

jeffwhit · #**550** Posted **Sep 9, 2014, 5:22 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by RyLucky

I don't know what "Minus Fourty" feels like.

Do you seriously never walk anywhere in the winter? It's just crossing the street. It's not like we are asking you to wait for a bus.

The weather is far worse in Oslo than it is in Calgary, almost as cold, but damp and windier. So I think he probably has.

Habanero · #**551** Posted **Sep 9, 2014, 6:11 PM**

I don't have an issue with homeless people in general, but I have to agree with PW here. Here on SSP homeless people are treated the way cows are in India.

Homeless people that hang out in the current library are an issue. Over the years I have heard various people complain about the issue and have mentioned it as one reason they don't use it. I hope the city keeps an eye this with the new library.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Policy Wonk

Why of all "land uses" is inebriated loitering the only sacrosanct one? If I was a resident of whatever neighbourhood and I opposed up-zoning you guys would tell me to piss-off and that I'm a plague on the earth. Why is vagrancy, which is urban kryptonite something to be inclusive of? There is no inherent need that those services be offered in that location. (Edit: to clarify, I mean the Drop-In Centre etc)

UofC.engineer · #**552** Posted **Sep 9, 2014, 7:05 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Habanero

Here on SSP homeless people are treated the way cows are in India.
.

Hahaha! You just made my day. I love ssp Calgary specific humour

DizzyEdge · #**553** Posted **Sep 9, 2014, 9:26 PM**

My thought is I don't support making spaces less desirable to for all just to keep out a small subset. I do support however things like increase security or whatever to help mitigate actual issues. Some homeless guy sitting on a bench or even asking people who walk by for spare change, who cares. Aggressive panhandling or an addict shooting up in a restroom however needs to be controlled tightly.

Policy Wonk · #**554** Posted **Sep 10, 2014, 2:35 AM**

I think it is nothing less than a tragedy when public amenities are hardened or removed because they're abused by vagrants, junkies and perverts. I would prefer instead to make the area absolutely inhospitable to them with an aggressive police presence.

I understand from social workers that Calgary has a reputation for being "soft" amongst the punk drifter dirtbag kids.

Fuzz · #**555** Posted **Sep 10, 2014, 12:21 PM**

Now that the hubbub around the new library has passed...any plans for the old site? New supertall, perhaps?

lineman · #**556** Posted **Sep 10, 2014, 12:38 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fuzz

Now that the hubbub around the new library has passed...any plans for the old site? New supertall, perhaps?

With that parcel being three blocks from the river, it'd be difficult.

WaitWhat? · #**557** Posted **Sep 10, 2014, 4:41 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by lineman

With that parcel being three blocks from the river, it'd be difficult.

I vote art gallery.

Socguy · #**558** Posted **Sep 10, 2014, 4:55 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Policy Wonk

I understand from social workers that Calgary has a reputation for being "soft" amongst the punk drifter dirtbag kids.

That's some interesting thinking amongst the social worker community in Calgary.

McMurph · #**559** Posted **Sep 10, 2014, 4:58 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by DizzyEdge

My thought is I don't support making spaces less desirable to for all just to keep out a small subset. I do support however things like increase security or whatever to help mitigate actual issues. Some homeless guy sitting on a bench or even asking people who walk by for spare change, who cares. Aggressive panhandling or an addict shooting up in a restroom however needs to be controlled tightly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Policy Wonk

I think it is nothing less than a tragedy when public amenities are hardened or removed because they're abused by vagrants, junkies and perverts. I would prefer instead to make the area absolutely inhospitable to them with an aggressive police presence.

My problem is that it often seems that people can't tell the difference between the two groups. The vast majority of homeless are decent people deserving of respect and support. They're more likely to be victims of crime than perpetrators. Yet it sometimes seems that rich, entitled, secure folks view every scruffy vagrant as the first wave of a zombie horde.

I know a rich white doctor from Lakeview who stopped riding her bike to the Foothills due to fear of "sketchy" people around the pumphouse theatre. That kind of fear is simply ignorant classism and racism and it's as big a problem in our city as actual vagrancy. Making the inner city livable for everybody has to deal with all the assholes, rich and poor.

lineman · #**560** Posted **Sep 10, 2014, 5:39 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by WaitWhat?

I vote art gallery.

Yes please. Or a new Glenbow.