TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution authorizing City Manager, or designee, to submit a grant application to the Ocean Protection Council for the 51st Street Greenbelt Development Project, in an amount not to exceed $3,000,000; and, if awarded, execute a grant agreement, and all documents necessary including subsequent amendments, to accept and expend the funds. (District 8)
DISCUSSION
The Parks, Recreation and Marine Department submitted a letter of interest to the Ocean Protection Council (OPC) Proposition 1 Grant Program in April 2021 to request funding for the 51st Street Greenbelt Development Project (Project). The Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014 (Proposition 1) provides funding to protect rivers, lakes, streams, coastal waters, and watersheds through multi-benefit ecosystem and watershed protection and restoration projects in accordance with statewide priorities. The City was recently invited to submit a full grant proposal for the OPC’s Proposition 1 Grant Program solicitation.
The Project is located along DeForest Avenue between West 51st Street and West 52nd Street, north of Del Amo Boulevard and east of the Los Angeles River, adjacent to the southern end of the DeForest Wetlands. As part of the 51st Street Greenbelt Concept Plan, this undeveloped .97-acre parcel is envisioned as a greenbelt with natural open space, a walking trail, stormwater capture and reuse areas, children’s play nodes, trees and native landscaping, and site furnishings. The Project improves water and air quality, increases tree canopy and new park acreage, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. This concept was developed with community feedback through a community survey and popup event as part of the City’s 2018 Earth Day events and will provide open space in a park-deficient neighborhood.
The 51st Street Greenbelt is located within the OPC’s priority area and the grant, if awarded, would provide the needed funding to complete the development of the Project. The grant would specifically fund project implementation including site clearing and grading, construction of bioswales and water quality and water treatment elements, a trail, and natural elements in alignment with the goals of the Proposition 1 Grant Program.
This funding opportunity requires community partnerships and collaboration. As a result, the City is partnering with City Fabrick, a Long Beach-based nonprofit organization. Their mission is to “promote progressive urban design that enhances the livability of communities and the health of residents.” City Fabrick will be responsible for community engagement as well as the design effort. City Fabrick is currently collaborating with the City on other projects as an on-call urban design consultant, is an experienced partner in designing and helping the City deliver similar efforts, and has been part of the initial planning phase for the Project. The City will also be partnering with the Conservation Corps of Long Beach who will participate in the development of the Project as job training for Long Beach youth.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Arturo D. Sanchez on June 16, 2021 and by Budget Analysis Officer Gregory Sorensen on June 19, 2021.
SUSTAINABILITY
This multi-benefit Project is located adjacent to the Los Angeles River, which is listed as impaired on the Clean Water Action Section 303(d) list and meets the OPC Priority Project Type by benefiting communities entitled to environmental justice through developing multi-benefit ecosystem and watershed protection or restoration projects that improve water quality. The Project also sits directly along the I-710 corridor, where the community faces higher levels of air pollution, asthma and obesity, which affects life expectancy and with many of these areas being home to communities of color, having access to parks within a 10-minute walk can directly improve life expectancy for those most vulnerable. Project funding will support water quality efforts at the State and local level by implementing bioswales and other water treatment features to capture pollutants from water runoff. This is consistent with the City’s Stormwater Management Plan as well as the City’s Livability Initiative. The Project will also add to the open space inventory in Long Beach, consistent with the City’s Open Space and Recreation Element.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on July 13, 2021, to submit the application by the grant deadline.
FISCAL IMPACT
If awarded, the City will receive an amount not to exceed $3,000,000 to complete the Project in 32 months. No match or in-kind service mandate is required. The Project has secured $999,115 from the Port of Long Beach Community Grants Program that will be leveraged to complete the Project’s landscaping. The OPC guidelines require specific levels of community engagement and grant program administration, tracking, reporting, and close-out responsibilities, which the Department will perform. These responsibilities will require staff and consultant support outside of the normal budgeted scope of duties and are eligible and reimbursable grant expenses. Upon grant award and prior to project initiation, the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department will return to City Council to appropriate funds at the time plans and specifications are submitted for approval.
Following project completion, the Parks, Recreation, and Marine Department will be responsible for ongoing operating and maintenance costs for both parks. The total annual estimated cost is $40,000 and funding has not yet been identified and is currently unbudgeted. The department will return with a request for appropriation as part of the budget process. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation. However, it is anticipated that projects constructed using these grant funds, if awarded, will potentially result in the creation of local jobs.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
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[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
BRENT DENNIS
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER