REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: GEORGEANNE A WHITE, City Manager BY: PHIL SKEI, Assistant Director Planning & Development Department SUBJECT ..Title Actions pertaining to a Donation Agreement with River Park Properties II, a California limited partnership for APN 456-030-44 located north of the intersection at Belmont Avenue and DeWitt Avenue (Council District 7): 1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) 2. Approve an Agreement for Donation of Property for 5.53 acres of housing development. ..Body RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends the Council adopt a finding that this approval is exempt from the requirements of CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), approve the terms of the attached Agreement for Donation of Real Property and authorize the City Manager or her designee to execute all necessary documents to complete the property acquisition on behalf of the City after review and approval as to form by the City Attorney. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Fresno is in a housing crisis. This land located north of the intersection at Belmont Avenue and DeWitt Avenue will be used to develop housing to meet this crisis. When coupled with the City of Fresno's adjacent 4.17 acres, this donation will create a total of 9.7 acres of developable land. BACKGROUND For decades, this land has been undeveloped. The proposed donation to the City of the 5.53 acres located north of the intersection at Belmont Avenue and DeWitt Avenue will provide much-needed, City-owned land to develop housing to address Fresno's housing needs. Adjacent to existing City-owned land, this donation will result in a total 9.7 acres of developable land for housing and advance the goals of the One Fresno Housing Strategy. Approval of this item will allow the City Manager, or their designee, to execute all necessary documents to complete the property acquisition after review and approval as to form by the City Attorney. ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS In accordance with Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, the project has been determined to be exempt from CEQA under the general rule that CEQA only applies to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. It can be seen with certainty, that there is no possibility that entering into an agreement for the donation of property may have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, the agreement is not subject to CEQA. LOCAL PREFERENCE Local preference does not apply because the acquisition of the subject property does not include a bid or award of construction or services contract. FISCAL IMPACT As a property donation, the City will not incur any cost for land acquisition. Attachments: Exhibit A: Vicinity Map Exhibit B: Agreement for Donation of Property