Subject: Purchase Of Real Property At 3105 San Pablo Ave For A Hoover Library From: Oakland Public Library And Councilmember Fife Recommendation: Adopt An Ordinance: (1) Authorizing The City Administrator To Negotiate And Execute A Purchase And Sale Agreement With 3105 San Pablo, LLC To Acquire The Improved Real Property Located At 3105 San Pablo Avenue In Oakland, California, For $3,495,000 And Related Due Diligence And Closing Costs, For Redevelopment As A Hoover Branch Library; And (2) Reallocating $242,000 Of Measure Kk Funds For The Property Acquisition; And (3) Adopting California Environmental Quality Act Findings

The City Council adopted an ordinance to acquire the property at 3105 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland, California, for $3,495,000 plus an estimated $200,000 in due diligence and closing costs, totaling $3,695,000. This property, the former Community Foods Market, was identified as the top choice for a new Hoover Branch Library in a 2024 feasibility study, following over two decades of community advocacy by groups like the Friends of Hoover Durant Public Library.

Funding Details: The acquisition will be funded by reallocating existing bond funds. This includes $242,000 from Measure KK (from the Brookfield Library project) and $2,000,000 from Measure KK and Measure U (from the Melrose Library project), with the latter requested for restoration at the next Measure U bond sale. The remaining funds come from excess funding from the Brookfield Library project.

Future Development & Operations: While the property acquisition is funded, an estimated $10.8 million is needed for the conversion of the existing 13,185 square foot building into a library. Operating costs will come from Library Measures C and D, with additional Public Works expenses. A separate lease agreement will be needed for adjacent parking. The project was sponsored by Councilmember Fife and passed with 8 AYES.

Environmental Review: The project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under sections 15302, 15304, and 15305.