Community Design Meeting Summary and Compilation of Public Comments

Location: Interim Benning Neighborhood Branch Library, 4101 Benning Rd. N.E. , Washington, D.C. 20019

Meeting Purpose: Public meeting to provide the community with an opportunity to help shape the design of the new Benning Neighborhood Library. A brief overview presentation was given at 6 p.m.; following this, staff was available to discuss the project and answer questions. Comments were collected by comment card and during a facilitated discussion.

Meeting Format: Presentation and interactive workshop format.

• The presentation included an overview of project implementation and a discussion of the preliminary conceptual designed for the new library.
• A facilitated discussion allowed participants to provide comments and ask questions of District library staff and the project team.

Attendees: Forty-two community members added their names to the sign-in sheets. Ginnie Cooper, Archie Williams, Jeff Bonvechio, Kim Fuller, Barbara Norland, Elissa Miller and the Benning Interim Library staff represented the DC Public Library. Brenda Richardson represented the DC Library Board of Trustees. The following members of the CirclePoint consulting team attended the meeting: W. Steve Lee and Tosin Durotoye.

Compilation of Discussion Comments
Library Use Issues

• Old Benning Library was used as a community center; is there any consideration being given to the new library serving the same purpose?

Library Design Issues (Exterior)

• Why can’t the new library be the same height as the old one?
• Need a dedicated parking space for patrons.
• Consider building a mixed-use library with commercial spaces located above.
• The new library needs to be LEED-certified.
• What will make the new library stand out (i.e. state-of-the-art design)?

Library Design Issues (Interior)

• Would like to see educational artwork in and around the new Benning Library.
• How does the square footage of the new library compare to that of the old library?
• Would like the new library to be designed with cultural significance in mind.
• Will the new library be made ADA accessible?
• Need to consider renewable power, concrete and energy efficient heating/ cooling systems.

Other
Design Process

• All proposed plans for the new library should be submitted to the local ANCs.
• We’re not getting what we asked for.
• We don’t want the “take it or leave it” approach.
• Need to build a bridge so community can stay in touch and continue asking questions and making comments.
• Mail ANCs the proposed plans.
• Don’t agree that this meeting is taking place in an “intimate setting.”
• Bring proposed building model to next public meeting.

Miscellaneous

• What is the dollar amount DCPL wants to spend on the new library?
• Is there a schedule for the project?
• How many jobs will be made available to the community?
• Need good access to library during the construction of shopping center.
• Public funding cannot be the only source of funding for the new library.
• Has DCPL considered other locations for the new library?
• Is the project collaborating with City Interests and their plans for the nearby shopping center?
• Demolition of the old library put the community at risk.
• Honor the culture of the neighborhood in the design of the new library.

Summary of Comment Card Comments
Library Use Issues

• Old Benning Library served as community fall-out shelter. Are there plans to replace this?

Other

• Hire people from the neighborhood to work on building/designing the new library.
• Looking forward to the next meeting where more specifics about the new library building will be available.
• Would like to see a second floor added to the design of the new library.
• Interested in volunteering to find private companies/businesses that would be interested in relocating to an office/retail space above the new library.
• Would like to see project information passed on to local Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs) prior to public meetings.