TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager to submit a grant application to the California Strategic Growth Council, through the Urban Greening Grant Program, in the amount of $250,000, for the creation of an urban greening master plan for the 50-acre California Gardens site, located at Spring Street and Orange Avenue; and execute any documents necessary for implementation and administration of the planning project. (District 7)
DISCUSSION
In 2006, California voters passed the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2006 (Proposition 84). Proposition 84 authorized the Legislature to appropriate up to $17.5 million for the purpose of creating urban greening master plans to guide and coordinate greening projects throughout the State. In 2008, the Legislature created the California Strategic Growth Council (SGC), whose objectives are to improve air and water quality, protect natural resources and agricultural lands, increase the availability of affordable housing, improve infrastructure systems, promote public health, and assist state and local entities in the planning of sustainable communities.
In April 2011, SGC announced the solicitation of Urban Greening Planning Grants under Proposition 84. Urban Greening Planning Grants will provide funds for the development of urban greening master plans that will result in projects to help the State meet its environmental goals and create healthy, sustainable communities. Urban greening master plans must outline projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide multiple benefits, including, but not limited to, decreasing air and water pollution, reducing the consumption of natural resources and energy, increase the reliability of local water supplies, and increase adaptability to climate change.
The Urban Greening Grant Program provides an opportunity to fund an urban greening plan for the California Gardens site, the area between Orange Avenue, Spring Street, California Avenue, and the Sunnyside and Long Beach Cemeteries (Attachment). This 50-acre site is one of the last remaining undeveloped areas within the City of Long Beach (City). Previous efforts to develop this site for active recreation were complicated by the existing site conditions. The rugged terrain and natural wetlands that made the site unsuitable for a sports facility present tremendous opportunities for creating green infrastructure. In the process of creating an urban greening master plan, suitable locations may be identified for such activities as storm water capture and treatment, expansion of the urban forest, alternative energy generation, and community gardens. These elements would reduce greenhouse gases, reduce the heat island effect, improve air and water quality, and improve public health. In addition, the areas between infrastructure elements could be landscaped with native plants and walking trails could be developed to provide access to open space for residents of the adjacent neighborhoods, the City, and the surrounding region. The site could include urban greening education, providing visitors with examples to green their homes and neighborhoods and make the City more sustainable.
The urban greening master plan process will engage the local community to the greatest extent possible. Input and review will be sought from residents, businesses, schools, nonprofit organizations, and any other groups that can be identified.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on May 20, 2011, and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on May 24, 2011.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on June 14, 2011, in order to allow timely execution of pertinent documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of the urban greening master plan for the California Gardens site will be $250,000. The Urban Greening Planning Grant does not require matching funds or in-kind services. City staff time for eligible project management can be charged directly to the grant in order to recover allowable administrative costs. Should the grant application be selected for funding, a recommendation will be made to the City Council to accept the grant and appropriate the funding. There is no impact to jobs associated with the recommended action.
BODY
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH APPROVING THE APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FOR THE URBAN GREENING GRANT PROGRAM, UNDER THE STRATEGIC GROWTH COUNCIL FOR THE CREATION OF A MASTER PLAN FOR THE CALIFORNIA GARDENS SITE
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
GEORGE CHAPJIAN
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER