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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-07-14 Study Session - BSC - LibraryDublin City Council Work Session Monday, April 7, 2014 Bridge Street District — Streetscape and Library Minutes of Meeting Mayor Keenan called the Monday, April 7, 2014 Study Session of Dublin City Council to order at 6:00 p.m. at the Dublin Municipal Building. Mayor Keenan moved to adjourn to executive session to discuss land acquisition matters. Vice Mayor Gerber seconded the motion. Vote on the motion: Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher, yes; Mayor Keenan, yes; Ms. Salay, yes; Mr. Peterson, yes; Mr. Lecklider, yes, Vice Mayor Gerber, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes. The meeting was reconvened at 6:30 p.m. Present Council Members Mayor Keenan, Vice Mayor Gerber, Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher, Mr. Lecklider, Mr. Peterson, Mr. Reiner and Ms. Salay. Staff: Ms. Grigsby, Ms. Crandall, Mr. Foegler, Mr. Smith, Mr. McDaniel, Ms. Mumma, Ms. O'Callaghan, Mr. Hammersmith, Mr. Langworthy, Mr. Gunderman, Mr. Goodwin, Ms. Ray, Ms. Rauch, Ms. Husak. Consultant: Darren Meyer, MKSK, Principal • Proposed Streetscape for Bridge Street District Ms. Grigsby stated that staff has been studying potential options for streetscape items, such as curbs, road materials, light poles, receptacles, benches, etc. Tonight, they will provide an update on those options and the decision - making timeframe. Discussion on this subject will continue at future Council meetings and workshops, if needed. Overview Mr. Meyer stated that they have begun to look at specifics for streets within the Bridge Street District. This is in response to some of the private development proposals that are beginning to mature. There are some streets that will need to be designed in the near future based on the pace of some of those private developments. We want to make sure that the materials used and the character of those streets is fitting within the overall context and goals of the Bridge Street District. Street Character The defining characteristic of the Bridge Street Corridor (BSC) District is walkability. Therefore, decisions for the BSC streets will be made within the context of creating a walkable district. Looking at images of iconic streets and streetscape elements, one of the things that are noticeable is that there are very few vehicles. That has to do with the balance of priorities. Streets that are walkable, urban, mixed -use districts, like the Bridge Street District, have a number of other important functions, such as economic development, environment, health and social, image and brand. The primary item that will define the Bridge Street District will not be the streets; it will be private development, and the quality and character of that private Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, April 7, 2014 Page 2 of 10 development — the building envelope, will be what establishes the character of the District. Much rigor is invested in this process to ensure development proposals are of high quality. The complement to private development in creating the identity of the District is the streetscape. All the elements come together to create the signature, image and brand of the District, which needs to fit within the image of Dublin itself. BSC District Street Network. In creating a signature street in the District, we consider how someone would recognize that they have entered the District -- what are the visual cues? We look at the most high - profile, high - volume, high visibility streets through the District — Bridge Street, SR 161, Riverside Drive and Dublin Road. These streets will be the most heavily traveled and provide a great opportunity to introduce people to the BSC District. These are not all the points at which one that could enter the District, but the primary streets. Some of these are not thresholds into the BSC District only, but into Dublin and its historic core, so we will be looking at how the ideas for identifying the BSC District dovetail with the overall character, image and entry into Dublin and its historic core. This is a very east -west oriented District, and the core of that district is Historic Dublin and the river front. In terms of a walkable District, the desire is to bring in people from all corners of this District, and further out, in a manner that is safe, comfortable and memorable. There is over a mile, or over a 20- minute walk from the perimeter of this District to the core. In looking at which streets may need some added character to add value to the experience for pedestrians and cyclists, we layer in the primary east -west internal streets, which include John Shields Parkway and what is currently being called Park Avenue, which is part of Dale Drive, and those extensions east and west. These streets will be high volume in moving people from the perimeter of the District into its core and core amenities. The last layer is the historic core, which is established and unchanging. The actual boundaries of the historic core of Dublin will not change, and we need to better understand how that would translate into the street materials. There are approximately 560 lane miles that the City of Dublin maintains — 66 lane miles within the BSC District. The signature streets within the District comprise 23 lane miles, or four percent of the total City- maintained lane miles. Strategies The first principle is that streets are more than public works; they are part of great public spaces. By their nature, they serve community goals. Some are utilitarian, functional, low maintenance, low risk, with often standardized materials. Others serve memorials, parks, community centers, public pools and public art. The street criteria is different because the community's goals are different for those public spaces — memorable, comfortable, place - making, unique design, the streets complement and are balanced with the community's priorities. During this process, there is a need to designate where these streets fall within that spectrum. We are beginning to explore the opportunity for these signature streets. Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, April 7, 2014 Page 3 of 10 The second principle is that the signature streets should define the District, and there is a wide range of ways that could be done. Some of the tools that can be used to create character in a district are color, art, architectural elements, paving, arches, stone and landscaping materials. We will be exploring those options to help assign some identity and create the signature for the streetscape within the BSC District. The third principle is that for the streets in the internal portions of the District need to balance the identity of private development with the identity of the District. Where there are other sub districts or nodes within the BSC District, how is a balance achieved? It is most successful when the line is blurred between the identity of private development and the identity of the District. The fourth and last principle is that the public realm should provide some continuity. In the private realm is where visual interest should occur. Currently, they are working in the Short North, an approximate two -mile stretch north of Columbus - one of the premier arts and independent business districts in the region with over 150 independent businesses. This District is undergoing a $20 million project to improve their public realm. The stakeholders indicated a desire to have all the items within the public realm reflect the arts character. We suggested that they build off the arches that define the District to add visual interest continuity in the public realm. The streets will be done in a quality way with visual impact, but not in a way that competes with the real beauty of private development in the District. Examples of traditional approaches for the use of textures and materials for the safety functions of streets were shown — crosswalks, bike lanes, paint striping, etc. Real materials as well as materials mimicking real materials can be used. Two alternative streetscape materials that are acceptable in this region are brick and granite. One advantage in the BSC District is that many of the roads we want to improve or build are new or new alignments. Over the next couple of weeks, we will present Council with some tools to help understand the value of this investment. We can learn some lessons from the Arena District — a relatively new district, but old enough for us to evaluate how it has weathered. Nationwide Boulevard, which is 15 years old, was recently evaluated for needed repairs, and the repairs needed are very minimal. Of the 3,200 linear feet of granite curb, only 8 feet are proposed for replacement -- .3 %. Of the brick sidewalk -- 80,000 square feet, 65 square feet is being replaced. The other tool we are using is life cycle cost analysis. The install cost is compare with the life cycle cost. Through ODOT, there is a lot of data available to help us with this analysis. We will look both at the engineering and functional constraints and the impact of the investment for the City. Summary and Next Steps 1. Provide recommendations for where we would like to explore the opportunities to create signature streets. 2. In upcoming meetings, look at how bicycle facilities interface with pedestrian ways and street parking, including materials, street and sidewalk pavements, curbs, street lighting and furnishings, the green -- the green area along John Shields Parkway is effectively a linear park, street trees, landscaping and signature features. 3. Obtain Council input on their strategies and approach. Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, April 7, 2014 Page 4 of 10 Ms. Grigsby stated that this starts the discussion by providing background information on what we are looking at, knowing that we have roadways that within the next few months will be prepared for construction. The final design will be completed this year on the Riverside Drive realignment. Mr. Keenan stated that this discussion sets the stage for the Library discussion. Ms. Grigsby responded it will pertain to everything that gets developed within the BSC district. Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher stated that, personally, she believes the paint striping option should be eliminated. Wherever we have used that, it has been a disaster. Our weather seems to be getting worse, rather than better. She prefers the brick or stone option to provide the same information. Mr. Keenan stated that Dublin is very diligent about snow removal, which could have an impact on brick pavers. Ms. Grigsby responded that when we have looked at ongoing maintenance, that issue has come up, for instance when we looked at the Ballantrae intersection treatments. Ms. Salay inquired what has been the experience with Ballantrae. Ms. Grigsby responded that she believes there are none at this time. Initially, there were some issues which stemmed from the need to become familiar with the different pavement type. In one area, some changes needed to be made in the base. The snowplow drivers would prefer to have smooth asphalt, but there are no real problems with the pavers. Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher stated that the brick in German Village was laid a long time ago. Today, there are much better products and installation procedures, so she is not concerned about the use of pavers. It is important to utilize contractors that are highly experienced in the use of this material. Ms. Grigsby responded that at one point, we attempted the use of bomanite, but we have returned to the use of brick because it performs much better. Although bomanite was less expensive up front, it is more expensive in the long run. Mr. Reiner stated that he likes the east -west orientation that will draw people to the river corridor. The design elements will point people in that direction. He is looking forward to seeing additional ideas. • Library Project Update Ms. Grigsby stated that representatives from the Columbus Metropolitan Library are present to provide information on what their Dublin branch site relocation process has been to date, site selection criteria, and the status of their process. Roger Sugarman, President, Columbus Metropolitan Library Board of Trustees stated that also present tonight are Pat Losinski, Chief Executive Director and Alison Circle, Chief Customer Experience Officer. Pizutti is their only representative, and Jim Russell and Don Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, April 7, 2014 Page 5 of 10 Wheat are here from Pizutti. NBBJ is the architect selected for the Dublin project, and here from NBBJ are A.J. Montero and Kim Way. Mr. Sugarman reviewed the sites of the ten library buildings included in their 2020 Plan, and ambitious $120 million building project, which will transform those ten buildings. We believe the communities will benefit from the libraries of the future, so we call this an aspirational building project. Their top priority is the young minds throughout our communities, and the physical locations and buildings will be tailored to young minds. He reviewed the anticipated project schedule. The Whitehall library building will open the fourth quarter of 2014. Presently, the new Dublin library building is anticipated to open the second quarter of 2016. $100 million in public library fund notes were sold as bonds a year and a half ago. As a public institution, we are required to spend down the money from the sale of those bonds in a timely fashion up through December 2017. IRS regulations allow the holders of those bonds to become tax exempt. We are trying to comply with the bonds spend -down requirements. The reason we sold the bonds at that time was that construction costs and the interest rates were very favorable. If we delay the project, over time our costs will increase, so it is preferable to begin the project as early as possible. Pat Losinski, CEO, Columbus Metropolitan Library Board of Trustees stated that in addition to the main library campus in downtown Columbus, there are 20 branch locations throughout Franklin County. We are also part of an online consortium with 14 additional libraries, so in total, there are 39 buildings that are accessible with collections. There are daily deliveries Monday through Saturday to all those locations. The Dublin school district is one of ten school districts that we serve County -wide. Replacing the Dublin library building dates back to 2008. In November 2011, a visioning workshop was held with the City of Dublin, OCLC representatives and the president of Columbus State. There were a series of pre site selection meetings with City staff throughout 2012, and the City participated with the Library in two efforts for architect selection. N BBJ was selected in round two. That was followed by a project kick -off meeting with City administration. The new building will provide specific programs, including drive - through book drop and pick up window. They are pursuing a Gold Leed certification on the building, which will be used for educational purposes. Many more meeting and study rooms will be provided by the new building. [review of branch programs and collaboration of civic space continued.] A couple of factors are important in considering site analysis. The various branch buildings all were in concert. The Northwest Library on Hard Road is actually a shared facility where Worthington and Columbus library districts each contribute one -half of the annual operating funds. This library is not part of the levy taxing authority for the Columbus Metropolitan Library. He reviewed the traffic patterns for the Dublin library usage. The present Dublin library building was built 34 years ago and expanded in 1990 on 3.6 acres — a 20,000 square feet building with 119 parking spaces. The future proposed building will double the existing space to 42,500 square feet and more than 200 parking spaces and a total project budget of $18.2 million. There are five particular areas of site criteria being considered. A.J. Montero, lead architect, NBBJ presented an overview of the major evaluation considerations and how those are applied to the current site. From a location perspective, this library building is at the heart of the growing urban core. It is a good size site. It is good for the Library and good for possible co- location or collaboration with other groups. It has sufficient Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, April 7, 2014 Page 6 of 10 room for parking and there is enough open space that it is possible to do something more than just put a building on the site, lending itself to the civic aspects of the community. The site is adequately served with utilities. From a cost perspective, the Library owns the site, so there would be no acquisition costs and no unknown costs in regard to development of the site. Those are all positive factors. From a site - planning perspective, the Library and its connection to the Veterans Park has always been an amenity that is cherished by Dublin residents and library patrons. It is part of the adjacent the growing Historic District and a Dublin Schools site. It is also in a key location with a view of the planned pedestrian bridge. All of these elements make the current site very attractive from a site design and placement perspective. Tonight, they will show diagrams, not architectural design — that will be coming. The existing Library building was designed over 30 years ago. At that time, urban design was not a consideration for its design or for the District. This building is essentially a suburban solution — a building surrounded by greenspace, and it has served its purpose very well. As we grow into a new district, however, there is an opportunity to re- evaluate and understand how the Library can support an urban district; define the edges of North High and North Street; to develop an opportunity for an iconic character on an important corner; and to become a gateway building to the District. Moving the Library building to the corner will enhance its visibility, will improve understanding of the definition of the streets, and support the walkability of sidewalks. Council recently approved the revised Thoroughfare Plan, which includes a new east -west road from Post Road to High Street — Rock Cress Drive. This has presented a challenge, because it runs through the existing site and cuts off some property. It reduces the development area for the new Library. To make it work, they are now looking at a two -story Library building. That is a height more in common with the other development occurring within the District. Unfortunately, there will be only half the parking that existed on the site, and they are looking at opportunities to accommodate that deficit in parking. One way to do that is to create a one -level parking deck on the backside over a surface lot, which would increase the amount of parking but not prevent us from having a book drop. The parking deck could be entered on one side at grade or at a lower level from North Street — no ramps would be necessary. Council Questions Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher stated that she is curious what would be included in the new Library building. When Council began this discussion six years ago, we visualized a more comprehensive educational, cultural building. What will be included in the 42,000 square feet? Mr. Losinski responded that the 42,000 square feet is specifically Library space. It would have required additional add -ons to the building to provide civic opportunities with partners who would help fund those add -ons. The Library space will include some space that will be used by others, such as the meeting room and learning spaces. We did not program this building beyond the basic uses of the Library. Alison Circle presented detail about Library programming. As Mr. Losinski has frequently said, "Libraries used to be built for collections; now they're built for connections." We are building spaces for people to gather to read, convene and collaborate, either in a small meeting room or a large room that can be used by a civic organization. The Library has significantly expanded the number of meeting rooms in all our locations. We see our role as a center Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, April 7, 2014 Page 7 of 10 square for communities — a place where people can meet in a space that is free and accessible. We are open to other possibilities. The possibility that came about with Columbus State was a perfect merger of their need with the people we serve. We are involved in work with youth. Every day, we have a new concept to improve that work. The Library will provide ways for people to connect. She also manages the Library's public art component. Historically, all Library renovations have included a public art component. Mr. Reiner stated that one attractive element of the Upper Arlington library is its common space with over - stuffed chairs where people can stop by and read. Will that be included in this plan? Ms. Circle responded that it is part of the plan -- we can never have enough of that type of space for people. The new Thompson Library at Ohio State was revised to include a great reading room space. Mr. Losinski stated that the programming and the bidding process for the new Whitehall branch has been completed. The quiet reading room will have a fireplace. The intent is to create a community hearth, where people can gather. Libraries are community gathering spaces. People like to gather in the company of others to engage in solo pursuits. They are also looking at creative furniture options that will appeal to the youngest Library users and teens. The Library now has recording studios. The MacArthur Foundation has given the Library grants to develop that type of activity. Those options will be considered for the Dublin Library, as well. Mr. Reiner stated that he likes the parking deck idea. The City has a parking area across the street from the Library. At one time, an opportunity existed for a learning component with Columbus State. That structure would have utilized much of the site, so a parking deck was considered. Because the City will be cutting a road through the Library site, maybe a parking deck could be constructed on the City's site. Could the parking deck be connected to the second floor of the new Library building to provide easy access? Mr. Losinski responded that at this time, discussion is still in the conceptual stage, trying to understand capacity. He asked Mr. Monterro to respond. Mr. Monterro responded that a second level connection is possible. Mr. Lecklider stated that he appreciates the Library's focus on the community's youth. Dublin's demographics are changing somewhat. What is envisioned with the Dublin Library? He would anticipate increasing usage by the older generation. Mr. Losinski responded that adult users are a critical segment that makes up more of the population. It is important to ensure the desired materials are available and, increasingly, in a digital form. The entire Library system circulates approximately 15 million items per year. Library customers have been able to download a -books from the Library's website for the last 8 -9 years at no charge — that count is approximately 750,000. The intent of their strategy, MyLibrary, is to provide a next generation library that works for the user. In the past, the Library had a common denominator — the Library set the policies and the structure, and users needed to abide by the way the Library provided their service. Today, they are working with teens and adults to define how Library service should be delivered. The Library needs to be sufficiently adaptable and flexible to deliver that service. There are seniors who are retired and Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, April 7, 2014 Page 8 of 10 traveling and only want e- books, and there are people in their 30s who stare at a computer screen all day and want a book at the end of the day. Because the Library will be in its various spaces for some time, the guiding principle for renovating the buildings is flexibility. We know how many books should be there in 2016, but less so, for 2026. How do we create expandable space, but is it possible the needed Library could contract, resulting in more space for civic partners. The building should be designed in such a way that it will have that capability. This week, he was in the Dublin library at 2:00 p.m., and it was full of adults, many of whom were tapping into the Library's wireless connection. That is a significant resource provided by the Library, as well as a destination place for people traveling through the community on business, who utilize Library resources. Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher stated that at one time, the City was interested in exploring opportunities for the Dublin Arts Council to partner in a new Library facility. If the Library is confined to this location, that does not seem likely, unless another level were to be added. Ms. Losinski responded that he would defer to the architect on this issue, but he believes that some of the 42,000 square feet was not used by the Library. One of the other options could be an additional level, but there could be other options; this has not been fully vetted. Mr. Reiner stated that having an art exhibit could be an interesting draw for the Library. Mayor Keenan stated that partnerships have been mentioned, such as Columbus State or the Arts Council. Has the Library engaged in partnerships at any of their other branches? If so, how did the model work? Mr. Losinski responded that they are presently designing that model. Columbus State will be co- branded in the new Library facility. The meeting rooms will have the Columbus State logo, as they will be providing courses in those two buildings, which are currently under construction — at Driving Park and Whitehall. They are very open to aligning with partnerships with other agencies. Most of their partnership focuses have been around education, but they are not limited only to education. Mayor Keenan stated that if the parking deck was half below grade and two decks above grade, they could have two and a half levels of parking, utilizing a partnership. Would this work? Parking is very important to the City down in that area of the District. Has staff discussed this? How does it work or is it possible? Mr. Foegler responded that the next step of capacity design will explore these types of options further. How could parking be handled? How much square footage and of what types would support the programs? Mr. Reiner stated that he realizes the Library parking area takes much of the City's overflow parking in the evenings. That probably causes them some concerns, but it has really helped the City with the parking issue. The downtown area has become more active. Mr. Losinski noted that they view what they have provided to Council tonight as a point of departure. It is not the plan. This reflects the initial capacity studies we have conducted. It is being presented to Council for the first time, but we have not had much time to discuss it with Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, April 7, 2014 Page 9 of 10 the administration. All the questions Council is asking tonight are important, as we engage in discussions about the possibilities. Ms. Salay stated that the Library needs the 42,000 square feet and two levels of parking for its needs. Anything above and beyond that could potentially be used by other partnerships. That is what Dublin does best, and it seems that the Library is accustomed to using partnerships in its other locations. Council probably has several ideas about parking solutions and partnerships, which would provide the Library all the parking it needs and meet additional needs. The Library has indicated previously that it has a group that works on funding, and a recent community survey indicates the interests of its residents in contributing to this building. The community will be very supportive of his ideas; in fact, he may be able to dream bigger. It becomes exciting when we begin to talk about collaboration. Mayor Keenan stated that earlier this evening, we heard that the outcome of public and private partnerships are the most successful when the line between the two are blurred. Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher stated that she would encourage everyone to think really big. With OU coming Dublin, they will be bring a very exciting education and cultural venue to the City. Now, we may want to think much bigger than our original intent three years ago about how that facility could interface with what the Library and Dublin Arts Council offer in cultural engagement. Can we create a sense of place for the community that would benefit everyone? While there is a limit to financial resources, it really shouldn't limit our vision for the community or this relationship with the Library and others. In addition to whatever the government's interests might be, there are community members who are interested in contributing and perhaps have their names preserved on a plaque. Earlier, at OCLC, he showed Council photographs of some incredible libraries, which were very expensive. However, they made Council think about the opportunities for this building. Council is interested in creating an interaction between the structure of the building and its location. Mr. Losinski responded that is a good invitation, and we are open to it. Where Council could be helpful is by indicating to Michael Blackwell who those parties are who might be interested in sitting down at the table with them quickly. We will need Council's help in identifying some of those opportunities. Ms. Grigsby stated that we have had conversations with the Dublin Arts Council, and they have an interest. We have also had conversations with representatives from OU, and we will be meeting at OU in the next couple of weeks to discuss whether there are opportunities for collaboration on this project. They have expressed some interest in some type of arts facility, and we mentioned the possibility of the Library. Mayor Keenan stated it is clear as we talk about all these potential opportunities, that it could be difficult to place that footprint on the existing site. There are alternatives nearby that could work, and that is a task we will try to undertake. He asks everyone to have an open mind as Council as we explore the opportunities and needs in terms of footprint space. Dublin City Council Work Session Monday, April 7, 2014 Page 10 of 10 Ms. Salay stated that the Library also shared that they want to open in the second quarter of 2016, which is two years from now — that is a very tight timeline. We would need to move very quickly. Mr. Montero stated that one assumption that he believes Council is making that he is not certain the Library has decided yet is whether it is surface parking or structure parking, it doesn't necessarily have to be on the Library site. We could look at collaborative ways of finding another place to park and give more opportunities for a larger building on this site. Nothing is off the table. They are asking for ideas and recommendations from Council as to options that could work to fulfill some of dreams you've pointed out. Mr. Reiner stated in response to his suggestion, the City does own the land immediately to the south of the Library site, which could be connected to the Library parking area via a bridge. If sufficient funds were to be interjected, the land is already available for parking. He believes Council would be open to that consideration, because we have been discussing parking issues in this district for a long time. Mayor Keenan moved to adjourn to executive session at 8:11 p.m. to discuss land acquisition matters. Mr. Gerber seconded the motion. Vote on the motion: Ms. Chinnici - Zuercher, yes; Mayor Keenan, yes; Ms. Salay, yes; Mr. Peterson, yes; Mr. Lecklider, yes, Vice Mayor Gerber, yes; Mr. Reiner, yes. Clerk of Council