TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution making certain findings regarding the construction of certain public improvements on The Promenade north of Third Street and south of Ocean Boulevard, with Redevelopment funds (Promenade Improvements) from the Downtown Redevelopment Project; and
DISCUSSION
In April and May 2007, the Redevelopment Agency (Agency) and the City Council adopted resolutions making findings regarding the construction of public improvements on The Promenade right-of-way between Ocean Boulevard and Third Street, including the amphitheater, with funding provided by the Downtown and West Beach Redevelopment Project Areas. An extension of the improvement area will include the terminus of The Promenade north of Third Street, by the WPA Mosaic Mural Park (Mural Park), and south of Ocean Boulevard in Victory Park (Exhibit A - Site Map). This will address these underutilized open spaces and provide an important pedestrian link from the various Downtown neighborhoods, including West Gateway, Civic Center, Pine Avenue, North Pine, and East Village, to the Convention Center and waterfront venues on the south end of The Promenade, and retail, restaurants, and residences to the north.
Enhancements will include landscaping, pavement, lighting, seating, public art, and a new pedestrian connection from Pine Avenue to Promenade South. Improvements to the Mural Park located in front of the CityPlace Parking Structure will create a destination for residents and visitors to enjoy the park setting and the historic WPA Mosaic Mural. The area is also important to Downtown mobility, serving cyclists using the proposed dedicated bike lane on Third Street, and as an access point for the Long Beach Transit Passport that serves the greater Downtown and the MT A Blue Line, with parking available for transit patrons in the adjacent parking structure.
Before the Agency may proceed with the aforementioned project, California Redevelopment Law requires that the Agency adopt a resolution making the following findings:
· 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.
· No other reasonable means of financing the public improvements are available to the community.
· The payment of Agency funds for the construction of public improvements will assist in the elimination of one or more blighting conditions within the project area.
Resolutions making the necessary findings regarding the construction of these public improvements with redevelopment funds from the Downtown and West Beach Redevelopment Project Areas are attached. The Agency approved similar resolutions at their meeting on March 2, 2009.
The estimated cost for the project (including public art) totals approximately $3.5 million.
As plans and specifications are completed, bid construction contracts will be submitted to the Agency for review and approval.
This letter was reviewed by Chief Assistant City Attorney Heather Mahood on March 3, 2009 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on March 4, 2009.
SUSTAINABILITY
Water conserving plant materials and energy efficient lights will be used for this project.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on March 24, 2009, in order to begin design and construction of. improvements.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding for the project is budgeted in the Downtown Redevelopment Project Area Fund (RD 224) in Fiscal Years 2009 through 2011. There will be no fiscal impact to the General Fund as a result of the recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
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 (PROMENADE IMPROVEMENTS)
Respectfully Submitted,
CRAIG BECK
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
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APPROVED: |
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |