Posted by: Jerrie Johnson - May 23, 2008 02:40 PM

I would like to express my support for the proposed library site at 8226 N. Denver (Osbeck site). As the owner of two businesses on Denver I see the need to bring people into the interior of downtown Kenton to help in the revitalization efforts.

1. Osbeck site brings people into downtown Kenton while the Trimet site leaves folks on the periphery of Kenton.

2. Parking at Osbeck site would be for library users only while parking at Trimet would be shared with all businesses and inhabitants of that complex.

3. Osbeck site would allow for earlier opening of library due to less construction timeframe involved. Would result in earlier access of neighborhood to new library.

4. Currently public transportation would be more convenient for Osbeck site, i.e. #8bus at front door and #4 bus 1 block away. Max would be about equal in distance for both sites.

5. Walking access to the Trimet site appears to be more hazardous. Even if Argyle is revamped, the street congestion and configuration will in my opinion be less walker friendly. I would definitely think twice about letting my grandchildren walk on their own to the Trimet site.

Jerrie Johnson

Posted by: Echo Leighton - May 23, 2008 04:44 PM

The Kenton Business Association is thrilled that the new library will be located within our neighborhood!

We would like to formally encourage use of the 8226 N Denver site for the new location.

It has been the goal of the KBA to strengthen the business vitality of Kenton. Having the library placed more centrally will greatly increase the visibility of the various businesses in the heart of Kenton. A library also increases the family friendliness of the community.

Accessibility to the library would be greater at the Denver location. Transportation, specifically the bus routes (#4 & #6) would bring people within half a block of the new location. Streets, especially with the Street-scape Improvements that are coming, will be safer to cross and sidewalks wider for pedestrians. MAX is equal distance to both location sites.

Why wait? We want the new library now and many people would benefit from its presence. The 8226 N Denver location is ready to make the changes necessary for the library.

Echo Leighton
KBA Chair

Posted by: Karol - May 27, 2008 08:43 AM

Thank you both for your posts. Your comments are taken and will be added to the rest as they come in. Thanks!

Posted by: Kari Jaquith - May 28, 2008 01:12 PM

I live in the Kenton area and would love to see a library on Denver. It would be great to have it open next year.

Posted by: Molly Paris - May 29, 2008 10:30 AM

I agree with Jerri Johnson. If we are going to put a new library somewhere, why not choose an area that would benifit a lot more people, not just the ones using the library, but also the businesses that pay taxes to help support the county and make our neighborhoods vital. Any opportunity the county has to help existing businesses thrive by creating foot traffic in the area is a good thing. You can do two great things with one project, have a better library and bring more people into an area that needs it.

Posted by: Jeff Cogen - May 29, 2008 02:42 PM

Thanks to all of you for sharing your input. We really value it.
Jeff