TO: PLANNING COMMISSION
FROM: ADAM PIRRIE, CITY MANAGER
DATE: FEBRUARY 18, 2025
SUBJECT:
Title
REVIEW OF PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF TWO CONTIGUOUS REAL PROPERTIES IN THE CLAREMONT HILLSIDES NORTHWEST OF HIGHPOINT DRIVE (APNS 8678-019-013 & 8678-019-012) FOR CONFORMANCE WITH THE CITY OF CLAREMONT GENERAL PLAN - APPLICANT - CITY OF CLAREMONT
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SUMMARY
The City has an opportunity to acquire two properties in the Claremont hillsides northwest of Highpoint Drive (APNs 8678-019-013 & 8678-019-012). Collectively, these properties are approximately 79.6 acres of undeveloped land located next to the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park (west of Johnson’s Pasture). The properties are sometimes referred to as the “Jaffe Property” to the north (APN 8678-019-013) and the “Seaver Property” to the south (APN 8678-019-012). If the City acquires these properties, the City could preserve them as open space.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the Planning Commission adopt a RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT, CALIFORNIA, DETERMINING GENERAL PLAN CONFORMITY PURSUANT TO REQUIREMENTS OF GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65402 FOR ACQUISITION OF TWO CONTIGUOUS REAL PROPERTIES IN THE CLAREMONT HILLSIDES NORTHWEST OF HIGHPOINT DRIVE (APNS 8678-019-013 & 8678-019-012).
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ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the staff recommendation, there are the following alternatives:
A. Identify how the proposed acquisition(s) is (are) not in conformance with the General Plan and direct staff to convey the Planning Commission’s General Plan nonconformance findings to the City Council.
B. Request further information.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The Claremont Wildlands Conservancy (CWC) has been in negotiations to acquire the two properties in question. Upon acquisition it is the intent of the CWC to transfer the properties to the City so they can be incorporated in the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park and preserved as open space. The CWC has secured grant funding and additional proceeds through fundraising efforts to purchase the properties, The City also established a reserve for future open space acquisitions several years ago, and would likely contribute funds to finalize the acquisition.
City staff is currently exploring the feasibility of acquiring the properties. The finding of General Plan conformance is one step in the process that also includes other due diligence activities such as conducting environmental analyses and review of title reports, as well as negotiating purchase and sale agreements to be approved by the City Council.
The estimated cost of these due diligence activities, which will be conducted prior to the acquisition of the properties, is $10,000. This includes the time spent by the City Attorney and consultant assisting staff during the due diligence process.
The staff cost to prepare this report is estimated at $1,500 and is included in the operating budgets of the Administrative Services and Community Development Departments.
ANALYSIS
At a future City Council meeting, the City Council may consider whether to acquire one or both of those certain unimproved real properties located in the City of Claremont, County of Los Angeles, State of California, known as APNs 8678-019-013 & 8678-019-012, consisting of approximately 79.6 acres of undeveloped land located northwest of Highpoint Drive. A site plan showing the properties is included as Attachment A.
Government Code section 65402 states that if a General Plan has been adopted (as is the case here), no real property shall be acquired by dedication or otherwise for street, square, park or other public purpose if the adopted General Plan applies thereto, until the location, purpose and extent of such acquisition has been submitted to and reported upon by the planning agency (here, the Planning Commission) as to conformity with said adopted General Plan.
The City does not have any plans to develop or change either property. Acquiring one or both the properties would provide the City the opportunity to preserve them as open space, consistent with the goals and policies of the City’s General Plan. For example, each of the proposed acquisitions are in conformance with each of the following Goals and Policies of the Open Space, Parkland, Conservation, and Air Quality Element of the City’s General Plan:
• Goal 5-1: Maintain unique and diverse open space resources throughout Claremont for purposes of resource and habitat protection.
• Policy 5-1.1: Strive to acquire or otherwise protect open space areas that provide key wildlife corridors and provide connectivity between habitat areas.
• Policy 5-1.6: Encourage the preservation of natural areas so that future generations will have the opportunity to learn firsthand about the natural environment and its importance.
• Goal 5-2: Preserve and manage open space areas in Claremont's hillsides.
• Policy 5-2.1: Actively pursue funding and other appropriate mechanisms to preserve and acquire as much of the hillside area as possible.
• Policy 5-2.3: Explore the use of bond issues. assessment districts, environmental partnerships, grants, and other methods for purchasing and managing hillside areas.
• Policy 5-2.5: Continue to plan and budget for effective management and stewardship of hillside areas.
Acquiring one or both of these properties is also in conformance with each of the following Goals and Policies of the Land Use, Community Character, and Heritage Preservation Element of the City’s General Plan:
• Goal 2-4: Protect, preserve, and manage the City's diverse and valuable open space, water, air, and habitat resources.
• Policy 2-4.2: Continue to place a high priority on acquiring and preserving open space lands in Claremont' s hillside areas for purposes of recreation, habitat protection and enhancement, fire hazard management, public safety purposes, water resource protection, and overall community benefit.
For these reasons, staff requests that the Planning Commission adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment B), finding and determining that either or both of the proposed acquisitions of the properties are in conformance with and consistent with the Claremont General Plan.
CEQA REVIEW
The Planning Commission’s action pursuant to State Government Code section 65402 is not considered a “project” pursuant to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act. The City currently has no plans to develop or change either of the Properties, and the Planning Commission’s review and determinations with respect to general plan conformance do not commit the City Council to any one course of action.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a copy, please contact Nhi Atienza at natienza@claremontca.gov.
Submitted by:
Adam Pirrie
City Manager
Attachments:
A - Site Plan
B - Draft PC Resolution
C - Assessor’s Parcel Map