HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-03-05 - AGENDA REPORTS - CMTY CENTER PROPOSED SITES (2)CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: George A. Caravalho, City Manager
DATE: March 5, 2002
SUBJECT: PROPOSED SHORT- AND LONG-TERM SITES FOR CITY'S COMMUNITY
CENTER
RECOMMENDED ACTION
• Receive the report and provide staff with direction on the short- and long-term options.
BACKGROUND
The Community Center is currently located in a 7,000 square foot converted warehouse
located at 24406 San Fernando Road, Newhall, and is leased by the City at an annual cost
in excess of $100,000 per year. The site has a leaking roof, inadequate parking, and sub-
standard restrooms. Recently, community members expressed their deep concerns and
interest in obtaining an improved Community Center to the Parks and Recreation
Commission and the City Council. Staff continues to meet with community members who
are dedicated to obtaining a new location for the City's Community Center.
Staff believes the City should consider alternatives for the Community Center including
relocation. At this time, relocation appears to offer the best opportunity to deal with the
issues in Newhall. A safe, new site within walking distance for residents would include the
following:
• Allow service to the east Newhall residents from Market Street to Sierra Highway.
• Provide separate rooms for multi -faceted programming.
• Ample parking.
• Outdoor play area.
In researching viable short- and long-term options for a new site, staff has determined that
a short-term site is needed for approximately two years, while a long-term site is
purchased, designed, and built. City staff researched eight possible Community Center
sites. The most promising options are:
Short -Term Site Options (0-2 years)
A) Renovate Existing Site
Repair and renovation to existing site would cost approximately $150,000 to repair the
roof, replace carpeting, upgrade parking lot, and expand restrooms. Parking would
remain inadequate and there would be less programmable space due to expansion of the
restrooms.
Agenda Item:
B) Anawalt Property — 22427 Market Street
This site is 4.79 acres and includes an 11,000 square foot warehouse -type structure,
which can accommodate Community Center programs and participants. It is estimated
that expenditures of approximately $240,000 would be necessary to bring the facility
into code compliance. The Anawalt property would serve the existing Community
Center participants, provide ample parking, and offer an additional 4,000 square feet of
building space. Permission from federal grant transit funding sources may be required
to utilize the building as a temporary location.
Long -Term Site Options
A) Kinnen Property — 23950 San Fernando Road
This site is 8.5 acres, of which an estimated 3 acres are buildable. This site is
particularly challenging, with multiple easements and adjacent creekbeds on two sides
of the property.
There are numerous benefits to this location, which include:
• Ability to broaden the target service area to include latchkey and disenfranchised
youth east of Valle de Oro.
• Regional, County, and City connection to the trails system.
• Easy access to Creekview Park.
• Access to approved McGrath Elementary School.
A study to determine the viability of the Kinnen property needs to be conducted, along
with a master plan for a new Community Center.
B) Anawalt Site
To utilize the Anawalt site on a long-term basis, the existing structure would have to be
demolished, parking on the southwest corner relocated, and a new building designed
and constructed in that corner. For a long-term Community Center on the Anawalt site,
the creek would need full mitigation and approval must be granted by the federal
transit funding agency.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
• Other direction as determined by City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
To be determined by City Council direction.
ATTACHEMENTS
GIS maps of proposed sites.
DB:ada
council\study session\w munity mnte .da