Civic Square (former Civic Auditorium)

[jomaha9]

Thanks for the clarification and article. I know the website is steel oriented, but I am sold. Let's do this project taller with CFS residential buildings. Seems like the cost of CFS versus wood is negligible or better right now. I wonder how long this surge in wood prices will last.

The article was from 2020, so we likely would see even more savings now. And my assumption is, it's going to climb for at least another year.

If I were paying for a new building, I know I would be considering CFS, as the long term costs are lower: Namely insurance.

Really, I'm surprised no one has tried to outlaw the 5 on 1. But it's benefits really make it make sense in a city like Omaha for example. Car-centric, adds density cheaply...

But I'd love it if the Omaha urban planning went to not allowing TIF for these, especially for something like a TOD development. Drop the R1 zones entirely, and on and on...

This also could impact the design. Steel prices have also gone up. https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/06/investin ... index.html

[nebport5]

H.O.C. Rant:

This entire proposal could easily be built on half the land. Instead of two 4 story apartment buildings why not one 8 story residential building with integrated parking and potential ground level retail? Also, anyone else notice the 9 story office building(which looks more like 8 in the rendering) sits on the lowest elevation of the property?

I kind of don't understand the four story residential building on the north half of the property. The roof top is going to be directly level or just above I-480, is it not? That would mean roof top amenities, if any, will have a nice view of the highway.

Yes, according to the renderings Brad posted which are supposed to be all market rate. Boy will that bring in the "talent"! Longer story shorter, there seems to be a real disconnect between the Lotus renderings and the rhetoric coming from the office of the evil queen.

“It has nothing to do with when an election is — it has everything to do with the right project at the right time with the right developer,” Stothert said. “And that’s what we have.”

Apparently it's the right time with the right developer and yet they're still looking into developing the plan(E.G. the library).

The whole project smells of a big poison apple for anyone potentially voting for Neary.

[Omaha Cowboy]

“It has nothing to do with when an election is — it has everything to do with the right project at the right time with the right developer,” Stothert said. “And that’s what we have.”

Apparently it's the right time with the right developer and yet they're still looking into developing the plan(E.G. the library).

The whole project smells of a big poison apple for anyone potentially voting for Neary.

I laughed with much eye rolling sarcasm when I read that Stothert quote in the W-H. Who does she think she’s fooling? Lol.. This “announcement” has everything to do with when the election is..Jean insulted Omaha voters’ intelligence with that statement.. But sadly, I’m certain it flew right over many people’s heads. Simply stated- classic posturing by Stothert one week before the election..

In any case, I agree with your poison apple assessment of this project announcement. I doubt, seriously, it’ll ever come to fruition..

Time will tell I guess. But like I intimidated earlier, I wouldn’t hold my breath...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[ByrnesViceVersa]

I'd hate to say it but this "announcement" is dead. By this stage more renderings and advertisement would be posted. Hopefully the new Parks and developments will put more interest into this site again. It's a very huge chuck of land for a downtown. You have to be crazy to tackle this project as a development firm alone, and the one's that have done that on this site have a horrible record of getting project done. I know it takes time to put together developments like this, and especially money. But if they were putting time and money on this development, it would look and be going at a different speed. After all it was just a political move by Stothert.

[thenewguy]

I am glad she is not my mayor. Then again, almost every politician in nearly any position isn't worth their weight.

[ita]

I'd hate to say it but this "announcement" is dead. By this stage more renderings and advertisement would be posted. Hopefully the new Parks and developments will put more interest into this site again. It's a very huge chuck of land for a downtown. You have to be crazy to tackle this project as a development firm alone, and the one's that have done that on this site have a horrible record of getting project done. I know it takes time to put together developments like this, and especially money. But if they were putting time and money on this development, it would look and be going at a different speed. After all it was just a political move by Stothert.

Not that I have confidence in this project getting done as revealed, but technically it's been reported that White Lotus has until 2023 to obtain permits. As such, if this project actually progresses, we won't see additional renderings or whatever, until at least the end of 2022, at the earliest.

[ita]

https://planning.cityofomaha.org/images ... ber/07.pdf

Biggest change from what was initially announced is 20 or so for sale townhomes. Those are currently oriented on the SE corner of Chicago and 20th. I am still leery about the placement of the market rate apartments and potential height, or lack thereof. Anyway, this is only an amendment to the Downtown Northeast Redevelopment Plan to incorporate what is being proposed by White Lotus, so nothing concrete yet.

[ita]

I know I brought up my critiques of the possible move of the main library in the Do Space thread, but I am commenting here because it just occurred to me that Lincoln is doing a similar, but smaller scale, Civic Auditorium Site project. It's the Pershing Auditorium lot. White Lotus is also the developer. The big difference is that Lincoln is incorporating a new main library. Why can't we do that here at the Civic Site? It just makes sense.

I know this is probably an overreaction, but moving the main library to 72nd and Dodge and out of downtown is akin to losing on of our big downtown employers or cultural institutions to West Omaha. I think it really kills the good momentum downtown has had, a lot of it due to Heritage's own efforts with the Riverfront Revitalization Project. Whether of not it's an architecturally significant building, the main library is and will be a destination because it is the center for OPL's historical records, research, and genealogy collection. As such, it should stay put near other similar institutions like the Durham, in my opinion. The City and Heritage doesn't have to try very hard in finding a possible location for a new main library; the Civic Site is right under their noses!

[nebport5]

Agreed. Perfect spot for it.

[buildomaha]

Couldn’t agree more.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Is it the “perfect spot” though.. As opposed to moving it to 72nd and Dodge, I’d rather the library stay downtown..looking at downtown spots though, the Civic Site is okay..I wouldn't say perfect..

I’ve floated this on the forum a couple of times; and also to some commercial real estate gurus I know- I believe the perfect spot to relocate the library downtown, is along the Riverfront, right next to our world class Luminarium Science Museum.. A fantastic match in my opinion.. People tend to like my idea.. I don’t know if from the land mass property standpoint, it’s feasible however..

In any case, this would be my perfect spot…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[ita]

Is it the “perfect spot” though.. As opposed to moving it to 72nd and Dodge, I’d rather the library stay downtown..looking at downtown spots though, the Civic Site is okay..I wouldn't say perfect..

I’ve floated this on the forum a couple of times; and also to some commercial real estate gurus I know- I believe the perfect spot to relocate the library downtown, is along the Riverfront, right next to our world class Luminarium Science Museum.. A fantastic match in my opinion.. People tend to like my idea.. I don’t know if from the land mass property standpoint, it’s feasible however..

In any case, this would be my perfect spot…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

While the riverfront would be an amazing location, from a skyline and views standpoint. I lean towards the Civic site because it's already planned to have a few hundred residential units, including many affordable units, very good proximity to existing residential buildings, Central High and Creighton, several bus routes already go by, has a ton of parking near, which seems to be a major issue for employees and patrons, and quick highway access via the i-480 exit. don't get me wrong, a $100 million library on the Riverfront would be a+. I really hope moving it to 72nd and dodge, or thereabouts isn't a foregone conclusion.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Is it the “perfect spot” though.. As opposed to moving it to 72nd and Dodge, I’d rather the library stay downtown..looking at downtown spots though, the Civic Site is okay..I wouldn't say perfect..

I’ve floated this on the forum a couple of times; and also to some commercial real estate gurus I know- I believe the perfect spot to relocate the library downtown, is along the Riverfront, right next to our world class Luminarium Science Museum.. A fantastic match in my opinion.. People tend to like my idea.. I don’t know if from the land mass property standpoint, it’s feasible however..

In any case, this would be my perfect spot…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

While the riverfront would be an amazing location, from a skyline and views standpoint. I lean towards the Civic site because it's already planned to have a few hundred residential units, including many affordable units, very good proximity to existing residential buildings, Central High and Creighton, several bus routes already go by, has a ton of parking near, which seems to be a major issue for employees and patrons, and quick highway access via the i-480 exit. don't get me wrong, a $100 million library on the Riverfront would be a+. I really hope moving it to 72nd and dodge, or thereabouts isn't a foregone conclusion.

I just feel like if the plan is to keep the library downtown, it would be a natural fit to make it part of the developments spurred by the Riverfront Redevelopment Plan..I think it would be the more significant, “open” spot..and a natural fit along the Riverfront and in close proximity to the Luminarium Science Museum..

In the end, as opposed to moving it away from downtown, I’d support the library move to the civic site.. I just don’t think it’s the best spot..and it especially wouldn’t be, if plans for the Civic Site call for more lifestyle residential and retail development…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[GetUrban]

Good discussion about the importance of keeping the main library branch downtown. I’ll be bummed if it moves to the 72nd & Dodge location as a Do Space replacement or enlargement. If a new downtown location materializes, I’d lean toward the Civic site since it would be closer to other education-related entities such as Creighton and Omaha Central High (Go Eagles!) plus some new proposed residential/commercial development. The other good site, other than near the new luminarium, would be as a replacement to the mediocre waste of space on the south side of the GLM known as the Kiewit Center/State of Nebraska building at 12-13 & Farnam, which unfortunately in 1977 replaced the old 19-story 1912 Woodman of the World building which was designed by the renowned Holibard and Roche, Fisher and Laurie.

[Garrett]

Personally I think the civic site would be best as well. I think the Riverfront is a bit too hard to get to for something that should be less of a destination and more of an every day use.

[Athomsfere]

I think the river front would be the cooler spot, especially if it were architecturally interesting.

But I do think the Civic lot is the more practical, hence perfect spot. I'd love for either spot to get the library over 72nd though. I know I was the first to raise complaints here with the proposal, or at least the earliest most vocal opponent.

[ita]

For everyone wanting the main library to stay downtown, whether at the Riverfront Civic Site, or where ever, I was able to connect with Sarah Jacobson from Heritage. She is responsive. I am discussing with her my misgivings on the issue. Maybe if we get enough people to protest the potential move of the main library, we could save it from moving out of downtown to 72nd and Dodge area. Maybe it's misplaced/misguided optimism, but I really do not want the main project at 72nd and Dodge.

[Omaha Cowboy]

For everyone wanting the main library to stay downtown, whether at the Riverfront Civic Site, or where ever, I was able to connect with Sarah Jacobson from Heritage. She is responsive. I am discussing with her my misgivings on the issue. Maybe if we get enough people to protest the potential move of the main library, we could save it from moving out of downtown to 72nd and Dodge area. Maybe it's misplaced/misguided optimism, but I really do not want the main project at 72nd and Dodge.

Excellent and thank you for you efforts. Please let us know how she responds..

I think we all can agree- The Riverfront, The Civic site (wherever)- the main library should stay downtown..and also be the showcase spot for the entire Omaha library system…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Garrett]

For everyone wanting the main library to stay downtown, whether at the Riverfront Civic Site, or where ever, I was able to connect with Sarah Jacobson from Heritage. She is responsive. I am discussing with her my misgivings on the issue. Maybe if we get enough people to protest the potential move of the main library, we could save it from moving out of downtown to 72nd and Dodge area. Maybe it's misplaced/misguided optimism, but I really do not want the main project at 72nd and Dodge.

Interesting! How did you manage to get in contact? I'm having trouble even finding their website haha

[Athomsfere]

For everyone wanting the main library to stay downtown, whether at the Riverfront Civic Site, or where ever, I was able to connect with Sarah Jacobson from Heritage. She is responsive. I am discussing with her my misgivings on the issue. Maybe if we get enough people to protest the potential move of the main library, we could save it from moving out of downtown to 72nd and Dodge area. Maybe it's misplaced/misguided optimism, but I really do not want the main project at 72nd and Dodge.

Yes! Thank you! Please let us know anything we can help with if she gives some guidance here. I'll grab a sign, a petition, or a even a hammer and help build if required. I really encourage this forum to not let someone like me carry a hammer, but still...

[jjjjhskr]

For everyone wanting the main library to stay downtown, whether at the Riverfront Civic Site, or where ever, I was able to connect with Sarah Jacobson from Heritage. She is responsive. I am discussing with her my misgivings on the issue. Maybe if we get enough people to protest the potential move of the main library, we could save it from moving out of downtown to 72nd and Dodge area. Maybe it's misplaced/misguided optimism, but I really do not want the main project at 72nd and Dodge.

Sarah Jacobson or Rachel Jacobson? Rachel is always good about responding.

[ita]

For everyone wanting the main library to stay downtown, whether at the Riverfront Civic Site, or where ever, I was able to connect with Sarah Jacobson from Heritage. She is responsive. I am discussing with her my misgivings on the issue. Maybe if we get enough people to protest the potential move of the main library, we could save it from moving out of downtown to 72nd and Dodge area. Maybe it's misplaced/misguided optimism, but I really do not want the main project at 72nd and Dodge.

Sarah Jacobson or Rachel Jacobson? Rachel is always good about responding.

Yeah, sorry, Rachel. Thanks for the correction.

[nativeomahan]

Personally I think the civic site would be best as well. I think the Riverfront is a bit too hard to get to for something that should be less of a destination and more of an every day use.

I agree.

[Big E]

The curse of planned projects being “Minarded”...

Why I stumbled on this I don't know but:

https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Minard

[Louie]

The curse of planned projects being “Minarded”...

Why I stumbled on this I don't know but:

https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Minard

It kinda applies to how we use the word, I guess

[Vitruvius]

Personally I think the civic site would be best as well. I think the Riverfront is a bit too hard to get to for something that should be less of a destination and more of an every day use.

I agree.

I think the Civic site will be the location of the next skyscraper... it's best suited to that considering what is around it.
I like the idea of keeping a new main library at the head of or west end of the new park/green space.
I posted in another thread that a library can be a focal point of a downtown. I'd like to see something on this order of my mock-up which I've also posted in another thread.

[Doctor Fate]

Personally I think the civic site would be best as well. I think the Riverfront is a bit too hard to get to for something that should be less of a destination and more of an every day use.

I agree.

I think the Civic site will be the location of the next skyscraper... it's best suited to that considering what is around it.
I like the idea of keeping a new main library at the head of or west end of the new park/green space.
I posted in another thread that a library can be a focal point of a downtown. I'd like to see something on this order of my mock-up which I've also posted in another thread.

The current Civic site proposal will put a bunch of low to mid rises there.

[Vitruvius]

Personally I think the civic site would be best as well. I think the Riverfront is a bit too hard to get to for something that should be less of a destination and more of an every day use.

I agree.

I think the Civic site will be the location of the next skyscraper... it's best suited to that considering what is around it.
I like the idea of keeping a new main library at the head of or west end of the new park/green space.
I posted in another thread that a library can be a focal point of a downtown. I'd like to see something on this order of my mock-up which I've also posted in another thread.

The current Civic site proposal will put a bunch of low to mid rises there.

With 480 looming on the North of the civic parcel and the off-ramp on the West, building one, two, or even three towers would make more sense.
Towers would brings some vertical variety and density and allow the skyline to "upstage" the interstate rather than interstate 480 looming over any group of lower-rise buildings situated on the site.
1416 Dodge will also be perfect for a tower... hopefully its street level design will be more inviting than what's surrounding it.

[PotatoeEatsFish]

I actually think 72nd and Dodge is a better spot for the library. Let's face it a downtown library just will never be as valued in downtown as it would be elsewhere. Building the library on 72nd would bring in college kids from UNO, College of St Mary, as well as UNMC. It also would better serve out there as majority of people living downtown do not use the library. No one in their 300,000 condo is going to head to the library. Atleast on 72 and Dodge it's in a place it would be used by nearby residents as well as being connected to the BRT which could hopefully push ridership as this is the center of the line.

[Dundeemaha]

What a weird take. No one in their middle class priced condo is going to go to the main library? Do people with reasonably priced homes not like books?

What nearby residents at 72nd and Dodge? You can't walk there from anywhere but the North. If middle class people don't like books what about the $2-5 million dollar homes to the East? Downtown's population is set to explode (source: Omaha Cowboy and recent population trends), all of our public transit (the paltry amount that exists) is focused on getting people downtown. I'm closer to 72nd and Dodge (2 min faster drive) but 10 min faster to W Dale Clark by bus.

The only way it makes sense to put the library at 72nd and Dodge is to make it a second downtown and a nexus of public transit, which is probably a bad idea. Otherwise it's just a ploy to shift assets from the public to the wealthy via a transfer of prime real estate from the public to private developers / corporate Omaha.

[nebport5]

I actually think 72nd and Dodge is a better spot for the library. Let's face it a downtown library just will never be as valued in downtown as it would be elsewhere. Building the library on 72nd would bring in college kids from UNO, College of St Mary, as well as UNMC. It also would better serve out there as majority of people living downtown do not use the library. No one in their 300,000 condo is going to head to the library. Atleast on 72 and Dodge it's in a place it would be used by nearby residents as well as being connected to the BRT which could hopefully push ridership as this is the center of the line.

Building a new library downtown in a spot such as the title of this thread wouldn't bring in kids from Creighton and Central High? And if I live downtown and live in a $300,000 condo I'm too cool to be seen in a library? What if I reside in a $300,000 property in the 72nd & Dodge area?

So build a new central library at 72nd & Dodge with the integrity of greater use of the OBRT, which don't forget, likely includes(god forbid) people living outside of downtown getting hit up for bus change. Would nearby residents still use that library? Or would it be mostly people living downtown(non fancy condo folk of course) taking the bus to get to a library most in the immediate area don't use?

Also if you're concerned with pushing BRT ridership(admirably so!), the Crossroads development would/will go much further than than a library.

[PotatoeEatsFish]

I actually think 72nd and Dodge is a better spot for the library. Let's face it a downtown library just will never be as valued in downtown as it would be elsewhere. Building the library on 72nd would bring in college kids from UNO, College of St Mary, as well as UNMC. It also would better serve out there as majority of people living downtown do not use the library. No one in their 300,000 condo is going to head to the library. Atleast on 72 and Dodge it's in a place it would be used by nearby residents as well as being connected to the BRT which could hopefully push ridership as this is the center of the line.

Building a new library downtown in a spot such as the title of this thread wouldn't bring in kids from Creighton and Central High? And if I live downtown and live in a $300,000 condo I'm too cool to be seen in a library? What if I reside in a $300,000 property in the 72nd & Dodge area?

So build a new central library at 72nd & Dodge with the integrity of greater use of the OBRT, which don't forget, likely includes(god forbid) people living outside of downtown getting hit up for bus change. Would nearby residents still use that library? Or would it be mostly people living downtown(non fancy condo folk of course) taking the bus to get to a library most in the immediate area don't use?

Also if you're concerned with pushing BRT ridership(admirably so!), the Crossroads development would/will go much further than than a library.

Please like any kids from Central High would use it. And no it's not realistic that people will use the library downtown. Rarely people will have kids and that's the primary target for a library along with older people who are much less likely to use it. For the younger generation libraries go practically unused except fro college study groups. Never in my highschool experience in the 21st century did I ever go to a public library for any group projects. If you visit libraries now it is much more people who lack access to computers or other technology at home. You won't find those people downtown unless they're coming from the Open Door Mission or another shelter and then you'll have people complaining about the homeless again. I would love for a library downtown but it's not realistic, unless its put in an extremely far corner of downtown there is no use to putting it in the middle of office buildings and a couple upscale residential projects.

[Athomsfere]

I think it's important to note: We aren't building a new central library for just right now in Omaha. But for hopefully a generation or multiple generations.

I suppose you could make the argument that Omaha doesn't have enough families downtown right now, but this is something we should address too. We need a grocery store, more family sized multi-unit properties, better transit to get around (ORBT is a great first step).

If we consider Creighton, Central, and the families that SHOULD be moving to the area: And South Omaha residents, North O residents... Downtown feels like not just the best location, but a sound location too.

[nebport5]

I actually think 72nd and Dodge is a better spot for the library. Let's face it a downtown library just will never be as valued in downtown as it would be elsewhere. Building the library on 72nd would bring in college kids from UNO, College of St Mary, as well as UNMC. It also would better serve out there as majority of people living downtown do not use the library. No one in their 300,000 condo is going to head to the library. Atleast on 72 and Dodge it's in a place it would be used by nearby residents as well as being connected to the BRT which could hopefully push ridership as this is the center of the line.

Building a new library downtown in a spot such as the title of this thread wouldn't bring in kids from Creighton and Central High? And if I live downtown and live in a $300,000 condo I'm too cool to be seen in a library? What if I reside in a $300,000 property in the 72nd & Dodge area?

So build a new central library at 72nd & Dodge with the integrity of greater use of the OBRT, which don't forget, likely includes(god forbid) people living outside of downtown getting hit up for bus change. Would nearby residents still use that library? Or would it be mostly people living downtown(non fancy condo folk of course) taking the bus to get to a library most in the immediate area don't use?

Also if you're concerned with pushing BRT ridership(admirably so!), the Crossroads development would/will go much further than than a library.

Please like any kids from Central High would use it. And no it's not realistic that people will use the library downtown. Rarely people will have kids and that's the primary target for a library along with older people who are much less likely to use it. For the younger generation libraries go practically unused except fro college study groups. Never in my highschool experience in the 21st century did I ever go to a public library for any group projects. If you visit libraries now it is much more people who lack access to computers or other technology at home. You won't find those people downtown unless they're coming from the Open Door Mission or another shelter and then you'll have people complaining about the homeless again. I would love for a library downtown but it's not realistic, unless its put in an extremely far corner of downtown there is no use to putting it in the middle of office buildings and a couple upscale residential projects.

When I lived in DTO I did indeed use the library. No not on a weekly basis, but I did have access to computer/internet and I still don't have children. I get your point but I think you're underestimating current use. I'd like to see some data that says that says otherwise. I still believe a new library next to Central would be useful to students. Sure, perhaps more useful to college kids. Do they no longer assign term/research papers in high school anymore? I know I certainly wrote and researched more than I cared to at the time.

"there is no use to putting it in the middle of office buildings and a couple upscale residential projects."

I agree here particularly if we are talking about the current site. I much prefer a location near educational institutions. Cowboy's idea of building near the science museum is interesting but the accessibility of the Civic site is hard to beat. If they actually at some point build low income housing here there's a good possibility of more families who to your point may lack access to computers and internet.

I think it's important to note: We aren't building a new central library for just right now in Omaha. But for hopefully a generation or multiple generations.

I suppose you could make the argument that Omaha doesn't have enough families downtown right now, but this is something we should address too. We need a grocery store, more family sized multi-unit properties, better transit to get around (ORBT is a great first step).

If we consider Creighton, Central, and the families that SHOULD be moving to the area: And South Omaha residents, North O residents... Downtown feels like not just the best location, but a sound location too.

Right, it's not just about what has been but the future. I think if it's done right a new library could even bring in "new" people and or casual users likely would come more often.


I admit I do not have numbers on the number of families living downtown and would also assume it's a smaller percentage than other parts of the city. If we are truly investing in our urban core we should have more families but the lack of amenities including a library isn't going to grow that population.

[buildomaha]

I will add my support for keeping the library downtown, and even in its current location! There are plenty of lots downtown ripe for redevelop that developers are free to use their funds on. Let’s keep the city’s most important institutions in the core, where they’re most valued and accessible. I also think the sentiment about handing over the people’s resources to the wealthy is worth considering.

[Greg S]

I just wonder if it shouldn't be in a more central location for the main library. I do think they should have a branch downtown.

Greg

[Omaha Cowboy]

I just wonder if it shouldn't be in a more central location for the main library. I do think they should have a branch downtown.

Greg

Yes..

Based on what I’ve read and feedback I’ve gotten lately, is that the main branch library would be moving to a more central location; while the downtown core will retain a branch. As it relates to where downtown seems to be the biggest question. I think many of us initially thought moving the main library to a more central location meant that downtown would lose its library. That does not appear to be in the plans…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[omahacacher]

I live in West Omaha, but work downtown at the county courthouse, so if I wanted to, I could visit the main library multiples times a week. I never, ever go into the downtown library because my job has me seeing all the police reports that are generated from homeless people causing disturbances at the library. OPD almost has to maintain a consistent police presence at the library. I would almost always see a police car parked by the library when I would stop at Starbucks a few times a weeks during the time when Starbucks was open. You can't use the stairwells at the library without concerns of having to step over homeless people sleeping on the floors. I know I will receive negative feedback on this post for giving the impression that the homeless population in the library makes for a disturbing library experience, but having access to the police reports that are generated from OPD in regard to incidents at the library, the concern is real. I would absolutely visit the new main library if it moves near the Crossroads.

[Vitruvius]

I live in West Omaha, but work downtown at the county courthouse, so if I wanted to, I could visit the main library multiples times a week. I never, ever go into the downtown library because my job has me seeing all the police reports that are generated from homeless people causing disturbances at the library. OPD almost has to maintain a consistent police presence at the library. I would almost always see a police car parked by the library when I would stop at Starbucks a few times a weeks during the time when Starbucks was open. You can't use the stairwells at the library without concerns of having to step over homeless people sleeping on the floors. I know I will receive negative feedback on this post for giving the impression that the homeless population in the library makes for a disturbing library experience, but having access to the police reports that are generated from OPD in regard to incidents at the library, the concern is real. I would absolutely visit the new main library if it moves near the Crossroads.

I don't discount what you're reporting, but that has as much or more to do with the building itself than the location. That main Library building needs to be replaced. The whole idea of a Library and a main location vs. branch needs to be approached with some outside the box thinking and creativity before going further.

[JDJase]

I would absolutely visit the new main library if it moves near the Crossroads.

Just out of curiosity, what specifically does the main library have that you would like to go for but won't because of the homeless people?