Supporters of Cedar River location don’t have true picture | Letter to the editor

I don’t think the supporters of the “Over-The-River” library have a true picture of what’s going to be involved in rebuilding that structure to bring it up to the standards of a state-of-the-art library required by KCLS. These are facts (compiled from the Renton Library at Liberty Park Rehabilitation Feasibility Study – June 2012):

August 4, 2012 2:00 pm

I don’t think the supporters of the “Over-The-River” library have a true picture of what’s going to be involved in rebuilding that structure to bring it up to the standards of a state-of-the-art library required by KCLS.

These are facts (compiled from the Renton Library at Liberty Park Rehabilitation Feasibility Study – June 2012):

This is a migratory salmon river which is prone to flooding. Therefore, the following agencies may have to grant permits before any significant modifications can be made to the current library structure.  The WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife has hydraulic project approval. The National Marine Fisheries & FEMA may be involved, depending on whether the banks or streambed are disturbed.  The Army Corps of Engineers involvement triggers a “nationwide permit” process which allows any Federal Agency to participate.

The City of Renton must conduct a SEPA review & obtain a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit (Dept. of Ecology).  Other local agencies, including King County and Muckleshoot Tribal Fisheries may also be required to sign off on a rebuild.

The important thing to remember is that anytime the basic footprint of that building changes, or the bridge portion (what the building sits on) is altered it may very well trigger significant permitting processes which can be both time consuming and costly.

I feel safe in saying that rebuilding won’t be a stroll in the park.  It’s likely to be a long drawn out process that has the potential to be short circuited at numerous points. The majority of these permits would not be required if the building is repurposed for another public use, renovation would not be significant enough to trigger the permitting processes.

I understand the emotions people attach to the current library, but it’s not cost effective to upgrade it to the standard required of a modern library.

Voting for the “Piazza” library gets the City of Renton 3 buildings – 2 brand new libraries; one in the Highlands and one at the Piazza.  Plus – the City gets to keep the old library and repurpose it to another public use.  Put your sentiment aside and do what’s right for the City of Renton – vote in favor of the Piazza Library.

Brent Beden,

Renton