Stakeholders approve $1.43 million to build Anna Montenegro Park, reassigning funds from stalled Morgan Park project

On March 10, 2026 the Baldwin Park Stakeholders Oversight Committee voted unanimously to reappropriate $1,000,000 from the Morgan Park Improvements account to fund the Anna Montenegro Park project and to add a $430,000 (10%) construction contingency, authorizing staff to proceed to council for final action.

Staff presenter Manny told the committee the reappropriation will allow the city to bid the Anna Montenegro Park project and advance capital improvements that had been delayed while Morgan Park remained unfunded. "We are seeking the committee's review and recommendations regarding this reappropriation," Manny said during the presentation. Staff described the pocket park as roughly 9,000 square feet at the corner of Joan Bridge and Maine, one block north of Arrow Highway, with a custom play structure, drought-tolerant landscaping, shaded play areas, restrooms and a police-linked surveillance system.

According to staff slides, project funding combines the requested reappropriation with other sources including about $3.3 million from Los Angeles County Measure A and recent planning grants; staff estimated the project subtotal near $4.3 million and an estimated total near $4.7 million after the proposed contingency. Staff emphasized that Morgan Park is not canceled but deferred until the project is shovel-ready and that unspent Measure BP funds would be returned if not spent.

Committee members asked whether reappropriation was legally permissible and whether the Morgan Park allocation was permanently lost. Manny responded that reappropriation is an administrative process the city uses when projects stall and said staff will return to the committee and to the city council as needed. He told members he expects construction to begin once council approves bids, with a target of advancing work this summer if procurement timelines allow.

Members emphasized community safety and operations: staff explained the park will be gated (approximately 8 a.m. to dusk), will use solar lighting, and will include a surveillance system integrated with police dispatch. Staff also described a planned community service officer program (non-sworn officers who will conduct checks and issue limited administrative citations) and said restrooms will be included on-site rather than relying on retail tenants.

The motion to reappropriate the $1,000,000 and to authorize the $430,000 contingency passed with recorded yes votes from Member Hernandez, Member Marta Cartamo, Member Orosco, Vice Chair Jackson and Chair Lada. Staff said the item will next be transmitted to the city council as part of the normal reappropriation and budgeting process.

The committee's approval reallocates funds intended for a stalled project to one that staff says is closer to construction readiness; staff also noted it will continue to seek grants to restore Morgan Park funding and that Morgan Park remains on the city's capital plan.