February 8, 2010

There were 2 posts published on February 8, 2010 (this is page 1 of 1).

Garner library

Word has it that Wake county library officials are considering closing the Southeast Regional Library in Garner due to budget cuts. What a shame that would be. When Kelly and I lived in Garner the library was one of our favorite places to go. It was and is the only library close enough that we could bike to it. With no bookstores in Garner (at the time, anyway), the library was one of the few things that kept Kelly and me sane.

I sure hope the county comes up with another way of saving money because closing that library would be a huge blow to the people of Garner and surrounding areas.

The Clarence E. Lightner Public Safety Center

I’m conflicted about Raleigh’s proposed Clarence E. Lightner Public Safety Center. On one hand, it’s always irked me that Raleigh always seems to settle for mediocre, to go for the practical or least controversial option rather than aim for greatness. Raleigh loves to hedge its bets. Raleigh’s habit is to look only at the short-term. Putting aside the current economy, I like that the Lightner Center has been designed to be the home for our police and fire departments for many decades. I can think of very few things Raleigh has ever discussed that had that long an outlook.

There should be no doubt that our police department desperately needs a new home. The current police headquarters is an embarrassing ratrap that should have been demolished twenty years ago. The current 911 center is also a travesty. On a slow day the basement call center seems cramped and chaotic. I’d hate to see what it looks like during a major event like a hurricane. Pandemonium, probably.
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