After a 17-month hiatus, construction is back underway on Stockton’s new Northeast Community Center and Library off Morada Lane. This long-anticipated project, originally budgeted at $14.4 million, has faced significant delays and cost overruns, now totaling nearly $24 million.
The four-acre site will host the city’s first combined community center and library and will be the only library within a four-mile radius. Stockton Public Works Director Chris Reed expressed optimism despite the challenges. “While we've experienced some delays in this project, in the end, we're really proud of the product we're going to deliver,” he said.
The project was paused in April 2023 due to construction deficiencies and scheduling conflicts. Mediation between the city and contractors lasted over a year, with no physical progress made during that time. The site, however, became a target for break-ins, vandalism, and even arson, contributing to the increased costs.
Despite these setbacks, Stockton’s City Council approved additional funding and a new construction agreement earlier this week, paving the way for the project’s completion. The library, funded through Measure M—a voter-approved initiative from 2016—will not impact the city’s general fund.
“We have a schedule that is agreeable by all parties and that we’re confident we can deliver on,” Reed said, with the new completion date set for fall 2025. Once finished, the community center and library will serve as a much-needed resource and a source of pride for Stockton residents.
