Redevelopment: Ballpark District Site Still Appears To Be Location of Choice
Although study models and drawings of the new main library recently were unveiled, the decade-long debate surrounding the project may not be over.
San Diego Deputy City Manager Bruce Herring said the project will need to be reaffirmed by the city’s Library Commission, its redevelopment arm, the Centre City Development Corp., and the City Council, to be sure they want to move ahead with the plan on the books.
“We want them to take one more look to make sure they’re comfortable with it,” Herring said.
Only two members of the current City Council were a part of the past council that voted to build a $145 million, 10-story main library at 12th Avenue and J Street near the planned Padres ballpark. But there has been some uncertainty about that location.
Mayor Dick Murphy has said the ballpark site might not be the best one. But a committee, headed by Councilman Jim Madaffer and members of the Library Commission, wants to move ahead with the current plan.
“We have a plan that may not be the most perfect plan, but it’s a pretty good plan,” said Library Commission chairwoman Mary Walshok. “If you’re always looking for a better position, you’ll never get moving.”
The Library Commission, charged with reviewing and determining potential sites, initially supported a site at Kettner Boulevard and C Street. Although that site was considered to be the most expensive, commissioners thought it was the best solution for the library’s long-term needs.
Nonetheless, that recommendation didn’t make it to the City Council. Walshok said at the time the ballpark site was not an option.
“We supported the Kettner site and endorsed it,” Walshok said. “Then there was the opportunity to look at alternative sites, and (the ballpark site) was one of them.”
The City Council is scheduled to discuss the site at its April 30 meeting.
One point Madaffer stressed since taking office is the main library is just a portion of the city’s overall plan to improve its library system.
New branches will be built over the next four years in Mission Valley, La Jolla, Point Loma and the College Heights/Rolando area.
Models of the main and branch libraries will be on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Downtown through June 19.
