Agenda Item
City Council
Item #: 7.1. 4/25/2023 File #: 23-0258
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THRU: Tom Kisela, City Manager
FROM: Christopher Cash, Public Works Director
1. SUBJECT
Cooperative Agreement with the City of Anaheim for planning and development of the OC River Walk Project.
2. SUMMARY
This report outlines the details of a proposed Cooperative Agreement between the City of Orange and the City of Anaheim for the OC River Walk project. The project aims to create a world-renowned destination for residents and tourists, transforming approximately two miles of the Santa Ana River Corridor between both cities.
3. RECOMMENDED ACTION
Approve agreement with the City of Anaheim for the planning and development of the OC River Walk Project and authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City and to take all actions necessary to implement and administer the Agreement.
4. FISCAL IMPACT
None.
5. STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
Goal 3: Enhance and promote quality of life in the community a: Renovate, maintain, develop, and/or expand public use places and spaces. e. Develop and strengthen collaborative partnerships to enhance and promote quality-of-life programs, projects, and services.
6. DISCUSSION AND BACKGROUND
The OC River Walk project site is located within the Santa Ana River corridor between Ball Road and Orangewood Avenue bridge crossings, adjacent to Angel Stadium, the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC), and the Honda Center. The objective of the project is to develop a destination for travelers and residents that would rival other similar well-known waterfront areas such as the Chicago River Front Park and the San Antonio River Walk. The project is complementary to the adjacent ocVIBE project at the Honda Center and future improvements at Angel Stadium but is not part of those projects. As an important gateway to the City of Orange, the project provides a mutually beneficial opportunity for both cities, fostering collaboration and improving City of Orange Printed on 4/20/2023Page 1 of 2
powered by Legistar™
Item #: 7.1. 4/25/2023 File #: 23-0258
the delivery of services to residents of both Anaheim and Orange.
The City of Orange has been working with the City of Anaheim as they have developed the scope of the project. A preliminary engineering study, of which Orange was a participant, was completed in November 2021. Since that time, Anaheim has further refined the concept for the project which includes significant riverbank improvements along the Santa Ana River for both flood control and recreational and entertainment uses, upgrades to existing bike and pedestrian facilities, landscaping and habitat restoration improvements, and the creation of a significant water feature through the use of water impoundments within the Santa Ana River to act as additional groundwater recharge facilities and to provide an opportunity for safe public engagement with the river. The project also proposes the construction of a new bike/pedestrian bridge that would further connect OC River Walk, ocVIBE, the Stadium Promenade and the Cities of Anaheim and Orange.
The entirety of the OC River Walk project proposes a series of improvements along the Santa Ana River between Orangewood Avenue and Ball Road. Many, if not most, of these improvements are in the City of Anaheim and within the Santa Ana River, both in Anaheim and Orange. This project benefits the City of Orange with focus on the potential improvements from Katella Avenue, north along the eastern bank of the River. This area is an important gateway to the City of Orange and the creation of these public spaces and amenities are viewed as an opportunity to further economic development along the Katella Corridor and within the Stadium Promenade.
The proposed Agreement does not currently have any fiscal impact. Anaheim continues to take the lead on project development including design, permitting, and implementation. City staff will provide support by reviewing project studies, designs, engineering, and environmental reports, as well as assist with necessary regulatory permits and agency approvals, as needed. The agreement also allows for the City of Orange to develop Orange specific improvements as part of the overall project and to cooperate and solicit unique funding for those improvements. As Anaheim has completed engineering and concept design for the project, our staff will have the opportunity to also work with them to solicit additional funding opportunities, including federal and state grants, to support the project.
The OC River Walk project has the potential to become a landmark project, creating a world- renowned destination. The project will provide numerous public benefits that will build upon the many public and private improvements in the surrounding area to benefit this important gateway to the City of Orange.
7. ATTACHMENTS
· Cooperative Agreement
City of Orange Printed on 4/20/2023Page 2 of 2
powered by Legistar™