Board approves relocation of access easement through Linear Park to accommodate development

Jennifer Budge, parks and recreation director, asked the board to authorize relocation of an existing 60-foot access easement that would otherwise bisect a city-owned park parcel. She said the relocation will move the easement to the southeast portion of the parcel, reserve 30,494 square feet for public access and a public utility easement on APN 010051-40, and support both secondary access for the nearby Blackstone development and continuous pedestrian access to 5th Street.

"This item before you today would authorize relinquishment of the existing easement and relocate the easement along the southeast portion of the park parcel," Budge said. She told the board the National Park Service provided a letter of concurrence and that parkland will not be lost; a new path will be built in conjunction with the easement at no cost to the city. During public comment, Denny French asked whether the 'no cost' description also accounts for future maintenance costs if areas are paved or otherwise require upkeep. The board voted 4–0 (one absent) to approve the reservation and quitclaim and authorized the mayor and staff to execute necessary documents.