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Residents urge Wake County to keep Athens Drive replacement library in its neighborhood
Summary
Multiple residents spoke during public comment asking commissioners to locate the Athens Drive replacement library near its current site to preserve community access, safety for students and local character.
Several residents urged the board during the public comment period to keep the Athens Drive replacement library near its existing location on Athens Drive.
Martique LaRae, who identified herself as a long-time Southwest Raleigh resident, said a library has been part of the neighborhood’s character for almost five decades and asked the board to "ensure that the Athens Drive replacement library is built near the present library's location within our community." Heather Patty, who lives adjacent to a potential site, said placing the library on the same side of Athens Drive as Athens Drive High School would improve student safety and create an easy connector between the school and library.
Catherine Slager urged the board to reaffirm the bond voters approved to replace the community library and to work "tirelessly" to find a way to keep the new facility in its present community, including negotiating purchase of the Well Fed community garden property if feasible. The clerk reported one online comment also supporting the Athens Drive library site.
The comments came ahead of two public hearings on the regular agenda; county staff and commissioners acknowledged residents’ concerns and said they would continue work with community stakeholders to identify a final site and next steps.
