200 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Suite #276
Anaheim, CA 92805
Tel: (714) 765-5176
Fax: (714) 765-5161
www.anaheim.net
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
DATE: NOVEMBER 4, 2025
FROM: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
SUBJECT: PUBLIC HIGHWAY AT-GRADE CROSSING AGREEMENT
WITH UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY FOR
CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR THE
NEW CROSSING LOCATED ON RIVER ROAD BETWEEN
KATELLA AVENUE AND BALL ROAD
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM # 14
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: YES
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, by Motion, approve the Public Highway At-Grade Crossing Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company (UPRR) for construction and maintenance services for the new railroad crossing on River Road (previously South Phoenix Club Drive) between Katella Avenue and Ball Road, authorize the total payment of $1,531,615 for grant rights and construction of railroad improvements, and pay UPRR a yearly maintenance fee of $25,144 per annum for railroad signal maintenance and surface maintenance beginning in fiscal year 2028.
DISCUSSION:
Anaheim Real Estate Partners, LLC, TS Anaheim, LLC and FCD, LLC are the owner and developer of the OCVIBE development, an approximately 100-acre mixed-use development surrounding the existing Honda Center arena.
The development project was approved by City Council on September 27, 2022 and amended on October 29, 2024 in conjunction with General Plan Amendment No. 2020-00532; Platinum Triangle Mixed Use Overlay Zone Amendment No. 2020- 00739; Reclassification No. 2020-00333; Conditional Use Permit Amendment No. 2010-05492, and Restated Development Agreement No. 2020-00004, to allow for the development of the proposed mixed-use development. Per the restated agreement, the site is proposed to include a live performance theater with approximately 5,700 seats, up to 2,250 residential units, including affordable units, two hotels with approximately 550 total rooms, a roughly 5-acre public park, multiple private parks and open spaces, office buildings, and restaurants and entertainment venues. The development also includes multiple street network improvements, including the construction of several new public and private roads.
Public Highway at Grade Crossing Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company for Construction and Maintenance Services for the New Crossing Located on River Road Between Katella Avenue and Ball Road November 4, 2025
The public improvements include the demolition of the existing UPRR grade crossing on Phoenix Club Drive and the construction of a new grade crossing on River Road, approximately 400 feet east of the existing railroad grade crossing. These improvements are consistent with the City of Anaheim General Plan and the conditions of approval and will continue to enhance the city's infrastructure and circulation in the project area.
As part of the Development Agreement, the Developer/Owner is responsible for obtaining all the necessary authorization and permits from the appropriate agencies that are impacted by the grading permit limits, including UPRR, and paying all the costs associated with the application requests. This includes grant rights and the construction of railroad improvements.
As part of the permit process with UPRR, the Developer has also committed to facilitating field diagnostic meetings, preparing design documents, and implementing mitigation measures at two additional grade crossings in the City of Anaheim. Those crossings are West Lincoln Avenue, east of Loara Street, and South Harbor Boulevard at Santa Ana Street.
Additionally, the City will be required to pay a yearly maintenance fee of $20,312 per annum for railroad signal maintenance and $4,832 per annum for railroad surface maintenance for a total yearly fee of $25,144. All fees will be effective beginning in FY 2028.
A Public Highway At-Grade Crossing agreement between the City and UPRR is required for the construction and ongoing maintenance of the new grade crossing at River Road.
This item supports Anaheim’s Strategic Plan Goal A – Maintain Financial Stability and Anaheim’s Strategic Plan Goal C. – Invest in Infrastructure and Amenities Strategy No. 13 – Address deferred and ongoing maintenance needs.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
All construction and improvement costs will be paid for by the Developer. Maintenance costs will be included in the Public Works General Fund budget beginning in FY 2027/28.
Respectfully submitted,
Rudy Emami
Director of Public Works
Attachment:
1. Public Highway At-Grade Crossing Agreement