REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
July 31, 2014
FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director
Public Works Department
THROUGH: ANDREW J. BENELLI, PE, City Engineer/Assistant Director
Public Works Department, Traffic and Engineering Services Division
CRAIG L. HANSEN, Supervising Real Estate Agent
Public Works Department, Real Estate Services Section
BY: PETE CALDWELL, Senior Real Estate Agent
Public Works Department, Real Estate Services Section
SUBJECT
Title
Acquisition of a 2.46-acre parcel located at 6135 N. Golden State Boulevard to use as right-of-way for the construction of Veterans Boulevard Overcrossing (Council District 2)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Authorize the acquisition of property owned by George Dakovich and Son, Inc., for $930,000 to be used as right of way for Veterans Boulevard and also authorize the Public Works Director, or his designee, to sign all documents necessary to complete the transaction.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Fresno in cooperation with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) plans to build a new interchange on State Route 99 plus supporting roadway improvements in northwest Fresno. The improvements will add a new interchange to State Route 99 between Shaw Avenue and Herndon Avenue as well as a new city super arterial roadway that will enhance the local circulation network. The City needs to acquire a 2.46 acre parcel that belongs to a construction company, George Dakovich and Son, Inc. to be able to develop the roadway. The property owner(s) have agreed to the negotiated settlement of $930,000 for the full acquisition of this property, including an office building, a warehouse and three storage buildings.
BACKGROUND
Veterans Boulevard, originally referred to as the Herndon-Grantland Diagonal, was part of the 1984 General Plan and is a planned six-lane super arterial in the 2025 General Plan. The interchange concept was refined in 1986 with a feasibility study conducted to analyze potential interchange/grade separation configurations. In 1991, a Project Initiation Document was completed, and in 1996, the Official Plan Line for Veterans Boulevard was adopted by the Council. In recent years, staff has completed the Project Study Report (PSR), Project Report and Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Veterans Boulevard and the proposed interchange with State Route 99 are identified as part of the Circulation Element in both the City and County General Plans. The new interchange will be a partial cloverleaf connecting State Route 99 and Veterans Boulevard. The new overcrossing will have three southbound lanes, a Class I bicycle lane/pedestrian trail on the west side of the structure and Class II bicycle lanes on both sides of the structure. The project will include two bridge structures, one to cross over Route 99 and one to cross over the existing Union Pacific Railroad tracks, Golden State Boulevard, and the future high speed rail tracks.
The City needs to acquire a 2.46-acre parcel located at 6135 N. Golden State Boulevard (APN 505-808-31s) to use as right-of-way for the construction of Veterans Boulevard. The City retained Kelly P. Stevens Real Property Analysts to appraise the property. Stevens worked under the direction of Lawrence D. Hopper, MAI. The City Attorney's Office has reviewed and approved as to form the proposed Purchase and Sale Agreement.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
The proposed project is a joint project by the Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration, and is subject to state and federal environmental review requirements. Project documentation, including an EIR, has been prepared in compliance with both the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Caltrans is the lead agency under NEPA. In addition, the Federal Highway Administration is responsible for environmental review, consultation, and any other action required in accordance with applicable Federal laws for this project which is being, or has been, carried out by Caltrans under its assumption of responsibility pursuant to 23 United States Code 327.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT
The $130 million Veterans Boulevard Project which is located in Council District 2 will have no impact upon the General Fund. The Veterans Boulevard project is being funded through Measure "C" Tier 1 funds, Citywide Regional Street Impact fees, State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funding, Regional Transportation Mitigation Fees (RTMF) and Federal transportation funds.
Attachments:
Veterans Blvd Vicinity Map
APN Vicinity Map