Planning Commission Staff Report
Report Prepared by: Jessie Lee, Development Services Technician II, Development Services Department
Title
SUBJECT: Vacation #26-0002
ACTION: Adopt a Resolution
1) Finding Vacation #26-0002 consistent with the City of Merced’s General Plan; and
2) Recommend the City Council Grant Vacation #26-0002
RECOMMENDATION
Planning Staff recommends the Planning Commission adopt a Resolution finding Vacation #26-0002 consistent with the City of Merced’s General Plan and Recommend the City Council grant Vacation #26-0002.
Body
DISCUSSION
LOCATION:
The project site is the southern portion Canal (L) Street situated between Block 185 and Block 186, north of W. 16th Street and east of M Street. (Attachment C).
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ENTITLEMENETS:
The subject site is approximately 14,328 square feet with a General Plan Designation of Regional Community Commercial (RC) and Zoning of Central Commercial (C-C). In December 2021, City Council allocated ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act Funds) for the Bob Hart Square Expansion project. The expansion of this project is now the Bob Hart Plaza, formerly identified as Canal (L) Street. The northern portion of Canal (L) Street was vacated back in 1979, to accommodate Bob Hart Square for Parks and Recreation use.
Site Plan Review-26-0021 was approved on April 2, 2026, by the Site Plan Review Committee, to allow Bob Hart Square and Plaza to be operated as a Parks and Recreational Facility to provide both active and passive recreational opportunities for the community.
Project Description
City of Merced is requesting a vacation of a portion of Canal (L) Street due to the Bob Hart Square Renovation project (Attachment B). The portion of Canal Street situated between Block 185 and Block 186 has been renovated from a street to a pedestrian pathway. The street is being vacated by the City of Merced, however all Public Utility Easements (PUE), and ownership will be kept. The area to be vacated is approximately 55 feet wide and runs from the southern property line to the northern property line for approximately 14,328 square feet. (Attachment C). The subject site is a portion of Canal (L) Street. The City of Merced recently renovated and expanded Bob Hart Square into the Plaza. The City is requesting to vacate this easement, as part of the renovation of Bob Hart Square. The City will be utilizing this as a Parks and Recreation Facilities to provide active or passive recreational opportunities.
Findings/Considerations
City Staff believes that this easement is no longer needed, and the easement should be abandoned and given to the owners of the property. The General Plan does not address the abandonment or vacation of easements; however, General Plan Goal 1.5.2, Land Use, includes preservation and enhancement of existing neighborhoods and a distinguished downtown. General Plan Goal 1.5.5, Urban Design, includes pedestrian compatible neighborhoods, attractive neighborhoods and districts. General Plan Policy L.2.8 encourages a mixture of uses and activities that will maintain the vitality of the downtown area. This Vacation directly advances and supports Implementing action 2.8.a, by helping solidify Downtown’s role as the arts, entertainment and dining destination and promotes these and other General Plan policies, text and maps. Therefore, Vacation # 26-0002 is consistent with the General Plan.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Draft Resolution #4184
B. Location Map
C. Legal Description
D. Parcel Map