Subject:   LIBRARY BRANCH FACILITY ACQUISITION PROJECT

                                                                                            

COUNCIL DISTRICT:   7

SNI AREA:  West Evergreen, Tully/Senter

 

RECOMMENDATION

 

Approval of an agreement with Javier and Amelia Vega, for the purchase of a parcel of land located at 870 Tully Road in the amount of $795,000, and authorization for the Director of Public Works to execute the necessary documents to complete the transaction.  CEQA: Exempt.

 

BACKGROUND

 

In November 2000, a bond measure was approved to implement the San José Public Library’s Branch Facility Master Plan.  The plan recommends a new 24,000 square foot branch library to serve residents of the area that includes the site of the Tully Road stables.  Currently, residents in this service area use the Seventrees, Evergreen and Hillview branch libraries.

 

The Library Department, with assistance from Councilmember George Shirakawa (District 7), identified the site adjacent to the Tully Road stables for the new library.  A library at this site would ease the demands at neighboring facilities, which are 2 to 3 miles away.

 

The City’s offer of $795,000 is based upon just compensation to the owner in the full amount of the approved appraisal.  Additional information is shown on Exhibit A and a map of the subject parcel is shown as Exhibit B.  The owners currently use the property as a residence; therefore, they will also receive relocation benefits associated with the proposed acquisition.

 

ANALYSIS

 

The subject property consists of a single-family dwelling on a corner lot of approximately 28,677 square feet. It is the Library Department’s intent for the new facility and associated parking to be located on the subject property and adjoining City-owned property.  The Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services plans to construct Little League fields on the remainder of the City-owned property.  Groundbreaking for the new library is scheduled for early 2003 with construction to be complete by fall 2004.  The purchase of this site allows the design of the library to proceed immediately, thereby meeting the project schedule.  The acquisition phase of this site can be concurrent with the design phase. 

 

PUBLIC OUTREACH

 

The site, along with the adjacent City-owned property, is within the boundaries of the new library's service area, which includes portions of Council Districts 7 and 8 and the West Evergreen (formerly Whaley) SNI planning area.  Library staff attended all neighborhood meetings in the West Evergreen SNI area since October 2000 and engaged with them in a full discussion of the issues concerning site selection.  Members of the West Evergreen Neighborhood Advisory Committee accepted the location of the new Central Branch at Tully Road and Kenoga Drive as being desirable.  However, in the course of discussions they also identified a need for Internet access and training for youth and homework center activities within their immediate neighborhood.  They plan to advocate for the inclusion of appropriate facilities in the proposed community center at Meadowfair Park.

 

Library staff also attended the initial meetings of the Tully/Senter SNI planning area and received positive feedback on plans to locate the new Central Branch immediately south of their neighborhood.

 
COORDINATION

 

This item has been coordinated with the Library Department and the agreement has been approved as to form by the Office of the City Attorney.

 

COST IMPLICATIONS

 

The acquisition cost of $795,000 is specified in the purchase agreement.  In addition, there will be escrow and closing costs estimated at $12,000.  The total cost is anticipated to be approximately $807,000.

 
BUDGET REFERENCE

 

Fund:                            472

R.C.:                            114272

APPN:                         6877

Amount:                       $14,350,000

Budget Document:        2001-02 Appropriation Ordinance, Section 31.02, Item 1e

 
CEQA

 

Exempt.

 

 

RAJEEV BATRA

Acting Director, Public Works Department

 

 

EXHIBIT “A”

 

ANALYSIS:

 

OWNER:  Javier and Amelia Vega, husband and wife, as Joint Tenants

 

RELOCATION:  YES ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NO.:  499-23-001

 

ACQUISITION:

 

ENTIRE PARCEL BEING ACQUIRED IN FEE:

 

WIDTH:  121+                                    LENGTH:  237+                      SIZE:  28,677 sq. ft.

 

PORTION OF PARCEL FOR WICH RIGHT OF ENTRY IS BEING ACQUIRED:

 

WIDTH:  N/A                          LENGTH:  N/A                                   SIZE:  N/A

 

ZONING:  A (Agriculture)       PRESENT USE:  Residential

 

APPRAISED BY:  Carneghi-Bautovich & Partners, Inc. 

 

APPRAISAL DATE:  April 4, 2001

 

APPRAISAL AMOUNT:  $795,000

 

REAL PROPERTY AGENT:  Monica C. Kavanaugh               FILE NO.:  R4600

 

CALCULATIONS AND REMARKS:

 

1.                  Land:  28,677 sq. ft.                                                                                         $795,000

 

2.                  Right-of-Entry:

 

_____ sq. ft. @ _____ X _____ % for _____ months:                               N/A

 

 

3.                  Improvements:  Single Family Residence

 

4.                  Damages to Owners’ remaining property:                                                                -0-

 

 

TOTAL PAYMENT OF MARKET VALUE TO PROPERTY OWNER (S)         $795,000