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PRESS RELEASE posted on January 20, 2021.
Read the latest news release on the City of Half Moon Bay’s purchase of 880 Stone Pine Road – Property to become permanent site of City Corporation Yard.
On Friday, January 15, 2021, the City of Half Moon Bay closed escrow on the purchase of a 21-acre property at 880 Stone Pine Road. Fronting on Highway 92 near the eastern Half Moon Bay limits, the property has been leased by the City since 2009, with most of it used as the City’s corporation yard facility. The purchase price was $2.18 million.
The property was owned by the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST), a nonprofit land trust dedicated to acquiring and preserving open space lands. The site contains sensitive habitat areas, most notably Pilarcitos Creek along the southern end of the site, as well as a former agriculture pond on the northwestern edge of the property. Over the past two years, the City and POST have partnered to develop a plan for the City to acquire the site for continued use as a corporation yard, while exploring both organizations’ desire to preserve and protect the natural habitat along Pilarcitos Creek.
“The acquisition of this land is not only important to helping facilitate the necessary maintenance of our city, but also for the conservation of this important sensitive habitat,” said Mayor Robert Brownstone “The City will prioritize functional and sustainable use of this property, with an additional focus on preservation of the delicate ecosystem.”
The Council authorized staff to apply for funding for this purchase, plus financing for planned enhancements and needed improvements to the property, through the State of California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (iBank). This financing is at the very favorable rate of 2.5% and, aside from the interest-free loan for Library construction, is the only additional debt the City currently holds.
The Corporation Yard is a critical facility for Half Moon Bay and the greater Coastside area. The City is obligated to maintain its streets, parks, facilities, and utilities. A permanent, ADA-compliant facility is necessary on the site for maintenance staff, vehicles, equipment, and materials. This property has provided an important infrastructure for our maintenance staff to keep Half Moon Bay clean, safe, and functioning. In addition to maintenance, the property will also be used for emergency preparedness and operations.
This purchase is in line with the City of Half Moon Bay’s General Plan and Local Coastal Land Use Plan. The site is also identified in the Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan for a future segment of the Pilarcitos Creek Trail. The City looks forward to working with the community to identify best future uses for portions of the land, which could include passive park uses such as bird watching, walking, photography, and reflection and appreciation of natural resources.
Located 28 miles south of San Francisco, the City of Half Moon Bay is a community of about 12,500 people, situated on the peninsula between forested hills and some of the most beautiful coastlines that California has to offer. Its historic downtown is home to numerous shops, art galleries, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and other businesses, and its celebrated beaches and parks are wonders of nature, accessible to pedestrians, bicyclists, and equestrians. With its many activities and events, beautiful natural scenery, old-town charm, and abundance of retail and commercial services, Half Moon Bay is a regional destination. The City’s website is www.hmbcity.com.
Author: Coastside Buzz
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