Books + Housing = new public libraries of the future
Despite all the development happening in the neighborhood, Boston still has a housing crisis. One “out of the box” idea to remedy our housing shortage is to add housing to public libraries slated for renovations.
According to WGBH, this initiative is being developed between the Boston Public Library and the Department of Neighborhood Development with the hopes to create more housing units to help moderate rising rents in the city.
The branches that are being considered are the West End, Fields Corner and Uphams Corner in Dorchester, and Egleston in Roxbury.
According to the article, the Fields Corner proposal would add a second floor of library space and then 36 privately-owned apartments on three levels above the library.
You can learn more about this initiative here.
What do you think? Great idea or just leave a library a library?
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
