TITLE
Recommendation to increase appropriations in the Capital Projects Fund (CP) in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PR) by $949,900; and authorize City Manager to execute all documents necessary for the acquisition of 1044 East 16th Street for the expansion of the California Recreation Center. (District 6)
DISCUSSION
The Central Long Beach Strategic Guide for Development (Strategic Guide) has identified specific projects within the Central Long Beach Redevelopment Project Area that will serve as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization. One of the major priorities identified by the community is the development of open space in underserved neighborhoods within the project area. Though the Strategic Guide identifies areas for new park development, staff has implemented a strategy to purchase land to expand existing parks to address the immediate need. One such site is the property located at 1044 East 16th Street (Subject Property) for the expansion of the California Recreation Center (Attachment-Site Plan).
California Recreation Center (Cal Rec) is a 2.3-acre park, which houses a community center, gymnasium, basketball courts, playground and turf area. The park is heavily utilized by residents in the area, with multiple programs offered concurrently throughout the day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Cal Rec is located across the street from Polytechnic High School with a student population of 4,835 in grades 9 through 12.
Currently, only a limited number of youth can be served and must compete for use of the facilities with senior, adult and other programming at Cal Rec. Acquisition of 1044 East 16th Street would provide an additional 6,750 square feet to the existing park and allow for the development of a teen/youth center. The new teen/youth center at Cal Rec will allow for the expansion of youth programs and services including after-school programs with homework help, summer food program services, teen volunteer programs, job fairs, and literacy programs. As a result of the development of a teen/youth center, the availability at the current community center will increase, allowing senior programs and activities to be expanded without competing for limited space.
The City is currently in negotiations with Esau Velaquez and Magnolia and Bayron Fuentes, as the owners of the Subject Property. The owners have agreed to sell the Subject Property to the City for $910,000. An additional amount of up to $49,000 will be expended for escrow and closing fees, for a total acquisition amount of $959,000.
This letter was reviewed by Senior Deputy City Attorney Donna F. Gwin on April 18, 2006, and Budget Management Officer David Wodynski on April 27, 2006.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on May 9, 2006 to expedite the acquisition of the property and close of escrow.
FISCAL IMPACT
Of the total acquisition amount of $959,000, $949,900 will be funded through redevelopment bond proceeds via a transfer from the Redevelopment Fund (RD) in the Department of Community Development (CD) to the Capital Project Fund (CP) in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PR). The remaining amount of $9,100 will be paid through Park Impact Fees, which are budgeted in the Capital Projects Fund (CP) in the Department of Public Works (PW).
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
PHIL T. HESTER
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
PATRICK H. WEST |
APPROVED: |
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT |
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CHRISTINE F. ANDERSEN |
GERALD R. MILLER |
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS |
CITY MANAGER |