Few cities find themselves in the enviable position that Pleasanton finds itself. A projected $14.7 million may be available to the City of Pleasanton to spend for fiscal years 1985-1988 if the voters approve Measure B on April 8.

The ballot measure will read as follows: "Shall the ordinance changing the appropriation limit and providing for public improvement projects including a new library and the Valley Avenue extension be adopted?"

Though the library and Valley Avenue extension are the only two projects specifically mentioned in the ballot measure, there are other programs that could benefit.

In the language of the ordinance which would change the city's appropriations limits, the following additional spending areas are proposed: programs that would benefit children; projects to enhance the downtown; a senior citizen center and senior housing; and the purchase and improvement of parks and athletic facilities.

The language regarding the other possible uses of the surplus funds is deliberately phrased in generalities according to City Manager Jim Walker. "The city council recognizes that additional funds may be available but we don't know how much."

New Pleasanton Library

A new public library has long been a priority in the minds of many Pleasanton residents. Spearheaded by the Pleasanton Library League and its chairman Keith Wardin, a steering committee of advocates for a new Pleasanton library was formed early last year. Public meetings were held and a comprehensive survey of Pleasanton citizens was made. Residents' views were tallied for inclusion in the committee's proposal.

Last April the citizen's committee presented its findings and proposals to the city council. The proposals and cost estimates made by the steering committee were based on their study of other recent library projects in communities comparable to Pleasanton.

The council accepted the proposal and soon thereafter allocated funds to start the selection process for an architect.

By autumn, an architect was selected. A building program was developed by the county library staff to give the architect guidelines on collection, services and space needs.

Keith Wardin of the Library League is so committed to the new library that he has extended his involvement to include working on the Yes on Measure B campaign. The library project depends to a great extent on the passage of Measure B. The availability of the surplus funds for the library project will determine "how soon, how big and how fast" according to Wardin.

He adds, "this library will be both a symbolic and tangible representation of the quality of life in Pleasanton. It will have educational and cultural impacts on all the members of our community for years to come."

Valley Avenue Extension

According to City Attorney Peter MacDonald, the cost of the project will be approximately $6 million. It will be paid for with Measure B monies and by funds raised from property owners neighboring Valley Avenue who will be part of a special assessment district to be established by the city in mid-June.

Assessment districts are created as a way of paying for public improvements by assessing nearby properties that will specially benefit from those improvements. In the case of the Valley Avenue extension, the expense will be shared by the city because the project is of value to the community at large as well.

Currently, Valley Avenue ends just beyond Valley Business Park. When completed, Valley Avenue will extend southward to Stanley Boulevard where it will meet the extension of Bernal Avenue. The Valley Avenue extension project will allow Vintage Hills commute traffic to directly connect with Valley Avenue. It will complete a link in the city's street system that will alleviate traffic in the downtown area. The anticipated completion date for the project is late 1987.

Youth and Seniors

The city council has listed as additional priorities programs for youth and seniors. The city currently plans to construct a senior housing project and senior center on its land on Sunol Boulevard. Some of the surplus funds may be used to help finance those projects.

In addition, representatives of the schools are meeting with the city "to determine the best ways surplus funds may be used to provide enrichment programs and other assistance to the schools," according to Measure B Campaign Chair Harvey Levine.

To see a reproduction of the original article and edition of Pleasanton Pathways, visit: March 24, 1986 Pathways.