City Council Approves
San Diego Library Plan
The San Diego City Council unanimously approved a $303-million, 10-year plan July 30 to construct a new downtown library and build, expand, or renovate 22 branches.
Mayor Dick Murphy called the plan, which will double library space citywide, “an opportunity for this council and the people of San Diego to provide a lasting legacy for future generations of San Diego.”
City Manager Michaele Uberuaga will propose a financing plan later this year. The July 31 San Diego Union-Tribune said it was likely to involve issuing bonds to cover as much as two-thirds of the cost; the remainder would come from grants, developer fees, and private donations. Noting that “Tonight is the feel-good vote,” former councilwoman Judy McCarty said the financing plan would be the true test for the council.
Some residents attending the meeting complained that their neighborhoods were omitted from the plan. Kim Carpenter of Oak Park wanted the timeline extended to 15 years to add more libraries. “Let’s get all of the library expansion done when there’s the political will to do it,” she said.
Posted August 5, 2002.
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