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Home My WebLink About6. PLN-14-00224 - 11911 WoodruffSTAFF REPORT PLANNING DIVISION DATE: NOVEMBER 19, 2014 TO: PLANNING COMMISSION SUBMITTED BY: ALDO E. SCHINDLER, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REVIEWED BY: WILLIAM DAVIS, CITY PLANNER PREPARED BY: DAVID BLUMENTHAL, SENIOR PLANNER SUBJECT: PLN-14-00224 (GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY) – A REQUEST TO FIND THAT THE SALE OF CITY OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 11911 WOODRUFF AVE AND 11921 WOODRUFF AVE IS CONSISTENT WITH THE GENERAL PLAN LOCATION: 11911 & 11921 WOODRUFF AVE ZONING: M-2 (GENERAL MANUFACTURING) AND P-B (PARKING BUFFER) REPORT SUMMARY The City of Downey previously acquired the properties located at 11911 & 11921 Woodruff Ave, with the intent of purchasing additional property to consolidate the Public Works Yard on to Stewart and Gray Rd. Due to the economy and to a change in t he City’s priorities, the City is no longer pursuing the consolidation project. As such, the City of Downey wishes to divest itself from these properties and the accompanying liability. Notwithstanding this, the California Government Code requires the Planning Commission find that the disposal of the properties is consistent with the adopted General Plan. Based on the analysis contained in this report, staff is recommending the Planning Commission adopt the following titled resolution: A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING A FINDING THAT THE SALE OF CITY OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 11911 WOODRUFF AVE AND 11921 WOODRUFF AVE IS CONSISTENT WITH THE GENERAL PLAN. BACKGROUND In 2005, the City of Downey purchased a 41,380 square foot parcel located at 11911 Woodruff, which is located on the southwest corner of Woodruff Ave and Stewart & Gray Rd (hereinafter ‘Parcel A’). It was the City’s intent to also acquire the other parcels between this site and the existing Public Works Yard, which is approximately 800’ to the west of the site. Upon completion of the procurements, the City would then consolidate the two Public Works yards (the second is located on Woodruff) into a single facility. This initial purchase was followed by a second property acquisition in 2006, when the City purchased 11921 Woodruff Ave, a vacated right-of-way from Agenda Page 1 General Plan Consistency – PLN-14-00224 November 19, 2014 - Page 2 Union Pacific Railroad (hereinafter ‘Parcel B’). This approximate 55,637 square foot parcel is 50’ wide and stretches from Woodruff Ave to the eastern boundary of the existing Public Works yard. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65402(b), the City of Downey may not acquire or dispose of property, unless the Planning Commission finds that such acquisition or disposition is consistent with the General Plan. DISCUSSION As previously noted in this report, the City of Downey no longer is pursuing the consolidated Public Works Yard project. While the City has previously leased the Parcel A to manufacturing uses, both parcels continue to remain a liability for the City, which includes needed property upgrades and maintenance. In 2014, the City’s tenant completed their lease and vacated the site. Accordingly, the City Council has directed staff to dispose of the two parcels that were acquired in 2005 & 2006. Goal 9.3 of the General Plan states the City should “Ensure the continued fiscal balance of the community.” It is staff’s opinion that the disposition of these two parcels help achieve this goal since the properties will no longer be a liability for the City. Furthermore, the sale of the parcels will generate revenue for the City’s general fund. Inasmuch as the disposition of the property helps achieves a goal of the General Plan, staff feels that the Planning Commission can find that this action conforms to the requirements of the General Plan. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS Staff has reviewed the proposed Conditional Use Permit for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Upon completion of this review, it has been determined that this request is categorically exempt from CEQA, pursuant to Guideline Section No. 15312 (Class 12, Surplus Government Property Sales). Categorical Exemptions are projects, which have been determined not to have a significant effect on the environment and have been exempted from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act. Class 12 exemptions are intended for the sale of government owned property with no environmental value. EXHIBITS A. Location Map B. Draft Resolution C. Aerial Photograph Agenda Page 2 General Plan Consistency – PLN-14-00224 November 19, 2014 - Page 3 EXHIBIT A – MAPS Location Agenda Page 3 RESOLUTION NO. _______ A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY ADOPTING A FINDING THAT THE SALE OF CITY OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 11911 WOODRUFF AVE AND 11921 WOODRUFF AVE IS CONSISTENT WITH THE GENERAL PLAN WHEREAS, the City of Downey General Plan (Vision 2025) was adopted on January 25, 2005; and, WHEREAS, the State of California Government Code Section 65402, requires the City of Downey shall not acquire, use, or dispose of any real property until the use of the property has been found in conformance with the City’s General Plan; and, WHEREAS, it is a goal of the General Plan (9.3) to “Ensure the continued fiscal balance of the community;” and, WHEREAS, the City of Downey wishes to dispose of property located at 11911 Woodruff (AIN 6284-024-901) and 11921 Woodruff (AIN 6284-024-902). NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The Planning Commission does hereby find and determine the proposed sale of real property located at 11911 Woodruff (AIN 6284-024-901) and 11921 Woodruff (AIN 6284-024-902) is in conformance to the City’s adopted General Plan. In compliance with General Plan Goal 9.3, the disposal of the properties will reduce the City’s liability and let the City avoid necessary property upgrades. SECTION 2. The Secretary shall certify the adoption of this Resolution. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 19th day of November, 2014. Robert Keifer, Chairman City Planning Commission I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true copy of a Resolution adopted by the Planning Commission of the City of Downey at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 19th day of November, 2014, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: COMMISSIONERS: NOES: COMMISSIONERS: ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONER: Mary Cavanagh, Secretary City Planning Commission Agenda Page 4 Ag e n d a Pa g e 5