TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to submit a grant application to the California Strategic Growth Council, through the Urban Greening Grant Program, for the Willmore Courts and Ways Demonstration Project located at La Reina Way and Del Rey Court; and execute any documents necessary for implementation and administration of the project. (District 1)
DISCUSSION
The Department of Development Services (Department) is requesting authorization to submit a grant application for funding for the Willmore Courts and Ways Demonstration Project (Project). The Urban Greening for Sustainable Communities Program (Program), funded by Proposition 84, is administered by the Strategic Growth Council (SGC) and provides funds to preserve, enhance, increase or establish community green areas such as urban forests, open spaces, and community gardens.
The SGC must first review a project's concept proposal to determine if a project is eligible for funding through this Program. Working collaboratively, the Departments of Development Services and Public Works, and the Office of Sustainability prepared a concept proposal for the Project located at Del Rey Court and La Reina Way (Exhibit A - Site Map). The Project was determined to be eligible and has been invited to submit a funding application.
Located within the Willmore City Historic District (District), the Project is situated within one residential city block that is intersected by Del Rey Court and La Reina Way. The Project proposes to transform a portion of La Reina Way into an intimately scaled pedestrian walkway by closing a portion to vehicular traffic and incorporating stormwater management features, native plants, permeable pavers and sustainable enhancements. The partial vehicular closure of La Reina Way would require City Council approval. While Del Rey Court and the remainder of La Reina Way would continue to accommodate pedestrians and vehicles, the design would provide a visual distinction between these two uses through the use of recycled paving with the ability to reduce the heat island effect.
The Willmore Implementation Plan (Plan), created in collaboration between the Redevelopment Agency and the Willmore City Heritage Association, provides a community vision and focus on implementation strategies to improve the District. This project will achieve one of the priorities identified by the community, which is the implementation of a courts and ways demonstration project. With funding, the Project could serve as a model landscape for similar alleyways in the Willmore area.
A resolution has been prepared for the City Council that authorizes the City Manager, or his designee, to apply for and accept up to $300,000 in grant funding for the Project.
This letter was reviewed by Chief Assistant City Attorney Heather Mahood on October 5, 2011, and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on October 13, 2011.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on November 1, 2011, to meet the application deadline of November 17, 2011.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of the Project is estimated at $350,000. The City would receive up to $300,000 in grant funding from SGC, with a $50,000 match from the City. The match from the City would be provided from the Redevelopment Fund (RD) in the Department of Development Services (DV). If these funds become unavailable as a result of an unfavorable outcome in the pending Supreme Court case, Community Development Block Grant funds (SR 150 002) in the Department of Development Services (DV) will be used as an alternate funding source. 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. The Department will also include a status update on the funding for the match at that time. There is no impact to the General Fund and no impact to jobs associated with the recommended action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR THE URBAN GREENING GRANT PROGRAM UNDER THE SAFE DRINKING WATER, WATER QUALITY AND SUPPLY, FLOOD CONTROL, RIVER AND COASTAL PROTECTION BOND ACT OF 2006 (PROPOSITION 84)
Respectfully Submitted,
AMY BODEK
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER