TITLE
Recommendation to direct City of Long Beach as the Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Long Beach staff to seek Oversight Board approval of the transfer of ownership of 5870 Atlantic Avenue, Assessor Parcel Numbers 7124-032-900 through -918, to the City of Long Beach; authorize City Manager and the Director of Development Services to execute any and all documents necessary to complete the transfer upon approval by the Oversight Board and State of California Department of Finance; and accept the Categorical Exemption CE 14-097. (District 9)
DISCUSSION
The Successor Agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Long Beach (Successor Agency) currently owns the property located at 5870 Atlantic Avenue, Assessor Parcel Numbers 7124-032-900 through 918 (Subject Property) (Exhibit A - Site Map). The Successor Agency assembled the Subject Property from 2005-2007 consistent with the goals of the North Long Beach Strategic Guide for Redevelopment, which identified the two-block area along Atlantic Avenue between 56th and 59th Streets as a Target Site for potential newdevelopment related to the creation of a strong Village Center in North Long Beach. The vision of the Guide was for the area around the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and South Street to be developed as the principal neighborhood center/town center for North Long Beach. Pedestrian-oriented retail uses would be expanded along street frontages, streetscape and parking improvements would be implemented, and public uses, arts and cultural facilities and pocket parks be developed as appropriate. Under the Guide, the property at 59th Street and Atlantic Avenue has been identified as the site for the new North Library, which is currently proceeding to construction. An Environmental Impact Report for this project was completed in November 2009. This project was identified in the scope of public projects for which Recovery Zone Economic Development bonds were issued in late 2010, which remains an ongoing obligation.
In compliance with AB1484, the Successor Agency submitted its Long Range Property Management Plan (LRPMP) to the California State Department of Finance (OaF) for review in October 2013. The LRPMP categorizes the Subject Property as a Government Use parcel, as the Subject Property is currently being constructed as a public library. Section 34181 (a) and Section 34191.3 of the Health and Safety Code allow for the transfer of properties categorized as Government Use prior to the DOF's approval of-the LRPMP. Successor Agency staff would like to proceed with conveying fee title to the Subject Property to the City.
Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, Categorical Exemption, CE 14-097 was completed related to the proposed transfer of title to the City.
If this action is approved by the Successor Agency, it will be scheduled for Oversight Board consideration on September 22,2014.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Richard F. Anthony on August 25,2014, and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on August 29,2014.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
This item is time sensitive, as the City Council recently awarded a construction contract for construction of the new North Library. This action would also further the dissolution of the former Redevelopment Agency.
FISCAL IMPACT
As indicated in the City Council letter dated August 19, 2014, approving the construction contract for the North Branch Library, an incremental operations cost increase is anticipated when the existing library is closed and the new one opens. The incremental operations cost increase is estimated at $284,000 and will be requested as part of the City's FY 16 budget process.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
AMY J. BODEK, AICP
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR