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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRDA 05 ACQUIS PROP 06-15-92RDA N0. 5 6-15-92 UA -1992 Inter-Com JUNE 15, WILLIAM HUSTON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CHRISTINE SHINGLETON, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER Iia JF:CT_ REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE IN ACQUISITION OF REAL PROPERTY AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF NEWPORT AVENUE AND IRVINE BLVD. RECOMMENDATION Pleasure of the Agency. BACKGROUND At the City Council meeting on June 7, 1992, Mr. Rich Condon representing Remax Goldenwest Realty appeared before the City Council and requested Redevelopment Agency financial assistance for his clients in the acquisition of certain property located at the southwest corner of Newport Avenue and Irvine Boulevard. According to the Orange County Assessor's office, the subject property is approximately 9,290 square feet in size and contains an approximate 4,610 square foot office building (identified as "Subject Property" on Exhibit A). The City has determined that approximately 1685 square feet of the subject site would be required dedication for future master planned right-of-way intersection enhancements at the corner of Newport Avenue and Irvine Boulevard (Exhibit B) . The future right-of-way needed by the City would not require acquisition of the existing office building on the subject property. The subject property was owned by Mr. Jim Vecchio and Mr. Condon has represented that Sumitomo Bank has foreclosed on the property. Home Savings is currently engaged in business on a property to the south which they lease from Mr. Ray Larson ("Adjacent Parcel" as shown in Exhibit A). Mr. Larson is apparently interested in purchasing the Subject Property and leasing the property to Home Savings who would demolish the existing office building, construct additional parking and enhance their current landscaping setback to improve the aesthetic appearance of their project at the corner of Newport and Irvine Boulevard. Improvements proposed by Home Savings would require dedication of master planned right-of-way on the subject site to the City of Tustin as a condition of any building permits issued pursuant to Tustin City Code. Mr. Larson is not desirous of dedicating this City Council Report Page 2 required right-of-way without compensation and is seeking a commitment from the Agency at this time to acquire the necessary right-of-way at a value of approximately $65 a square foot. Staff explained to the City Council at their meeting of June 1st, that acquisition of property by the Agency or City of Tustin would require a number of specific legal procedures that must be followed prior to any acquisition which can take approximately 90-180 days. A general description of the acquisition process is attached as Exhibit C. As shown in the Exhibit, title work in the form of a litigation guarantee as well as an independent appraisal work would be necessary. As requested by staff, Mr. Condon has provided letters of interest from Sumitomo, Mr. Ray Larson and Home Savings (attached). However, Sumitomo is apparently unwilling to share their own appraisal of the site which justifies the $65 a square foot valuation of the property. Staff identified on June 1st that the subject project was not originally planned or included in the Town Center Redevelopment Project Financing Plan. approved by the Agency in 1991. With the Agency's prioritization of the Columbus Tustin Gymnasium project and the current Civic Center Expansion Project under construction, commitment of additional Town Center Agency tax increment to projects not listed and prioritized by the Town Center Financing Plan, will ultimately impact available cash flow for previously prioritized projects. The Irvine Boulevard/Newport Avenue intersection enhancement, however, is included in. the City's Congestion Management Plan (CMP) 7 -Year Capital Improvement Program. In addition, with the County of Orange's designation of Irvine Boulevard as a "Super Street" candidate, staff believe that there may be available both Measure M and County participation funds sometime in the future for the acquisition of planned right- of-way and construction of improvements. Given the above background information, there are significant legal and timing constraints that would affect the Agency's ability to acquire the property in a timely manner. However, the Agency could enter into a letter of understanding agreeing to certain terms or principles that could be utilized in preparing a future Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) for the acquisition of the required right-of-way in the future. There would be a number of advantages to the use of this process. The owner of the Home Savings site could proceed with acquisition of the subject property with the understanding that a DDA would be prepared that would establish a process for the Agency's future acquisition of the necessary right- of-way. The letter of understanding would also provide a basis for negotiating a comprehensive DDA. City Council Report Page 3 A brief synopsis of possible general terms that might be considered at this time could include the following. 1. The Agency would agree to prepare within 120 days a Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) with all parties (Mr. Ray Larson, Home Savings). 2. Mr. Ray Larson would agree to initiate negotiations with Sumitomo Bank and, if successful in such negotiations, will purchase the subject property. 3. Home Savings will negotiate a lease agreement with Mr. Ray Larson, contingent upon his purchase of the subject property from Sumitomo. If successful in such negotiations, Home Savings will agree to develop the site with additional parking and landscaping enhancements subject to Agency approval of the development plan. 4. Pursuant to terms of a future DDA and Mr. Larson's purchase of the subject lease and his entering into a lease with Home Savings, the City of Tustin and Tustin Redevelopment Agency will agree to enter into an agreement with Mr. Larson to waive dedication of right- of-way on the subject property as a condition of any future building permits necessary on the subject site and to purchase, under threat of condemnation (due to potential tax advantages), master planned right-of-way on the subject property subject to a schedule to be established in the proposed DDA and consistent with available Measure M and County of Orange super street funds earmarked for the intersection enhancement at Newport Avenue and Irvine Boulevard. The purchase price would be determined as provided in the following paragraph. 5. The purchase price for that portion of the subject property needed for right-of-way would be determined in the following manner. The Agency would select an appraiser and have an appraisal performed at its sole cost. The appraiser would determine fair market value based upon generally accepted methods of appraisal and in accordance with the California Code of Civil Procedure. The Agency would make an offer to acquire the needed right-of-way based upon this appraisal. If Mr. Larson disagrees with the Agency appraiser's estimate of fair market value, Mr. Larson may retain at his own cost an appraiser who shall also appraise the needed right-of-way property in the same manner. City Council Report Page 4 Upon completion of the second appraisal, the two appraisers would attempt to reconcile any differences in their appraisals. If such differences could not be reconciled, the Agency would pay the higher amount provided that the higher appraisal is not more than two - and -one-half percent (2-1/2%) higher than the lower appraisal. If the difference is greater than such amount, the two appraisers would select a third appraiser. The third appraiser would either review the two prior appraisals or perform his own appraisal as he deems appropriate. The cost of such review and/or third appraisal would be borne equally by the parties. The three appraisers would attempt to reconcile their appraisals and reach agreement, in which case the Agency would offer to acquire the needed right-of-way for the price agreed to by the appraisers. If the three appraisers could not agree on a price, the purchase price would be determined based upon averaging the appraised values. The Agency would make a formal offer to acquire the needed right-of-way and when requested to do so by Mr. Larson, the Agency shall provide Mr. Larson with a letter indicating that the acquisition of the.needed right-of- way by the Agency was under a threat of condemnation. 6. In the event. that for any reason the Agency fails to acquire the Master Planned right-of-way on the adjacent property, no claim or lawsuit will be filed or pursued against the City or Agency by the parties alleging that the Agency is guilty of unreasonable precondemnation activities or any other theory that would give rise to liability for inverse condemnation, and the parties would agree to release and hold the Agency and City harmless from any and all claims that might be brought by or on behalf of the parties arising under or relating in any way to our agreement to general terms described herein. 7. The Agency or City would not be liable for any real estate commission or brokerage fees which may arise in this matter. The Agency has not engaged any broker, agent or finder in connection with this transaction, and the parties would agree to hold the Agency harmless from any claim by any broker, agent or finder retained by any of the parties involved. City Council Report - Page 5 If the above approach is desired by the Agency, staff will work with the City Attorney to prepare a letter laying out these understandings and would request that the Agency authorize the Agency Chairman to sign said letter to expedite property negotiations between Mr. Larson and Sumitomo. If the approach is acceptable, staff would also initiate preparation of a DDA for future Agency and City approval. Christine A. Sh6igleton Assistant City Manager CS:\kd\nwprtirv.ccr EXHIBIT A e W Z tro Larson property leased by Home Savings "Adjacent Parcel" Subject Property ;I e`' i Z Q C4 • / / j 1 -r •\ / j/ i �l �' S 'YIW IT • � \ .moi � / ��- � 1 � w 1� - -•,'� '. o' t 1 s °� / . � ,,� of >e 1 °S• ~���\ �/ -c,� .r /• ,tib 1 1 �, `,` • , 1 / QoQIr t tit v o A°\ \ / °3 i t - ko < < LJ - �°I•f°o1 ZE T •Z1' g 71 if I40dM-AN EXHIBIT B s■ EXHIBIT C ACQUISITION PROCESS THE ACQUISITION PROCESS In the process of redevelopment, it is sometimes necessary for the Agency to acquire real property, equipment and/or fixtures. When this becomes necessary, the Agency follows certain procedures which are outlined below. It fs hoped that the following information will answer any questions you may have regarding the purchase of property by the Tustin Community Redevelopment Agency. A. Decision to Appraise The Agency decides on those parcels it wishes to acquire. As soon as possible after a decision to appraise is made, the Agency will provide �. affected property owners and tenants with a written notice that an appraisal will be made along with information on the owner's or tenant's opportunity to accompany the appraiser during -their inspection of the property. B. Title Report A title report will be ordered to verify ownership and encumbrances against the property. C. Appraisal Professional independent appraisers (not affiliated with the Agency) will be retained to determine the fair market value of each property interest required. The appraisers will submit a written appraisal report which contains their opinion of the property's current market value. The owner of a business may be entitled to compensation for loss of goodwi 11. The business owner must meet specific qualifications before this type' of compensation is recognized. These qualifications are described in the portion of Eminent Domain Law pertaining to compensation for loss of goodwill, a copy of which is attached (Code of Civil Procedure, § 1263.510 - 1263.530). Anyone who believes that they may be entitled to compensation for loss of goodwill should talk to the appraiser at the time the appraiser visits the property. D. Appraisal'Review and Approval The appraisal reports will be reviewed, and the amount of just compensation established. E. Decision to Acquire The Agency's offer to purchase property will be made as soon as practicable following the decision to acquire. In all cases', except emergencies, i nabi 1-i ty to locate the owner, or those cases ,referred to in Government Code Section 7267.2, the Agency will issue a written offer to purchase on the property or property interest for the approved amount of just compensation. A written statement will be included which gives the basis for the offered price. i F. Negotiations The Agency will make every reasonable effort to acquire real property by negotiated purchase. No action will be taken, however, which is coercive in nature in order to compel agreement on a price. After the real property has been appraised and the- amount.. of just compensation is established, the Agency will proceed to negotiate with the property owner in the following manner: The property owner will be given a reasonable period of assistance.imeto consider the offer and to obtain professional advice or consideration will be given to material presented by the owner that may have a bearing on value. If during the course of negotiations, certain factors or conditions concerning the property value arise, a re -appraisal or update of the appraisal will be conducted. Factors indicating a new atheaisal may be: new evidence presented by the owner; material change in or condition of the property; and/or significant delay since determination of just compensation. If the latest appraisal evidence indicates that an increase in the property value warrants a change, the Agency will promptly reestablish just compensation and adjust the price accordingly. Once agreement is reached for the purchase of the property, appropriate legal steps will be completed to transfer ownership.ase soon ted ad agreements will be put into escrow a he neescrow possible. The full amount agreed price will -be paid to the property owner at closing. The Agency will pay all closing costs such as recording fee, transfer taxes, and escrow fees. However, the property owner must pay taxes, assessments, and encumbrances such as mortgages, which are liens against the property. G. Condemnation If a satisfactory agreement on the value of the property cannot be reached through negotiations, condemnation action may be initiated. Condemnation is the process by which a public entity exercises its right to take private property for public use ( the right of eminent domain) . The action allows the court to determine the amount of just compensation that should be paid -for property. Condemnation of aproperty r r interest by the the Agency will only be done after all reasonable efforts t required property by negotiations have been exhausted and sufficient time has elapsed for the affected party to make a decision. The threat of sed condemnation will not be used to reach a settlement, but can be in order to avoid costly delays in an Agency project. Condemnation may also be required when the following conditions exist: title defects which preclude acquisition by voluntary conveyance; and/or multiple ownership and lack of agreement among multiple owners. After all legal requirements have been met and a condemnation suit filed, the Agency will deposit the amount of probable just compensation into court. This allows the Agency to file for an order for possession prior to judgment and to obtain -posses' ion of the property after the property owner is served with the order. The final determination of value will be decided by a judge or jury after the presentation of evidence by the affected party and the Agency. H. Relocation Each person required to relocate will be given at least a 90 -day notice to vacate. This notice will not be issued until after the Agency has ownership or control of the property. If the property is not needed immediately, property occupants may be allowed to continue occupancy on a rental basis for a short period of time. Relocation payments and services will be offered and explained in detail shortly after the acquisition process begins. a ;x2c OZOU zo<` • Z ti J u v< O � u Q WZ= W ( W 1z Z ~ Q uZ I_WW aWW G cc} O (� WW W 2 � 249 �t =o- Oct IL W uric O� <O <O OW►- u< 46 �� uwa a ;x2c OZOU zo<` • W < J Z a♦ Z M = J Q M Q m O Z Z�M..t I.. "%— ZpW<y0 H WW` WQ Q C X40 �W1-ZM..W ►-'JO..t r4Q O .0OV � _ > Z 2 _ QQZ OoaoWO W=- i% =�_uaWucu a ;x2c OZOU zo<` • 11 Ll V i.]I iJ 1." r'H0t 1 320 California Street, 3rd Floor San Francisco, CA 94104 Post Office Box 193949 San Francisco. CA 94119 415/445.0090 Sumitomo Sank of California Fax 415/445-3953 Trust Department BY FACSIMILE TRANSMITTAL June 9, 1992 64-2017-31 CDG/Firstline RE/MAX Golden West 17561 East 17th Street Tustin, CA 92680 Attention: Mr. Rich L. Condon Re: OREO, 18410 Irvine Boulevard, Tustin, CA Dear Mr. Condon: Reaffirming our earlier communication dated May 27, 1992, this bank, acting in its capacity of trustee for the California Dentists Guild Pension Fund, continues to. express an interest to sell and dispose the subject property in the price range of $550,000, all cash to the Seller, at the terms and conditions reflected in the Offer to Purchase Real. Property form forwarded to you in an earlier cover. An offer submission must be accompanied with a Cashier's or certified check made payable to Sumitomo Bank of California, Trustee, in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the gross offer. This letter again represents our expression of interest only and is not to be construed in any way to represent a commitment, listing or contractual arrangement with and/or among concerned or interested parties. Sincerely, H. Robert Lee Vice President & Trust Officer cc: Charles P. Wolff, Esq. Robert H. Gajewski Elaine S. Pavey Villa Park, Calif., June 8, 1992 ReMax Golden West Realty, 17561 E. -17th St., Tustin, CA 92680 Attention: Rich Conlon Dear Mr. Conlon: This letter is to confirm our recent telephone conversa- tion about the V.echio property. I am interested in the possibility of obtaining the property, leasing it to Home Savings with the consent of the City of Tustin. If you can arrange this to every ones satisfaction and reasonable costs, I will be happy to participate. RJL/F1 19242 Carpenter Circle, Villa Park, Calif. 92667 Phone: 714-637-2604 Sincerely, YRoV d J. �L,8rson FROM:ASSET MGMT/MARKETING t0= 8327 ?7714 66? 5198 JL'-: 6. 1992 5:30PM 9086 P.02 HOME Sl--,VINGS MI t4F AMERICA`yt` �a (ll .1 J Cf'1►7:311t�: wall Asset Management • 4.400 RovmyWWI':gldor706-40•1 . Area Comic (r3'_)G0•F;s1 i June 8, 1992 Ms. Christine Shingleton City of Tustin, Director of Community Development 15222 Del Amo Avenue Tustin, CA 92680 Re: Southwest Corner of Newport Avenue and Irvine Blvd., Tustin, CA Dear Ms. Shingleton: Home Savings has an interest in acquiring possession of the property located at the southwest corner of Newport Avenue and Irvine Boulevard with the intent of replacing the existing two story commercial building with additional parking for our ad;z ent branch and a landscaped area directly on the corner. Based on discussions with the owner of the property, we feel hat the only way such a plan would make economic sense to Home SaN ngs would be if the City of Tustin could reduce the cost of the property by agreeing to purchase the designated right of wa} for Newport Avenue/Irvine Boulevard street widening. In addition to the obvious benefits to home Savings, we feel hat demolition of the existing building would greatly improve the appearance and traffic flow of that intersection. The City's consideration of this matter is greatly apprecit ed. Please call me at 818-814-7253 if you have any questions. Sincerely, HOME SAVINGS OF AMERICA, -FSB t � 1 Craig A. Hendrickson Vice President- CH/cl cc: G. Bosak R. Condon, Re./Max Golden West Realty