Congressman Jerry McNerney is coming to Antioch.

The Democratic representative of the newly aligned 9th Congressional District has entered into an agreement with the city of Antioch to open an office at the Antioch Community Center, 4703 Lone Tree Way, to replace the one in Pleasanton, which is no longer in his district.

“We love it here,” said McNerney as he toured downtown Antioch with Mayor Wade Harper Tuesday afternoon. I have a great relationship with the mayor and City Council. We are really excited.”

While his main office will continue to be located in Stockton, McNerney, whose
district covers Oakley, Discovery Bay, Byron, Brentwood and most of
Antioch in Contra Costa County, will occupy 2,139 square feet of office space at the facility on Lone Tree Way for at least the next year.

The office will employ two full-time staffers and two interns. The agreement will generate about $3,000 in monthly rent for the city.

Antioch City Councilman Gary Agopian said he was immediately excited when he heard that McNerney would open an office in the city. McNerney’s staff first contacted city staff about renting an unused building in early December. The office space was going to be used as a police substation, but budget cuts delayed its opening.

“Having the congressional office here is a plus in many ways,” Agopian said. “It creates better real-world connections with staff and the district. It also is a market-rate rent for the city on unused, unrented space. I think it’s a win-win.”

McNerney took a walking tour of downtown Antioch Tuesday, stopping at Nature’s Bounty Cafe on G Street, touring the El Campanil Theatre and the potential future site of the ferry terminal near the Antioch Amtrack station.

McNerney said he’s still learning about the city, but believes it has great potential. His district covers about 70 percent of the city, all but the northwest portion, which is represented by George Miller.

“I’ve met some enthusiastic people here,” McNerney said. “I think growth is going to happen. It’s very encouraging.”

Although he chose Antioch, McNerney tried to choose a location for his new office that would serve as a central location for his constituents, said Lauren Smith, McNerney’s communication director.

Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor said although the congressman’s office isn’t in his city, he is encouraged to have him so close: “He’s still within reach. Any time I can get access to influential people that know what we’re doing here, it’s a good thing.”

McNerney, 61, was sworn in as a Congressional representative in 2007 after several years as an engineer and consultant for numerous energy companies. His district also covers portions of San Joaquin and Sacramento counties.

McNerney will hold a community open house at his office Thursday, Jan. 17 from 5 to 7 p.m.