Questions About Kaiser Center

The Oakland City Council is considering proposals for use of Kaiser Convention Center, a 91-year-old complex including the civic auditorium, an arena, Calvin Simmons Theatre and two ballrooms.

One proposal would bring in a group including former mayor Elihu Harris who would lease the center, saying they want to operate trade shows.

Also on the table are a range of proposals for capital expenditures on the libraries. Some of those options propose to build a new main library at Kaiser Center. The most grandiose proposal would float an estimated $240 million bond issue for taxpayers to repay.

We have questions about these proposals.

1. The library director submitted different options mentioning two sizes for a main library, 110,000 square feet and 160,000 square feet. The smaller one could be expanded later. Given the over-taxation of Oakland homeowners and the lack of basic services, especially public safety, why would we even consider the bigger option?
2. Does the proposed new main library imply an increase in staff to operate it? If so, why would we consider such an option when the first job of a City government is public safety, yet Oakland has not hired additional police, on a net basis, since 1994?
3. Why does the library director's list of options skip over the fate of the current main library? Could the net cost of a new main library be reduced greatly by bringing in a private project on the freed-up old site?
4. Why does councilmember Quan advocate significant facilities within the main library for teenagers and small children, when these are better located in neighborhood schools and preschool facilities?
   

   Best use of Oakland tax dollars?

5. Would there be free parking around the library, or would patrons have to feed a meter, which discourages use?
6. Measure DD authorized bonds for the renovation of Lake Merritt. After it passed, the City revealed massive tree removal and other controversial details. How can we have more trust before taking on another huge bond issue?
7. Regarding the proposed trade center, on what financial terms does the private group want to obtain a lease? Are we talking about City subsidies, sweetheart terms, environmental liabilities, and other giveaways?