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December 16, 2025
ITEM TITLE
Real Property Purchase: Approve the Acquisition of Real Property at 61 First Avenue, Amend the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget and Appropriate Funds
Report Number: 25-0303
Location: 61 First Avenue
Department: City Manager
G.C. § 84308 Regulations Apply: Yes
Environmental Notice : The Project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines Section 15316 Class 16 (Transfer of Ownership of Land in Order to Create Parks). In addition, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Project also qualifies for the Common Sense Exemption pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines.
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution approving the purchase of 61 First Avenue (APN 566-131-05-00) for the purposes of the Lower Sweetwater Community Park Project , amending the fiscal year 2025 -26 budget, and appropriating funds for this purpose. (4/5 Vote Required)
SUMMARY
The City of Chula Vista is planning a new community park on a site known as Lower Sweetwater. It is located on approximately 19.7 acres of City-owned land just west of Interstate 805 and south of State Route 54 and the Sweetwater River.
Acquisition of par cels along First Avenue has been identified as necessary to establish access for both construction and future public use of the proposed park site. This item proposes the purchase of a parcel at 61 First Avenue.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed project has been reviewed for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and it has been determined that the project qualifies for a Categorical Exemption pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15316 Class 16 (Transfer of Ownership of Land in Or der to Create Parks), because the proposed project consists of the acquisition of land in order to establish a park where the land is in a natural P a g e | 2
condition, and a management plan for the future park has not yet been prepared. Thus, no further environmental review is required at this time. CEQA will apply when a management plan is proposed that will change the area from its natural condition. In addition, notwithstanding the foregoing, it has also been determined that the project qualifies for the Common Sense Exemption pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA State Guidelines.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Not applicable.
DISCUSSION
The City of Chula Vista is planning a new community park on a site known as Lower Sweetwater. It is located on approximately 19.7 acres of City-owned land just west of Interstate 805 and south of State Route 54 and the Sweetwater River.
History of Lower Sweetwater
The Lower Sweetwater park site has been vacant for most of the City’s history. The site was bisected by the Sweetwater River before the river was realigned and channelized through several public works projects in the 1970s, including the constru ction of State Route 54 and Interstate 805. The Chula Vista General Plan, adopted in 2005, identified Lower Sweetwater as a future park site. The City’s Parks & Recreation Master Plan in 2016 also identified Lower Sweetwater as a future community park and provided a list of recommended park amenities based on community needs at the time.
Designing the Park
The park is currently in the early stages of planning and design, and the City is exploring funding opportunities.
Community members will be invited t o participate in a park planning process to identify and prioritize desired amenities, such as playing fields, playground equipment, and restrooms. The process will include gathering input through online surveys and in -person meetings for community members to provide ideas and feedback on preliminary design options. Estimated costs for various amenities, and an estimated budget for the project as a whole, will help determine the options available.
The community engagement process will inform the creation o f a new Park Master Plan for the site. When complete, the Park Master Plan will be presented to the Chula Vista Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council for discussion and approval.
Site Access
During the planning process, staff identified the need for expanding the dedicated public access to the park site. While the City currently has a portion of right -of-way along First Avenue, it is insufficient for public access purposes. The City , therefore, seeks to acquire additional parcels currently held under private ownership. Acquisition of parcels is necessary to provide safe and permanent access for construction, future park operations, and public use.
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Staff has negotiated with property owners at 6 1 First Avenue (APN 566-131-05-00) for the purchase of a parcel critical to expand access. The proposed agreement would allow the City to purchase 61 First Avenue for $290,000 as well as associated escrow and closing costs.
DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the property holdings of the City Council members and has found no property holdings within 1,000 feet of the boundaries of the property which is the subject of this action. Consequently, this item does not present a disqualifying real p roperty-related financial conflict of interest under California Code of Regulations Title 2, section 18702.2(a)(7) or (8), for purposes of the Political Reform Act (Cal. Gov’t Code §87100, et seq.).
Staff is not independently aware, and has not been infor med by any City Council member, of any other fact that may constitute a basis for a decision-maker conflict of interest in this matter.
CURRENT-YEAR FISCAL IMPACT
The projected fiscal impact of this action is estimated at $290,000, plus associated escrow and closing costs.
All costs associated with the purchase of the parcel will be funded by the Sunbow Park Benefit Fee Fund revenues. T his action amends the fiscal year 2025 -26 budget by increasing appropriations in the Other Capital category of the Sunbow Park Benefit Fee fund.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
Any future costs related to Lower Sweetwater Community Park will be brought for ward for City Council consideration.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Real Property Purchase Agreement for 61 First Avenue (APN 566-131-05-00) Staff Contact: Scott Dickson, Real Property Manager
Tiffany Allen, City Manager