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Council declines to authorize purchase of Del Rio/3300 Atchison site for a new downtown city hall
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Summary
After public concern about cost, budget pressures and redevelopment-era history, the council voted down a staff proposal to buy 3300 Atchison (former Del Rio Theater site) for a proposed downtown city hall and conceptual design, rejecting the $840,000 appraisal-based acquisition.
The Riverbank City Council declined to authorize purchase of 3300 Atchison (the former Del Rio site) for a proposed downtown city hall following extended public comment and council debate about fiscal prudence and the site's history.
Staff presented a multi-year background: a 2020 spatial-needs analysis estimated long-term city facility needs (initially ~23,870 sq ft, later adjusted upward given new development) and a 2024 site-assessment process identified 3300 Atchison as the council'preferred downtown option because of buildable area, proximity to parking and alignment with downtown revitalization goals. An appraisal prepared for the city valued the property at $840,000; staff proposed using general-fund reserves for acquisition and system development fees for a subsequent conceptual-design contract.
Residents and several council members questioned the purchase price relative to the parcel's prior history under the dissolved redevelopment agency, past sale losses, and the city's current structural budget concerns (a publicly discussed deficit figure appeared in the meeting packet). Public commenters urged the council to prioritize infrastructure repairs and essential services rather than a large new construction project. Multiple speakers said the parcel has sentimental and community value but stressed the city should not deplete reserves for a speculative multi-decade construction project without a fully funded capital plan.
Council discussion touched on alternatives: retaining existing city-owned properties and phasing work, temporary modular offices, or locating a consolidated city hall at other city-owned parcels. Staff noted that a new city hall will require substantial construction costs (contingent on final design) whether the city acquires new land or builds on an existing municipal site that would require demolition and potentially taller structures inconsistent with the downtown specific plan.
A council motion to proceed with the acquisition and conceptual design was put to a roll-call vote and failed (the motion did not receive a majority). Staff will retain options discussed and continue working on facility planning; no acquisition occurred.
The meeting record includes public comments and a written submission noting prior redevelopment decisions, concerns about stewardship of public funds, and requests to explore other options for meeting the city's space needs.
