Utilities Agreement Paves Way for New North Beach Library Project to Move Forward
City Agencies Work Together to Build Last Library in Comprehensive Branch Library Improvement Program & Expand Joe DiMaggio Playground to Bring Permanent Open Space to Dense North Beach Neighborhood
4/30/12–Mayor Edwin M. Lee today announced a site-specific utilities agreement with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) that will allow progress on the new North Beach Branch Library project. Located on a triangle lot at the corner of Lombard Street and Columbus Avenue, the project will also include permanent open space in one of the City’s densest neighborhoods. Under the agreement reached between PG&E and City agencies, including the Department of Public Works (DPW), SF Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), and the San Francisco Public Library, PG&E will remove several electric poles and underground the existing electrical wires on Mason Street.
“At a time when other cities are closing libraries, San Francisco is making tremendous progress in rebuilding the entire system to ensure world class libraries for residents, families and children,” said Mayor Lee. “In North Beach, we are building a greener and more accessible branch public library that will meet our 21st century needs.”
“The new 8,500-square-foot North Beach branch public library will serve the needs of the neighborhood, and I am thrilled by the progress that we have made to move this project forward,” said Board President and District 3 Supervisor David Chiu. “A new library puts the needs of families and residents as a priority, and I am excited for the day when we cut the ribbon on this important, environmentally sustainable building.”
PG&E will remove electric poles on Mason Street between Columbus Avenue and Lombard Street, the site of the new North Beach library and expanded Joe DiMaggio Playground in a split cost with City agencies. The existing electric transmission lines will be undergrounded beneath, which will dramatically free up space for the new park while improving the aesthetics of the area.
“The site-specific utilities agreement between PG&E and the City will allow this important project to move forward,” said SFPUC General Manager Ed Harrington. “I want to thank City staff for working tirelessly so we can build our new library and create new open space.”
The North Beach Branch Library is a part of the Branch Library Improvement Program (BLIP), which is funded by a $105.9 million bond measure passed by voters in November 2000. The program is supporting the renovation of 16 branch libraries and the construction of eight new branch libraries around the City.
“As the last library to be completed in the 24-library Branch Library Improvement Program, we are pleased to see progress being made that will allow construction to move forward for this bigger, better library for North Beach residents and for the larger, more open green space for neighboring Joe Di Maggio playground to come closer to reality,” said City Librarian Luis Herrera.
The new 8,500 square foot, two-level North Beach library building will include separate adult, children, and teen areas, a program room with afterhours access for community use, an expanded collection of books and materials, more public computers, fully accessible spaces and an environmentally sensitive green building.
“With Mason Street being closed to expand the park and build a new library, this will be a wonderful community space for the entire neighborhood,” said DPW Director Mohammed Nuru.
The San Francisco Public Library held several public meetings and worked with the community and the Recreation and Park Department (RPD) to produce an improved public space with more sunlight, opened up City views, an expanded and safer children’s playground, and a modernized state-of-the-art library facility.
“Parks and public library are vital elements to building a healthy learning environment for our children and families,” said RPD General Manager Phil Ginsburg. “In partnership with our City family, we are excited to provide new park amenities with additional open space connected to a new and modern library in District 3.”
4/30/12–Mayor Edwin M. Lee today announced a site-specific utilities agreement with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) that will allow progress on the new North Beach Branch Library project. Located on a triangle lot at the corner of Lombard Street and Columbus Avenue, the project will also include permanent open space in one of the City’s densest neighborhoods. Under the agreement reached between PG&E and City agencies, including the Department of Public Works (DPW), SF Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), and the San Francisco Public Library, PG&E will remove several electric poles and underground the existing electrical wires on Mason Street.
“At a time when other cities are closing libraries, San Francisco is making tremendous progress in rebuilding the entire system to ensure world class libraries for residents, families and children,” said Mayor Lee. “In North Beach, we are building a greener and more accessible branch public library that will meet our 21st century needs.”
“The new 8,500-square-foot North Beach branch public library will serve the needs of the neighborhood, and I am thrilled by the progress that we have made to move this project forward,” said Board President and District 3 Supervisor David Chiu. “A new library puts the needs of families and residents as a priority, and I am excited for the day when we cut the ribbon on this important, environmentally sustainable building.”
PG&E will remove electric poles on Mason Street between Columbus Avenue and Lombard Street, the site of the new North Beach library and expanded Joe DiMaggio Playground in a split cost with City agencies. The existing electric transmission lines will be undergrounded beneath, which will dramatically free up space for the new park while improving the aesthetics of the area.
“The site-specific utilities agreement between PG&E and the City will allow this important project to move forward,” said SFPUC General Manager Ed Harrington. “I want to thank City staff for working tirelessly so we can build our new library and create new open space.”
The North Beach Branch Library is a part of the Branch Library Improvement Program (BLIP), which is funded by a $105.9 million bond measure passed by voters in November 2000. The program is supporting the renovation of 16 branch libraries and the construction of eight new branch libraries around the City.
“As the last library to be completed in the 24-library Branch Library Improvement Program, we are pleased to see progress being made that will allow construction to move forward for this bigger, better library for North Beach residents and for the larger, more open green space for neighboring Joe Di Maggio playground to come closer to reality,” said City Librarian Luis Herrera.
The new 8,500 square foot, two-level North Beach library building will include separate adult, children, and teen areas, a program room with afterhours access for community use, an expanded collection of books and materials, more public computers, fully accessible spaces and an environmentally sensitive green building.
“With Mason Street being closed to expand the park and build a new library, this will be a wonderful community space for the entire neighborhood,” said DPW Director Mohammed Nuru.
The San Francisco Public Library held several public meetings and worked with the community and the Recreation and Park Department (RPD) to produce an improved public space with more sunlight, opened up City views, an expanded and safer children’s playground, and a modernized state-of-the-art library facility.
“Parks and public library are vital elements to building a healthy learning environment for our children and families,” said RPD General Manager Phil Ginsburg. “In partnership with our City family, we are excited to provide new park amenities with additional open space connected to a new and modern library in District 3.”