Board backs priority for Ocean View library site at 100 Orizaba; amendment narrows prohibition on alternate spending

The Board of Supervisors on Jan. 30 passed, on first reading and as amended, an ordinance directing city departments to prioritize the city‑owned parcel at 100 Orizaba Avenue for construction of a new Ocean View branch library.

Sponsor Supervisor Safaí (District 11) said the site had been studied for several years and that roughly $47 million had been identified toward a new branch. She said the community wants a standalone facility of about 20,000–25,000 square feet rather than a renovation of the existing, much smaller neighborhood library. “There is no alternative site in our neighborhood to build a 20 to 25,000 square foot library,” she said during debate.

Supervisor Melgar offered language changes that the sponsor accepted; the adopted amendments change the ordinance from an absolute prohibition on spending city funds for a library at any other location to a requirement that departments prioritize the 100 Orizaba parcel and prioritize budgeting for that site. Deputy City Attorney John Givner advised that the change removes an outright prohibition and still allows departments to evaluate alternatives; he confirmed the amendment did not bar departments from spending on other sites if circumstances changed.

Supporters framed the measure as remedying a long‑standing lack of library resources in District 11 and as an equity investment. Opponents, including Supervisor Melgar and Supervisor Dorsey, argued that the ordinance was too prescriptive and could preclude exploration of other publicly owned sites or partnership opportunities that might leverage housing or other community benefits.

On the amendment vote, the board adopted the sponsor’s changes unanimously (11–0). On the ordinance as amended, the board passed the item on first reading with an 8–3 roll call (no votes from Supervisors Dorsey, Mandelmann and Melgar). The ordinance will return for second reading.