Downtown Renton library plan continues to divide the community and council

Many residents are saying they are not ready to replace the iconic downtown Renton library

At last week’s meeting of the Renton City Council, we had a spirited discussion about the proposal to build a replacement downtown library at the former Big 5 Sporting Good’s site next to the Piazza. This session was covered well by the Renton Reporter in this article here . Following last week’s meeting, Council has continued to receive significant email and citizen comment about the downtown library location. A few days ago we received a 43-page petition titled “Save our Library.” The hundreds of signatures on the petition were collected from library patrons during the past week. Email comments seem to be about five-to-one against moving the library.

As I said at last week’s council meeting (and discussed in a previous blog entry here ), I think we should be patient, and gather all the facts and input we can, in making the final decision about the downtown library location. I would be happier to see us first complete the proposed new Highlands library, building it to the proposed size of 15,000 square feet (increasing it from it’s current 6000 square feet.) Once it is completed and in operation, citizens could more easily evaluate whether the size would be sufficient for downtown (which is proposed for the same square footage.) Furthermore, having the Highlands library built to full size would minimize inconvenience to residents when the downtown library is worked on, regardless of whether it was moved or renovated.

Completing the highlands library first would also give us the time to complete another critical part of the plan– what to do with the building over the river if we move the library. The mayor and council have indicated that we intend to save and re-purpose this building, but the plan is not yet developed. Since there is no use defined, no one yet knows what the upgrades would cost to support any viable new use. We’ve been told that refurbishing this building to continue its long-term use as a library would cost close to ten million dollars. A reasonable assumption is that any other use would cost nearly as much, or perhaps even more, depending on how much activity was planned.

For example, the existing library is load limited in it’s central section where it spans the river (it can handle about 60 pounds per square foot), and this central section is therefore used for low-load purposes such as tables, chairs, and computer work stations. This use generates much less load than it would as a reception hall where hundreds of people could be dancing in rhythm. Ultimately, we ought to know the proposed use and the cost of retrofitting before we commit that we will re-purpose this building.

The consequences of failing to come up with an acceptable and affordable use could be severe. If the building gets labeled as abandoned, or falls into disrepair, there could be numerous agencies (Federal government, State Fisheries, Muckleshoot Tribes, etc) pushing Renton to demolish it. And demolishing it would not be cheap– many expensive permits would be required, salmon-migration dates observed, and contractors paid. We’ll have to keep the building maintained and in some type of use, with the heat and lights on, to prevent this fate. This could take us many years. I won’t feel comfortable promising citizens that we are keeping the building until this plan, including the funding, is worked out.

The above is the header page of a 43 page petition, with up to twelve signatures per page. The petition submitters have said that they are gathering more signatures daily.

I’ve included two examples of recent emails we have received below, one in favor of moving the library, and one against.

Two emails received recently at city hall. (I think the city email system lost the formatting on the second one… sorry about that)

I wanted to tell you how excited I was to hear of the new library location. As a business owner in downtown Renton for 17 years I wholeheartedly support the move and feel it is a step in the right direction in the revitalization of the downtown area. All the patients that come through our dental office who are aware of this issue also are in support of the move and are excited as I am. I look forward to seeing the progress

From L.F.

I have been a resident of City of Renton for 39 years and I am against moving the operations of the existing 100 Mill Ave. Library. … The current library is high tech already, contributing to KCLS being named the largest system in the nation. Its a little bit bigger (by 5000 ft2) then recommended for the relocation. Great, we can accommodate some more growth at little cost. There are many computers already installed (60+). Operation of the library appears to be going well with lots of customers being helped. The current library is used as a library so must meet code. It certainly is serving or at least complying with code and being occupied as a library now. Why do we have to upgrade (electrically, mechanically, and seismically)? Are upgrades required to stay at the current location? KCLS and the City of Renton have determined that seismic upgrades and remodeling of the current library would be to costly to undertake, meaning to me that it must do it to stay at the current location. Then, for any other building usage it will be a costly project. The current library lying across the Cedar River is single story and supported by massive concrete beams five feet deep. Mechanical and Electrical was upgraded 15 years ago. Use the existing facility making no major changes until sometime in the future that it needs to be torn down then rebuild it. This saves a lot of money. The existing library has great access. There is an abundant amount of car, pedestrian and bus service. It’s only 3 blocks from the transit station. It has its own parking lot with at least 60 parking spots, the buses go right by frequently and boaters, bikers and walkers can stop on there way down and up the river since the Cedar River and trail is adjacent to it. I have been there numerous times at 3 pm and barely able to find a parking spot. Adjacent to this location is another City of Renton facility (the old city hall) where people can park. The proposed location at the (big 5 ) won’t work. There is not enough street parking. A parking garage may be available but may impose a fee and it’s awkward to access. I have taken the bus a number of times downtown Seattle but couldn’t even find a parking spot at the transit station or near it, so I parked up at Main toward Renton Hill. The parking and access to the existing library is great. The setting of the existing library is excellent, located above the Cedar River. Nature at its best with the Cedar River below, fish can be seen swimming up river to spawn. Adjacent to Liberty park and a short walk to; Carco Theatre, Renton Community center, Henry Moses Aqueduct Center, dog park and a number of future soccer fields to the south adjacent to the cedar river (huge area). All part of the bigger picture called the Tri Park Master Plan. What better place could you locate a library. Our forefathers had the wisdom to pick the best spot for a library! The proposed location at the old BIG 5 store in the transit area (noted as a high crime area) is not a good location. The best location is 100 Mill Ave. S. Moving the library operations will cost tax payers millions of dollars. Using what we have costs little. The Library is up and running with little cost. Its current location is the best; in regard to cost to the public, performing as a library, location, access and parking. It retains its position as a piece of history instead of being abandoned to some low level usage or possible demolition. Where do you want your library? I want it at its current location, 100 Mill Ave S. Your consideration of this suggestion would be appreciated.

From B. G.