June 1, 2004
SUBJECT: Authorization for Execution of San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Construction Permit for Calabazas Creek Trail Project
REPORT IN BRIEF
In January 1997, the City Council directed staff to develop a capital project for construction of a bicycle and pedestrian trail along Calabazas Creek and connecting to the John W. Christian Greenbelt. Subsequently, staff has secured grant funding, developed project plans, and prepared environmental documentation. A portion of this trail must cross lands owned by the City of San Francisco and administered by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC). As part of the approval process for the project construction plans, the SFPUC is requiring an updated construction and use permit. This permit allows for construction and use of the trail, as well as addressing financial considerations of trail construction. Staff is recommending that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a construction and use permit with the SFPUC to allow construction of a portion of the Calabazas Creek Trail.
EXISTING POLICY
Land Use and Transportation Element C3.5.4, Maximize the provision of bicycle and pedestrian facilities.
DISCUSSION
The Sunnyvale Calabazas Creek Trail Improvement Project will provide a bicycle and pedestrian trail on the stretch of Calabazas Creek from Route 101 to Route 237 in Sunnyvale. This project will connect to the John W. Christian Greenbelt at Fairwood Park. The existing John W. Christian bicycle and pedestrian path is on land authorized for City use by a revocable permit with the SFPUC. Extension of the existing path to connect with a new Calabazas Creek Trail requires new trail construction on approximately 125 feet of SFPUC property east of Manzano Way. This new extension will connect to a new bridge over Calabazas Creek and a new trail along the east side of the Creek.
The SFPUC is requiring a new construction and use permit to address current SFPUC general requirements as well as the Sunnyvale’s new construction plans. This permit allows for construction and use of the trail, as well as addressing financial considerations of trail construction and permitting. Independent appraisal of SFPUC owned property affected by this permit which is to be developed for housing determined that trail features will diminish valuation of the property. Therefore, the permit provides for compensation in the amount of $30,000. There is also a permit processing fee of $1,000. This project is funded by federal and Transportation Development Act grant funds. This permit supersedes past permits secured for this portion of the SFPUC property. Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute the SFPUC permit to allow construction of that portion of the Calabazas Creek Trail to be located on SFPUC property.
FISCAL IMPACT
Execution of the permit includes payment of property valuation impacts and permit processing fees in the total amount of $31,000. Funds for this project are budgeted under Project 821570, Calabazas Creek Trail.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made through posting of the Council agenda on the City's official notice bulletin board, posting of the agenda and report on the City's web page, and the availability of the report in the Library and the City Clerk's Office.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
1. Authorize the City Manager to execute the SFPUC Permit for the Calabazas Creek Trail.
2. Elect not to authorize the City Manager to execute the SFPUC permit. This would forego the ability to construct a trail connection from the John W. Christian Greenbelt to the Calabazas Creek Trail.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Alternative #1: Authorize the City Manager to execute the SFPUC Permit for the Calabazas Creek Trail.
Prepared by:
Jack Witthaus
Transportation and Traffic Manager
Reviewed by:
Marvin A. Rose
Director of Public Works
Approved by:
Amy Chan
City Manager
ATTACHMENT:
A) SFPUC Permit and Exhibits (pdf format)