Agenda Item # 3 Conservation and Development Contra Costa County

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2013 - 7:00 P.M.

MANDATORY REFERRAL ACQUISITION OF 111.95 (+/-) ACRES OF LAND, ASSESSOR PARCEL NO. 080-070-014, LOCATED AT 6041 MORGAN TERRITORY ROAD (KNOWN AS THE GALVIN PROPERY) BY THE EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT (CP# 13-08)

STAFF REPORT

This is a public hearing to consider the General Plan conformance of a proposed acquisition by the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) of one parcel totaling 111.95 (+/-) acres located at 6041 Morgan Territory Road. (CT 3551.12)

Section 65402 of the Government Code requires a finding regarding the General Plan conformance of any public project that involves the acquisition or disposal of real property, or the authorization or construction of a building or structure.

EBRPD proposes to acquire one parcel totaling 111.95(+/-) acres of land adjacent to the Morgan Territory Regional Preserve in an unincorporated area, more commonly known as the Galvin Property. The parcel to be acquired is Assessor Parcel Number (APN): 080-070-014. The subject site is depicted in a map attached to the January 18, 2013 letter from Michael Reeves, Land Acquisition Specialist, EBRPD, describing this property acquisition, which is listed as Exhibit "A" to this report. This as an opportunity for EBRPD to add acreage to the Morgan Territory Regional Preserve which is a large park and open space area owned and operated by the EBRPD, and this parcel would become a part of this EBRPD park unit.

The Morgan Territory Regional Preserve is located south and east of . The sandstone hills within the park's 4,708 acres are adorned in spring with more than 90 species of wildflowers, including the Diablo sunflower (Helianthella castanea), which grows only in the foothills of Mount Diablo. Deer, and even the elusive mountain lion may be seen here, and a variety of raptors frequently soar overhead.

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CEQA STATUS

The proposed project entails the acquisition of property which would be subject to a separate environmental review by the EBRPD as lead agency in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act.

GENERAL PLAN

The County General Plan identifies APN 080-070-014, approximately 111.5 (+/-) acres, as Agricultural Lands (AL), and it is located outside the County’s Urban Limit Line. It is noted that the subject property is zoned under the A-4, Agricultural Preserve District, as it was placed under a Williamson Act contract in 1975 (County File: RZ#1922). Once the property is acquired by EBRPD the Williamson Act contract covering the subject parcel will be voided.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends the Commission find the proposed acquisition of the subject parcel, referred to as the Galvin Property, by EBRPD for parkland, trail, and open space purposes in conformance with the County General Plan. Since EBRPD is acquiring the 111.95 (+/-) acres for parkland, trail, and open space purposes, the proposed acquisition would be consistent with the goals and policies of the County General Plan, in particular the Open Space Element. The Open Space Element endorses the expansion of parks and open space areas to protect the unique resources of the County. More specifically, Section 9.8 in the Open Space Element (pages 9-12 to 9-24), describes several goals, policies and implementation measures aimed at supporting the development of major park and open space lands by EBRPD.

Attachments (2)

Exhibit “A”: 1/18/2013 Letter from Michael Reeves, Land Acquisition Specialist, EBRPD re: Galvin Property Acquisition, Morgan Territory Regional Preserve

Exhibit "B": Maps of the Subject Property to be acquired by EBRPD in Relation to the Contra Costa County General Plan Land Use Designations and Zoning District

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Exhibit “A”: 6/1/2012 Letter from Michael Reeves, Land Acquisition Specialist, EBRPD re: Pacific Custom Materials (TXI) Property Acquisition, Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline

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Exhibit "B": Maps of the Subject Property to be acquired by EBRPD in Relation to the Contra Costa County General Plan Land Use Designations and Zoning Districts

4 Scale 1:10,000 CP#13-08 - GENERAL PLAN Contra Costa County GIS Printed: Feb 19, 2013 5:59:44 PM Scale 1:10,000 CP#13-08 - ZONING Contra Costa County GIS Printed: Feb 19, 2013 6:01:41 PM