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Newark approves Landscaping and Lighting District No. 20 for Robson development
Summary
The City Council voted unanimously to form Landscaping and Lighting District No. 20 for the Robson development on Cedar Boulevard, authorizing annual assessments expected to begin in fiscal year 2025–26; staff said the assessment equates to about $58.26 per unit under the engineer's report.
The Newark City Council unanimously adopted a resolution on June 26 confirming the formation of Landscaping and Lighting District No. 20 and authorizing the levy and collection of assessments for fiscal year 2025–26.
The district applies to the Robson residential project on Cedar Boulevard between Moores Avenue and Smith Avenue, which staff said consists of 118 residential units under construction. Senior City Engineer Viva Deshmukh told the council that the district “allows the city to collect annual assessments from property owners to fund ongoing maintenance of the public improvements such as landscaping, irrigation, and street lighting associated directly with the proposed development.”
City staff described the vote as the final step required under the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 and Proposition 218. The council had initiated proceedings May 8 and staff mailed notice and ballots to affected property owners as required by Proposition 218. The engineer's report set a proposed maximum annual assessment of $6,875 for the parcel(s) in question; staff and council members explained that when allocated across the project units the assessed amount equates to roughly $58.26 per unit.
Council members asked for scope clarification: the assessment covers new landscaping, median islands and irrigation and the five new streetlights along the project frontage, but not sidewalk repair. Staff noted that the project will dedicate right of way, move the sidewalk back toward the property and that construction of the traffic signal at Cedar and Smith and the new streetlights is expected soon once the Alameda County Water District (ACWD) waterline connection is made and materials are staged on site.
The motion to adopt the resolution was moved by Council Member Jorgensen and seconded by Council Member Bridal; the council voted unanimously in favor with Vice Mayor Eve Little absent. Following the vote, the clerk recorded the resolution confirming formation of Landscaping and Lighting District No. 20 and authorizing the levy and collection of the fiscal year 2025–26 assessments.
The council packet and the engineer's report were identified in the public record as the basis for the assessment and the city clerk tabulated ballots after the public hearing closed.
