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Summary Title: Take Action to Acquire Union Pacific Property via Eminent Domain for the Jean Sweeney Open Space Park Project
Adoption of Resolution Determining that the Public Interest and Necessity Require the Acquisition of Certain Real Property Interests for a Public Project and Directing the Filing of Eminent Domain Proceedings for the Jean Sweeney Open Space Park Project. (Recreation and Parks 310)
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To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: David L. Rudat, Interim City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Jean Sweeney Open Space Park Project consists of a planned 25-acre park bounded by Constitution Way, Atlantic Avenue, and Sherman Street on predominantly former Alameda Beltline Railroad property. The City of Alameda also needs to acquire four remnant parcels totaling approximately 2.8 acres of the 4.52 acres owned by Union Pacific to complete major public access components of the Sweeney Park Project. Without the remnant parcels, a significant portion of the existing residential neighborhood to the south of the Jean Sweeney Park Project will be cut off from any direct public access to the park and the gateway to the Cross Alameda Trail at Constitution Way will not be completed to national "best practice" standards for pedestrian and bicycle access and safety. The City has made numerous attempts to negotiate with Union Pacific regarding value, the amount of property to be acquired, and the allowable use of the property as a park, and has not been able to reach agreement. As a result, City staff is recommending that the City Council acquire from Union Pacific the 2.8 acres of needed property for the Sweeney Park Project via eminent domain.
BACKGROUND
The Jean Sweeney Open Space Park Project (Sweeney Park Project) consists of a planned 25-acre park bounded by Constitution Way, Atlantic Avenue, and Sherman Street. The site is the former Alameda Beltline Railroad property that was secured by the City due to the advocacy efforts of...
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