TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to submit a grant application to California State Parks through the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program of 2008, for the development of a new mini park at 851 Orange Avenue, at a total estimated cost of $722,465. (District 1)
DISCUSSION
On November 7, 2006, California voters passed Proposition 84, the $54 billion Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006, to provide capital funding for water quality and park programs. Subsequent enabling legislation authorized $368 million in Proposition 84 grant funding for the Statewide Park Development and Community Revitalization Program of 2008 (Park Development Program).
The Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) is proposing to apply for $722,465 in grant funding through the Park Development Program for the development of a new 0.3-acre mini park at 851 Orange Avenue. The proposed mini park is the former location of an apartment building that was acquired by the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency (RDA), which was razed due to a combination of illegal activity and neglect to the structure. For many years, the community has requested that a park be constructed in this park-deficient neighborhood, and the RDA identified this site as a good location for a new mini park. Due to its small size and linear nature, the site is only suitable for passive recreational activities, such as picnicking, a children's play area, and for enjoying the outdoors with friends and neighbors. Through a partnership between the City and RDA, several public meetings where held so that the community could select the design and amenities for the proposed mini park (Attachment A). Currently, there are only 0.11 park acres per 1,000 residents within one-half mile of the site, which is far below the Citywide goal of eight acres of open space per 1,000 residents. A mini park at this location will provide a great benefit to this community. An aerial map of this location is attached (Attachment B).
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on January 25, 2010, and Budget and Performance Management Bureau Manager David Wodynski on January 28, 2010.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on February 16, 2010, in order to submit the grant application to California State Parks by their due date of March 1, 2010.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total direct cost of the project is estimated at $722,465. Grant monies will offset 100 percent of the direct project development costs. Future annual park maintenance costs provided by PRM's landscape contractor are estimated to be $3,500, which will be absorbed through PRM's existing operating budget. Should the grant application be selected for funding, a recommendation will be made to the City Council to accept the grant and appropriate the funding.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR STATEWIDE PARK PROGRAM GRANT FUNDS
Respectfully Submitted,
PHIL T. HESTER
DIRECTOR, PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
NAME |
APPROVED: |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |