Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-05-09 - AGENDA REPORTS - NORTH NEWHALL SP EIR (2)CONSENT CALENDAR DATE: SUBJECT: DEPARTMENT: Agenda Item: -1 CITY OF SANTA CLARITA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY AGENDA REPORT City Manager Approval: Item to be presented by: May 9, 2006 NORTH NEWHALL SPECIFIC PLAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (EIR) Community Development RECOMMENDED ACTION City Council: 1. Adopt a resolution approving a loan in the amount of $439,400 from the City of Santa Clarita General Fund to the Santa Clarita Redevelopment Agency. Redevelopment Agency: 1. Authorize the City Manager or designee to enter into a professional services contract between the City and Moule and Polyzoides to complete the North Newhall Specific Plan and Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in an amount not to exceed $822,000; and authorize the City Manager or a designee to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney approval; 2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to enter into a reimbursement agreement between the City and Casden, Inc. to pay for 50 percent of the cost ($439,400) of the Specific Plan and EIR, to be placed in account 501-23078; and authorize the City Manager or a designee to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney approval; 3. Adopt a resolution accepting a loan in the amount of $439,400 from the City of Santa Clarita General Fund and approving a promissory note to the City of Santa Clarita; and 4. Authorize a transfer in the amount of $439,400 in loan proceeds from the Redevelopment Agency Debt Service Fund 910 to the Redevelopment Agency Capital Projects Fund 901 and appropriate $439,400 to account 3610-8110. f?e.b.o, 0 '-4a Adopted: 4 o& - With the approval of the Downtown Newhall Specific Plan, the City has initiated another specific planning process on a 213 -acre planning area north of Downtown Newhall called the North Newhall Specific Plan. The rough boundaries of the planning area include the Circle -J Ranch boundary to the north, the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) easement to the east and Newhall Creek to the west and south. The majority of the properties are located within the Newhall Redevelopment Area. In total, 45 different property owners are included within the planning area. Casden, Inc. is the largest property owner with approximately half the project area. In February 2006, Request for Proposals (RFPs) were sent to prospective consultants, inviting them to submit proposal and budget to prepare the Specific Plan and Environmental Impact Report (EIR). In early April 2006, staff interviewed firms that submitted proposals. The agenda item to award a contract was originally scheduled and noticed for April 25, 2006. However, staff requested additional time and the item be continued to May 9, 2006. The determining factor in selecting Moule and Polyzoides as the preferred candidate included, but was not limited to, its history of completing innovative specific plans, a proposed aggressive timeline and using an environmental sub -consultant with a high reputation. Moule and Polyzoides also completed the Downtown Newhall Specific Plan. The RFP from Moule and Polyzoides has been placed in the Council reading file. Staff and Moule and Polyzoides plan to work closely with the property owners, surrounding communities and decision makers in developing the Specific Plan and EIR. It is expected to take approximately 11/2 years to complete the Specific Plan and EIR. Reimbursement Plan The total cost associated with the Specific Plan and EIR is $878,800 ($822,000 to complete the Specific Plan and EIR and $56,800 for entitlements). The City will enter into a reimbursement agreement with Casden, to pay for 50 percent of the total costs, or $439,400. The remaining 50 percent would be recovered as a "development impact fee" as future projects within the area are proposed and completed. The impact fee will be developed as part of the Specific Plan. However, it will take several years for those fees to be collected and it is unlikely that all costs will be recovered. Redevelopment Loans During the preparation of the 2005-06 Fiscal Year budget, the City Council set aside a $7 million reserve in the General Fund to be spent on projects consistent with the Downtown Newhall Specific Plan that will redevelop and revitalize Downtown Newhall and the surrounding areas. Since the North Newhall area is just north of Downtown Newhall, staff recommends the remaining $439,400 be transferred from the $5 million remaining in reserve as a loan to the Redevelopment Agency. As future development impact fees are collected, they would be deposited into the account to pay back the loan. Fees that are not collected during the life of the plan and interest would be absorbed by the Redevelopment Agency. Findings can be made to use redevelopment funds towards developing the plan even though some properties within the project area are located outside the Newhall Redevelopment Area. The properties are located along the projected right-of-way for the Lyons Avenue extension and are located between Downtown Newhall and the Casden property. Including these properties in the planning area will enhance transportation to and from the redevelopment area, reduce blight and unify development standards. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS Other actions as determined by the City Council/Redevelopment Agency. FISCAL IMPACT The reimbursement agreement with Casden and the impact fees will recover the majority of the costs associated with the Specific Plan and EIR. Fees that are not collected and interest would be absorbed by the Redevelopment Agency. ATTACHMENTS Map of North Newhall Area City Council Resolution Authorizing Loan Redevelopment Agency Resolution Accepting Loan Moule and Polyzoides Proposal available in the City Clerk's Reading File