LAKE COUNTY – The Lake County Board of Supervisors, sitting at the Redevelopment Agency (RDA) moved to purchase property in Clearlake Oaks Tuesday at a cost of $195,000. The action carried 4-1 with Boardmember Rob Brown casting the dissenting vote.
The purchase of the property is contingent upon the Planning Commission”s finding that the property and its intended use are in conformance with the General Plan.
The property is located at 12559 E. Highway 20, adjacent to Clark”s Island, which is owned by the RDA. According to county staff, acquisition of the property will increase options in the development of Clark”s Island.
“It will help us with our future plans of Clark”s Island,” County Administrator Kelly Cox said. “It”s going to be difficult to develop this property for commercial use. It”s really best for parking for Clark”s Island.”
Deputy Redevelopment Director Eric Seely reported that the Clark”s Island Redevelopment Study by California Engineering Company recommends that the agency purchase surrounding properties to support activities on the island. Purchase of the property also gives the agency full access to the current bridge entrance onto the island.
Currently there is a singlewide mobile home located on the property that is being rented. The home will be removed and the tenant will be provided with relocation assistance pursuant to the RDA”s relocation policy. Seely said removal of the unit will assist in eliminating blight from the Highway 20 scenic corridor. In response to a question asked by Brown, Seely said that the “blight” exists more in the location of the mobile home rather than in its condition. However, he added that the unit is an older mobile home that does not meet current development standards for placement on a typical lot. But, he said it is possible it could be relocated to a mobile home park. According to staff, the property was independently appraised at $195,000, which Cox said is significantly less than what the owner, Rosemary Zrelak, paid for it.
“This is the value of this property. The owner paid too much,” Cox said.
As part of the agreement between the RDA and Zrelak, she will be responsible for removing a shade structure and a dock that are currently located on the property. The agency has allowed 30 from the close of escrow to complete the tasks.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
