Project
Library Committee actively pursuing multiple funding options (Prop 85, Library Development Funds, Prop AA, special assessment district). City considering acquiring adjacent corner property at Manila and College with $100,000 from Off-Street Parking Funds. Library may be larger than originally planned due to desired equipment and facilities.
5372 College Avenue (near College, Manila, and Hudson Avenues)
City proposed acquiring the College Avenue Art Stone property for a parking lot, with RCPC and CAMA boards supporting a mixed-use development incorporating parking plus uses such as a park, library, community center, or retail frontage.
Oakland City Council approved funds to purchase the Art Stone property for development as a City parking lot. RCPC, CAMA, and City officials continue to discuss mixed-use format combining parking with public non-auto uses (park, library, small commercial stand). Bay Area Partnership engaged to coordinate.
The Bay Area Partnership released a draft program for a design competition for the Art Stone property, calling for a new branch library, neighborhood commons (indoor/outdoor seating, snack bar, meeting space for 50+, art gallery), small retail uses, and 24+ metered parking spaces.
RCPC's Art Stone Committee noted current proposals for a mixed-use development with a new Rockridge Branch library as the showpiece on the city-owned Art Stone property.
Community discussion advanced for a new permanent Rockridge Branch Library on the city-owned Art Stone site (top neighborhood priority per survey at 64%). An alternative mixed-use proposal emerged to acquire the adjacent corner property at 5380 College and develop housing above a library and parking.
Neighbors at the October RCPC General Meeting agreed to begin forming an Assessment District to fund library construction and additional land acquisition at the Art Stone site. Community also asked the City to acquire the adjacent corner property at 5380-5384 College/Manila while a final plan is developed. Library/park concept preferred over library/housing mixed-use.
Library/Art Stone Steering Committee met twice (October 28, December 12) to advance planning. Proposition 85 Library Bond Act identified as promising funding source. The City has spent or committed over $600,000 toward Art Stone property purchase and library furnishings. Subcommittees established for Leadership, Financing, Project Description and Community Education.
Library Steering Committee held second meeting December 12, focusing on defining the project and developing cost estimates. Next meeting set for January 23 to further define scope, costs, and funding.
Library Committee actively pursuing multiple funding options (Prop 85, Library Development Funds, Prop AA, special assessment district). City considering acquiring adjacent corner property at Manila and College with $100,000 from Off-Street Parking Funds. Library may be larger than originally planned due to desired equipment and facilities.
“An overwhelming 64% of Neighbors responding to the recent RCPC Residents' Survey stated that a new permanent branch library was their most desired improvement for Rockridge.”1988_10 - Article text
“This mixed use concept would include the Library, a small commercial/retail unit on the ground floor, apartments on the upper floors, and required parking.”1988_10 - Article text, mixed-use alternative proposal
“The project concept of a Library/Parking facility combined with a park (landscaping, public sitting area, playground) received more support at the General Meeting than the concept of a Library/Parking facility combined with residential and/or commercial uses.”1988_11 - Article text
“Neighbors also agreed to ask the City to acquire the corner property at 5380-5384 College at Manila Avenue on behalf of the community while the project and funding are developed.”1988_11 - Article text
“the City should continue its attempts to obtain the Art Stone property with the understanding that development of the property would be preceded by a determination of the project feasibility and appropriate mix of uses for the site”1986_10 - CAMA and RCPC Parking Committees agreement