Item 10 - Recieve and File the Washington Park Feasibility Study

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Receive and File Washington Square Park Feasibility Study September 16, 2025 Page 3 Option 1 consists of the purchase of three vacant parcels, with the fourth parcel containing an occupied single-family residence remaining under the ownership of Alexander Dantes LLC. The owner did not offer a sale price for the three parcels; however, they were appraised at a value of $3.6 million. This option would avoid added costs that may be associated with relocation of the existing residents and associated demolition costs. The park size would be 1.01 acres. Option 2 would include acquisition of the fourth parcel, requiring demolition of the home and tenant relocation. The four parcels are appraised at a value of $4.9 million and the owner has offered the four parcels at a sale price of $6.8 million. This option adds significant costs related to option 1 but increases the size of park space by an additional 0.31 acres. Option 3 would add the fifth adjacent parcel owned by the Jessup Ann Hayden Trust. The owners of this parcel have not indicated if they would be a willing seller, which means the City may have to use eminent domain to acquire the parcel. This option results in the largest park option at 1.74 acres. The analysis finds the proposed use would be consistent with the City's General Plan, Open Space Element, and Parks Master Plan, particularly in addressing park equity, access, and environmental justice in an underserved area identified as Park Gap Area 15. While the Parks Master Plan would not require amendment, the General Plan and zoning would require updates. All proposed options would require a similar path toward acquisition and development, with the exception of Option 3's potential for eminent domain. The steps for development into a City Park would consist of the following: • Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment • City Council approval of a purchase and sale agreement for the parcels • Preparation of CEQA documents for proposed park project • Planning Commission and City Council action to amend General Plan land use designation from residential to open space including adherence to Sunshine Ordinance requirements • Design and preparation of park construction documents • City Council award of construction contract Once the property is acquired and project funding is secured, it would take approximately 12-18 months to prepare environmental documents and design plans for award of construction contract. Construction of the park would likely take an additional 8-12 months.