TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to submit a grant application to the California Natural Resources Agency, through the California Climate Investments Urban Greening Program, for the 51st Street Greenbelt project; accept said grant, if awarded, in an amount up to $2,000,000 for completion of the project; and execute all documents necessary to accept the funds and implement the project. (District 8)
DISCUSSION
In January 2017, the California Natural Resources Agency (Agency) began soliciting applications for the Urban Greening Program Grant (Grant), funded by California Climate Investments, the statewide cap-and-trade program. This competitive Grant provides funding for projects that aim to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and that provide multiple additional benefits, such as a decrease in air and water pollution or a reduction in the consumption of natural resources and energy.
The Agency was allocated $24.7 million for the Urban Greening Program, specifically earmarked for green infrastructure projects that reduce GHG emissions and provide multiple benefits. A minimum of 75 percent of awarded funds are required to go toward disadvantaged and low-income communities.
In addition to the reduction of GHG emissions, the requirements for allocating funds to benefit disadvantaged and low-income communities are stated below:
• Allocate at least 25 percent of the available proceeds to projects that provide benefits to disadvantaged communities;
• Allocate at least five percent of the available proceeds to projects located within disadvantaged communities; and,
• Allocate at least five percent of the available proceeds to projects located within and benefiting individuals living in low-income communities, or benefiting low-income households that are within a half-mile of a disadvantaged community.
The City of Long Beach’s (City) 51st Street Greenbelt project (Project) will transform 0.97 acres of undeveloped land in a dense, disadvantaged, park-deficient neighborhood into a thriving greenbelt. The Project will include free healthy outdoor fitness and play amenities for multigenerational users, new trees, carbon-sequestering and drought-tolerant landscape, creative crosswalks, access to the LA River Bike Trail and DeForest Wetlands, and site furnishings, as reflected on the conceptual plan (Attachment A).
The Project is located along DeForest Avenue, between 51st and 52nd Streets, adjacent to the LA River and Perry Lindsey Middle School in North Long Beach. The Project is directly adjacent to the 710 freeway, which is impacted by traffic due to its proximity to the Port of Long Beach Goods Movement Corridor (Attachment B). The ability to add trees and plants to a community along a corridor that has significant air quality impacts will be extremely beneficial to the health and quality of life for the community.
This Project was identified as being the most competitive relative to the Grant criteria because it achieves some of the required multiple benefits, including the following:
• Sequesters and stores carbon by planting trees;
• Reduces vehicle miles traveled by constructing bicycle paths, bicycle lanes, or pedestrian facilities that provide safe routes for travel between residences, workplaces, commercial centers, and schools;
• Increases park acreage in an underserved area; and,
• Creates outdoor recreational opportunities.
In addition, the Project is consistent with City plans and would achieve plan outcomes listed in the Communities of Excellence in Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity Prevention Plan (CX3), Long Beach Riverlink Plan, Long Beach Uptown Planning Land Use and Neighborhood Strategy (UPLAN), Long Beach Livability efforts, and the Lower LA River Master Plan.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda T. Vu on April 26, 2018 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on May 3, 2018.
SUSTAINABILITY
The Project will provide the following additional improvements:
• Replacement of dead and diseased trees;
• Creation of more productive and healthy outdoor activities;
• Use of sustainable materials, such as native and drought-tolerant plants, recycled content surfaces, and recycled materials in signage and site furniture; and,
• A water-efficient irrigation system.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on May 22, 2018, to adopt the Resolution within the required 60-day period after Grant application.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total Project costs are estimated at $1,984,000. If the Grant application is successful, Grant funds of up to $2,000,000 will be received for the Project. If awarded, an appropriation increase will be requested for the Grant funds prior to Project initiation. The Grant does not require matching funds or in-kind services. City staff time directly related to project management can be charged directly to the Project and Grant; however, City administrative (indirect) costs are not eligible for Grant reimbursement. The recommended action will result in a positive impact on jobs, although the exact number is unknown at this time.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
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Respectfully Submitted,
STEPHEN P. SCOTT
INTERIM DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER