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1983-0621_A T & S F RAILWAY CO._J1aAGENDA ITEM June 21, 19$3 TO: Stephen B. Julian, City Manager FROM: Pamela Hallan Gibson, Senior Administrative Assistant SUBJECT: Presentation of Preliminary Landscape Plan (AT&SF Railway Right -of -Way) SITUATION: The City recently agreed to lease railroad right-of-way from Mission Street on the north to the southernmost end of Mission Village Center on the south. The purpose of the lease is to provide landscaping for an area with high visibility in our City. A precise plan is currently being developed for this project which will be based on drought resistant plants and will have the capability of being installed in phases. The plan is being developed under the direction of Raymundo Becerra, Senior Planner, who has provided a sample plant palette for your review (attached). The railroad requires that no plants encroach more than six feet from the main track, so we are looking at a narrow strip the length of the leased area except for a triangular area west of the tracks between Ramos and Mission Streets. The length and width of the leased area (both sides) is approximately 65,000 square feet. A portion of this area has already been landscaped and will continue to be maintained by others. COMMISSION AND BOARD REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS: This item has not been reviewed by any other board or commission. When the precise plan is developed, it will be sent to appropriate commissions and boards for comments. FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS: A cost breakdown is attached for your review showing various levels. Further reductions in cost will also be pursued such as the use of County correctional programs (which can be obtained at no cost to the City) for weed abatement and soil preparation, and the use of community groups or individuals to assist with plant maintenance. Staff recommends landscaping the area between Verdugo and Del Obispo Streets at a minimal level initially, with weed abatement along the entire leased portion. This should be accomplished under the auspices of the Community Redevelopment Agency and will be brought to the Directors as a part of their Capital Improvement Program. Intensification of the landscaping program can be accomplished at a later time. Agenda Item - Railway Right--of-Jay -2- June 21, 1983 ALTERNATE ACTIONS: I. Approve Alternative C, landscaping the area between Verdugo and Del Obispo Streets without irrigation, using hydroseeded plants and only a few trees at a cost of approximately $7,000. 2. Approve Alternative B, landscaping the area between Verdugo and Del Obispo Streets with full improvements at a cost of approximately $16,800. 3. Approve Alternative A, landscaping the entire leased area with full improvements at a cost of $39,000. 4. Request further information. RECOMMENDATION: By motion, conceptually approve Alternative C, the lowest level of landscaping, and direct staff to proceed with the development of a precise plan to be submitted to Santa Fe Railway and the Cultural Heritage Commission for approval, prior to its presentation to the City Council for formal approval and recom- mendation to the Community Redevelopment Agency. Respectfully submitted, Pamela Hallan Gibson P -[G: ch Attachments LANDSCAPE DESIGN CONCEPT The proposed landscape treatment for the corridor and the arrival to the Amtrak station is viewed as a collection of plant material that is native and reinforces San Juan Capistrano"s landscape heritage. The intent is to create a landscape corridor using low maintenance and drought resistant native species that would provide for an appropriate and economic vegetation. The native plant palette would be supplemented with wildflowers and annual color that would complement the native material. The plan palette would consist of the following: manzanita, mahonias, lantana, buckwheat, California poppy, monkey flower, jacarandas, island. ironwood, myrtle, coffee berry, ceanothus, island snapdragon, and buccaris. A schematic illustration indicating the above material will be on display at the Council's June 21st meeting. COST BREAKDOWN Full Improvements Selected (per sq. ft.) (per sq. ft.) Fine grade and soil 15� 15� Irrigation 15� --0- Hydroseed 5� 5� Plants and shrubs 25¢ 5¢ 6W 25� Alternate A: Full improvements .the entire length and width of leased area (approximately 65,000 sq. ft. at 60¢ per sq. ft.) $39,000 Alternate B: Full improvements along both sides of tracks from Verdugo to Del Obispo (approximately 28,000 sq. ft. at 60� per sq. ft.) $16,800 Alternate C: Selected improvements (hydroseed and a few rooted plants) with no irrigation between Verdugo andO-IObispo--Sheet (approximately 28,000 sq. ft. at 25¢ per sq. ft.) $ 7,000 NOTE: If irrigation is eliminated, planting will be deferred until just prior to the rainy season to insure plant establishment.