City to Request Proposals for Development of Land at The Crossings at Carlsbad

The Carlsbad City Council Tuesday night gave the go-ahead to consider proposals from developers interested in leasing underutilized land at The Crossings at Carlsbad.

During the joint special meeting of the council, Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board and Public Financing Authority Board, council members voted 4-0 to issue a request for proposals for a ground lease of 3.15 acres at the municipal golf course. Councilwoman Farrah Douglas was absent from the meeting.

Although the city hasn’t issued the RFP yet, Carlsbad Municipal Property Manager Joe Garuba said developers have expressed interest in the land and some individuals have already toured the site.

“The intent of the ground lease is really to try to maximize the economic vitality—not only of the property itself, but also to provide a climate and social benefit to the agencies and the surrounding community,” Garuba said. “The vacant land isn’t being used, it’s not serving any purpose and it’s not adding to the quality of the character of our community.”

The lot consists of two adjacent parcels, a 2.7-acre parcel owned by the city and a 0.45-acre parcel owned by the water district. The city’s land is currently used as an excess parking lot for The Crossing at Carlsbad, and the adjacent parcel was recently used as a potable water tank storage site until water system improvements were made. Because of potential changes in long-term water storage needs, Garuba said the water district wants to retain ownership of the site but is willing to enter into a long-term lease.

With the council’s approval, city staff will issue the RFP on May 13 with a July 8 deadline for submissions. The RFP will request applicants provide company information, a proposed project description, financial plan, development schedule, relevant project experience, project organization and key personnel, proposed lease term, litigation history and references.

“It’s a fairly fast track once we get this rolling,” Garuba said. “We’re hoping that the lease is fairly straightforward. It’s a ground lease for dirt. It’s not a structure, but we do want to see what they’re proposing to do.”

The lot at The Crossings at Carlsbad is just one of several underutilized properties city staff presented to the council and the water district board in August 2012.

Garuba said staff expects to present lease options and recommendations for the property at the golf course to the Carlsbad Public Financing Authority in August. Mayor Pro Tem Mark Packard and Councilwoman Lorraine Wood said they appreciated the quick turnaround staff proposed. 

“I like seeing this timeline, and I’m looking forward to being able to move forward and seeing progress on using these properties that the city has,” Packard said. “I hope that this is a great experience and will lay the groundwork for us to do similar kinds of things for our city’s long-term stability.”

In other council business:

• The council adopted an ordinance that reduces the speed limit from 35 to 30 mph on Chestnut Avenue from Pio Pico Drive to El Camino Real.
• The council removed references in the Carlsbad Municipal Code pertaining to Traffic Safety Coordinating Committee meetings as public meetings.  
• The council presented proclamations in recognition of National Bike Month, Solutions for Change and Peace Officer Memorial Week. Council members also listened to a presentation from a San Diego Fair representative.
• Council members listened to a presentation from the Equinox Center regarding San Diego County sustainability, as well as a presentation from Fire Department staff regarding a smart phone emergency mobile application and supporting Emergency Operations Center operations.