Letter to the SC Sentinel, 1/15/2022
Concerned that the city has hidden plans for reusing the corner lot of Church and
Cedar, where a downtown library has stood for 117 years, a writer in a Guest
Commentary (Jan. 13) proposed using that site as a public plaza in the heart of
the Civic Center. A plaza with unimpeded sunlight, where the weekly Farmers
Market, the monthly Antique Faire and even city and office workers might enjoy at
lunch time. He called his idea a true town center. A little off in geographical terms,
if one checks a map of Santa Cruz in the 21st century.
With a serious renovation of the existing library, as envisioned when the public, countywide, voted to tax itself for 30 years (Measure S), the existing library, repurposed, could become the beautifully remodeled, reconfigured, updated building that was envisioned by voters. Right where it is. And the public plaza could be created a couple of blocks away, still available to city and office workers.
— Jean Brocklebank, Santa Cruz