The Rockhaven property on Honolulu Avenue has been proposed as a site for the Montrose Library, as well as for a local historical center. The 40 acres of Mountain Oaks, near Crescenta Valley Park, has been proposed for open space acquisition.
These two and other projects identified for further consideration all require close analysis on cost and priority for the capital funding.
In addition to the two local sites, the city will look at the future for the Montrose fire station and station 26 on Brand Boulevard, future library needs, acquisition facilities and soccer fields, all of which have been identified as priorities by different community groups.
The two local projects both have considerable momentum now, with Rockhaven facing the possibility of private development and Mountain Oaks already proposed for other uses.
The entire list will likely be more expensive than available funds, however, which will mean the city needs to explore impact fees, assessment districts and other potential funding devices and private capital sources.
Much of the $75 million will become available in the next five years, as the redevelopment agency pays back a loan from the city through bond sales.
The council did agree to put in the budget $130,000 for promised landscaping in the Montrose Shopping Park, following up on recent lighting improvements and street work.
The competition for the available dollars could be fierce, with youth and adult sport groups complaining about lack of playing field, aquatics supporters pushing for a city swim stadium, and other open space and recreation needs likely to be supported. Street enhancements, an expensive item, will also be on the city's wish list.
