Citizens Group Appeals SEPA Ruling at Cedar River Library to Renton Hearing Examiner

The following is a press release from Citizens to Save Cedar River Library.

RENTON July 12, 2013 - A formal Appeal to the Hearing Examiner has been filed by Citizens to Save Cedar River Library Again contesting the City of Renton’s failure to identify and adequately address impacts to significant resources, issues of public access and Cultural and Historical values clearly present at the Cedar River Library. The present Determination will become Final if not appealed at this time, leaving all unchallenged elements, checklist answers and statements within KCLS’s Application (however inadequate, in error or incomplete) to be treated as accepted fact and not subject to reconsideration during later review stages. 

This Appeal is a focused attempt to keep the Cedar River Library project moving forward at its present site and in a manner that reflects the importance of our existing resource; one wholly owned by the Citizens of Renton. Appropriately negotiated mitigation measures can be incorporated into a modified site plan and building design within far less time and at far less expense than other options. 

“Even with the results of last Summer’s Proposition 1 vote; even following the intense, informed public criticism received by KCLS at the March 26th Open House, the Library System and this City’s Administration continue to ignore the significance and value of the cultural and historical resource represented by our existing library. They insist on disregarding long-established and unique patterns of public access and combination of Library, Park & River usage so highly valued by Renton Citizens today… That direction has to be corrected”, notes David Keyes, a Committee Officer for the Group. 

“A well-designed primary public entry into the Library directly from a bridge location above the River is one essential element in a plan that would begin to re-create significant and unique public values currently present at the site”, David continues. “Our goal in filing this Appeal is to require KCLS recognize the significance of such elements, and honestly incorporate these elements (or mitigate their loss) in a modified site and building design. “ 

We are not alone in our view here. Both the State Department of Archeological and Historic Preservation (DAHP) and the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation have written the City, making clear similar concerns. 

About Citizens to Save Renton’s Downtown Cedar River Library…Again! 

Citizens to Save Renton’s Downtown Cedar River Library Again! is a Renton citizens group whose goal is to preserve and enhance the Cedar River Library’s unique role both in Renton and throughout our region. Their website is www.SaveRentonLibrary.com or Facebook: Save the Cedar River Library.