SITE  

Community Connectivity

The location of a building not only can enhance community connectivity it can greatly reduce the impact of the transportation energy required to get people to and from the building. Every vehicle mile not traveled, because a library patron walked, biked or used public transportation, saves approximately one pound of CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere.

• The Library is located in an existing developed area and contributes to connections between residential neighborhoods and basic services such as schools, churches, banks and stores.

• Pedestrian access is convenient and encouraged as the Library is located within a half mile of several residential neighborhoods and basic services.

• Use of public transit is convenient and encouraged as the Library is located within a quarter mile of ten bus stops and within a half mile of a rail station.

Sustainable Site Development

• Numerous measures were implemented during construction to control soil erosion, waterway sedimentation and airborne dust generation.

• Urban open space was incorporated into the Library project including pedestrian oriented hard-scape and landscaping.

• By placing the majority of parking spaces for the Library in a parking garage under the building these paved surfaces remain shaded throughout the year and reduce the heat island effect associated with un-shaded asphalt paved parking lots in urban areas.