Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: James C. Porter, Department of Public Works
Subject: Quick-Strike Grant Application Support for Funding of Safe Routes to School pedestrian and bicycle improvement projects in unincorporated Menlo Oaks and unincorporated Broadmoor
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation to:
A) Adopt a resolution authorizing two applications to the Metropolitan Transportation Commission for the Safe and Seamless Mobility Quick-Strike competitive grant program for pedestrian and bicycle improvement projects on Coleman Avenue in unincorporated Menlo Oaks and on 87th Street and South Park Plaza Drive in unincorporated Broadmoor; and
B) Adopt a resolution affirming compliance with the State of California Surplus Land Act (as amended by Assembly Bill 2135) to satisfy eligibility requirements of Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s grant program.
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BACKGROUND:
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) provides funding to support its commitments to regional transportation priorities while advancing the Bay Area’s land use and housing goals. The Safe and Seamless Mobility Quick-Strike program is a one-time, competitive grant program within the One Bay Area Grant program (OBAG 2) framework.
The City and County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) is acting on MTC’s behalf to submit project nominations and administer the grant program.
On November 18, 2015, MTC adopted Resolution No. 4202, the Project Selection Criteria and Programming Policy, for the second round of the OBAG 2 program. Subsequently, MTC adopted revisions to Resolution No. 4202 to incorporate housing-related policies to the program. Among the new eligibility requirements for cities and counties, applying for grants was a requirement to reaffirm their compliance with the provisions of the California Surplus Land Act (California Government Code Sections 54220-54232). The Surplus Land Act contains procedures for disposition by sale or lease of surplus properties by local agencies and requires agencies disposing of land to offer it for sale or lease for development of low to moderate income housing, as park or open space, or for use by a school district for school facilities or open space. If an agency is not able to reach an agreement for disposal for these purposes, the agency may dispose of the property on the open market.
Assembly Bill 2135, adopted in 2014, added provisions to the Surplus Land Act to prioritize affordable (low and moderate-income) housing development on surplus lands. Key provisions are as follows: expanded affordability requirements where an affordable housing project is developed; to make at least 25 percent of the units affordable to lower income households for a period of at least 55 years; require a local agency to give first priority in disposing of the surplus land to an entity that agrees to these requirements; extend the good faith negotiation period from 60 to 90 days; a requirement that if negotiations with one of the specified entities are unsuccessful, then any residential development on the surplus land over ten units must make at least 15 percent of the units affordable; and allowed local agencies to sell land below fair market value for the purpose of low income housing development.
DISCUSSION:
Department of Public Works (Department) staff prepared two grant applications for consideration for the Safe and Seamless Mobility Quick-Strike Program. They include:
Coleman Avenue, Menlo Oaks: Bicycle improvements on Coleman Avenue were identified as a Tier 1 (top priority) project in the 2021 unincorporated San Mateo County Active Transportation Plan (ATP). Strong support was received during ATP outreach to improve bicycle and pedestrian access on Coleman Avenue. In addition to the ATP, the Department and the office of Supervisor Horsley have received requests from residents and the Menlo Oaks District Association (MODA) for pedestrian and bicycle improvements along Coleman Avenue to address concerns from area residents as well as students attending schools served by Coleman Avenue.
Broadmoor: Safe Routes to School improvements in Broadmoor were identified as a result of a walking tour of the community conducted during the ATP planning process with community stakeholders to improve access to several schools in the area. The County has also received requests from two schools in this area for improvements to pedestrian and bicycle facilities to provide better access for their students who walk and bike to school.
The proposed grant would fund project development, including engineering, environmental, and permitting phases, as well as project construction.
Key eligibility requirements for the Quick-Strike program include: (1) a resolution of local support for the proposed projects, and (2) a resolution affirming compliance with the Surplus Land Act. The attached resolution affirming compliance with the Surplus Land Act is modeled after a sample resolution provided by MTC. Compliance with the Surplus Land Act is already required by State law; therefore adoption of the resolution does not represent a change to the County’s obligations or policies. Failure to adopt both of the resolutions will make the County ineligible for the funds, if awarded by MTC.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact for providing a resolution in support for the County’s grant applications or affirming the County’s compliance with the State Surplus Land Act. The County is requesting the use of local toll credits for a required 11.47 percent non-federal cash match if the County is awarded funding through the Safe and Seamless Mobility Quick-Strike Program.
ATTACHMENT:
Project Area Maps for Broadmoor and Menlo Oaks