Council approves $800,000 reimbursement agreement with Meritage for Coyazzo Park crow’s nest building

The City Council approved an agreement with Meritage Homes of California, Inc. to reimburse up to $800,000 for construction and site improvements for a crow’s nest building at Coyazzo Park in the Bergamot specific plan area. Facilities and Community Services Director Crocker said funding is allocated in the city’s capital improvement program and parks development impact fee accounts; disbursement of the reimbursement will occur upon full completion and dedication of the constructed building to the city.

Public commenter Steve Rogers questioned whether the developer should have been required to build the crow’s nest as a condition of project approval and said the arrangement “gives the appearance” of a gift of public funds. Staff and a councilmember clarified that the crow’s nest was moved from an earlier planned location and that Meritage will construct the facility and dedicate it to the city; the city will not provide a permanent gift of land or ownership to the developer.

Councilmembers noted the structure will serve youth sports (the Junior All American Football League), relieve scheduling pressure at other fields and provide storage and safer architecture compared with an older pole-mounted design. The council voted unanimously to approve the agreement: Councilmember Barich, Councilmember Tejeda, Councilmember Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Shaw and Mayor Sacedo voted yes.