TITLE
Recommendation to adopt Resolution of Intention to vacate a portion of Lakewood Boulevard formerly known as La Plaza east of Lakewood Boulevard; authorize the acceptance of the dedication of additional right-of-way for Lakewood Boulevard and Stearns Street; and set date of hearing on the vacation for Tuesday, November 20, 2007, at
5:00 p.m. (District 5)
DISCUSSION
The owner of the triangular parcel at the northeast corner of Lakewood Boulevard and Stearns Street proposes to redevelop that site with a 6,404-square foot retail plaza with 6 commercial units. Twenty-six parking spaces are required for this development. It is proposed that the southwesterly 31.75 feet of an 82.32-foot wide local street right-of-way be vacated to allow the developer to claim the row of perpendicular parking spaces adjacent to the parcel as a part of this development. The right-of-way to be vacated is shown on Exhibit A.
Also as a condition of development, additional right-of-way is needed for widening Stearns Street and Lakewood Boulevard. The right-of-way to be dedicated is also shown on Exhibit A.
Proceedings for this vacation are being conducted in accordance with Chapter 3, General Vacation Procedure, of the Public Streets, Highways and Service Easements Vacation Law of the California Streets and Highways Code. Findings must establish that the subject right-of-way is unnecessary for present or prospective public use. The Department of Public Works supports this action based on the following evidence, facts, conditions and findings, establishing that the dedicated right-of-way to be vacated is unnecessary for present or prospective public use:
1. On July 6, 2006, the City of Long Beach Planning Commission conditionally approved plans for a new retail plaza at 2200 North Lakewood Boulevard. Conditions include the vacation of the subject street portion and the widening of both Stearns Street and Lakewood Boulevard by 3 feet. The development plan is attached as Exhibit B.
2. As a part of this project, the Stearns Street roadbed will be widened by 6.5 feet to provide the space needed for a new left-turn lane. The Developer will relocate the curb and other street furniture, upgrade and relocate the traffic signal at this intersection and construct an 8.5-foot wide sidewalk. Three feet of additional right-of-way is required for . this improvement, as stated above.
3. Also as a part of this project, the Developer will replace the existing 7 -foot wide sidewalk with a 10-foot wide sidewalk along Lakewood Boulevard.
4. Because the sidewalk along the vacated street portion will now be private, a private lighting system will be installed by the Developer. The existing public lighting fixtures will be returned to City Light & Power.
5. Other area improvements to be carried out by the Developer include the extension of traffic islands along Lakewood Boulevard and Stearns Street as recommended by the City Traffic Engineer, and repair of the remaining street area pavement.
6. On July 6, 2006, the Planning Commission determined that the subject vacation action is consistent with the General Plan, as required in Section 8313 of the Public Streets, Highways and Service Easements Vacation Law. In conformance with the California Environmental Quality Act, Negative Declaration Number NO 08-06 was certified for this project. The Planning Department staff report is included as Exhibit C.
7. The interested City Departments, including Fire and Police, have reviewed the proposed right-of-way vacation and land development, and have no objections to this action. There are no public utilities within the area to be vacated. Conditions of approval are listed in Exhibit D.
The public hearing on this matter to be held on November 20,2007, will allow all persons interested in, or objecting to, the proposed vacation to appear and be heard. The proposed resolution of intention to vacate was prepared by Deputy City Attorney Lori A. Conway on September 27, 2007.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this item is requested on October 23, 2007, to allow the construction of this project to proceed on schedule.
FISCAL IMPACT
A vacation processing fee of $1,000 was deposited to the General Fund (GP) in the Department of Public Works (PW).
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO VACATE A PORTION OF LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD FORMERLY KNOWN AS LA PLAZA EAST OF LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD, IN THE CITY OF LONG BEACH, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, PURSUANT TO THE PUBLIC STREET, HIGHWAYS AND SERVICE
EASEMENTS LAW (DIVISION 9, PART 3, CALIFORNIA STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE); FIXING A TIME AND PLACE FOR HEARING ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN OR OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSED VACATION
Respectfully Submitted,
CHRISTOPHER J. GARNER
ACTING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
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APPROVED: |
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ANTHONY W. BATTS |
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CITY MANAGER |