COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

County Manager

DATE:

March 19, 2007

BOARD MEETING DATE:

March 27, 2007

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

1 week published notice

VOTE REQUIRED:

4/5ths

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Steve Alms, Manager, Real Property Division

SUBJECT:

Agreement to Exchange Real Property with Bay Meadows Main Track Investors LLC

RECOMMENDATION:

1. Adopt a Resolution:

A. Authorizing and directing the President of the Board of Supervisors to execute, on behalf of the County, the Agreement to Exchange Real Property with Bay Meadows Main Track Investors LLC (“the Agreement”) affecting County owned real property in the City of San Mateo, and

B. Authorizing the County Manager of San Mateo County or his designee to accept or execute on behalf of the County, any and all notices, certificates of acceptance, consents, approvals, terminations, deeds, escrow instructions and other documents in connection with the Agreement, or to meet the intent of the Resolution, except as otherwise provided by applicable law, including the County’s Ordinance Code and Charter.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

Commitment: Ensure basic health and safety for all and responsive, effective and collaborative government.

Goals 7 and 22: Maintain and enhance the public safety of all residents and visitors, and County and local governments effectively communicate, collaborate and develop strategic approaches to issues affecting the entire County.

This Agreement contributes to these goals by accommodating realignment of Delaware Street and creating clear rights affecting County owned property.

BACKGROUND:

In 1951, the County purchased 25 acres of land from Bay Meadows Aviation for County fair purposes. Contemporaneous with this acquisition, the County acquired an easement for street purposes over South Delaware Street as it extends to the Bay Meadows Race Track. On March 2, 1956, the County purchased an additional 23 acres from the California Jockey Club. The two acquisitions brought the total property, now commonly referred to as the San Mateo Event Center, to a total of 48 acres. Also, in March of 1956, the County of San Mateo granted an easement back to California Jockey Club (“CJC”) for vehicle parking purposes over a portion of this property, which property is the subject of this exchange. The parking easement is terminable when Bay Meadows ceases to operate as a track.

South Delaware Street currently runs along the westerly property line of the Event Center and terminates directly in front of the Event Hall building. As a result of the development of the Bay Meadows Property, Bay Meadows Main Track Investors LLC (“Bay Meadows Investors”) proposes certain property line adjustments to align Delaware Street as it extends south to create a signalized intersection at 28^th Avenue. Realignment along Delaware was approved as part of the Bay Meadows Phase II Specific Plan Amendment approved November 7, 2005 by the City of San Mateo. The realignment runs in front of the existing Event Hall building and swings across the southwest corner of the Event Center, currently undeveloped and used for parking.

The proposed exchange of the property will accommodate the realignment of Delaware Street, facilitate the future development of the Event Center property and correct any defects in title that may exist. The County will acquire from Bay Meadows Investors approximately .24 acres fronting on Delaware Street. In exchange, County will grant to Bay Meadows Investors approximately .22 acres. Quitclaim deeds will be executed and recorded when the terms of the Agreement have been met.

As a condition to this exchange, the reconfiguration of Delaware Street will provide driveway access into the Event Center site, including a left turn lane from southbound Delaware into the driveway.

DISCUSSION:

The exchange of property and lot line adjustment will eliminate any existing defects in title and resolve future right of way issues with the proposed realignment of Delaware Street as set forth in the Bay Meadows Phase II Specific Plan Amendment.

The Board of Supervisors, by a four-fifths vote, has authority to exchange real property of equal value with any person, firm or corporation, for the purpose of removing defects in the title of real property owned by the county.

The General Manager of the San Mateo County Event Center concurs in this recommendation.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no fiscal impact associated with exchanging the interests in real property.