Title
Adopt a Resolution to Authorize the City Manager to Submit a Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant for the Monarch Bay Shoreline Park Project
Staffreport
COUNCIL PRIORITY
• Quality of Life
• Economic Development
• Infrastructure
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Resolution to authorize the City Manager to apply for the California Department of Parks and Recreation Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant program for the Monarch Bay Shoreline Park Project and execute all related documents.
BACKGROUND
The Monarch Bay Shoreline Development Project is a planned development along the northern portion of the San Leandro shoreline, with a vision to create a regional destination that connects the community with the Bay and provides enhanced recreational and community amenities. The project is entitled to include up to 500 new housing units, a hotel, restaurants, small retail space, and a new community park.
Since 2016, the City has worked with the community and the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) to develop plans for the Shoreline Park. The projectplans call for conversion of 9 acres of underutilized paved surface into a natural area. Several public and stakeholder meetings were held over the years, as well as review and input from public agencies, including the BCDC. On August 7, 2023, following four rounds of review, the Design Review Board of the BCDC recommended that the City's park design proceed to the BCDC Board for full permit approval.
The final design of the Shoreline Park is inspired by the Monarch butterfly, which migrate through the area. Phase 1 of the project will remove all in-water and landside facilities and raise the ground by several feet for sea level rise mitigation. The design includes walking paths and multi-colored native grasses and trees. A new boat launch, seating and viewing areas, and an extension of the Bay Trail are also included in the design. The removal of the marina and the introduction of native species will naturalize the area, attract birds and wildlife, and allow the community to engage with the Bay.
Analysis
The California Department of Parks and Recreation administers the LWCF grant program. Staff identified the LWCF as a potential funding source for the Shoreline Park’s development. The LWCF grants provide funding for the acquisition or development of land to create new outdoor recreation opportunities for the health and wellness of Californians. There is $35 million available statewide with a maximum request of $6 million. There is a 50% match requirement. The LWCF grant application is due August 5, 2025.
On February 20, 2024, the City Council approved a consulting services agreement with Gates & Associates, Inc. for the design of construction drawings for Phase 1 of the Shoreline Park Project 2020.3080. Design of construction drawings for the park are underway, and at 50% completion.
At that time, the total project cost was estimated to be $53,000,000. Identified funding for the park included the down payment, interest payments and sale price of the Shoreline Single Family property. It was noted that Park Development Fees and General Fund may also be considered to fund the park. Approximately $20,200,000 in additional funding will be required to construct Phase 1 of the park. To obtain additional funding, Staff will continue to explore and apply for any grants for which the project qualifies.
Financial Impacts
Sufficient resources are included in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 General Fund budget for this application. The grant application will be prepared by staff and Townsend Public Affairs per their existing Consulting Services Agreement with the City. The total amount of grant funds requested will be based on the cost of eligible project elements and the availability of existing funds in the Shoreline Park Capital Improvement Account 210-57-203 that can be set aside as matching funds.
ATTACHMENT
A: Resolution of the City of San Leandro Approving the Application for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Shoreline Park Project
PREPARED BY: Katie Bowman, Economic Development Manager