KCLS Renton Library Plans Rejected Two Weeks Ago, Says City

Renton city officials handling a land use application for the Renton Library  — that critics say would dramatically alter the building, against the will of voters — said such a plan is premature and would "affirmatively reject" the plans at a public meeting Monday night at City Hall.

City administrator Jay Covington said that the King County Library System (KCLS) had applied for initial permits on March 1, but the city informed them a week later that no application would be accepted for review until the public had been given adequate time and opportunities to review the proposed plans that required the permits. Covington said he expected that after public feedback to the plans was received (today) at a Tuesday, March 26 Renton Library Open House, that KCLS would return with revised plans.

"Our tenative plan is at the next City Council meeting on April 15, a revised design will be presented, based on responses at the open house," he said. "The administration will then have an opportunity to respond to council's reaction."

Over a dozen Renton residents gave testimony opposed to new designs submitted by the King County Library System on March 1 for the library space over the Cedar River — and nearly all were totally opposed to the current design proposal.

"You're all responsible to Renton voters and we have every right to expect you to represent us," said David Keyes, one of the volunteers behind Citizens to Save Renton’s Cedar River Library…Again!, which opposes the current plans. "Allowing this to go forward would devalue an icon of our city. It's not a loss that can be recouped."

Residents objected to the elimination of the library entrance over the river, reduction of existing library size by over 30 percent, and the demolition of more than 5,000 square feet of the library.

KCLS has said in the past that its architect Miller-Hull, had reviewed ADA compliance and seismic safety for the planned renovation and proposed changes that resulted in the latest design.

Several councilmembers later weighed in, echoing the disappointment of several citizens in KCLS. Renton City Council President Randy Corman complained that the library issue had taken up much of the council's time at the expense of other issues and compared the library system to a service provider like a cable TV company or phone provider.

"Since we have been with KCLS, we’ve spent more time on Library issues than on any other issue in our city," he said. "I just feel like, unless they can turn this around, and make 90 percent of people say 'I like this plan,' then I just don't see this being worth the money anymore."

After discussion, the City Council then unanimously moved to explore the process to de-annex from KCLS.

Critics complain that KCLS is not wisely spending local tax revenues that are part of the interlocal agreement. According to the agreement, Renton residents are responsible for paying the entire construction costs and related fees.

The March 26 Renton Library Open House will be held at Renton Library on 100 Mill Ave. from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit the city's website at www.rentonwa.gov.