They're at it again...
We were just made aware that permits are underway for the building that is being built in the parking lot. Construction will begin in August and will take approximately up to ten months.
The portion of the parking lot that the property is being built on was owned by the city. Ownership was transferred to the Downtown Development Authority, who then sold to Randy Hardy. Majority of information has been communicated to us through the city as with the building design.
The story garden will not be accessible for enjoyment due to the construction. The flowers and work that was done will now be at risk of being damaged and/or destroyed due to construction equipment, debris and/or dust. The awning on that side was never cleaned or replaced from the first time they tore up the parking lot. Events scheduled for the next 1 year have once again been impacted due to no parking and our garden events will be cancelled.
The “pocket park” they built the first time they tore up the parking is not used by the community and the city doesn’t maintain the greenery they added, including the plants they installed adjacent to The Book Worm. This not being maintained by the city is causing weeds to encroach on The Book Worm Property as well as our living wall that was installed in the Reading Garden.
Every time I visit The Book Worm, the parking lot is FULL, no matter the day of the week or time of day. As we've said before- losing this parking lot is going to negatively impact all of Downtown Powder Springs. A brand new restaurant has recently opened, which should bring more people to the area, but if there's no parking how are they and other businesses to be successful? This year's Book Fest (which has become two events) had to be moved out of Powder Springs due to the lack of space and support. Part One (Together We Read with Cobb Libraries) was in Kennesaw, and Part Two will be held at The Rest Spot in Smyrna.
In addition to the logistical nightmare associated with losing a parking lot of this size, events will be affected and our beautiful green space will be destroyed by lack of sunlight (if the construction doesn't get it first). The beautiful pink hydrangeas pictured above were planted in memory of Kris Harris, the biggest supporter of Downtown Powder Springs, and Julia's mother. It would be devastating to lose this visual reminder of them, not only for Julia but for all of Powder Springs and The Book Worm community. I can't believe we're still fighting for our space after nearly a year. Your support means so much!!