TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution making certain findings regarding the construction of certain public improvements with North Long Beach Redevelopment Project Area Funds; and
Request City Attorney to prepare an amendment to Section 10.14.020 of the Long Beach Municipal Code, adding new subsections to read: "113. (Westbound) 56th Street between Linden Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard"; and "114. (Eastbound) Ellis Street between Long Beach Boulevard and Linden Avenue." (Districts 8,9)
DISCUSSION
On January 18, 2005, the City Council adopted a resolution authorizing the issuance of Tax Increment Revenue Bonds. With these bond revenues, several important public projects are planned in the North Long Beach Redevelopment Project Area, including street improvements.
The North Long Beach Strategic Guide for Development (Strategic Guide) has identified specific projects within the North Long Beach Redevelopment Project Area (North) that will serve as catalysts for neighborhood revitalization. Some of the major priorities identified by the community are development of open space and street improvements.
Development of a one-way street couplet on 56th Street and Ellis Street between Long Beach Boulevard and Linden Avenue, and streetscape improvements on Atlantic Avenue will facilitate the removal of blight as well as help create a safe, more cohesive and economically dynamic neighborhood. These public improvements will improve and calm traffic flow, improve neighborhood access and circulation, and provide additional parking spaces. Streetscape improvements will beautify public streets and promote business attraction and retention, development of affordable housing, as well as a feeling of community among project area neighborhoods.
The Redevelopment Agency Board approved its Fiscal Year 2005-2006 budget on June 27, 2005, that included the One-Way Street Couplet Implementation and Streetscape Improvements along major corridors.
Before the Redevelopment Agency may proceed with the aforementioned projects, California Redevelopment Law requires the City Council to adopt a Resolution (attached) making the following findings:
· That the construction of such public improvements are of benefit to the redevelopment project area or the immediate neighborhood in which the public improvement project is located;
· That no other reasonable means of financing the public improvements are available to the community; and
· That the payment of Agency funds for the construction of the public improvements will assist in the elimination of one or more blighting conditions within the project area.
Notices for a public workshop on the proposed conversion of 56th Street and Ellis Street to oneway operation were mailed to all residents and property owners along the impacted street segments as well as to those along the immediate adjacent streets. On August 5, 2006, the proposed conversion to a oneway operation was presented to the residents and property owners and the majority of both parties were in support of the conversion.
The City's Traffic Engineer has reviewed the proposed conversion of 56th Street and Ellis Street to a oneway operation. He supports the proposal and believes the conversion will enhance safety and add parking in the neighborhood.
This letter was reviewed by Assistant City Attorney Heather A. Mahood on September 11, 2006, and Budget Management Officer David Wodynski on September 21, 2006.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on October 17, 2006, to allow for the immediate initiation of the transactions.
FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funds are currently appropriated in the Redevelopment Fund (RD) in the Department of Community Development.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS REGARDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF CERTAIN PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS WITH REDEVELOPMENT FUNDS (ONE-WAY COUPLET AND ATLANTIC AVENUE IMPROVEMENTS)
Respectfully Submitted,
PATRICK H. WEST
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
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APPROVED: |
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GERALD R. MILLER |
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CITY MANAGER |