On Tuesday, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors received a presentation with an update on the East County Service Center and Youth Centers.
The presentation occurred during the update on Capital Plan and Projects which included:
- Five Year Capital Plan Progress Update
- West County Treatment, Reentry and Housing (WRTH) Project status update
- West County Accessible Room Conversion (WARC) Project
- East County Service Center (ECSC) Project
- District 5 Youth Center
- District 3 Youth Center
- Martinez Detention Module D Renovation
- Cost Estimates and funding sources
- Capital Reserve Principles
For East Contra Costa County, here is the estimated costs:
- District 3 Youth Center – $5 million
- District 5 Youth Center – $5 million
- East County Service Center – $110 million
Within the discussion, there was also minor updates on the African American Wellness Center which could be placed on Cavallo Road in the city of Antioch along with an update on the Brentwood Veterans Hall.
East County Service Center (ECSC) Project
According to the county, they have owned a 3-acre parcel for approximately 10-years off Technology Drive while recently agreeing to purchase a 5-acre parcel to expand. The building comes as East County is seeing the most growth in Contra Costa County—with employees living in east county while many need
“This is a chance to get a multi-departmental service center out there to provide service much more convenient and approximate to where the folks that we provide the services to live,” explained Eric Angstadt, chief assistant county administrator, noting they hope they reduce the travel into Martinez.
Angstadt stated they increased the size of the building based on conversations with department heads and realizing the need was greater than they thought, including expanding health services.
The building could have between 361 to 441 staff given the size of the building.
Supervisor Candace Andersen asked what the timeline of the project would be.
“We want to have the construction contract ready to go by the end of the year so they can build it in 2026-27 and have it ready for occupancy in beginning of 2028,” explained Angstadt.
Contra Costa County District 3 Youth Center
The county recently closed a deal for land which is 4-acres in size which will serve two purposed, Contra Costa County Fire Station 90 and a youth center. The youth center design phase has started while working on programming. District 3 youth center is ahead of District 5.
- Note – Supervisor Burgis Announces Youth Center, County Services to Brentwood (Dec 12, 2024)
Contra Costa County District 5 Youth Center
The county has identified a potential property at the Los Medanos Medical Complex with some undeveloped land—also looking at two other areas at the request of Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston.
Q&A
Supervisor John Gioia asked about deferred maintenance but noted they have a lot of buildings with deferred maintenance.
Angstadt shared that by building new projects, they will be able to get out of some of the “worst of the existing capital facilities” and make that land available for surplus or other considerations for future use. He called it a refresh of the county portfolio and is putting away funds for existing buildings for future capital improvements–$30 million for 2025 with $25 million each of the two previous years.
Supervisor Diane Burgis asked about the East County Services building noting a lot of interest from departments but clarified she would only move her office to the building if it mad sense to be there. She also asked about having technology area so people can come into a neutral site for video, phones and other technology needs.
She also shared with the interest in both youth centers, she hoped they would compliment one another with resources. She called it an “excellent location” being in between three major cities with transportation with developing access to career opportunities—including working with the building trades.
Burgis then asked about the African American Wellness Center which could end up on a county building on Cavallo Road in the City of Antioch. She wanted to know if there was a plan for the building or something that is a possibility.
Angstadt shared there have been multiple conversations on possible locations including Cavallo Road, however, it would not occur into early 2028.
“If we have the money to build the East County Facility and we can house all the existing ESHD, then in 2028 that Cavallo building could also be available. I just want it to be really clear to everybody,” said Burgis.
The County said they still owe $900k on the Cavallo building so it’s not owned free and clear yet.
Burgis also asked about the Brentwood Veterans Hall where $375k has been set aside for repairs, she wanted to clear up misinformation on if the county has plans to take away the building. She asked if there were any plans to take away or destroy any veterans hall anywhere in Contra Costa County.
Angstadt replied, there was no plans to take away the Brentwood facility but rather to improve it with funds set aside for improvements. He said he reached out to the City of Brentwood Board who are not ready to talk. He said some buildings in the county are in bad shape and they may look for other alternatives but those discussions are always including the Veterans Groups, such as Concord and Richmond.
“So just to be clear, Veterans Hall in Brentwood is planned to be maintained, preserved and be taken care of,” asked Burgis. Staff said yes.
Supervisor Scales-Preston confirmed there was a lot of misinformation out in the public while she is hearing excitement with the District 5 Youth Center. She asked if the District 5 Youth Center funding was at risk of being moved.
Angstadt said the odds were low and he didn’t see that happening.
Scales-Preston shared there has been a lot of talk about the Cavallo location for a African American Wellness Center while sharing excitement of the future East County Service Center.
She also said veterans in Antioch were under the impression their veteran’s hall was going away.
Angstadt said the only way the county would propose a change is if they believed the building is not fixable. They would find an alternative location and propose it.
“We don’t do that by fiat, we do it in conjunction with the veterans. If we can give them a better space and they agree and they choose to move we would do it. But without those factors involved, we will continue to find the funds to maintain the existing building,” explained Angstadt.
The Board of Supervisors approved and accepted the report in a 5-0.
PowerPoint Presentation: Click Here
Watch the Video: Click here
