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HomeMy WebLinkAboutE-12 Kinkaid Pit MOU with IrwindaleCONSENT ITEM E-12 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL VIA: TROY L. BUTZLAFF, ICMA-CM, CITY MANAGER FROM: MARCO A. MARTINEZ, CITY ATTORNEY KURT CHRISTIANSEN, DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DATE: FEBRUARY 6, 2017 SUBJECT: APPROVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF AZUSA AND THE CITY OF IRWINDALE CONCERNING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE KINCAID PIT PROPERTY LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF IRWINDALE AVENUE AND THE 210 FREEWAY (IRWINDALE PORTION - APN 8616-022-906; AZUSA PORTION APN 8616-001-913) SUMMARY: The Kincaid Pit is a 14.9 acre unimproved mining quarry owned by the City of Irwindale and located within the boundaries of both the City of Irwindale and the City of Azusa. According to economic development studies prepared by the City of Irwindale, once the Kincaid Pit is filled, it can provide retail development opportunities for Irwindale, Azusa and the I-210 corridor. As a result, it has been the subject of prior memoranda of understanding between the two cities. However, development was never completed due to drainage issues affecting the site. Irwindale recently contacted the City to inform that some of the necessary drainage improvements for development of the Kincaid Pit have been completed. In addition, Irwindale has been negotiating the sale of the site to a developer that would agree to construct retail development on the site. Although additional drainage improvements are needed and the site still needs to be filled-in, both cities agree that site planning process should commence. This action approves a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Azusa and the City of Irwindale, subject to any non-substantive changes made and authorizes the City Manager to execute the MOU. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions: 1) Approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Azusa and the City of Irwindale, subject to any non-substantive changes; and 2) Authorize the City Manager to execute the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), in a form acceptable to the City Attorney, on behalf of the City. APPROVED COUNCIL MEETING 2/6/2017 MOU between the City of Azusa and the City of Irwindale February 6, 2017 Page 2 DISCUSSION: Irwindale and Azusa each have jurisdiction over a portion of the 14.9-acre site. In January of 2015, as part of Round 4 of Metro’s Transit Oriented Development Planning Grant Program, the Metro Board of Directors awarded Irwindale a grant in the amount of $460,000 to develop and adopt the Irwindale Gold Line Station TOD Specific Plan. As part of this endeavor the parties intend to create a separate planning area within the Irwindale TOD Specific Plan that will govern the future development of Kincaid Pit site, including that portion of the site located in Azusa. As a result, both cities must approve the TOD specific plan before any development occurs. For this reason, the MOU is focused on delineating responsibilities of each jurisdiction in the development of the specific plan that will govern the site. The MOU does not approve any specific development, nor does it allocate sales tax share that is expected from the retail development. Those matters will be addressed separately in other agreements. Instead, the purpose of this MOU is to reaffirm the parties’ commitment to the development of Kincaid Pit through continuous cooperation to accomplish development of the site as a major regional retail center The MOU contains the following elements:  Requires both cities to cooperate in the development of a specific plan for the site (Section 1) and authorizes Irwindale to prepare the appropriate environmental documents for compl iance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA);  Allows each city to process the ultimate entitlements that may be authorized by the specific plan (Section 2.01);  Requires the parties to negotiate in good faith a sales tax sharing arrangement (Section 2.03);  Requires that the design of the retail development incorporate “Spanish Mission” architecture (Section 4.02). It should be noted that the MOU contains blank information concerning the timing for filling-in the Kincaid Pit. This information is entirely dependent on Irwindale and will be filled in as part of the execution of the MOU. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action. Prepared by: Reviewed and Approved: Marco Martinez Kurt E. Christiansen, FAICP City Attorney Economic and Community Development Director Reviewed and Approved: Reviewed and Approved: Louie F. Lacasella Troy L. Butzlaff, ICMA-CM Management Analyst City Manager Attachments: 1) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 2) Map of Kinkaid Pit 45635.01000\29538973.1 1 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR DEVELOPMENT OF KINCAID PIT This MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (“Agreement”) is made this ___ day of ___________ 2017, by and among the CITY OF IRWINDALE (“Irwindale”), and the CITY OF AZUSA (“Azusa”) Irwindale and Azusa are sometimes hereinafter referred to individually as “party” or collectively as “parties.” RECITALS The parties enter into this Agreement on the basis of the following facts, understandings, and intentions. A. The Kincaid Pit (i) is unimproved real property located within the boundaries of both Irwindale and Azusa, (ii) is bisected by the 210 Freeway and divided into the North Pit and the South Pit, and (iii) is depicted on Exhibit “A” attached hereto and incorporated herein (“Site”). B. Irwindale and Azusa each have jurisdiction over permitting of any development over that portion of the Site within their respective boundaries, and believe that the development of the Site is best accomplished through a cooperative agreement among Irwindale, Azusa, and Developer to assure a consistent and efficient approval and development process. C. The parties anticipate that the filling operation required to rehabilitate the Site from the condition left by the effects of mining require significant investment. The fill operation is scheduled to take approximately [eighteen (18) months] after the full execution of this Agreement to complete and significant funds will be required to place engineered fill at the Site. D. The parties previously entered into that certain Memorandum of Understanding for Development of Kincaid Pit dated July 23, 2003. E. In January 2015, as part of Round 4 of Metro’s Transit Oriented Development Planning Grant Program, the Metro Board of Directors awarded Irwindale a grant in the amount of $460,000 to develop and adopt the Irwindale Gold Line Station TOD Specific Plan. The performance period for this grant is 36 months from the date of agreement execution with Metro. Metro executed its agreement with the City of Irwindale on June 9, 2016. As part of this endeavor the parties intend to create a separate planning area within the TOD Specific Plan that will govern the future development of Kincaid Pit Site. F. The purpose of this MOU is to reaffirm the parties’ commitment to the development of Kincaid Pit through continuous cooperation to accomplish development of the Site as a major regional retail center. AGREEMENT NOW, THEREFORE, incorporating and in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, parties mutually agree to the following: 45635.01000\29538973.1 2 SECTION 1. NATURE OF NEGOTIATIONS. 1.01 Good Faith. Irwindale and Azusa agree that, for the period set forth in Section 3.01 herein (“Negotiation Period”), they will negotiate diligently and in good faith to (1) cooperate in the preparation of development of a separate planning area within the TOD Specific Plan that will govern the development and future uses on the Site; (2) cooperate in having the Planning Commission and City Council of each City consider approval of the planning area within the TOD Specific Plan that will govern the Site; (3) prepare and enter into any agreement necessary or desirable (“Development Instruments”) to allow for the development of the Site (“Project”) consistent with the provisions of this Agreement, the TOD Specific Plan and the developer selection process initiated by Irwindale. The development will be subject to this Agreement, all rules, regulations, standards, and criteria set forth in the respective Cities’ General Plans, the proposed TOD Specific Plans and any applicable zoning regulations. The Development Instruments will generally be in the form negotiated by Irwindale and Azusa with other development entities, including the developer selected by Irwindale (Developer), and subject to the terms Irwindale, Azusa, and a selected Developer agree upon. 1.02 Purpose of Agreement. It is expressly understood and agreed by the parties that this is an Agreement to conduct contract negotiations only and does not convey any interest in the Site whatsoever. It is further agreed and understood that this Project must go through a land use entitlement process to be determined by each City for those portions of the TOD Specific Plan that are applicable to the Site and will be subject to noticed public hearings. Nothing herein shall imply any prejudgment concerning this Project nor does this Agreement imply any obligation on the part of any party to enter into any agreement that may result from the negotiations contemplated herein. SECTION 2. DEVELOPMENT OF PROJECT. 2.01 Permitting Process. Irwindale and Azusa will process those Project entitlements required for the portions of the Site located within their boundaries, respectively. To the extent permitted by law, the parties will cooperate to process the separate land use entitlement applications for the Project simultaneously pursuant to each jurisdiction’s Development Code and any applicable state planning and zoning law requirements. Such cooperation may include, but is not limited to, holding joint public hearings by Irwindale and Azusa to consider Project entitlements. Irwindale will be principally responsible for processing the environmental reviews necessary for the Project. As permitted under CEQA, Azusa will cooperate with Irwindale in the preparation of any environmental document required for the Project and utilize such documents for its consideration in adopting mitigation measures and issuing necessary entitlements for the Project. 2.02 Schedule of Performance. The goal will be to (a) commence filling the North Pit by _________, ____, 20__, (b) commence construction of the above-grade improvements (e.g., buildings) by ______ ___, 20__, and (c) open the Project by _______ ___, 20__, with an understanding that the opening of the Project may be phased. The Development Instruments shall contain a more detailed Schedule of Performance. 2.03 Sales Tax Sharing Agreement. Irwindale and Azusa intend to share sales tax revenues evenly, if any, produced from the Project, regardless of where the sales tax generating 45635.01000\29538973.1 3 sources are located on the Site. Such sales tax sales agreement shall be negotiated in good faith by the parties. SECTION 3. DURATION OF NEGOTIATIONS. 3.01 Period of Exclusive Negotiation. The period of negotiation shall be one (1) year from the date this Agreement is signed by the parties (the “Term”). 3.02 Early Termination. If any of the parties determine that the Project is not economically feasible, or if Irwindale or Azusa find progress with respect to the Schedule of Performance set forth in Section 2.02 is unsatisfactory in its reasonable discretion, then such party may terminate this Agreement by delivering written notice thereof to the other parties. SECTION 4. SELECTED DEVELOPER’S RESPONSIBILITIES. 4.01 The Developer selected will prepare such studies, reports, and analysis, as shall be necessary to permit Developer to determine the feasibility of the Project. Developer shall obtain any additional permits from other agencies as necessary. 4.02 The design of the Project shall be “Spanish Mission” architecture consistent with the design guidelines of both Irwindale and Azusa, as may be agreed by the parties in the Development Instruments. It is agreed that Developer shall also obtain architectural review and other approvals for the Project from both Irwindale and Azusa for the portions of the Project that fall within the boundaries of the respective Cities. The Developer will be solely responsible for obtaining all approvals and entitlements for the Project, arranging the financing for the Project, and constructing all improvements upon the Site. 4.03 It is also agreed that development of the Site by Developer may necessitate changes to existing circulation and access patters that lead to the Site, including access from surrounding properties and streets. The parties agree to cooperate in the redesign of such access and circulation patterns to accommodate improved access to the Site and Project. SECTION 5. MISCELLANEOUS. 5.01 Indemnification. Each party shall defend and indemnify the other party against, any and all claims, demands, liability, judgments, awards, fines, mechanics’ liens or other liens, labor disputes, losses, damages, expenses, attorneys’ fees, and court costs related to this Agreement and arising either directly or indirectly from any act, error, omission, or negligence of Irwindale or Azusa or its respective agents, officers, or employees. 5.02 Governing Laws and Venue. This Agreement has been negotiated and executed in the State of California and shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of California. In the event of any legal action to enforce or interpret this Agreement, the sole and exclusive venue shall be a court of competent jurisdiction located in Los Angeles County, California. 45635.01000\29538973.1 4 5.03 Severability. If any term or portion of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, void or otherwise unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day first above written. [SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE.] 45635.01000\29538973.1 5 CITY OF IRWINDALE By: City Manager ATTEST: City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: City Attorney CITY OF AZUSA By: City Manager ATTEST: City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: City Attorney 21 | P a g e City of Irwindale & Irwindale Community Redevelopment Agency E C O N O M I C S T R A T E G I C P L A N Commercial-Retail Development Retail development is Irwindale’s next strongest tier of market opportunity. Based on the existing retail inventory in the Market Area and projected population growth, Irwindale’s capture potential from the Market Area is focused on suburban and regional retail categories, including big box (e.g., warehouse/club stores, department stores, home furnishings), drug stores, and specialty food services. TCG’s market analysis also identified multifamily rental housing as a second tier product type. However, based on Irwindale’s long history of slow residential growth and deep community roots, rental housing opportunities are extremely limited in the City. This Plan recognizes that, by limiting residential density in the City, a key demand driver for retail is automatically limited and, therefore, a potential source of new General Fund revenues is limited. The lack of internally generated growth in demand means the City will have to capture a higher percentage of demand from the greater Central/East SGV Market Area. The lack of a 24/7 community, night-time population, and traditional downtown core also extremely limits the types of retail products Irwindale can capture. Neighborhood-serving retail, including sit-down restaurants, must depend almost solely on Irwindale’s day-time population and employment centers. Recent vacancies and high turnover of restaurant uses, however, as observed in the 25,730 square foot retail strip center located at 15600 Arrow Highway (at 4th Street), indicate that the local day-time population and traffic counts on major thoroughfares have not reached a critical mass to support certain types of retail. Discussions between RSG and local business stakeholders also confirm these challenges, and that the current volume of lunch-time business generally does not support the financial viability of most sit-down restaurants. However, as job growth in Irwindale continues over the next several years, the increase in day-time populations and demand for goods and services will support new lunch-time dining choices for current and future employees. TCG’s market analysis indicates that, during the next 10 to 20 years, Irwindale has a significant upside capture potential for suburban/regional retail in the Market Area of up to 50,000 square feet per year. Upon successful reclamation of former mining pits located at key freeway locations along the I-605 and I-210 Freeways, there are significant opportunities for Irwindale to support regional-serving big box “power centers” and smaller developments. ICRA land assets at key retail locations include the 14.9-acre North Kincaid Pit, located on the north side of the I-210 Freeway at Irwindale Avenue, and the 14.1-acre triangular site located at the westerly intersection of Arrow Highway and Live Oak Avenue (includes the ICRA properties known as “Gore Point” and the 12- acre “Triangle Parcel”) which, combined with the easterly adjacent 60-acre JH Pit, creates a 74-acre development site for a mix of regional-serving retail, industrial/flex, and hospitality uses located directly across the road from Toyota Speedway. Both sites, however, have their own unique sets of development and infrastructure challenges, including reclamation, drainage, and access. Where appropriate and justified, the ICRA should program tax increment funds to assist in the remediation of impr operly filled and compacted pits. The ICRA should also work with the owners of other privately-held mining pits to help facilitate potential retail development on those sites. The nearest-term development opportunity is expected to occur on Reliance Pit II, located on the other side of Irwindale Avenue from the North Kincaid Pit. The pit is owned and currently being filled by Vulcan Materials. Reclamation is anticipated to be completed between 2016 and 2019. Housing As described above, higher density multifamily housing opportunities are constrained by local preferences. The ICRA and Irwindale Housing Authority have historically facilitated the creation of affordable single-family, for-sale housing projects. Higher density housing in recent years has b een N. Kinkaid Pit JH Pit