Crescent City approves MOU to allow RCTA to secure library lot for transit center

Crescent City’s council unanimously authorized the city manager on Sept. 15 to sign an agreement with the Redwood Coast Transit Authority that secures the library parking lot as the preferred location for a transit center while the agency completes environmental analysis and final lease negotiations.

City Manager Weir described the transit‑center concept and why the library parking lot was selected. ‘‘They have just under $3,000,000 to build this,’’ he said, noting the project would include a ticket kiosk, a comfort station (public restroom), bus loading stalls and space for larger excursion buses. The city attorney cautioned the MOU is nonbinding on a lease until environmental review and related steps are complete.

Why it matters: staff said a downtown transit center would improve access to the park and discovery/cultural center, provide facilities for bus drivers and riders, and coordinate with a planned Front Street redesign and pedestrian improvements.

Council and public asked about repaving and accessibility; staff said repaving and sloping work to facilitate bus circulation are part of the bus‑lane design, and that more public outreach will follow on architectural details and driveway locations.

Vote and next steps: a council member’s motion to authorize the city manager to sign the agreement passed unanimously on a roll call vote. Staff will return with a lease and final conceptual design for council approval once environmental analyses are complete and public outreach on design is finished.

Context and funding: RCTA pursued the project as part of a master plan for transit in Del Norte County; staff said RCTA obtained the grant funds and remains the lead on construction while the city will negotiate lease terms and maintenance agreements.