Lodi council directs staff to issue RFQ to explore housing and park options at 130 West Century Boulevard

The Lodi City Council on Jan. 27 directed staff to issue a request for qualifications (RFQ) to explore development options for part of a city‑owned parcel at 130 West Century Boulevard, a former right‑of‑way identified in the 2024 housing element as a high‑density residential site.

Deputy Director of Community Development Cynthia Marsh told the council the site lacks a formal assessor parcel number and has been characterized in some documents as a former right‑of‑way rather than a designated park. She said potential options include subdividing a portion of the parcel for housing while reserving the front portion, where a play structure exists, as a small neighborhood park. Marsh noted that high‑density residential zoning at the site implies a density of roughly 15 to 35 units per acre, applied to subdivided acreage as appropriate, and that any disposition could require compliance with the Surplus Land Act.

Councilmembers emphasized the need for community input and park protection; one councilmember said nearby residents do not support an affordable housing project at that location and requested staff explore alternate parcels. Others urged pairing a housing project with park improvements and a public‑private partnership approach. The city attorney advised staff to confirm acquisition records and statutory obligations related to parkland before proceeding with any surplus process.

Councilmember motioned to open an RFQ to explore housing options at the site with a requirement that proposals consider a park component and potential park improvements; the motion passed on a unanimous roll call (5–0). The council asked staff to return with draft RFQ materials and any title/parkland findings.