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BACKGROUND <br /> The City was contacted by the property owner at 287 Old Bernal Avenue, Ms. Fung <br /> Shuen, about the possibility of the City granting to her a portion of excess City right of <br /> way located on the northeast corner of Old Bernal Avenue and Augustine Street. This <br /> right of way area was dedicated to the City in fee title in 1975 by a grant deed from <br /> Chris Beratlis et al., in conjunction with a previous development application. According <br /> to Fung Shuen, she has been maintaining the area between her building and the <br /> sidewalk since she purchased the property. <br /> Excess Right of Way <br /> According to the right of way maps prepared for the Bernal Avenue Realignment filed in <br /> 1965, Augustine Street was supposed to intersect Bernal Avenue at a 90 degree angle <br /> (See Attachment 2). However, according to the improvement plans for the <br /> reconstruction of Augustine Street that was completed in 1986, only the curb returns at <br /> the intersection of Augustine Street and Old Bernal Avenue were reconfigured. <br /> Consequently, there is excess right of way on the northeast corner of Augustine Street <br /> and Old Bernal Avenue. Staff has recently re-examined this intersection to determine if <br /> the intersection should be realigned per the old right of way maps. The consensus of <br /> staff is that the traffic volumes on Augustine Street now and at build-out do not warrant <br /> realignment of this intersection. <br /> There are currently no utilities located within this excess right of way area. However, in <br /> the event future utilities or improvements are needed, staff is recommending that an <br /> three (3) foot Public Service Easement be reserved for future public purposes. <br /> California Streets and Highways Code § 8334 provides a process for the City to vacate <br /> excess right of way. Per Resolution 76-289, the City Council has previously determined <br /> that vacating excess right of way does not need formal action by the Planning <br /> Commission. Because this right of way granted to the City in 1975 has never been <br /> used for street purposes, and City staff has determined it to be excess, the summary <br /> process to vacate this excess right of way is recommended. <br /> Recommendations <br /> Staff is recommending the that this unneeded right of way on the northeast corner of <br /> Old Bernal Avenue and Augustine Street be declared excess and quitclaimed to the <br /> adjacent property owner at 287 Old Bernal Avenue, Ms. Fung Shuen. As allowed by <br /> Streets & Highways Code §8324(b) such action should be subject to the following <br /> conditions: (1) the adjoining property owner process through the Community <br /> Development Department a lot line adjustment; (2) pay all necessary fees; (3) have an <br /> engineer/surveyor prepare the map and descriptions to merge this strip of excess right <br /> of way into her parcel; and (4) include the reservation of the 3 foot wide Public Service <br /> Easement along the back of the new right of way. <br /> Page 2 of 3 <br />