I read Tracey Compton March 21 article about library design (“KCLS details reasons behind moving library entrance “http://www.rentonreporter.com/news/199392281.html ) .

The article states “Now KCLS officials are urging caution when talking about the design elements of the downtown library because they say it’s too early in the process.” It is nonsense to urge such caution. In fact, it’s misleading. Right now is the time to be very concerned about KCLS’s intention. The schematic design – the design to be presented to the public on March 26 – is extremely important and deserves the full attention and critique of the citizenry.

As I understand it from talking to an architect, if the city approves this schematic design, then whatever is in it becomes official and is the basis for further detailed design (walls, rooms, interior components, etc.). That will give KCLS the green light to develop their idea of demolishing part of the foundation slab and separating the building from the pedestrian bridge. That means that the time for concern about design is right now, not later. In addition, such demolition will trigger extensive environmental reviews that will take time and waste money. I have the feeling that KCLS management knows this and is deliberately pursuing a disastrous plan.

Julie Brand’s statement that “we’re nowhere near the design phase” must refer to the phase of design that follows approval of the schematic design. I got the impression from her quotes that she thinks the schematic design is a trivial matter and that people should be saving their concerns about design for later. To be diplomatic, I will assume that she is mis-informed about the seriousness of the schematic design.

The article paraphrases Mr. Ptacek as saying “The internal operations and factors such as utilities forced the project team to relocate the main entry next to the parking lot.” Sadly, KCLS has not shown why internal operations (whatever that means) are so important that they take precedence over the key issues of library design repeatedly expressed by concerned Renton residents.

And what is it about the utilities that makes it necessary to move the entrance? I haven’t seen heating ducts or electrical conduits entering the building through the entrance. Nor have I seen bathroom plumbing anywhere near the entrance. Where is the analysis to prove that keeping the entrance in place would be unfeasible for the utilities or too expensive? This “utilities issue” sounds like another empty argument designed to deflect serious discussion.

I hope the Renton Reporter attends the City Council meeting on Monday and the KCLS Open House on Tuesday and digs deeper into the library design issue. There is much more at stake than what KCLS is saying.

Dave Beedon
Renton