REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Completion of Workplan Project ID CO-24 - Council Priority Project DPW 24-08: Feasibility of Converting PG&E-Owned Lots Facing Ramona Avenue, Lois Avenue, and/or Dona Avenue into an Open Green Space Linear Park (Information Only)
Report
BACKGROUND
At the February 15, 2024 City Council meeting, Council approved Study Issue DPW 24-08. The study was prompted by requests from residents at Parks and Recreation Commission meetings, who asked the City to explore converting the fenced-in PG&E lots facing Ramona Avenue, Lois Avenue, and Dona Avenue into public mini-parks with drought-tolerant native landscaping.
PG&E owns the land, except for 20-foot-wide strips on either side facing immediately adjacent homes, which are owned by the City. At the time the study was initiated, both PG&E and the City were providing minimal maintenance of the area. The intent of the study was for staff to work with PG&E to determine the requirements for public use, conduct robust neighborhood outreach, and survey the neighborhood to determine opinions about park features, services, and compatible uses such as drought-tolerant Miyawaki Pocket Forests, a nature walkway for bicycle and pedestrian access, open lawn space, a community vegetable garden, and native plantings to support threatened species such as the Monarch Butterfly.
The study was estimated to take approximately two years to complete, with a planned completion year in Fiscal Year 2025/26 and a budget of $75,000.
EXISTING POLICY
General Plan Policy, Chapter 3 Land Use and Transportation LT-9.1: Ensure that the planned availability of open space in both the City and the region is adequate.
DISCUSSION
Staff contacted PG&E to explore the feasibility of allowing public use of the utility corridor lots. Over the course of two years, staff made repeated attempts to engage PG&E to obtain a clear and definitive response regarding the City's proposal. Despite staff's persistent efforts, obtaining a formal written determination from PG&E proved to be a lengthy process.
Recently, PG&E provided the City with a written response to the linear park proposal (Attachment 1). In summary, PG&E's response states:
• PG&E evaluated the City's proposal in coordination with its Land Management and Electric Transmission teams.
• While PG&E initially believed the proposal might be feasible, after further review, PG&E determined that it is currently unable to commit to allowing the development of the linear park at the location.
• The primary reason for PG&E's determination is planned electric infrastructure improvements in the area, including a reconductor project currently anticipated for completion in 2031, which may affect the proposed park location.
• At this time, PG&E cannot consider the proposed park use until the utility work is completed and the site can be reevaluated.
• PG&E is unable to provide any commitment regarding future approval because utility needs and project requirements may change over time.
• PG&E's team indicated a willingness to reevaluate the linear park concept after the infrastructure improvements are complete.
Based on PG&E's written response, the City cannot obtain the necessary commitment from PG&E to proceed with planning, design, or development of a linear park within the utility corridor at this time. Since PG&E is unable to provide any assurance of future approval, even after the anticipated 2031 infrastructure work is complete, further study of this concept in the near term would not be a prudent use of staff resources or public funds.
Accordingly, Workplan Project CO 24-Council Priority Project DPW 24-08: Feasibility of Converting PG&E-Owned Lots Facing Ramona Avenue, Lois Avenue, and/or Dona Avenue into an Open Green Space Linear Park is complete. Staff meets regularly with PG&E and will continue to monitor the site and PG&E infrastructure plans. If PG&E’s circumstances change following the completion of its planned infrastructure improvements, staff can revisit this concept at a future date.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council meeting agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board at City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Public Library and in the Department of Public Safety Lobby. In addition, the agenda and this report are available at the City Hall reception desk located on the first floor of City Hall at 456 W. Olive Avenue (during normal business hours), and on the City's website.
Staff
Prepared by: Connie Verceles, Assistant City Manager
Reviewed by: Aaron Bert, Director of Public Works
Reviewed by: Sarah Johnson-Rios, Assistant City Manager
Reviewed by: Approved by: Tim Kirby, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. PG&E Response