Amy W's projects
Recent Activity
Supported a comment by Diane Plastino Graves on
Main Library Campus
1 year, 10 months ago
Supported a comment by April LOrange on
Main Library Campus
1 year, 10 months ago
April LOrange
We aren't complaining about *a* new library. We're complaining about *this particular design*. What is functional in Salt Lake City won't be here, due to differences in climate and orientation. What's beautiful in Salt Lake City, where they've built quite a bit from pale stone, sticks out like a store thumb in an area made of red brick. Accept that we aren't anti-LIBRARY. Meet us halfway, and let's talk about how to meet the needs of our community at large, not the able-bodied folks who drive to Salt Lake City in particular.
We aren't complaining about *a* new library. We're complaining about *this particular design*. What is functional in Salt Lake City won't be here, due to differences in climate and orientation. What's beautiful in Salt Lake City, where they've built quite a bit from pale stone, sticks out like a store thumb in an area made of red brick. Accept that we aren't anti-LIBRARY. Meet us halfway, and let's talk about how to meet the needs of our community at large, not the able-bodied folks who drive to Salt Lake City in particular.
Supported a comment by E.B. Schofield on
Main Library Campus
1 year, 10 months ago
E.B. Schofield
Complaints versus serious concerns and unanswered questions regarding the true costs and the impact on all taxpayers are two different issues. Although supporters of this project state there are no new taxes, that does not mean your existing taxes will not be increased to cover this very long-term debt, including an as yet unkown amount of transaction fees and interest for the Lease Financing component.
Complaints versus serious concerns and unanswered questions regarding the true costs and the impact on all taxpayers are two different issues. Although supporters of this project state there are no new taxes, that does not mean your existing taxes will not be increased to cover this very long-term debt, including an as yet unkown amount of transaction fees and interest for the Lease Financing component.
Supported a comment by Johnie Thompson on
Main Library Campus
2 years ago
Johnie Thompson
How about the city that had the wisdom to let a long-term lease to Biomat for the adjacent building when the library expansion was in future plans (something amells of fish here) admit their error, set down and talk to their tenant about providing them with another location and expand the existing LIBARY! building to the west? I'm expecting one of your glib, weak "PR" excuses to this; please include credible costs estimates for this as opposed to the current "plan". I am sure Mr. Bertram would be much interested in this also. Thank you for your prompt reply.
How about the city that had the wisdom to let a long-term lease to Biomat for the adjacent building when the library expansion was in future plans (something amells of fish here) admit their error, set down and talk to their tenant about providing them with another location and expand the existing LIBARY! building to the west? I'm expecting one of your glib, weak "PR" excuses to this; please include credible costs estimates for this as opposed to the current "plan". I am sure Mr. Bertram would be much interested in this also. Thank you for your prompt reply.
Supported a comment by Pamela B. on
Main Library Campus
2 years ago
Pamela B.
Boise isn't just downtown. We need libraries in West Boise. Where is the outreach for the other Boise residents?
Boise isn't just downtown. We need libraries in West Boise. Where is the outreach for the other Boise residents?
Supported a comment by April LOrange on
Main Library Campus
2 years, 1 month ago
April LOrange
I agree with M. Thomas about the city reading all the comments. I'm still waiting for a single reply to any of the points I've raised. They only reply when they have a pat answer they feel makes them look good. Real "additional comments and questions" are ignored.
I agree with M. Thomas about the city reading all the comments. I'm still waiting for a single reply to any of the points I've raised. They only reply when they have a pat answer they feel makes them look good. Real "additional comments and questions" are ignored.
Supported a comment by Christine King on
Main Library Campus
2 years, 1 month ago
Christine King
If the city had been concerned about "balancing the needs of . . . the greater community good", we would have been presented with options BEFORE this plan had been unveiled. The city would have known costs to relocate the cabin in order to still be used by The Cabin would be closer to twice the amount the city originally pitched. You are correct that this proposal is out of balance--it is all about glossy magazines touting Boise as the nation's convention destination and Bieter's ego. Exactly why the baseball stadium was originally planned so close to downtown rather than the more manageable location now being considered.
If the city had been concerned about "balancing the needs of . . . the greater community good", we would have been presented with options BEFORE this plan had been unveiled. The city would have known costs to relocate the cabin in order to still be used by The Cabin would be closer to twice the amount the city originally pitched. You are correct that this proposal is out of balance--it is all about glossy magazines touting Boise as the nation's convention destination and Bieter's ego. Exactly why the baseball stadium was originally planned so close to downtown rather than the more manageable location now being considered.
Supported a comment by M. Thomas on
Main Library Campus
2 years, 1 month ago
M. Thomas
Well said! If city leaders were truly invested in maintaining the Cabin's historic designation, there would be no talk of relocating or even encroaching on the Cabin's current space. This entire library campus proposal is out of balance.
Well said! If city leaders were truly invested in maintaining the Cabin's historic designation, there would be no talk of relocating or even encroaching on the Cabin's current space. This entire library campus proposal is out of balance.
Supported a comment by Alex Jones on
Main Library Campus
2 years, 1 month ago
Alex Jones
Of course the Cabin is at risk! The Cabin belongs to the people of Boise...not the literary society that has made the building home for 20+ years... Stop whitewashing this issue. The Cabin needs to stay where it is and the new library design needs to accommodate the historic and VERY local significance of that structure. City of Boise seems committed to the avarice and ambition of developers and their "monetization of things" above any true desire to preserve and protect what has made this city viable. It was the warring factions in past Boise politics that made the downtown a "ghost town" and we are seeing this play out again... the library design is overbearing and the fantasy of Kevin Booer and David Bieter. Lets get some perspective and recognize that the populace is "woke."
Of course the Cabin is at risk! The Cabin belongs to the people of Boise...not the literary society that has made the building home for 20+ years... Stop whitewashing this issue. The Cabin needs to stay where it is and the new library design needs to accommodate the historic and VERY local significance of that structure. City of Boise seems committed to the avarice and ambition of developers and their "monetization of things" above any true desire to preserve and protect what has made this city viable. It was the warring factions in past Boise politics that made the downtown a "ghost town" and we are seeing this play out again... the library design is overbearing and the fantasy of Kevin Booer and David Bieter. Lets get some perspective and recognize that the populace is "woke."
Supported a comment by Ranelle Nabring on
Main Library Campus
2 years, 1 month ago
Ranelle Nabring
Wow, I did not realize that The Cabin had recently undergone ADA upgrades. That's not something to overlook! I really think the design undermines a piece of history and overlooks what many Boiseans hold to be dear about our downtown core. Urban Renewal all over again! Save this jewel and piece of our history!
Wow, I did not realize that The Cabin had recently undergone ADA upgrades. That's not something to overlook! I really think the design undermines a piece of history and overlooks what many Boiseans hold to be dear about our downtown core. Urban Renewal all over again! Save this jewel and piece of our history!
Supported a comment by Christine King on
Main Library Campus
2 years, 2 months ago
Christine King
When you write you are in favor of moving The Cabin, you mention students would maintain access, but I have not read any commitment from the city the intention to relocate the cabin as The Cabin, that will be very expensive. The official comment here is quite vague.
When you write you are in favor of moving The Cabin, you mention students would maintain access, but I have not read any commitment from the city the intention to relocate the cabin as The Cabin, that will be very expensive. The official comment here is quite vague.
Supported a comment by Diane Plastino Graves on
Main Library Campus
2 years, 2 months ago
Diane Plastino Graves
What the cabin is and where it is is the same thing. It is not an issue of moving the nonprofit The Cabin. But moving the cabin building itself, which was built by the CCC on that spot in 1939., would be a tragedy. It would be like moving the Boise Depot to west Boise, or the Statue of Liberty to New Jersey. It is at home in that spot, and has been for 7 decades. We need these special places to remain untouched, so that Boise has representations of all its history, intact. https://www.idahostatesman.com/opinion/readers-opinion/article214439969.html
What the cabin is and where it is is the same thing. It is not an issue of moving the nonprofit The Cabin. But moving the cabin building itself, which was built by the CCC on that spot in 1939., would be a tragedy. It would be like moving the Boise Depot to west Boise, or the Statue of Liberty to New Jersey. It is at home in that spot, and has been for 7 decades. We need these special places to remain untouched, so that Boise has representations of all its history, intact. https://www.idahostatesman.com/opinion/readers-opinion/article214439969.html
Supported a comment by bonnie zimmerman on
Main Library Campus
2 years, 2 months ago
bonnie zimmerman
How many of the in favor of boise spending millions of dollars to highlight boise downtown will ever go to the new library. I live downtown boise. I will go to the library a couple of times a month. My friends and family do not like to come downtown and pay for parking. People from out of town may visit once. We have a library, a history museum, an art gallery, and many locations for conferences. Boise is already a beautiful place, we don’t need someone else’s idea of what we need and what they think is glamorous.we definitely don’t need multiple years of construction ruining the best part of boise, the green belt. What will it look like in a couple of years when we run out of money. It is already too expensive to live in boise,
How many of the in favor of boise spending millions of dollars to highlight boise downtown will ever go to the new library. I live downtown boise. I will go to the library a couple of times a month. My friends and family do not like to come downtown and pay for parking. People from out of town may visit once. We have a library, a history museum, an art gallery, and many locations for conferences. Boise is already a beautiful place, we don’t need someone else’s idea of what we need and what they think is glamorous.we definitely don’t need multiple years of construction ruining the best part of boise, the green belt. What will it look like in a couple of years when we run out of money. It is already too expensive to live in boise,
Commented on Main Library Campus
2 years, 2 months ago
Agreed, well said. Today is the city council meeting, and their is a petition on change.org
Commented on Main Library Campus
2 years, 6 months ago
We should not be so adamate about creating “new space”, we should focus on enhancement, restoration, and enabling. We have a historic theatre downtown, we have a performing arts center downtown, we have meeting spaces downtown. Let’s focus on adult learning, literacy, creative writing (keep the Cabin), GED completion, and community volunteer options. How are we providing space for the hearing impaired (classes? Signs?), what about the mobility challenged (why can’t employees travel from floor to floor?), and then there are many who visit and move here from other countries and other states. Where is the Idaho showcase of talent? Where is the transition for transplants who speak other languages?
Commented on Main Library Campus
2 years, 6 months ago
No
Commented on Main Library Campus
2 years, 6 months ago
The footprint is massive comparing to the buildings around it. Talk to any meteorologist and they will remind you that for every bit of concrete and asphalt you add next to a river, you change the micro climate by a few degrees. The size of the building should be considered a weather changer. Birds and fish are the larger species we think of, but so much more is going to be altered by such an enormous building.
Commented on Main Library Campus
2 years, 6 months ago
I would use a different branch location.
Commented on Main Library Campus
2 years, 6 months ago
I would go less because parking and walking during the winter, crossing a street, is just poor planning.
I still can’t see where the bus stops are.
Commented on Main Library Campus
2 years, 6 months ago
The Mayor and City Council need to stop focusing on what “legacy” they will leave. We lost the beautiful flags in front of City Hall for some odd modern art of trees that we have down at the river. Let’s not get so lost in making a name for a political office, that we miss what the true needs are: multi-level parking, mature trees, better paid security to handle homeless and loitering, historic buildings to stay at original historic sites (The Cabin), pedestrian friendly (longer crossing time), and better selection of books. I always pick up extra books due to hands on browsing -but our downtown location has such odd organization and such huge empty spaces between sections, that it doesn’t invite me to browse.
Commented on Main Library Campus
2 years, 6 months ago
No
Supported a comment by M. Thomas on
Main Library Campus
2 years, 6 months ago
M. Thomas
The current library is a piece of Warehouse District history, even though it falls outside of the protection of the Historic Warehouse / South 8th Street Historic District, and as such it would be terrible to see it demolished. If a new central library is needed, why not closer to the Mall area where it would be more central for Boise residents, and the downtown library could become a branch library? Or just more branch libraries throughout the city? I really like your idea of the Armory for Arts & History and event space. Then the Fort Boise Community Center could be updated and that area would serve as a community gathering space.
The current library is a piece of Warehouse District history, even though it falls outside of the protection of the Historic Warehouse / South 8th Street Historic District, and as such it would be terrible to see it demolished. If a new central library is needed, why not closer to the Mall area where it would be more central for Boise residents, and the downtown library could become a branch library? Or just more branch libraries throughout the city? I really like your idea of the Armory for Arts & History and event space. Then the Fort Boise Community Center could be updated and that area would serve as a community gathering space.
Supported a comment by R Lange on
Main Library Campus
2 years, 6 months ago
R Lange
Scott has a really great alternative location idea!
Scott has a really great alternative location idea!
Supported a comment by scott tagg on
Main Library Campus
2 years, 6 months ago
scott tagg
I like the overall design of the building, but not the location. The city has better options. Demolish the current library and replace with parking garage and first floor retail. Build the new library at the western gateway into the city, at whitewater and Fairview (Local Construct project, which would have parking garage and apartments). Arts and History and event venue space should move to the Boise Armory, as it has space and ample parking. Include a City of Boise museum at the Armory. Again the design is great, but not that location. We can do better!
I like the overall design of the building, but not the location. The city has better options. Demolish the current library and replace with parking garage and first floor retail. Build the new library at the western gateway into the city, at whitewater and Fairview (Local Construct project, which would have parking garage and apartments). Arts and History and event venue space should move to the Boise Armory, as it has space and ample parking. Include a City of Boise museum at the Armory. Again the design is great, but not that location. We can do better!
Commented on Main Library Campus
2 years, 6 months ago
After a major operation I loved the curbside pickup option, it saved me from boredom at home, and navigating the entrance and parking lot. Recently, I was visiting the downtown Seattle branch and it was loud and crazy in the “lounge areas”
Supported a comment by Maria Kauffman on
Main Library Campus
2 years, 6 months ago
Maria Kauffman
This structure is beautiful but It seems firm has won out over function.I’ve taken my 5.5yo to the library every week since she was an infant. I also recently had knee surgery and have a new awareness of how hard simple errands have become. Reducing onsite parking by 75% and moving parking further away from the library reduces the convenience of the library dramatically and I feel would deter many people from using the main library. I also don’t understand the emphasis on the arts and culture areas. Adding a theater will compound the parking issue. I agree that art should be incorporated into the library, but is a gallery the best use of space when BAM is across the street? Is a theater necessary when JUMP is right around the corner? One of the best features of the main library is the drive through book drop. Will this feature be retained? If you eliminate it are you considering city wide drop of points? I am perplexed the designer simply ignored The Cabin and didn’t incorporate it into the design. Is it necessary to have a large lounging area around the library and on the roof? It feels like overkill and an egregious waste of potential parking and makes it harder for people with disabilities to reach the door. I love that Boise is becoming more cosmopolitan and an upgraded library is overdue. But this library feels unnecessarily extravagant and loses the main function in all the excess.
This structure is beautiful but It seems firm has won out over function.I’ve taken my 5.5yo to the library every week since she was an infant. I also recently had knee surgery and have a new awareness of how hard simple errands have become. Reducing onsite parking by 75% and moving parking further away from the library reduces the convenience of the library dramatically and I feel would deter many people from using the main library. I also don’t understand the emphasis on the arts and culture areas. Adding a theater will compound the parking issue. I agree that art should be incorporated into the library, but is a gallery the best use of space when BAM is across the street? Is a theater necessary when JUMP is right around the corner? One of the best features of the main library is the drive through book drop. Will this feature be retained? If you eliminate it are you considering city wide drop of points? I am perplexed the designer simply ignored The Cabin and didn’t incorporate it into the design. Is it necessary to have a large lounging area around the library and on the roof? It feels like overkill and an egregious waste of potential parking and makes it harder for people with disabilities to reach the door. I love that Boise is becoming more cosmopolitan and an upgraded library is overdue. But this library feels unnecessarily extravagant and loses the main function in all the excess.
Supported a comment by Brooke O. on
Main Library Campus
2 years, 6 months ago
Brooke O.
too flashy and does not compliment the environment or other buildings nearby.
too flashy and does not compliment the environment or other buildings nearby.
Supported a comment by Brooke O. on
Main Library Campus
2 years, 6 months ago
Brooke O.
more shade, more trees, less windows/reflection and a more thoughtful timeless design
more shade, more trees, less windows/reflection and a more thoughtful timeless design
Supported a comment by Alex Takasugi on
Main Library Campus
2 years, 6 months ago
Alex Takasugi
I would like to see thought and effort put into preventing bird collisions with all the glass window space. The American Bird Conservancy has ideas here: https://abcbirds.org/program/glass-collisions/learn-more/ Check out the "Resources for Architects, Planners and Develpers" section.
I would like to see thought and effort put into preventing bird collisions with all the glass window space. The American Bird Conservancy has ideas here: https://abcbirds.org/program/glass-collisions/learn-more/ Check out the "Resources for Architects, Planners and Develpers" section.
Supported a comment by Kathy Crowley on
Main Library Campus
2 years, 6 months ago
Kathy Crowley
Once again, I want to reiterate the need to protect the birds especially since the project is adjacent to our most valuable natural resource, the Boise River! The river is a sanctuary for a multitude of species. We need to be cognizant of the importance of maintaining habitat while meeting the needs of the community. Our song birds are declining in number. Let's protect them as well as our birds of prey and others.
Once again, I want to reiterate the need to protect the birds especially since the project is adjacent to our most valuable natural resource, the Boise River! The river is a sanctuary for a multitude of species. We need to be cognizant of the importance of maintaining habitat while meeting the needs of the community. Our song birds are declining in number. Let's protect them as well as our birds of prey and others.
Supported a comment by Chryssa Rich on
Main Library Campus
2 years, 6 months ago
Chryssa Rich
No, I think the wall of windows will kill too many birds.
No, I think the wall of windows will kill too many birds.
Supported a comment by Carole Whiteleather on
Main Library Campus
2 years, 6 months ago
Carole Whiteleather
Forgot to explain my reasons regarding The Cabin. As the former Director of Education for The Cabin, I must stress the importance of the location for one of the most dynamic programs, Summer Writing Camps. Students need the access to nature, the museums, zoo and downtown for the various writing assignments and camps in which they participate. When we re-designed the camps from a small three week window to a full summer of offerings, many more students have enjoyed this opportunity. Moving The Cabin could be detrimental to this wonderful experience for kids. Thank you for your consideration of my comments.
Forgot to explain my reasons regarding The Cabin. As the former Director of Education for The Cabin, I must stress the importance of the location for one of the most dynamic programs, Summer Writing Camps. Students need the access to nature, the museums, zoo and downtown for the various writing assignments and camps in which they participate. When we re-designed the camps from a small three week window to a full summer of offerings, many more students have enjoyed this opportunity. Moving The Cabin could be detrimental to this wonderful experience for kids. Thank you for your consideration of my comments.
Supported a comment by Kevin Brandt on
Main Library Campus
2 years, 6 months ago
Kevin Brandt
There is no information about parking, none is shown in the drawings and the in the paper it has been stated that underground parking is cost prohibitive. There is extremely limited off-site parking in this area. I'm concerned that vanity and design has taken first place over function.
There is no information about parking, none is shown in the drawings and the in the paper it has been stated that underground parking is cost prohibitive. There is extremely limited off-site parking in this area. I'm concerned that vanity and design has taken first place over function.
Supported a comment by Theresa M on
Main Library Campus
2 years, 6 months ago
Theresa M
It is too big. Do NOT move The Cabin. That is an important and living part of the City’s history and fabric.
It is too big. Do NOT move The Cabin. That is an important and living part of the City’s history and fabric.
Supported a comment by M. Thomas on
Main Library Campus
2 years, 6 months ago
M. Thomas
I would like to see a detailed breakdown of the $85 million proposed budget including how much has already been spent on the project; costs of renovation versus demolition; full disclosure of the architectural services selection process including financials; and transparent and complete breakdown of funding (including clarification of the $46.8 million from Tax Support and $22.2 million from Partnerships/Donations listed on p. 187 of the FY2019 City Budget). In the concept presentation to City Council in December 2017, a line item of $4.1 million for renovation of the existing warehouse was included as part of an overall proposed budget of $63.7 million that included $10.5 million for a parking garage and $10.7 million for event space & equipment. Nothing was mentioned about The Cabin at that point. How did that jump to complete demolition and an $80-85 million budget plus a separately funded parking garage?
I would like to see a detailed breakdown of the $85 million proposed budget including how much has already been spent on the project; costs of renovation versus demolition; full disclosure of the architectural services selection process including financials; and transparent and complete breakdown of funding (including clarification of the $46.8 million from Tax Support and $22.2 million from Partnerships/Donations listed on p. 187 of the FY2019 City Budget). In the concept presentation to City Council in December 2017, a line item of $4.1 million for renovation of the existing warehouse was included as part of an overall proposed budget of $63.7 million that included $10.5 million for a parking garage and $10.7 million for event space & equipment. Nothing was mentioned about The Cabin at that point. How did that jump to complete demolition and an $80-85 million budget plus a separately funded parking garage?
Supported a comment by J Crowe on
Main Library Campus
2 years, 6 months ago
J Crowe
this building is beautiful but can but can Boise/Boise citizens afford it? On top of the current projected costs, has the city considered the cost of affordable parking for citizens? Has the city considered projected maintenance/utility costs for a south facing wall of windows in our desert climate? And has the City considered the cost of moving the Cabin which is all about the history of our community?
this building is beautiful but can but can Boise/Boise citizens afford it? On top of the current projected costs, has the city considered the cost of affordable parking for citizens? Has the city considered projected maintenance/utility costs for a south facing wall of windows in our desert climate? And has the City considered the cost of moving the Cabin which is all about the history of our community?
Supported a comment by Kathy Kustra on
Main Library Campus
2 years, 6 months ago
Kathy Kustra
I'm greatly disappointed you didn't figure out a way to incorporate The Cabin in its original location into this design or campus. This new building should not forget our history.
I'm greatly disappointed you didn't figure out a way to incorporate The Cabin in its original location into this design or campus. This new building should not forget our history.
Followed Main Library Campus
2 years, 6 months ago
Commented on Main Library Campus
2 years, 6 months ago
I appreciate the idea to modernize a city library, but the reason I don’t currently frequent the downtown library is the hassle of parking. A parking structure a block away means a safety concern crossing the street. Why not have multi tier parking where the current spaces are. Also don’t forget that Boise City code calls for one mature tree to be planted for every single mature tree that you tear down for any construction. Shade is imperative for Boise, having a huge glass building that reflects a glare for people and humans is not conducive to a welcoming environment. Before the City Leaders decided to accelerate growth, we repaired and thoughtfully planned ahead. This seems rushed and like the rest of major projects proposed to be developed: too much like Seattle or LA and not enough like Boise.
And it is important to note that the Salt Lake City and Seattle libraries, often touted as similar to Boise's plan, both received a bond levy vote from the citizens, which has been denied to date by our City Hall. By my count, this and the stadium will be the largest taxpayer-funded projects in the City of Boise' history. If we vote for fire stations, foothills preservation, and school bonds, we deserve the right to vote on these extremely large projects.