Due Date For Decision On Larkspur Library

When Larkspur's 2050 Plan was published, it reported that one of the city's primary needs was a new library. But maybe the best solution for a new library is to keep the old one.

That's part of the argument put forth in a petition circulating around Larkspur by Mary Clyde, Laurie Dubin and Deb Finzen "on behalf of Citizens for a Multi-Use Community Space in the Larkspur Rose Garden."

The Larkspur City Council could decide the future of the library during Wednesday's meeting at City Hall. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m.

The City Council held three meetings in May to give residents a chance to voice their thoughts on the Larkspur Community Facility parcel, with the crowd of citizens growing larger at each meeting.

The parcel is a 2.58-acre piece of land on the former Niven Nursery site given to the City by the New Home Company, which purchased the property in 2011 to develop it for housing.

An anonymous resident has offered to give the City $4 million toward the construction of a library on the site, plus another $1 million in matching funds for the operation of the library.

The benefactor has established some stipulations, including a deadline to act on his offer and the City Council is cramming to make a decision. If the City Council delays or chooses not to build a new library, it could lose out on $5 million.

Some residents would rather see the library stay right where it is in the historic City Hall building on Magnolia Avenue. A proposal in the petition suggests moving the Larkspur Planning Department offices to the upper floor of a renovated and retrofitted City Hall, while expanding the library to take over the entire first floor.

City leaders have said they'd like to find permanent homes for some of their departments, such as Public Works/Engineering which is currently housed in a portable building in Piper Park. Those departments could find office space in the nearly-century old City Hall after it is retrofitted to bring it in line with safety codes.

Other options have been put forth for the parcel, part of which must be designated for park space. Some residents have suggested community and recreation centers.