(18)AR 110607 Regional Park Update

Browse Search

CITY OF COLTON ITEM #18 AGENDA REPORT t -UK U I Y WUNUL Mt=t I INU OF TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Mark Nuaimi — Assistant City Manager Bill Smith — Community Services Director SUBJECT: Update on Regional Park / Land Use & Moratorium Discussion DATE: October 29, 2007 BACKGROUND: The County Regional Park Project has been a County -led effort, in conjunction with the City of Colton and the Wildlands Conservancy, to bring the first new Regional Park to the County in over 20 years, to be located in Colton. The project has been stalled due to difficulty in obtaining the property necessary for the Park at the primary location, which is situated on approximately 100 acres north and west of the Santa Ana River, east of La Cadena Avenue, and south of Congress Street. Due to concern over continuing delays in delivering this project, the City has had dialogue, on multiple occasions, with County elected officials and staff members to identify options for proceeding. At the City Council meeting of June 5, 2007, the City Council awarded a Professional Services Agreement with David Evans & Associates for the development of a Specific Plan within the Pellisier Ranch area. Included within this activity is the development of land use concepts for that portion of the city. At the City Council meeting of October 16, 2007, staff was asked to bring forward a discussion item to consider imposition of a moratorium on the original "Regional Park" property. There were concerns expressed by residents that possible development of the original Regional Park site would preclude the delivery of the Regional Park to Colton. DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS: City staff and elected officials have met with county representatives on a number of occasions to discuss the likelihood of development of a regional park in the City of Colton. Based upon these various discussions, the following opinions have been developed: 1. Without a dramatic change in attitude of the property owners who control the "original' regional park site, the likelihood of delivery of the original concept on the original site is remote, at best; 2. If the Wildlands Conservancy is supportive, the City may be interested in acquiring the 17 acres in order to deliver an active park at that location. This concept would still likely require conservation efforts of Wooley Star habitat as part of that park development process; 3. The area contained within the Pellisier Ranch Specific Plan study offers the best opportunity for development of a County Regional Park in the City of Colton. Both City and County Regional Park staff are in agreement that the Pellisier Ranch site has the potential to deliver a unique Regional Park amenity to the residents of this county. This concept will be expanded later in this staff report; 4. There remains interest about possible development of Regional Park amenities on the former La Sierra Water Company property located south of the Santa Ana River, adjacent to La Cadena and the Santa Ana River Trail. This property is currently zoned Industrial Park (IP) in the City of Colton.