REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JENNIFER K. CLARK, Director
Planning and Development Department
BY: NADIA SALINAS, Project Manager
Planning & Development Department
SUBJECT
Title
Actions pertaining to amending the South Central Community Benefits Fund and Expenditure Plan (related to the development project located at 971 E. North Avenue, Fresno CA 93725):
1. RESOLUTION - Amending the Community Benefits Fund and Expenditure Plan
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the proposed Resolution amending the South Central Community Benefits Fund (CBF) and Expenditure Plan to establish a 1-mile radius boundary for the Reyes Coca Cola (RCCB) project located at 971 E. North Avenue, Fresno CA.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On March 30, 2023, City Council approved Development Permit Application No. P22-00565 approving the Reyes Coca Cola Bottling Company project with the condition that $300,000 be contributed to the City’s Community Benefit Fund (CBF).
The Community Benefit Fund guidelines were adopted on February 9, 2023 and amended on October 31, 2024. This Resolution will establish a boundary for the RCCB project extending 1 mile from the facility. Currently, there are 55 housing units within 1 mile of the project area. If adopted, residents in the 1-mile boundary can apply for up to $8,000 to address qualified mitigation improvements to their residences.
BACKGROUND
On March 11, 2021, the City Council approved a settlement agreement which required the creation of a Community Benefits Fund (CBF) to mitigate the effects of development activities on local communities. The settlement also mandated that the City establish specific guidelines for the program, developed in consultation with the SFCA, LCJA, and other stakeholders, including sensitive receptors such as Orange Center School.
On February 9, 2023, the City Council adopted Resolution 2023-027, which formalized the Community Benefits Fund and Expenditure Plan to fund qualified mitigation improvements to address impacts resulting from development activities on qualified sensitive receptors located on properties within and immediately adjacent to the South Central Specific Plan (SCSP) boundaries.
Development Permit Application No. P22-00565, for the Reyes Coca Cola Bottling Company project, was approved by the City Council with the condition that $300,000 be contributed to the City’s established Community Benefits Fund. The City has received payment, in full, from the Developer pursuant to the agreement.
This Resolution will establish a boundary for the RCCB project extending 1 mile from the facility and will establish updated guidelines specific to the RCCB project and boundary. Residents within the 1-mile boundary will be able to apply for up to $8,000 to address qualified mitigation improvements to their residences such as air pollution, traffic, noise and light spill.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This approval is not a project for the purposes of CEQA Guidelines Section 15378.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Not applicable
FISCAL IMPACT
Funding source is solely from the developer deposit established in the settlement agreement and does not impact the General Fund.
Attachments:
Resolution Amending the Community Benefits Fund and Expenditure Plan with the updated Community Benefits Fund Guidelines - Updated January 2025