Washington Highlands Community Meeting

Summary of Community Comments and Questions

Meeting Date: June 30, 2009

What is the life span of the current building and of the proposed building?

The current building, which was built in 1959, is a one-story, brick and steel
structure. It has reached the end of its life span of about 50 years. The new
building will be constructed of concrete, steel and glass. It has an anticipated
lifespan of 50 years.

Why does the building's overall exterior design not fit the character of the
neighborhood?

The design of the new Washington Highlands Library is modern and iconic. As a
civic building, it does not seek to blend in with the residential buildings in the
neighborhood. The library is designed to be “forward-looking” while providing a
well-lit, comfortable, safe and esthetically pleasing structure.

Why did the library consult the Commission on Fine Arts (CFA) before coming to
the ANC?

The U.S. Commission on Fine Arts (CFA) is a federal agency whose mission is to
give expert advice to the President, Congress and the heads of departments and
agencies of the federal and District of Columbia governments on matters of
design and aesthetics. Projects under the Commission's purview include the
designs of federal and District government buildings. There are two levels of
review for projects – concept and final.

The library is required to submit designs to the CFA for their review and approval.
Therefore, we try to present design concepts to the CFA as early as
possible. With this approval, the architect can move forward knowing the design
is on the right track for final approval. The design for the Washington Highlands
Library has received concept approval from CFA. We will go back before CFA for
final approval in the fall.

There is concern about the stability of the retaining wall. It has never been
repaired. Who will pay for the home owners' attorneys if they have to sue for
damages to their property as a result of the construction?
As part of the construction of the new Washington Highlands Library, the
retaining wall will be extended and fortified to add more stability; therefore we do
not expect any damage to neighboring homes. A thorough engineering study was
conducted to assess the condition of the retaining wall and to determine how
close the new building could safely come to the existing wall.

The building contractor will conduct a thorough pre-construction survey of the

surrounding area using video and digital images to document the conditions prior
to construction. The pre-construction survey will be distributed to the surrounding
home owners as a record.

Representatives from ANC 8E are upset that the library did not include them or
consult them in the design process.

ANC 8E was notified of the intent to build a new Washington Highlands Library in
October 2008. Additionally, the chairperson of ANC 8E served on the panel to
select the architectural/design team very early in the process – prior to the
development of any designs. The commissioners of ANC 8E and commissioners
of the other ANCs in Ward 8 were invited to participate in the community
meetings, focus groups and surveys.

What percentage of the architectural drawings is complete right now?

Architectural designs have three stages: schematic drawings, design

development and construction drawings. The drawings shown at the meeting are
in the design development stage. There will be further refinement of these
designs based upon feedback from the community, the U.S. Commission on Fine
Arts and other considerations.

Elevators and fire safety – how will customers in wheelchairs or walkers get out
during a fire emergency?

Unlike the current building, the new building will be equipped with a sprinkler
system. In addition, the new building will have an alarm system that will
broadcast directions during an emergency.

Also, the stairwells serve as a “zone of refuge” – a clearly mark area designed for
persons with disabilities to safely wait for rescue. These areas are fire rated for
two hours. These zones of refuge will provide a safe area until emergency
personnel evacuate individuals from the building.

Concern about placing the children's room on the 2nd floor – it will be harder for
children to get out in the case of a fire.
Young children will be accompanied by adults or older children. Library staff will
be available to assist children in cases of emergency.

Library needs to engage a broader community -- all of Ward 8. Would like the
library to form a Ward 8 design team to sit down and work on the design with the
architect.

The library has hosted three meetings at which the community was able to speak
directly with the architect and provide feedback. In addition, the library conducted
focus groups with adults, teens, parents with young children and community
leaders. More than 70 residents provided input through a survey. The library
gained valuable input from the community through these means.

Why not renovate the current building instead of building a new one?

The projected construction cost to build the new Washington Highlands Library is
$10,848,561. The current building presents limitations as to what the Washington
Highlands Library could be, including low ceiling height, the existing structural
grid (column and beam locations), and the building footprint. Changes to any of
these features would be very expensive. We are presented with a great
opportunity to provide a completely new, well-lit, sustainable, ADA-compliant
library that will be an asset to the Bellevue community and the city.

What impact will the new design have on services for visually and hearing
impaired customers?

The building will be able to better accommodate programs and services for the
visually and hearing impaired customers.

How is the building heated and cooled?

The design of the building’s heating and cooling system gave strong
consideration to LEED requirements and sustainability. The system is made up of
an “air side” and a “water side.” The systems will work in conjunction with one
another to efficiently control the temperature and control the humidity of the
building.

Have you taken into account the local soil conditions and water run-off patterns?

The library conducted a thorough geotechnical study of the site prior to beginning
design. The geotechnical engineer drilled eight 45-foot deep holes at various
locations to determine the exact soil conditions at the site. The building
contractor will be required to maintain positive water run-off drainage during the
construction activities; this will assure the surface water will not seep or run into
areas that it previously did not.
Will the colors in the concrete surfaces fade?

No, the planned materials are manufactured to have what is called “thru or true”
color(s) which are very durable and the same color throughout the product or
material.

Are the pavilions lit from underneath?

Yes, the pavilions will be lit with vandal-resistant high intensity down lights. These
lights will provide more than adequate security lighting, but will not “over light”
and cause issues to the surrounding proprieties.

Is there money included in the library's maintenance budget for landscaping?

The initial landscaping plan is included in both the design and construction
budget. Ongoing landscaping and maintenance will be paid from the DC Public
Library operating budget. The landscaping work will come with a “two-season”
(i.e. winter to winter, spring to spring) warranty.

Will there be plants inside the building?

There will be no plants inside the building.

Where can residents find information/specs on energy efficiency of the building?

This library is being designed to achieve, at a minimum, a LEED Certification of

silver. Energy efficiency is a central element of this certification process. This
information will be shared with the community once it is finalized.

How will the glass walls affect the energy efficiency of the overall building?

The glass proposed for the new building is highly efficient glass called “low-e” (or
similar energy efficient glass type). The glass is specifically designed to let in the
visible light and filter or block out the heat in the summer. During the winter
months, this insulated glass traps warm air in the building.

The library should host a design charrette.

Charrettes are one type of engagement. We have tried to design our community
meetings to be very open and informal. In addition, we have provided multiple
avenues for residents to provide feedback.

Concern about there not being enough parking.

The design brings parking to the side of the library, closer to the entrance than
the current set-up. This is also safer, as more people will be able to view a side
parking lot, rather than a parking lot in the rear. In addition, there is street parking
available. A privately owned garage is being planned nearby that will offer public
parking.

The design process needs to respect the residents more.

The community engagement built into the design process is calculated to reach
as broad a range of residents as possible. The library sent notices of meetings,
focus groups and other activities to residents by e-mail, list serves, newspaper
ads and direct mail fliers. We hosted focus groups and distributed fliers to gain
community input.

What are the time constraints from a budgetary perspective? Is there a risk that a
delay will result in the funding being taken away?

While the funding for rebuilding the Washington Highlands Library is in place, it is
a fact that the District is facing budget constraints. The Mayor and the D.C.
Council could look at unobligated funds for possible cuts. Numerous agencies
with capital plans that have not been developed are seeing delays in their
projects or have had their capital budgets reduced or projects pushed years out.
Once a project budget is reduced or the project funding gets pushed to a future
year, there is no guarantee that funding will be available to complete the project.

How will possible budget cuts affect the operating budget of the library?

The library does not yet know what the operating budget will be for FY 2011. We
will work to minimize the impact of any cuts on the operation of all 25 libraries.

Concern that there is no funding for books and computers in the budget.

The new Washington Highlands Library is scheduled to open in spring 2011.

While we do not yet know what the budget will be for FY 2011, the library is very
aware of the need to ensure that adequate books, computers and other materials
are included. Ensuring that new libraries open with a robust collection and a full
complement of computers is paramount. The library will keep the community
informed of any budget constraints that might arise.

Other Comments

When you make improvements in a neighborhood, it brings more to a

community. It is not just about the money. Building a new library will help the
youth in this community.

The design for the new Washington Highlands Library is extraordinary. It will
appeal to youth, an important group.
At the next meeting, I would prefer to have the printouts in color instead of black
and white.

Librarians need to reach out beyond the library walls with programs for children
and seniors. Make people aware of the programs.