Parker's big bet on Kensington's McPherson Square revamp
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McPherson Square Library. Photo: Mike D'Onofrio/Axios
Work is now underway on the next phase of the renovation of McPherson Square in Kensington.
The big picture: The rehab of the notorious public green space — widely known as Needle Park — could become the biggest test of Mayor Cherelle Parker's ultimate goal of shutting down open-air drug markets in the neighborhood.
State of play: Last week, the city kicked off a $21.7 million project that will fully restore the interior and exterior of the Carnegie library at the site, as well as upgrade the square's amenities.
- Timeline: Roughly two years.
Yes, but: The Free Library and Parker administration have yet to set up a local temporary location for the community to access library services and programs.
- Mark Graham, a spokesperson for the Free Library, tells Axios the agency is in the process of securing a lease and setting up a temporary spot, expecting it to open later this year.
Plus: The city will fence off the entire six-acre square for the project (playground and all).
- The result: The neighborhood is cut off from another much-needed public space.
Context: Kensington is the epicenter of the city's opioid crisis, suffering from entrenched open-air drug markets, blight and homelessness.
- Parker has pledged to revive the neighborhood.
- Under Parker, the police have ramped up enforcement and cleared encampments of homeless individuals.
Zoom in: Despite the mayor's efforts, the square remains a haven for open drug use and homelessness.
- Last Thursday afternoon, the square itself was largely vacant, but small groups of homeless individuals could be seen keeping to the park's periphery.
- A police officer in a cruiser was stationed at the park.
Worth noting: The Parker administration declined Axios' requests for comment.
What they're saying: Sarah Laurel, executive director of the nonprofit Savage Sisters, which helps people with substance use disorders and those experiencing homelessness, tells Axios she applauds the city's efforts to revive the public space.
- But she noted the community could greatly benefit from more immediate investments — public restrooms, wound care and housing.
- "A library renovation is not a public health strategy that will improve the neighborhood in an immediate sense," Laurel said. "Can't we do both? Why is it one project or the other?"
The other side: Imoni Walker, a 28-year-old resident of Kensington, tells Axios she's hopeful the project will improve the square.
- Walker, a parent of two young children, added that the neighborhood desperately wants to reclaim it.
- "I'm going to have that faith: If we can do that with this type of area, we can do that anywhere," she said.
What else: The project to restore McPherson Square will include new:
- 🚨 Security systems and lighting
- ♿ ADA accessible entry ramp and elevator for the library
- 🛝 Playground
- 🚶 Paths throughout the square
- 🌳 Landscaping
Flashback: The first phase of the project to improve the site was completed last year and included replacing the library's roof and skylight.
What we're watching: Whether the massive investment will help residents feel safe using McPherson Square when it's completed.