Special Notice / Hearing: Publication (3 weeks)
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Michael P. Callagy, County Executive
Subject: Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Acquisition of Two Vacant Lots on Carlos Street, in Unincorporated Moss Beach
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution:
A) Declaring the Board of Supervisors’ intent to purchase the real property described as two parcels of vacant land located on Carlos Street, in an unincorporated area commonly known as Moss Beach, California, identified as San Mateo County Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 037-022-240 and 037-022-250 (“Property”), for a total purchase price of $500,000; and
B) Authorizing the President of the Board of Supervisors to execute a Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement and Escrow Instructions (“Agreement”), with the owners of the Property, Mark S. Robinson, Dennis D. Robinson, Kerry Robinson Melton, and Craig Robinson (“Sellers”), for the County’s acquisition of the Property; and
C) Authorizing the County Executive or their designee to execute the Certificate of Acceptance upon satisfaction of certain conditions in escrow, to be recorded with the grant deed transferring title to the Property to the County, and any and all notices, escrow instructions, and documents required to facilitate the purposes of the Agreement.
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BACKGROUND:
Since 2021, the County of San Mateo, in partnership with the San Mateo County Transportation Authority and in cooperation with the California Department of Transportation (“Caltrans”), has been advancing the Moss Beach State Route 1 Congestion and Safety Improvements Project (“Project”) through the Caltrans project development process. The Project aims to implement recommendations from Connect the Coastside: San Mateo County Midcoast Comprehensive Transportation Management Plan (adopted by the Board on July 26, 2022, by Resolution No. 079050) and improve transportation safety and operations for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, and drivers along and across State Route 1 (“SR-1”) from 14th Street in Montara to Marine Boulevard in Moss Beach. The Project recommends improvements including but not limited to roundabouts and/or signals, dedicated turn lanes, high-visibility crosswalks, sidewalks, bus stop enhancements, bicycle and pedestrian path, and bike lanes. The identified improvements will support access and mobility for residents and visitors. The Board has adopted resolutions and committed matching funds for funding opportunities to advance the Project through each project development phase (November 9, 2021, by Resolution No. 078532; October 17, 2023, by Resolution No. 080007; and September 23, 2025, by Resolution No. 081439).
DISCUSSION:
The Project is currently in the environmental studies and project approval phase, funded by the County of San Mateo and with Measure W funds from the San Mateo County Transportation Authority. During this phase, environmental studies are conducted to analyze the effect of the project as required by the California Environmental Quality Act and National Environmental Policy Act in addition to preliminary design work and potential right-of-way impacts. Both Project alternatives under study include modifications between 16th Street and Carlos Street. Carlos Street will need to be realigned and re-graded to connect to 16th Street, requiring a retaining wall on the east side of Carlos Street approximately 350’ north of the intersection of Sierra Street and Carlos Street. The future proposed retaining wall requires right-of-way acquisition of a large section of the Property, and the future proposed retaining wall will eliminate access to the Property from Carlos Street.
The Property, comprised of two parcels of vacant land with a combined area of approximately 0.5 acres, was recently listed for sale and the County has determined that it would be appropriate to acquire the Property to provide the needed right-of-way for the Project. The Property is adjacent to Cypress Point, a 71-unit 100% affordable housing project (APN 037-022-070), currently under construction. After completion of the Project, the County could take steps to merge the parcels for resale or consider development with access from 16th Street. County staff desires to purchase the Property at a price reasonably aligned with its fair market value.
The Sellers have executed a Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement and Escrow Instructions (“Agreement”), proposed by the County Executive, for the purchase price of $500,000. The Agreement provides that, upon completion of the County’s investigation of the Property (“Due Diligence Period”) and satisfaction of all conditions, the transaction close would occur within sixty-seven (67) days of Board approval, or upon a mutually agreed upon extended close of escrow date.
In accordance with the 2019 San Mateo County Sea Level Rise Policy for County Assets which requires evaluation of sea level rise risk at least 50 years beyond the date of asset acquisition, this Property has been evaluated and completed screening requires no further action.
Notices pursuant to California Government Code section 25350 of the intention of the Board of Supervisors to make this purchase were published in compliance with Government Code section 6063, including a description of the Property to be purchased, the price, the vendor, a statement of the time the Board would meet to adopt this Resolution and consummate the purchase, and an invitation to interested persons to attend and be heard on the subject.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 65402, the County’s Planning Division has been notified of the proposed purchase of the Property and has been requested to issue a finding of conformity with the County’s General Plan.
The County Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved the Agreement and resolution as to form. The Director of Planning and Building and the Director of Public Works concur in this recommendation.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The Project will positively impact residents and visitors in Moss Beach by increasing multimodal transportation options to access local services and destinations. Safety for all roadway users will increase by creating safer pedestrian crossings, slowing vehicular speeds, enhancing access to bus stops, and providing a dedicated bicycle and walking path. This acquisition will support the implementation of the Project.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The purchase price, including closing costs, have been appropriated in the FY 2026-27 Adopted Budget and will be paid for from Non-Departmental Services. Upon completion of the Project, management of the Property will be transferred to the County Department of Public Works and its operational and maintenance costs will be integrated into the annual operating budget.