On the afternoon of July 13th, City Council Member Teresa Cox held a Summer Vibes tea party in Fremont, where she warmly invited Deb Sica, the manager of the Irvington Library, and representatives from the local community to participate.
During the event, Teresa Cox announced that the Irvington Library is set to close on July 31st. The closure reasons and plans for the future were key points of discussion. Another topic was the issue of homelessness around Irvington Park and the church. Residents voiced their concerns regarding the progress of governmental initiatives in response to this issue.
One resident, Heta Shah, expressed her dismay at the news of the library closure during an interview with a reporter. She mentioned that she and her children visit the library almost every week to engage in educational activities and enjoy the fun atmosphere. The impending closure left them feeling like they were losing a warm and welcoming community space.
Deb Sica, the library manager, shared that since 1997, the Irvington Library has only been open one day a week. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, public service spaces have been reduced in size for safety reasons. Due to limited space, the library cannot offer the same range of services and amenities as the Fremont Main Library. Despite this, she acknowledged the special place the Irvington Library holds in the hearts of the residents.
After listening attentively to the residents’ feedback, Teresa Cox acknowledged their sentimental attachment to the library. Following discussions, Teresa Cox and Deb suggested that residents explore alternative library options like the Fremont Main Library, Centerville Library, Niles Library, or the Walk-Up Library which offer extensive services and resources. Moving to these locations could lead to new discoveries for the community.
Representatives Karen and Albert Tsui raised concerns about the homeless population in the area. They noted that homeless individuals often reside in UV vehicles for extended periods, with some even choosing to remain in these vehicles after finding employment. Cox mentioned existing regulations prohibiting overnight parking for vehicles longer than 6 feet in certain areas to address this issue.
Cox highlighted community initiatives to address homelessness in Fremont, mentioning recent collaborative efforts by the City Council, police, and fire departments to clear problematic areas. She thanked the active involvement of residents that led to positive changes in the community through collective action.
In conclusion, Cox emphasized that the current need for housing for the homeless population in Fremont exceeds the government’s capacity to assist. She advised residents to report concerns to emergency services, install security cameras at homes, stay informed about council activities, and actively engage in advocating for their families and communities to address such challenges.