Glendale plots for open space

A $16-million fund coming from downtown developers could be spent on open space in the city’s park-poor areas — primarily central and south Glendale — with an eye toward buying lots to convert into parks.

The pool of cash came after the City Council raised impact fees on developers in 2013, revenue that exploded with the wave of new mixed-use projects in the downtown area.

Council members have been adamant about spending the money in or near downtown to benefit those who will be affected by the nearly two dozen projects on their way.

While staffers suggested $5 million be allocated toward expanding existing parks, members of the Park, Recreation and Community Services Commission recommended the city buy new lots for park space.

“We should do something unique and different than a mini park, we have to be proud of it,” said Commissioner Ara Kalfayan. “It’s a one-time opportunity.”

Commissioners also said they would be willing to sit on the money for a while and let it gradually accumulate, albeit in smaller amounts as fewer project applications are filed.

“I think it is imperative we take a great opportunity and maximize the funds we have coming in,” said Chair Alex Woo. “This is not something that happens on a frequent basis.”

Community Services and Parks Director Jess Duran said it’s too soon to tell where a new park could be built, but the city would have to spend that money in five years.

Commissioner Peter Fuad said a park west of Central Avenue would benefit those residents living in the new mixed-use projects as well as south Glendale.

The board also suggested acquiring plots near downtown’s Chess Park to expand it.

State law stipulates development impact fees can only be spent on acquiring parkland and new amenities, not maintenance.

Three meetings were held in recent months with community members to gather their feedback, later compiled into short and long-term recommendations.

More immediate efforts would entail spending $1 million toward new playground equipment at existing parks, $2 million on a planned renovation of Fremont Park and $50,000 for new multiuse courts for sports like pickleball, according to a staff presentation.

The biggest short-term goal would be a $2.5-million effort to team up with the Glendale Unified School District to improve and open school playgrounds to the public when class is not in session — a cheaper approach than buying land, Duran said.

Residents made clear they want more soccer fields, so staff recommended allocating $5 million on developing land adjacent to the Glendale Sports Complex as a long-term project, he said.

Despite the council’s push to spend the money in and around downtown, stepping well outside the boundaries for new soccer fields would be appropriate in this case, Duran said.

“It would be a regional draw, it would be a regional benefit and one of the development impact funds is supposed to be is a project that benefits all residents,” he said. “It qualifies just like a project that’s in an area where most of the development is taking place.”

The list of recommendations will be heading to the council for approval on Dec. 8.

--

Arin Mikailian, arin.mikailian@latimes.com

Twitter: @ArinMikailian