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Supervisors approve $500,000 Altamont open‑space grant to Tri Valley Conservancy after debate over process and appraisal
Summary
The Board ratified a $500,000 grant from Altamont Open Space funds to Tri Valley Conservancy for a 32‑acre Altamont Hills acquisition, approving staff recommendations after questioning about appraisals, purchase contracts and process oversight.
The Alameda County Board of Supervisors on Dec. 9 approved a $500,000 grant recommendation from the Altamont Landfill Open Space Committee to the Tri Valley Conservancy (TVC) for acquisition of a 32‑acre Altamont Hills property.
Rebecca Spector, Executive Director of the Tri Valley Conservancy, told the board that TVC had two appraisals, the latest at $876,500, and that TVC would cover any gap between the committee grant and the final purchase price. "TVC is currently in negotiations with the landowners and we need this $500,000 secured in order for us to purchase the property," Spector said.
President Halbert and other supervisors pressed staff and TVC on process issues: Halbert said he expected a purchase contract in hand before committing public funds and expressed concern about funding requests above appraised values. County staff and County Counsel explained the committee’s role under the Altamont Landfill settlement agreement and described the committee’s authority to recommend grants. Staff also noted the open‑space fund balance is approximately $20,000,000 and that grant funds are returned to the Altamont fund if a purchase falls through.
Sandy Rivera, Community Development Agency director, explained the open‑space committee had applied prioritization models and that the parcel scored highly for biodiversity and as a wildlife corridor; TVC representatives noted the property’s visibility and potential trail connections.
After discussion the board voted to approve the staff recommendation to authorize a grant application of up to $500,000 and to delegate authority to negotiate and execute grant funding consistent with counsel review. Roll call was unanimous.
What happens next: CDA staff and TVC will continue negotiations; per the grant terms funds are authorized up to $500,000 and are not transferred to TVC until the parties execute the necessary transaction documents.
