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April 21, 2026
ITEM TITLE
Park Naming and Council Policy Waiver: Approving Naming of the Future Urban Park at Oxford Street and Fourth Avenue as “Roy Franzen Park” and Waiving City Council Policy No. 470-01 Report Number: 26-0120
Location: 391 Oxford Street
Department: City Manager
G.C. § 84308 Regulations Apply: No
Environmental Notice : The proposed action is not a "Project" as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines. Therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution waiving the naming requirements set forth in City Council Policy No. 470 -01 and approving the naming of the future urban park at Oxford Street and Fourth Avenue as “Roy Franzen Park.”
SUMMARY
The City of Chula Vista has initiated planning efforts for a new urban park to be located at the corner of Oxford St. and Fourth Ave (“Future Urban Park”), which is the site of the former Fire Station #5. This station served the community for over six decades.
On April 14, 2026, the City Council made a referral, initiated by Deputy Mayor Cesar Fernandez, to name the future urban park in honor of Roy Franzen, a steadfast presence at the former fire station whose contributions helped shape the station’s identity, and by extension, the surrounding community.
The City Council also directed a review and potential revision of Council Policy 470-01 (City Asset Naming and Renaming) (Attachment 2) to ensure its practicality and adaptability when considering community naming requests. Possible policy revisions will be presented at a later date.
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ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed activity has been reviewed for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and it has been determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines because it will not result in a physical change in the environment. Therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
Staff anticipates pres entation of the proposed park master plan in the coming months to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
DISCUSSION
The City of Chula Vista has initiated planning efforts for a new park to be located on the vacant lot at the corner of Oxford and Fourth Avenue. This is a 0.46 -acre lot which is classified as an urban park (0-4 acres) and will provide amenities to surrounding residential areas, schools and businesses. It is located within the same block as Lauderbach Park and Lauderbach Elementary School.
The site has been vacant for several years following the demolition of former Fire Station #5, which served the community for over six decades. The community has expressed a desire for a park at this location, and a master planning effort is currently underway.
City Council Referral
On February 14, 2026, the City Council made a referral, initiated by Deputy Mayor Cesar Fernandez, to name the Future Urban Park in honor of Roy Franzen, a steadfast presence at the former fire station whose contributions helped shape the station’s identity, and by extension, the surrounding community.
This follows a request received by the Deputy Mayor from the C hula Vista Firefighters Local 2180 (Attachment 1) to name the Future Urban Park in honor of Roy Franzen.
At sixteen years of age, Roy moved with his family to a home across the street from former Fire Station #5.
Drawn to the fire station, Roy introduced himself to the firefighters and began what would become a decade- long bond lasting more than 60 years. Roy has b ecome an integral part of the firehouse family volunteering his time, offering friendship, and assisting wherever he can.
The originally requested park name was “Honorary Firefighter Roy Franzen Community Park.” However, to maintain consistency with typical park naming conventions and for ease of public use, the proposed name is being modified to “Roy Franzen Park.”
The City Council also directed a review and potential revision of City Council Policy 470 -01 (City Asset Naming and Renaming) (Attachment 2) to ensure its practicality and adaptability when considering community naming requests. Possible revisions will be presented to the City Council for consideration at a later date.
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DECISION-MAKER CONFLICT
Staff has reviewed the property holding s 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 property -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 informed 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
There is no current-year fiscal impact as a result of this action.
ONGOING FISCAL IMPACT
The ongoing costs associated with the park, and required signage, will be determined upon consideration of the proposed park master plan and budget development.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Park Naming Request
2. Council Policy 470-01
Staff Contact: Tiffany Allen, City Manager
Courtney Chase, Deputy City Manager
Adrianna Relph, Special Projects & Legislative Manager