San Ramon needs a City Center all citizens can enjoy

By David E. Hudson

We have been studying this issue for ten years. It is time for us to develop a place everyone can enjoy and gather when and where they wish.

The city needs to make up their mind what to do there. We have been doing studies for ten years and the time has never been better to act. We have hired the planners and consultants now let's get the financing on the ballot and let you decide if that's what you want. You should be given the opportunity to decide if we are capable of taking on the additional debt needed for a second larger library.

Dougherty Valley will have a new 48,000 square foot library (at no cost to current residents)as well as the proposed new one at the City Center. The current library is 18,000 square feet. It is important to know that your council has secured land for both libraries and you will make the decision on how much we spend.

We have also secured land for a performing arts theatre and you will decide how much will be spent here also.

The retail component has become the most controversial and in my opinion it is the most necessary to create the synergy needed to be a true city center. We can design just the right amount of business to generate enough tax $$$ to operate this library, performing arts theatre and city hall. Bonding for money does not pay for the day-to-day costs that these programs generate. Preparation is the key. Plan for what you need, proceed with citizen approval and do it right.We will!