Three Items Regarding Caltrans Properties Go Before Council Monday

The City Council is set to vote on three agenda items concerning the acquisition and sale of 17 properties owned by Caltrans. 

The items were originally listed on last Monday’s consent calendar, but were postponed following a request for additional information, according to Public Information Officer Lisa Derderian.

In the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, Caltrans acquired four 460 properties in Pasadena, South Pasadena, and El Sereno for the construction of its 710 North Project, which would have connected the northern stub of the 710 with the 210 Freeway. 

The project was officially terminated with the 2018 certification of the final environmental impact report on the freeway and subsequent legislation in 2019. 

The Roberti Act, SB 86, was enacted in 1979 for the purpose of preserving, maintaining, and expanding the supply of affordable housing to affected persons and families of low- or moderate-income. 

The first item, $237,000 contract with American Global Security is a professional services contract dealing with preparation to purchase and sell of the properties.

The City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for security guard services for the City’s holding period. The RFP was open from July 10 to August 1. Notification of the RFP was initially sent to 2,732 vendors. 

The City Council was also scheduled to vote on a $262,500 contract for property inspection services with Scotland Yard Home Inspection company.

On July 6, Caltrans transmitted a Notice of Solicitation to the City. 

This Notice of Solicitation contained seventeen property addresses, along with the original acquisition prices, which average at $57,420. 

The City indicated its interest in purchasing all 17 properties in a response dated July 25. 

The City has identified four of the properties as potential affordable homeownership opportunities, with the remaining 13 properties to be marketed and sold to market buyers. 

The City will enter into purchase and sale agreements with Caltrans after conducting its due diligence, including property appraisals and inspections. 

Staff will return to the Council with a recommendation to acquire the properties that contains information about the due diligence findings.  

The City Council also held over three contracts for broker listing services for Caltrans properties with Deasy Penner Podley, Beautiful Pasadena Homes and Sothey’s International for an amount not to exceed $1,387,260. 

Marketing on the properties will begin while the properties are in escrow, which will require the services of listing agents. 

All properties will be sold in “as-is” condition. As proposed, buyers will be required to execute a performance deed of trust in the form of an addendum to their purchase and sales agreement to ensure that the properties are maintained, brought up to code, and occupied within a reasonable period of time. 

In preparation to purchase and sell these 17 properties, the City issued a RFP for broker listing services on July 7.

 The RFP was open from July 7 to July 25. Notification of the RFP was initially sent to 2,743 vendors. 

The RFP was forwarded to the Pasadena Association of Realtors (PFAR) and was shared with Pasadena Heritage. An article about the RFP appeared in Pasadena Now on July 17th.

The items are scheduled to appear on next week’s City Council agenda.