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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 5: Parks and Open Space in River Road/Santa Clara EUGENE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY c Work Session: Parks and Open Space for River Road/Santa Clara Meeting Date: November 27,2006 Department: Public Works www.eugene-or.gov Agenda Item Number: 5 Staff Contact: Carolyn Weiss Contact Telephone Number: 682-4909 ISSUE STATEMENT The purpose of this work session is to respond to a City Council request for staff to provide an update on park acquisition activities within the River Road and Santa Clara areas as requested by the council. BACKGROUND Resulting from a series of acquisitions funded by the 1998 Parks and Open Space bond, significant gains have been made in providing neighborhood parks in the Santa Clara area. Since 1999, a total of six (6) neighborhood park sites have been purchased in River Road/Santa Clara. The 1998 bond also included funding for a community park in Santa Clara. $900,000 of this funding is still designated for this purpose and is supplemented by an additional $2,000,000 from the 2006 Parks and Open Space bond. In pursuit of this community park acquisition, letters of interest have been sent to 24 property owners in the Santa Clara area (see attachment A), and verbal contact has been made with those whose phone contact information was available. Staff has focused efforts on the two properties which are of most interest by presenting purchase offers for each parcel (see Attachment B). These are the largest parcels that are adjacent to Madison Middle School, including an 8.5-acre parcel to the north of the school (site A) and a 16-acre parcel to the east of the school (site B). Offers to purchase each of these properties have been delivered to the respective property owners and are based on recent appraisals. Staff continues to explore additional acquisition opportunities along the East Santa Clara Waterway. This waterway is a priority stormwater acquisition corridor between Wend over Park to the north and Madison Middle School to the south. Additional park acquisition efforts in Santa Clara to be funded by 2006 bond dollars include two additional neighborhood park sites and land along the Willamette River. RELATED CITY POLICIES . The PROS Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the council on February 13, 2006. . The PROS Project and Priority Plan was adopted by the council on May 22,2006. . A Parks and Open Space Bond Measure was passed by Eugene voters on November 7,2006. COUNCIL OPTIONS Not applicable; this item is for information only. LICMOl2006 Council Agendas1M0611271S0611275.doc CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION Not applicable; this item is for information only. SUGGESTED MOTION Not applicable; this item is for information only. ATTACHMENTS A. Expanded Acquisition Site Map B. Priority Acquisition Site Map C. City Council Memo, October 30,2006 D. City Council Memo, October 6, 2006 E. City Council Memo, July 13,2006 F. City Council Agenda Item Summary, April 19, 2006 G. City Council Memo, November 30,2005 FOR MORE INFORMATION Staff Contact: Carolyn Weiss Telephone: 682-4909 Staff E-Mail: carolyn.j.weiss@ci.eugene.or.us LICMOl2006 Council Agendas1M0611271S0611275.doc sCCP Phase II Options L D Option 1 Additions D Option 2 Additions D4J D Option 3 Additions D Option 4 D Taxlots D Eugene UGB I!!!!I Parks -i- \----- Santa Clara Community Park - Acquisition Update October 30, 2006 D Eugene UGB D Taxlots Caution: this map is based on imprecise source data, subject to change, and for general reference only. N A w ~C~~ E V S ATTACHMENT C c Public Works Parks and Open Space Division MEMORANDUM City of Eugene 1820 Roosevelt Boulevard Eugene, Oregon 97402 (541 ) 682-4800 (541 ) 682-4882 FAX INININ. ci. eugene. or. us/parks Date: October 30, 2006 To: Mayor Piercy and City Council From: Johnny Medlin, Parks and Open Space Director Subject: Santa Clara Community Park Acquisition Update The following summary has been prepared in response to Councilor Pape's request for information on funding availability for acquisition of a community park site in Santa Clara. Additional background information is available in previous Council memos dated 10-6-06, 7-13-06, 4-19-06, and 12-1-05. SANTA CLARA COMMUNITY PARK FUNDING The following funding sources are identified for acquisition of a community park site in Santa Clara: · 1998 Parks and Open Space Bond. Funding was originally identified for acquisition of a community park site in Santa Clara through the 1998 Parks and Open Space Bond Measure. $900,000 is set aside from those bond funds for this purpose. · Potential 2006 Parks and Open Space Bond. The current Bond Measure on this November's ballot contains an additional $2 million for acquisition of a community park site in Santa Clara. · System Development Charge Funds. Community Park Site acquisition is eligible for the expenditure of System Development Charge funds. UPDATE ON ACQUISITION EFFORTS Letters of interest have been sent to 24 property owners in the Santa Clara area, and verbal contact has been made with those whose phone contact information was available. Unfortunately, no willing sellers have been identified to date. Staff has focused efforts on the two properties which are of most interest by obtaining appraisals for each parcel. These are the largest parcels that are adjacent to Madison Middle School, including an 8.5 acre parcel to the north of the school and a 16 acre parcel to the east of the school. The 8.5 acre parcel (referenced as site A on the attached map) is owned by the Farver family. At this time the appraisal is $215,000 for the parcel. The property owners have expressed an unwillingness to sell at current zoning values. An offer to purchase has been delivered to the property owner based on the appraisal. The 16 acre easterly parcel (referenced as site B on the attached map) is owned by the MacClay/Shannon family and is farmed by Mr. Clyde Beat. Staffhave made numerous attempts to contact the property owners with no reply. The appraisal for this parcel is $241,000. Staff recently learned that Mr. Beat has exercised a purchase option he held on the property. Mr. Beat explained that he raises nursery stock and intends to keep farming the property. An offer to purchase has been delivered to the new property owner based on the appraisal. If you have additional questions please contact me bye-mail at iohnny.r.medlin@ci.eugene.or.us or by telephone at 682-4930. ATTACHMENT D c Public Works Parks and Open Space Division MEMORANDUM City of Eugene 1820 Roosevelt Boulevard Eugene, Oregon 97402 (541 ) 682-4800 (541 ) 682-4882 FAX INININ. ci. eugene. or. us/parks Date: October 6, 2006 To: Mayor Piercy and City Council From: Johnny Medlin, Parks and Open Space Director Subject: Santa Clara Community Park Acquisition Update The following summary has been prepared in response to Councilor Pape's request for updated information on efforts to acquire a community park site in the Santa Clara area. PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION AND ACQUISITION EFFORTS At a December 1,2005 Council work session staff provided information regarding the general status of parks in the Santa Clara area, and specifically regarding the acquisition of a community park site. Staff reported that several meetings with representatives of the community group Santa Clara Citizens for Sensible Parks and Open Space (SCCSPOS) had been held. As a result of these discussions, the park acquisition criteria being used to prioritize parcels for potential acquisition had been significantly revised. Using the new criteria a number of properties were identified for potential acquisition. This new list contained properties staff had previously identified as well as some new additions. Staff reported that letters of interest were mailed to owners of 11 top-ranking properties meeting the acquisition criteria. On March 9, 2006 staffmade a presentation of information regarding acquisition efforts at a special meeting with interested Santa Clara community members, several elected officials, and other interested parties. Mayor Piercy and Councilor Pryor attended this meeting. At an April 19, 2006 Council work session staff provided an additional update. Staff reported that following the December work session, staff contacted the property owners verbally to determine each owner's willingness to sell. Unfortunately, there were no willing sellers. Phone contact information was unavailable for two property owners, and no response was received from these owners to the initial letter of interest or a follow-up letter specifically requesting verbal contact. (See attached map "Santa Clara Community Park - Acquisition Update"). While no action was taken at this meeting, several councilors discussed the possibility that eminent domain may become a necessary tool to accomplish this goal. Staff met again with neighborhood and SCCSPOS representatives on May 22, 2006 to discuss next steps and strategies for expanding the property search. Assistance was offered by the community members in contacting the two remaining, unresponsive property owners. An additional result from these discussions was an expanded search focused on 13 smaller properties on the east side of Santa Clara near Madison Middle School. (See attached map "SCCP Phase II Options). The hope was that acquisition of several smaller properties together or with some of the original properties identified would potentially make an appropriate park site. Letters of interest have been sent to these property owners, and verbal contact has been made with a few. Again unfortunately, no willing sellers have been identified. CURRENT ACQUISITION EFFORTS Staff is focusing efforts on the two properties which are of most interest by obtaining appraisals for each parcel. These are the largest parcels that are adjacent to Madison Middle School, including an 8.5 acre parcel to the north of the school and a 16 acre parcel to the east of the school. The 8.5 acre parcel is owned by the Farver family. Parks staffhave contacted Stanley and Debbie Farver and discussed Parks interest in the property. Reportedly, Deb Farver is one of six siblings owning the property and she has expressed an unwillingness to sell at farmland values. She reported that they are farming strawberries, etc. to maintain the present farm deferral with the County Assessor's Office until the property comes into the UGB, at which time the property would be subdivided to maximize profit. With no immediate plans to sell, they have said they will call Parks ifplans change. The Farver's have not returned phone calls from our right-of-way staff seeking further discussions. The easterly parcel is approximately 16 acres and is also a family owned property. The property is basically vested in Robert W. and Helen D. McClay Trust, Ann Kearney Shannon Trust, and Christopher Kearney Trust, in varying interests. These individuals appear to be scattered in various locations in California and it has proven extremely difficult to make direct contact. No telephone numbers have been located after an extensive search. Staff have written to them at least three times (to the address listed as "taxpayer") explaining the City's interests in the property, with no reply. The appraisal process is underway and being conducted by local property appraiser Charles Thompson. The required notification letters have been mailed to property owners and comparable property sales have been researched. The final appraisal report is expected to be completed by the end of October. At that time, staff will have market rate information to utilize in further negotiations with the property owners. SUMMARY Clearly the past several years have shown there are challenges associated with acquiring property for a community park in the Santa Clara area. There are few undeveloped properties remaining within the UGB that would be suitable for elements of a community park. In talking with property owners of undeveloped lands immediately outside the UGB, some are saying they intend to develop their property in the future if and when the UGB is expanded. Others indicate they wish to pass their property along to family members ifUGB expansion doesn't happen within their lifetime. Many properties in the east Santa Clara area are in use as small family farms and we are told they intend to continue farming, and value the character of farm land and the lifestyle of farming. Staffhas intensified efforts working with the identified property owners adjacent to Madison Middle School hoping to find a willing seller. However, we recognize that continued failure to find a willing seller may necessarily result in the Council wishing to resume its discussion regarding eminent domain. If you have additional questions please contact me bye-mail at iohnny.r.medlin@ci.eugene.or.us or by telephone at 682-4930. Council Memo 10.06.06 Page 2 ATTACHMENT E c Public Works Parks and Open Space Division MEMORANDUM City of Eugene 1820 Roosevelt Boulevard Eugene, Oregon 97402 (541 ) 682-4800 (541 ) 682-4882 FAX INININ. ci. eugene. or. us/parks Date: July 13, 2006 To: Mayor Piercy and City Council From: Johnny Medlin, Parks and Open Space Director Subject: Santa Clara Community Park Acquisition Update The following summary has been prepared in response to Councilor Pape's request for updated information on efforts to acquire a community park site in the Santa Clara area. PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION At a December 1,2005 Council work session staff provided information regarding the general status of parks in the Santa Clara area, and specifically regarding the acquisition of a community park site. Staff reported that several meetings with representatives of the community group Santa Clara Citizens for Sensible Parks and Open Space (SCCSPOS) had been held. As a result of these discussions, the park acquisition criteria being used to prioritize parcels for potential acquisition had been significantly revised. Using the new criteria a number of properties were identified for potential acquisition. This new list contained properties staff had previously identified as well as some new additions. Staff reported that letters of interest were mailed to owners of 11 top-ranking properties meeting the acquisition criteria. On March 9, 2006 staffmade a presentation of information regarding acquisition efforts at a special meeting with interested Santa Clara community members, several elected officials, and other interested parties. Mayor Piercy and Councilor Pryor attended this meeting. At an April 19, 2006 Council work session staff provided an additional update. Staff reported that following the December work session, staff contacted the property owners verbally to determine each owner's willingness to sell. Unfortunately, there were no willing sellers. Phone contact information was unavailable for two property owners, and no response was received from these owners to the initial letter of interest or a follow-up letter specifically requesting verbal contact. (see attached map "Santa Clara Community Park - Acquisition Update"). While no action was taken at this meeting, several councilors discussed the possibility that eminent domain may become a necessary tool to accomplish this goal. Staff met again with neighborhood and SCCSPOS representatives on May 22, 2006 to discuss next steps and strategies for expanding the property search. Assistance was offered by the community members in contacting the two remaining, unresponsive property owners. An additional result from these discussions was an expanded search focused on 13 smaller properties on the east side of Santa Clara near Madison Middle School. (see attached map "SCCP Phase II Options). The hope was that acquisition of several smaller properties together or with some of the original properties identified would potentially make an appropriate park site. Letters of interest have been sent to these property owners, and verbal contact has been made with a few. Again unfortunately, no willing sellers have been identified. SUMMARY Clearly the past several years have shown there are challenges associated with acquiring property for a community park in the Santa Clara area. There are few undeveloped properties remaining within the UGB that would be suitable for elements of a community park. In talking with property owners of undeveloped lands immediately outside the UGB, some are saying they intend to develop their property in the future if and when the UGB is expanded. Others indicate they wish to pass their property along to family members ifUGB expansion doesn't happen within their lifetime. Many properties in the east Santa Clara area are in use as small family farms and we are told they intend to continue farming, and value the character of farm land and the lifestyle of farming. Staffhas intensified efforts working with the identified property owners adjacent to Madison Middle School hoping to find a willing seller. However, we recognize that continued failure to find a willing seller may necessarily result in the Council wishing to resume its discussion regarding eminent domain. If you have additional questions please contact me bye-mail at iohnny.r.medlin@ci.eugene.or.us or by telephone at 682-4930. Council Memo 12.1.05 Page 2 ATTACHMENT F EUGENE CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY c Work Session: Parks and Open Space for River Road/ Santa Clara Meeting Date: April 19, 2006 Department: Public Works www.eugene-or.gov Agenda Item Number: [Agenda Item Number] Staff Contact: Carolyn Weiss Contact Telephone Number: 682-4909 ISSUE STATEMENT The purpose of this work session is to respond to a City Council request for staff to provide an update on park acquisition and development activities within the River Road and Santa Clara areas as requested by Council. BACKGROUND Resulting from a series of acquisitions funded by the 1998 Parks and Open Space bond, significant gains have been made in providing neighborhood parks in the Santa Clara area. Since 1999, a total of six (6) neighborhood park sites have been purchased in River Road/ Santa Clara, including Filbert Meadows Park, Lone Oak Park, Rosetta Park, Terra Linda Park, Wend over Park, and more recently, a park site near F erndale Avenue. The net result is that once these parks are developed they will provide a neighborhood park service area that's comparable to other areas of Eugene (See River Road/Santa Clara Service Area Map as Attachment A). In contrast, River Road/ Santa Clara continues to be significantly under-served in the categories of community parks and natural areas. The 1998 bond measure also funded the development of Arrowhead, Awbrey and Walnut Grove Parks, and acquisition of one community park site within Santa Clara. Walnut Grove Park will be developed this summer and acquisition of a community park has been an active work item for several years. Staff continue to work on this complex issue and are doing so in conjunction with the Santa Clara Citizens for Sensible Parks. Staff have also recently met on two occasions with a group of Santa Clara Citizens and representatives from 4J School District, YMCA, Metropolitan Affordable Housing, Lane County Commissioner Green, City Councilor Pryor, and Mayor Piercy. Information provided here has also been discussed with that group. Santa Clara Community Park Since the decision to discontinue consideration of the McDougal proposal, staff have made significant progress on changing course and reviewing alternative sites. In addition, staff have met multiple times with representatives of the community group Santa Clara Citizens for Sensible Parks and Open Space (SCCSPOS) to discuss issues around community park selection. The park selection criteria used to identify the McDougal site was developed in 2000 and strongly encouraged a large site under a single ownership. Responding to direction given by City Council, the site selection criteria has been revised to include looking at smaller sites and sites composed of multiple properties. Additional criteria were added to reflect community input, and a revised scoring system was developed to help rank top candidates on the basis of site suitability for park purposes. Along with a number of sites specifically proposed by SCCSPOS, staff conducted a fresh analysis of suitable properties in the Santa Clara area using the revised criteria, including options around Madison Middle School. A total of 13 sites were scored against the criteria. Staff then met again with the SCCSPOS group to review the new criteria, the results of this analysis, and discuss next steps. A letter expressing the City's potential interest in purchasing land for a community park was sent to the owners of the 11 top-ranking properties. Staff have followed up verbally with 9 property owners, whereby 5 declined outright and 4 suggested a possible future interest in selling depending on timing and the amount being offered. Phone contact information was unavailable for two property owners. A second letter requesting a phone conversation was sent to the two owners, however no reply has been received. Of the four remaining candidate properties, two are located inside the UGB, and two outside. Inside the UGB, the estimated cost for the two candidate properties is $2 million for a 14-acre site and $2.5 million for a 17-acre site. Outside the UGB, the estimated cost for a 22-acre site and a 42-acre site is at least $1 million each. One challenge currently facing property purchase outside the UGB is that owners are indicating low interest in selling for current, appraised value given the speculative value of properties adjacent to the UGB. Periodic follow-up with candidate property owners will continue toward the goal of securing a site as soon as possible. Future Plans for River Road/ Santa Clara Parks, Recreation, and Open Space In addition to the acquisition of a community park to serve Santa Clara, a number of other projects are included in the draft PROS Project and Priority Plan (See Attachment B). Priority one improvements, scheduled for the next five years include: · Acquisition of an additional 3 neighborhood park sites · Acquisition of stormwater corridors that link with parks · Acquisition of Willamette River frontage · Development of 2 neighborhood park sites Projects outside of the first five year planning window include: community park development, additional neighborhood park development, developing a Willamette River boat launch, developing a community/aquatic center, access improvements, and more. RELATED CITY POLICIES The PROS Comprehensive Plan was adopted by Council on February 13, 2006. The draft PROS Project and Priority Plan is scheduled for action on May 8, 2006. A bond measure for Parks, Recreation, and Open Space is currently under deliberation by Council. ATTACHMENT F COUNCIL OPTIONS A. The council may direct the City Manager to continue with current planning and implementation of park projects as described herein. B. The council may give direction for the City Manager to modify current planning and implementation of park projects. C. The council may take no action at this time. CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION The City Manager recommends A- Direct the City Manager to continue with planning and implementation of park projects for River Road / Santa Clara as described herein. SUGGESTED MOTION Move to direct the City Manager to continue with planning and implementation of park projects for Santa Clara as described herein. ATTACHMENTS Attachment A- River Road / Santa Clara Parks Service Area Map Attachment B- PROS Project and Priority Plan excerpt, projects for River Road/ Santa Clara Planning Area FOR MORE INFORMATION Staff Contact: Carolyn Weiss Telephone: 682-4909 Staff E-Mail: carolyn.j.weiss@ci.eugene.or.us ATTACHMENT G c Public Works Parks and Open Space Division MEMORANDUM City of Eugene 1820 Roosevelt Boulevard Eugene, Oregon 97402 (541 ) 682-4800 (541 ) 682-4882 FAX INININ. ci. eugene. or. us/parks Date: November 30,2005 To: Mayor and City Council From: Johnny Medlin, Parks and Open Space Director Subject: Santa Clara Parks Update In response to a request for information from Councilor Pape regarding the status of parks acquisitions in the Santa Clara area, we've prepared the following summary of recent planning activity and some perspective on current issues. The two-part question asked about progress on property acquisition for Santa Clara Community Park, and requested information regarding the possible use of Santa Clara School property for a neighborhood park. SANTA CLARA COMMUNITY PARK - ACQUISITION UPDATE Since the decision to discontinue consideration of the McDougal proposal, staffhave made significant progress on changing course and reviewing alternative sites. In addition, staffhave met multiple times with representatives of the community group Santa Clara Citizens for Sensible Parks and Open Space (SCCSPOS) to discuss issue4s around community park selection. The park selection criteria used to identify the McDougal site was developed in 2000 and strongly encouraged a large site under a single ownership. Responding to direction given by City Council, the site selection criteria has been revised to include looking at smaller sites and sites composed of multiple properties. Additional criteria were added to reflect community input, and a revised scoring system was developed to help rank top candidates on the basis of site suitability for park purposes. Along with a number of sites specifically proposed by SCCSPOS, staff conducted a fresh analysis of suitable properties in the Santa Clara area using the revised criteria, including options around Madison Middle School. A total of 13 sites were scored against the criteria. Staff then met again with the SCCSPOS group to review the new criteria, the results of this analysis, and discuss next steps. A letter expressing the City's potential interest in purchasing land for a community park was sent to the owners of the 11 top-ranking properties. We have had no responses yet to these inquiries. Staff will follow up through verbal contact with these property owners to determine each owner's willingness to discuss a sale. Staff will include the result of these discussions in the overall analysis to arrive at a new set of options to acquire a community park site in Santa Clara. SANTA CLARA SCHOOL - NEIGHBORHOOD PARK SERVICE Thanks to a series of acquisitions funded by the 1998 Parks and Open Space bond, we've made significant gains in closing the service gap for neighborhood parks in the Santa Clara area. Since 1999, a total of five (5) neighborhood park sites have been purchased in Santa Clara, including Filbert Meadows Park, Lone Oak Park, Terra Linda Park, and more recently, a park site near Ferndale Avenue and another near Beacon Drive East. The net result is that once these neighborhood parks are developed they will provide a well-distributed coverage of neighborhood park service that's comparable to other areas of Eugene. In contrast, Santa Clara continues to be significantly under-served in the categories of community parks and natural areas. To date, staff have not pursued options around the Santa Clara School site for use as a neighborhood park. The primary reason is that the area is currently served by an existing neighborhood park purchased in 1999 for that purpose. Lone Oak Park is an undeveloped, 4-acre site located at the comer of Ross Lane and Lone Oak Avenue, and was one of the earlier bond-funded acquisitions targeted to serve the neighborhood in southeast Santa Clara. The addition of a neighborhood park site at Santa Clara school would result in significant overlap with the existing service area covered by Lone Oak. The idea has been discussed about liquidating Lone Oak in favor of buying a portion of Santa Clara School for a neighborhood park. While this may sound appealing to some at first glance, we believe the additional costs involved would pose a significant barrier to this course of action. Our best current information indicates that School District 4J is expected to soon apply to change the zoning of the Santa Clara School. The property was recently listed on the market at $7.2 million. If the zone change application is successful, a portion of the former school property equal in size to Lone Oak Park could cost as much as $4 million. This compares with an estimate of the current land value of Lone Oak Park at approximately $695,000. If you have additional questions please contact me bye-mail at iohnny.r.medlin@ci.eugene.or.us or by telephone at 682-4930. Council Memo 12.1.05 Page 2