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Report regarding a resolution approving the acceptance of specified grant funds from the California Budget Act of 2022, item 3790-101-0001 as amended by Assembly Bill 179, in an amount of $3,200,000 for the Linden Park project at 616 and 700 Linden Avenue pursuant to budget amendment #23.043. (Greg Mediati, Director of Parks and Recreation, Philip Vitale, Deputy Director of Capital Projects, and Christina Fernandez, Deputy City Manager)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the acceptance of grant funding from the State of California’s Budget Act of 2022 in an amount of $3,200,000 for the Linden Park project at 616 and 700 Linden Avenue.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The City intends to purchase two parcels, 616 and 700 Linden Avenue, totaling nearly one acre of land to develop the new Linden Avenue Park. The site of the proposed park is located within an existing residential neighborhood in the Old Town area. One parcel is currently an unprogrammed green space while the other is a parking lot. The City is currently negotiating with the San Mateo Countywide Oversight Board to complete the purchase of the parcels from the Successor Agency to the Former Redevelopment Agency in order to begin construction of this community amenity.
In early 2022, City staff submitted grant requests to State Senator Becker’s office and then-Assemblymember Mullin’s office for funding consideration in the State of California’s 2022 budget, including a $3,200,000 request for funding for park improvements on these two parcels.
In August 2022, staff learned that Assemblymember Mullin’s office had successfully lobbied for the inclusion of a $3,200,000 grant to the City of South San Francisco to fund these improvements. The budget, California Assembly Bill 179, was approved by the State of California legislature on August 31, 2022 and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 9, 2022.
Funding was requested to transform two adjacent lots on Linden Avenue into a vibrant neighborhood park and cultural plaza for the community to enjoy. Situated in the historical Old Town neighborhood, this is a highly visible public site due to its centralized location and cultural significance. This densely populated area is considered one of South San Francisco’s most socio-economically diverse communities.
The Old Town neighborhood has been identified in the 2015 Parks and Recreation Master Plan and 2022 General Plan as an area of concern for its lack of parks and open space. To address this need, the 616 and 700 Linden Avenue parcels were identified in these plans as future park locations.
Additionally, in July 2022, the City was tentatively awarded Land and Water Conservation Fund grant funding in the amount of $830,000 for acquisition of the two parcels, pending approval by the United States National Parks Service. Final award of this grant should be confirmed this spring.
Design of the park does require significant public outreach to define the site program and amenities desired by community members, however, as currently envisioned, it would include a children’s play area, public artworks, high-speed internet, a multi-purpose sports court, and lawn and hardscape areas for fitness activities, picnics, and other community gatherings. Some environmental cleanup is required for the 616 Linden Avenue property, which will be completed before construction. Community outreach and design is expected to begin later this year.
FISCAL IMPACT
Acceptance of $3,200,000 in grant funding has no impact to the General Fund.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
This item before the City Council supports the City’s Quality of Life strategic goal by providing additional funding for improved park amenities for residents.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the acceptance of grant funding from the State of California’s Budget Act of 2022 in an amount of $3,200,000 for the Linden Park project at 616 and 700 Linden Avenue and approve budget amendment #23.043