RECOMMENDATION

Planning Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution indicating the City’s interest in the acquisition of the surplus Berryessa Union School District property located on the easterly side of Flickinger Avenue, opposite Marcross and Doxey Drives (APN 245-18-003) and amending Table I of the City’s School Site Reuse Plan to reflect this interest.

BACKGROUND

On October 18, 2001, the Berryessa Union School District gave notice of its intent to dispose of one of the District’s surplus properties. The 9-acre property is located on the easterly side of Flickinger Avenue, opposite Marcross and Doxey Drives. The property is zoned A-Agriculture. The General Plan Land Use/Transportation Diagram designation for the site is Public/Quasi-Public. The majority of the site is vacant. The Berryessa Community Garden occupies approximately 2 acres of the site. The site borders Flickinger Park on the southeast. A map depicting the location of the property is attached.

ANALYSIS

Under State law, known as the Naylor legislation, the City has first right of refusal to negotiate with the Berryessa Union School District for acquisition of surplus district property. To preserve its rights under State law, the City must express its potential interest in acquisition by December 18, 2001 (see attached letter from the school district).

The Housing and Fire Departments have indicated interest in acquiring all or a portion of the site. The City Council should inform the Berryessa Union School District that the City has an interest in the acquisition of this surplus property. Further study is needed to determine the specific proposed uses and precise amount of acreage needed for potential acquisition. It is important to declare the City’s interest now to protect this opportunity.

COORDINATION

This report was prepared in coordination with the Housing, Public Works and Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Departments and the City Attorney’s Office. Additional coordination regarding the availability of the subject property occurred with the Fire, Library, and Environmental Services Departments.

PUBLIC OUTREACH

Public outreach is not applicable for this item. Public comment may be forthcoming as a result of the item coming before the City Council.

CEQA

Exempt.

JOSEPH HORWEDEL, ACTING DIRECTOR

Planning, Building and Code Enforcement