REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Travis Hopkins, Acting City Manager
VIA: Jennifer Villasenor, Director of Community Development
PREPARED BY: Bill Krill, Real Estate and Project Manager
Subject:
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Approve and authorize execution of Agreement for Acquisition by Donation of two Encyclopedia Lots (APNs: 110-184-10 and 110-164-06)
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Statement of Issue:
The City Council is asked to approve an agreement to accept the donation of two small parcels of land, known as “encyclopedia lots,” from Charles B. Kimball. These parcels, located on the north side of Ellis Avenue between Edwards Street and Goldenwest Street, will support the City’s long-term goal of consolidating ownership and control of land in Huntington Central Park West. This donation advances the City’s strategy to expand and unify parkland in this area, enhancing public access to cohesive recreational spaces without any fiscal impact.
Financial Impact:
There is no financial impact associated with this acquisition, as the parcels are being donated at no cost to the City.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
A) Approve the Agreement for Acquisition by Donation of two Encyclopedia Lots from Mr. Charles B. Kimball; and
B) Authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the agreement and any necessary related documents required for completing the property transfer, including recording the Deed.
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve the recommended actions, and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
The Huntington Central Park West area contains numerous small parcels historically referred to as “encyclopedia lots.” These parcels were originally given as promotional gifts with encyclopedia purchases in the early 1900s. Located north of Ellis Avenue, between Goldenwest Street and Edwards Street, these parcels are typically 2,800 square feet and zoned for Open Space - Park and Recreation (OS-PR) use.
The City has long pursued a strategy to acquire these lots and consolidate them into Huntington Central Park, aligning with the City’s General Plan, Zoning Code, and Central Park Master Plan. Since the mid-1980s, the City has successfully acquired all but 29 of the original 300 parcels. This strategy supports the expansion of open space and parkland, which provides recreational and environmental benefits to the community. By continuing to secure these lots, the City moves closer to achieving consolidated ownership and control of the area, supporting the long-term goal of creating more cohesive and accessible parkland for the community.
Recently, Mr. Charles B. Kimball offered to donate two of these parcels, designated as APNs 110-184-10 and 110-164-06, situated on the north side of Ellis Avenue between Edwards Street and Goldenwest Street. If this donation is accepted, the City Attorney’s office will prepare a Deed for the transfer, and staff will work with Mr. Kimball to execute the necessary documentation. The City Clerk’s office will then record the Deed, formally incorporating these parcels into the surrounding parkland.
Environmental Status:
This action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Non Applicable - Administrative Item
Attachment(s):
1. Agreement for Acquistion by Donation
2. PowerPoint Presentation