TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution making certain findings regarding the construction of certain public improvements with Central Long Beach Redevelopment Project Area Funds. (Districts 1,6)
DISCUSSION
The Redevelopment Agency (Agency), in collaboration with the Department of Parks, Recreation & Marine and the Department of Public Works, has identified the need to create and improve open space and infrastructure throughout the Central Long Beach Redevelopment Project Area (Project Area). These improvements will assist in the removal of blight by enhancing open space in densely populated neighborhoods currently underserved by these types of amenities, improving safety of the residents, and helping to create safe, more cohesive and economically dynamic communities in the Project Area.
The Agency has targeted six open space and two infrastructure projects for public improvements.
· Rosa Parks Park Acquisition/Expansion
· Drake/Chavez/Bhatti UPRR Expansion
· Craftsman Park Expansion
· Pacific Electric Right-of-Way Expansion
· MacArthur Park/Homeland Cultural Center Expansion
· Downtown Dog Park
· Magnolia Industrial District Infrastructure Improvement
Before the Agency may proceed with any public improvements, California Redevelopment Law provides that the Agency may, with the consent of the City Council, pay for public improvements that are publicly owned either within or outside of a redevelopment project area, if the City Council determines all of the following:
· That the construction of such public improvements is 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 Redevelopment Agency funds for the construction of the public improvements will assist in the elimination of one or more blighting conditions within the Project Area.
Since the Agency is funding construction of these public improvements, these findings must be made. These public improvements include creating and enhancing open space and renovating community centers.
These improvements will further serve to support neighborhood and economic revitalization by enriching the character of neighborhoods, linking existing open space elements and providing a unique and positive environmental signature for the Project Area.
A resolution is attached making certain findings regarding the construction of these public improvements with redevelopment funds in the Central Long Beach Redevelopment Project Area.
This letter was reviewed by Assistant City Attorney Heather A. Mahood on June 24, 2008, and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on June 26, 2008.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on July 22, 2008, in order to facilitate project design and planning.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for project design is available in the Redevelopment Fund (RD). There is no fiscal impact on the General Fund (GP).
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 (CENTRAL PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES AND STREET IMPROVEMENTS)
Respectfully Submitted,
Craig Beck
Director of Development Services
NAME |
APPROVED: |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |