TITLE
Recommendation to direct City of Long Beach as the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Long Beach staff to seek Oversight Board approval of the transfer of ownership of 1195 E. 15th Street, Assessor Parcel Number 7268-022-910, to the City of Long Beach; authorize City Manager and the Director of Development Services to execute any and all documents necessary to complete the transfer upon approval by the Oversight Board and State of California Department of Finance; and accept the Categorical Exemption CE 14-089. (District 6)
DISCUSSION
The Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Long Beach (Successor Agency) currently owns the property located at 1195 E. 15th Street, Assessor Parcel Number 7268-022-910 (Subject Property) (Exhibit A - Site Map). The Successor Agency acquired the Subject Property in 2006 consistent with the goals of the Central Long Beach Strategic Guide for Development, which identified the Central Long Beach Redevelopment Project Area (Area) as being far underserved in terms of recreational and open space opportunities. The Successor Agency, in conjunction with the City's Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, identified several opportunities for open space development throughout the Area, one of which included the Subject Property. The Subject Property includes approximately 11,451 square feet of land area and, subsequent to acquisition, has been developed as Rosa Parks Park, which includes a walkway surrounded by native plants, water friendly landscaping and a commemorative art piece of Rosa Parks. In addition, several traffic improvements, including a bus stop and benches, were installed allowing better traffic circulation while creating a more pedestrian friendly environment along two major avenues in Long Beach, Orange and Alamitos.
In compliance with AB1484, the Successor Agency submitted its Long Range Property Management Plan (LRPMP) to the California State Department of Finance (DOF) for review in October 2013. The LRPMP categorizes the Subject Property as a Government Use parcel, as the Subject Property is currently utilized as a public park. Section 34181 (a) and Section 34191.3 of the Health and Safety Code allow for the transfer of properties categorized as Government Use prior to the DOF's approval of the LRPMP. Successor Agency staff would like to proceed with conveying fee title to the Subject Property to the City.
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, Categorical Exemption, CE 14-089 was completed related to the proposed transaction.
If this action is approved by the Successor Agency, it will be scheduled for Oversight Board consideration on September 22, 2014.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Richard F. Anthony on August 25,2014, and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on August 29, 2014.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
This item is not time sensitive, but would further the dissolution of the former Redevelopment Agency.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact or job impact associated with this action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
AMY J. BODEK, AICP
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR