TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute any and all documents necessary for the conveyance of the property described in Exhibit "A" to the City of Long Beach from the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Long Beach for the purpose of constructing roadway improvements to Cherry Avenue between 19th Street and Pacific Coast Highway. (District 4)
DISCUSSION
In August 2009, the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency (Agency) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Signal Hill to construct street improvements on Cherry Avenue between 19th Street and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in the City of Long Beach.
The City of Signal Hill received $6 million in grant funding from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Federal Highway Administration to eliminate the traffic queuing in the southbound lanes on Cherry Avenue.
The Cherry Avenue Widening Project (Project) will provide for two southbound and two northbound through-lanes on Cherry Avenue at PCH, with the addition of a right-turn lane for the southbound approach, and dedicated left-turn lanes for both northbound and southbound approaches. A continuous two-way, left-turn lane will be provided between the intersections for access to existing businesses. Right-of-way acquisition will be required primarily along the west line of Cherry Avenue with a few minor acquisitions along the east line. On-street parking on Cherry Avenue south of PCH will be removed by the proposed improvements.
On March 7, 2011, the Agency authorized the Executive Director to execute any and all documents necessary for the conveyance of the assets to the City of Long Beach (City) from the Agency. Several properties within the Project's boundaries have recently closed escrow, or are pending to close escrow in the near future, and therefore, staff is requesting the transfer of these Agency-owned properties to the City in an effort to continue the Project (Exhibit "A").
Transferring these properties to the City pursuant to Section 33220(g) of the California Health and Safety Code will allow for the redevelopment of these properties within local control and in accordance with the redevelopment plans. This action is necessary in order to complete the Project as planned. All property transferred to the City in connection with this Project will remain within the City's name. The Agency is not expected to have any further involvement in the property once the transfer has occurred.
The City's Environmental Planning Officer has determined that the proposed transfer of properties to the City qualifies for a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act.
This letter was reviewed by Chief Assistant City Attorney Heather A. Mahood on April 19, 2011 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on April 28, 2011.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on May 17, 2011, in order to effectuate the conveyance of land as soon as possible.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the General Fund (GP) associated with this recommendation. Any expenses associated with the transfer will be covered by the Capital Projects (CP) Fund in the Department of Development Services (DV). There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
AMY J. BODEK, AICP
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER