HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-09-30; NCTD Repurposing of Carlsbad Village & Poinsettia Coaster Stations (Districts 1 & 3); Barberio, GaryTp the members of the:
CITY COUNCIL
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Council Memorandum
Sept. 30, 2021
To:
From:
Honorable Mayor Hall and Members of the City Council
Gary Barberio, Deputy City Manager, Community Services
Jeff Murphy, Community Development Director
Via: Geoff Patnoe, Assistant City Manager @
{city of
Carlsbad .
Memo ID #2021183
Re: NCTD Repurposing of Carlsbad Village & Poinsettia Coaster Stations (Districts 1 & 3)
This memorandum provides a status update on North County Transit District (NCTD) efforts to
explore repurposing its two Coaster stations in Carlsbad, and an agenda item where the NCTD
Board of Directors on Sept. 16, 2021, declared the two potential redevelopment sites as exempt
surplus land.
Background
On March 16, 2021, the City Council received an informational presentation from the NCTD on
redevelopment opportunities at the Carlsbad Village and Poinsettia Coaster stations. Under
current zoning, the Carlsbad Village site could redevelop with a mix of uses, including housing.
The "Public" General Plan Land Use designation for the Poinsettia Coaster Station would require
amendment by the city or applicant to permit a mix of uses. The zoning of the Poinsettia site is
Residential Density -Multiple Qualified Development Overlay (RD-M-Q). Under any
redevelopment plan, however, transit use would continue to be prioritized and increased
ridership sought. A redevelopment objective of the NCTD also includes contributing to regional
housing needs through facilitating the construction of market rate and affordable housing units.
Because of their housing potential, both the Carlsbad Village and Poinsettia Coaster stations are
two of the many potential sites the city has identified to help it meet state forecasted residential
growth. Further, each is included on maps of potential housing sites recently released for public
review. Additional information on the maps and public review is available at
www.carlsbadca.gov/housingplan.
Discussion
On July 12, 2021, NCTD and city staff met to discuss potential redevelopment of the two sites,
including the NCTD's parameters, objectives, and milestones as well as city input. The NCTD is
currently preparing a highest and best use analysis for both sites and planning for developer
outreach. As of the writing of this memorandum, the highest and best use analysis is not
currently available.
Community Services Branch
Community Development Department
1635 Faraday Avenue I Carlsbad, CA 92008 I 760-602-4600 t
Council Memo -NCTD Repurposing of Carlsbad Village & Poinsettia Coaster Stations
Sept. 30, 2021
Page 2
On Sept. 16, 2021, the NCTD Board of Directors adopted a Resolution declaring the Carlsbad
Village and Poinsettia Coaster stations, and specified redevelopment sites at Coaster and Sprinter
station locations in other cities, as exempt surplus land in compliance with the Surplus Land Act
{SLA) guidelines {April 2021). If the California Department of Housing and Community
Development {HCD) affirms the exemption, the NCTD may proceed with redevelopment without
continued coordination with the HCD. Otherwise, the NCTD would need to comply with the SLA
and its requirements to promote affordable housing development on unused or underutilized
public land. The presentation to the NCTD Board of Directors on the Resolution is included as
Attachment A.
NCTD and city staff met on Sept. 28, 2021, to discuss the Poinsettia Coaster station's existing land
use designation and how it would need to be modified before any proposed development is
approved. Amendments to provide an appropriate designation could occur as part of the city's
effort to rezone properties to meet state forecasted residential growth or as part of a separately
initiated effort by the NCTD.
At the Oct. 21, 2021, Board of Directors meeting, NCTD staff intends to provide an update on all
redevelopment activities. In the near future, the NCTD anticipates holding a developer's
workshop on the two Carlsbad Coaster station sites before the end of the year and, later,
releasing a request for proposals to solicit development proposals for each site.
Next Steps
City staff will continue to monitor and coordinate with the NCTD on redevelopment activities to
ensure that they align with city objectives. When appropriate, staff will recommend the NCTD
provide an update to the City Council.
Attachment: A. Sept. 16, 2021, presentation to the NCTD Board of Directors
cc: Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Celia Brewer, City Attorney
Ron Kemp, Assistant City Attorney
Don Neu, City Planner
Eric Lardy, Principal Planner
Scott Donnell, Senior Planner
NORTH COUNTY
TRANSIT DISTRICT
Attachment A
Agenda
Item#
21
STAFF REPORT ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 21-03 DECLARING SPECIFIED
REDEVELOPMENT SITES AS EXEMPT SURPLUS LAND
Time Sensitive: □ Consent: □
STAFF Adopt Resolution No. 21-03 declaring specified redevelopment sites at
RECOMMENDATION: SPRINTER and COASTER station locations in Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos,
Escondido, and Carlsbad as exempt surplus land, in compliance with Surplus
Land Act guidelines.
BACKGROUND The 2019 Surplus Land Act requires public agencies to coordinate land
INFORMATION: development activities with the California Department of Housing and Community
Development (HCD). The Surplus Land Act requires public agencies to declare
developable land as either surplus land or exempt surplus land at a public
meeting, prior to issuing a Request for Proposal or Notice of Availability to
interested parties. After a public declaration, the public agency provides written
notice to HCD, who then either affirms or denies the declaration. If a public
agency's developable land is deemed to be surplus land, it is subject to specific
rules and requirements specified in the April 2021 Surplus Land Act Guidelines.
If a public agency's developable land is deemed to be exempt surplus land, then
developments may proceed without continued coordination with HCD.
Pursuant to the April 2021 Guidelines provided by HCD, land may be declared as
Exempt Surplus Land on that condition that the property is "used by a district for
agency's use". Per long-range planning provided by the San Diego Association
of Governments (SANDAG), public agencies are encouraged to provide
residential and mixed-use developments to encourage transit ridership, reduce
vehicle miles travelled, reduce greenhouse gases, and address critical housing
shortages. NCTD Board Policy 33 -Joint Use and Development of Real Property,
implements SANDAG's planning guidance by requiring real property
development that encourages housing and mixed-use developments to improve
transit rider experience, increase transit ridership, and reduce greenhouse gases.
Based on both SANDAG's long-range planning and NCTD's Board Policy,
redevelopment of NCTD transit facilities satisfies HCD's criteria for exempt
surplus land due to redevelopments having a direct and measurable public benefit
and impact to NCTD's core mission.
In June 2021, NCTD provided written correspondence to HCD to justify a
determination that the Oceanside Transit Center (OTC) redevelopment should be
considered as Exempt Surplus Land. The OTC project was advanced prior to the
April guidelines promulgated by HCD. On July 2, 2021, HCD concurred with
. NCTD's declaration that the OTC is exempt surplus land and therefore not subject
to the Surplus Land Act's development guidelines. In their approval, HCD noted
that "housing in dense, transit-rich areas supports the agency's mission", and
commended NCTD's Board policy for requiring housing and improved transit
amenities as a means of improving transit ridership.
To proceed with redevelopment opportunities of NCTD's assets while retaining
operational control and public access related to NCTD's transit purpose; and
remaining in compliance with the Surplus Land Act, redevelopment opportunity
sites must first be declared as exempt surplus land on the basis that
September 16, 2021 Board Meeting Staff Report No.: SR-21-09-021
redevelopment directly support's NCTD's core mIssIon by increasing transit
ridership and reducing greenhouse gases through the development of residential
and mixed-use developments. The following sites are recommended for
redevelopment, and should be declared as Exempt Surplus Land:
• Carlsbad Village COASTER Station
2775 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008
• Poinsettia COASTER Station
6511 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, CA 92009
• Coast Highway SPRINTER Station
1304 1/2 S. Tremont St., Oceanside CA 92054
• Crouch Street SPRINTER Station
609 Crouch St., Oceanside CA 92054
• Rancho Del Oro SPRINTER Station
3513 Oceanside Blvd., Oceanside CA 92056
• Melrose Street SPRINTER Station
1495-1/2 N. Melrose Dr., Oceanside CA 92056
• Vista Transit Center
240 N. Santa Fe Rd., Vista, CA 92083
• Vista Civic Center SPRINTER Station
810 Phillips St., Vista, CA 92083
• San Marcos SPRINTER Station
1142 W. Armorlite Dr., San Marcos, CA 92069
• Escondido Transit Center
Escondido Transit Center, Escondido, CA 92025
Based on the foregoing, staff recommends that th.e NCTD Board of Directors
declare the specified redevelopment sites at SPRINTER and COASTER station
locations noted herein exempt surplus land in satisfaction of the Surplus Land Act
guidelines.
ATTACHMENT: 21A-Draft Resolution No. 21-03
GOAUSTRATEGIC Enhance Customer Service, Improve Service Quality, and Increase Ridership
DIRECTION:
FISCAL IMPACT: This staff report has no fiscal impact.
COMMITTEE REVIEW: None
STAFF CONTACT: Tracey Foster, Chief Development Officer
E-,mail: tfoster@nctd.org Phone: 760-966-6674
September 16, 2021 Board Meeting Staff Report No.: SR-21-09-021
RESOLUTION NO. 21-03
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
NORTH COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT DECLARING SPECIFIED.
REDEVELOPMENT SITES AS EXEMPT SURPLUS LAND
WHEREAS, the North County Transit District ("NCTD") Board of Directors ("Board") has
adopted Policies and goals for the development of NCTD transit stations; and
WHEREAS, NCTD is the owner in fee simple of that certain real property described in
Exhibit "A," attached hereto and made a part of hereof ("Property") including such NCTD
transit facilities deemed suitable for redevelopment pursuant to those Policies and goals
of the Board; and
WHEREAS, Assembly Bills 1486 and 1255 amended the Surplus Land Act ("SLA") to
promote affordable housing development on unused or underutilized public land
throughout the state to respond to the existing affordable housing crisis; and
WHEREAS, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)
adopted SLA Guidelines effective April 2021 (the "Guidelines") which provides for
additional requirements regarding disposition of "Surplus Land"; and
WHEREAS, the SLA and Guidelines requires public agencies to coordinate land
development activities with HCD; and
WHEREAS, an agency that determines that property is exempt from the SLA shall
support such a determination with written findings and shall provide a copy of the written
determination to HCD at least thirty (30) days prior to disposition; and
WHEREAS, the SLA provides for "Exempt Surplus Land" in Government Code section
54221; including real property that is used by a district for agency use; a11d
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the North County
Transit District hereby declares the real property at NCTD transit facilities and property
as defined in Exhibit A to this Resolution as Exempt Surplus Land.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board makes the following findings in support of
the declaration off Exempt Surplus Land above:
Section 1. Per long-range planning provided by the San Diego Association of
Governments (SANDAG), public agencies are encouraged to provide residential
and mixed-use developments to encourage transit ridership, reduce vehicle miles
travelled, reduce greenhouse gases, and address critical housing shortages.
NCTD Board Policy 33 -Joint Use and Development of Real Property, implements
SANDAG's planning guidance by requiring real property development that
encourages housing and mixed-use developments to improve transit rider
experience, increase transit ridership, and reduce greenhouse gases. Based on
810 Mission Avenue• Oceanside, CA 92054 • (760) 966-6500
both SANDAG's long-range planning and NCTD's Board Policy, redevelopment of
NCTD transit facilities satisfies HCD's criteria for exempt surplus land due to
redevelopments having a direct and measurable public benefit and impact to
NCTD's core mission.
Section 2. In June 2021, NCTD provided written correspondence to HCD to justify
a determination that the Oceanside Transit Center (OTC) redevelopment should
be considered as Exempt Surplus Land. The OTC project was advanced prior to
the April guidelines promulgated by HCD. On July 2, 2021, HCD concurred with
NCTD's declaration that the OTC is exempt surplus land and therefore not subject
to the Surplus Land Act's development guidelines. In their approval, HCD noted
that "housing in dense, transit-rich areas supports the agency's mission", and
commended NCTD's Board policy for requiring housing and improved transit
amenities as a means of improving transit ridership.
Section 3. In order to proceed with redevelopment opportunities of NCTD's assets
while retaining operational control and maintaining public access related to
NCTD's transit purpose; and remaining in compliance with the Surplus Land Act,
redevelopment opportunity sites must first be declared as exempt surplus land on
the basis that redevelopment directly support's NCTD's core mission by increasing
transit ridership and reducing greenhouse gases through the development of
residential and mixed-use developments.
Section 4. Based on the foregoing, the NCTD Board of Directors hereby declares
and finds that the redevelopment sites at SPRINTER and COASTER station
locations noted herein in Exhibit A as exempt surplus land in satisfaction of the
Surplus Land Act guidelines.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at the regular meeting of the Board of Directors
of the North County Transit District this 21 st day of October 2021.
BOARD CHAIR
North County Transit District
CERTIFICATION
I, Anthony Flores, duly appointed and qualified, Clerk of the Board of the North County
Transit District, do hereby certify that the above is a true and correct copy of a resolution
passed and approved by the Board of Directors of the North County Transit District
adopted at a legally convened meeting of the Board of Directors of the North County
Transit District held on the 21 st day of October 2021.
Page 2 of 3 .
CLERK OF THE BOARD
North County Transit District
NOlfflt COUNTY TaANSIT DlfflllCT a 1111111111 WE MOVE PEOPlE
RESOLUTION NO. 21-03
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE
NORTH COUNTY TRANSIT DISTRICT DECLARING SPECIFIED
REDEVELOPMENT SITES AS EXEMPT SURPLUS LAND
· Exhibit A
The following sites are declared as Exempt Surplus Land:
Page 3 of 3
• Carlsbad Village COASTER Station
2775 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008
• Poinsettia COASTER Station
6511 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, CA 92009
• Coast Highway SPRINTER Station
1304 1/2 S. Tremont St., Oceanside CA 92054
• Crouch Street SPRINTER Station
609 Crouch St., Oceanside CA 92054
• Rancho Del Oro SPRINTER Station
3513 Oceanside Blvd., Oceanside CA 92056
• Melrose Street SPRINTER Station
1495-1/2 N. Melrose Dr., Oceanside CA 92056
• Vista Transit Center
240 N. Santa Fe Rd., Vista, CA 92083
• Vista Civic Center SPRINTER Station
810 Phillips St., Vista, CA 92083
• San Marcos SPRINTER Station
1142 W. Armorlite Dr., San Marcos, CA 92069
• Escondido Transit Center
Escondido Transit Center, Escondido, CA 92025
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