The potential future purchase of properties on Manhattan Point for new parks raised red flags at council鈥檚 Monday (Mar. 11) meeting.
A report on the North End Plan (NEP) identifies six private properties that will be designated future-use parkland.
Staff recommended council receive the report for information concerning park planning on Manhattan Beach. Property owners would then be informed by letter of the designation and how it will affect them.
That was a concern for Coun. Maxine DeHart.
鈥淚 think people are going to think as soon as you turn out that letter that council has endorsed this,鈥� she added. 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 going to be very sensitive to these property owners.鈥�
Policy and planning manager Robert Miles noted that a draft NEP will be brought to council at a later date.
鈥淪hould council endorse that draft plan, it will be made available for people to view and provide comment on,鈥� Miles added. 鈥淭his is a long-term vision, acquisition of these properties could happen within a few years鈥r even decades.鈥�
Property owners are under no obligation to sell to the city, and the park designation doesn鈥檛 change or interfere with how a property owner uses their land.
Coun. Ron Cannan said his understanding is most of the property owners are not supportive of the plan. He also asked what the budget to purchase the properties would be.
鈥淭hat will come forward as part of the draft plan alongside a funding strategy when the plan is brought forward to council,鈥� Miles responded.
The recommendation was revised to read that council receive the report for information and direct staff to contact affected property owners regarding the park concept.
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