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Report regarding a resolution approving the acceptance of $830,000 in grant funding from the State of California’s Land and Water Conservation Fund for permanent acquisition of the parcels located at 616 and 700 Linden Avenue for parkland development, and approving the appropriation of grant funds through budget amendment #23.056. (Greg Mediati, Director of Parks and Recreation)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution approving the acceptance of $830,000 in grant funding from the State of California’s Land and Water Conservation Fund for permanent acquisition of the parcels located at 616 and 700 Linden Avenue for parkland development, and approving the appropriation of grant funds through budget amendment #23.056.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) was established by the United States Congress in 1964 to fulfill a bipartisan commitment to safeguard natural areas, water resources and cultural heritage, and to provide recreation opportunities to all Americans. The fund invests earnings from offshore oil and gas leasing to help strengthen communities, preserve history, and protect the national endowment of lands and waters.
On August 4, 2020, the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) was signed into law, authorizing $900 million annually in permanent funding for LWCF. Prior to the passage of the GAOA, funding for LWCF relied on annual Congressional appropriations. LWCF grants may be administered on behalf of the federal government by state agencies. In this case, the grant administrator is the California Department of Parks and Recreation, though the National Parks Service also reviews applications for conformance with grant requirements.
Grants provide funding for the acquisition or development of land to create new outdoor recreation opportunities for the health and wellness of Californians. Since 1965, over one thousand parks throughout California have been created or improved with LWCF assistance. This funding cycle, acquisition projects have been prioritized over development projects. A 50-percent match is required for all applications.
The parcels located at 616 and 700 Linden were acquired by the former Redevelopment Agency and conveyed to the City as part of the redevelopment dissolution process. The City is not required to disposed of the parcels under the Successor Agency’s approved Long Range Property Management Plan (LRPMP). The LRPMP states that, at the time, the expected use of the properties would be as “high density housing;” however, it does not require them to be sold for that purpose. Previously, the City Council authorized staff to move forward with a proposal to the San Mateo Countywide Oversight Board that the City would retain the parcels and pay the taxing entities an amount not to exceed $1,660,000, the appraised land value. Negotiations on the final sale price for the property are on-going with the Oversight Board.
The parcel at 616 Linden Avenue consists of a 14,000 square-foot lot zoned Downtown Mixed Use. The property currently serves as a metered parking lot with 20 parking spaces. The Agency acquired the property in 1997 for $325,000. At that time, the lot consisted of a Quonset hut-type building and an automotive repair building.
The parcel located at 700 Linden Avenue consists of a 14,000 square-foot lot and is likewise zoned Downtown Mixed Use. The Agency purchased the property in 1998 for $315,000 with the intention of it serving as neighborhood parking. Ultimately, the parcel across the street at 616 Linden was utilized for parking, and the parcel at 700 Linden currently serves as open green space.
On February 1, 2022, staff submitted a grant application for $830,000 to fund 50-percent of the appraised land value to help fund permanent acquisition of the two parcels. The City’s grant application was approved by the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation in July 2022 and confirmed by the National Parks Service, who administers the program federally, in May 2023.
Design development and public engagement and listening sessions will begin later this year.
FISCAL IMPACT
LWCF grants do require a 50-percent match. For this reason, staff has requested no more than half of the appraised land valuation, $830,000, with the balance of funding being shared by the City. Initially, Park Land Acquisition Developer Fees were identified for all costs associated with the purchase of the property. Savings may be reimbursed into the Park Land Acquisition Fund for other park acquisition projects in South San Francisco.
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 grant funding from the State of California’s Land and Water Conservation Fund for a total award amount of $830,000 for permanent acquisition of the parcels located at 616 and 700 Linden Avenue for parkland development, and approving the appropriation of grant funds through budget amendment #23.056.