Is Time Running Out On Larkspur Library?

Larkspur's leaders are dreaming of a shiny new community facility to draw people toward downtown. Right now, though, the undeveloped site sits in front of a road that can challenge any car's suspension.

Repairs are due to start in the Fall on Doherty Drive, named one of the worst-maintained roads in the Bay Area by the Metropolitan Transportation Agency. The Alexander Bridge and Bon Air Bridge are also in urgent need of repair, according to City officials.

"In my two years here, I've heard loud and clear that people want our roads fixed," City Manager Dan Schwarz said during Wednesday's City Council meeting. "If public funds are going into the community facility project, that takes money away from the general fund, which is money used for street repair and other projects."

So, Larkspur is taking a close look at its 2050 Plan — its guiding list of priorities for city planning. That list includes retrofitting City Hall and building a new library.

The City Council delayed making a decision on the parcel of land after hearing protests that everything was happening too quickly for residents to make an informed opinion and to have their voices heard. The next City Council meeting is June 6 at 6:30 p.m.

"The Council needs to know that the public wants a library first and foremost," Mayor Len Rifkind told a packed house at the Hall Middle School gym on Wednesday night.

The City of Larkspur has an offer for $5 million from an anonymous donor for a new library on a 1.8-square acre parcel of land within the former Niven Nursery lot on Doherty Drive. That would be $4 million to help build the library and $1 million in the form of a matching grant to help operate it.

"I feel like wouldn't it be wonderful if this hub that we build to bring all groups together had at its center access to knowledge. Books ... books aren't gone yet. There are still a lot of things not available on computers yet," longtime Larkspur resident Mary Donovan said.

The idea of a library has received a lot of public support during the three hearings on the Rose Garden parcel in the past two weeks, but it's not the only popular choice. Just as many people seem to want a facility that combines a library with some community meeting space. Others have mentioned a recreation center, perhaps with an indoor pool.

With so many ideas swirling around, many residents including former mayors Joan Lundstrom and Ron Arlas asked the City Council to slow down the process and get more public input. Slowing things down could be costly, however.

"Let the community have some meetings — let them have an opportunity ... to form some subcommittees to come up with some ideas," former councilman Ron Arlas said.

"I know it's seductive to look at a new library, but it's important to make sure one party or one person doesn't decide the issue. Any decision has to take into account traffic, parking and roads," advised Larkspur resident Todd Lundston, who said he liked the idea of a library, but said there needs to be more consideration before going ahead.

The City Council is running out of time to make its decision on whether or not to use the parcel for a library before it risks losing the $5 million. If certain deadlines aren't met for making a decision on the land use and starting work on the library, the donor could take his money off the table. The donation also reportedly comes with a few stipulations. Among them, the donor could have control over the design of the building.

City Council members said they would work with the donor to try to honor the spirit of the offer and to accommodate the wishes of the community.

The New Home Company purchased the 16.8-acre former Niven Nursery property in September with plans to develop the site for a housing project that will feature 29 single-family homes, six below-market-rate homes and 50 condominiums for seniors.

As part of the Rose Garden Project, Larkspur will receive about 2.5 acres of land, with roughly 0.8 acres reserved for park land and the remainder earmarked for a community building. The donated land is to be cleaned up and readied for development as part of the agreement.

Schwarz estimates that developing the land could cost close to $16 million.