During the upcoming meeting, the City Council will address three items on the agenda, which could lead to substantial discussion despite the limited number of items. See full agenda below along with back up materials.
Basic needs assistance for those affected by immigration
Item 7: The City will revisit a resolution that reaffirms the City’s values related to immigration and ICE enforcement. The proposal allocates $100,000 for a legal defense fund and another $100,000 for basic needs for those affected by immigration actions. This item previously passed with a narrow 3-2 vote; Councilmembers Jung and Dunlap opposed the measure. Valencia has expressed concerns regarding the allocation of these funds, leaving the outcome uncertain. A significant public turnout is anticipated for this discussion. (See Council Notes from last meeting here: https://fullertonobserver.com/2025/10/26/city-council-meeting-recap-october-21-2025-city-of-fullerton-addresses-federal-immigration-enforcement-and-community-support/)
City Land Abandonment
Item 8: The City has proposed the sale of a small, landlocked parcel of land to Grace Ministries International (GMI) for $43,000. The parcel, located north of Commonwealth and west of the railroad tracks, is only accessible through GMI property. GMI plans to use the land for parking; however, its narrow configuration may make access inconvenient.
The City has stipulated that the land must only be utilized for parking or remain as open space, with a strict prohibition on tree removal. GMI is expected to handle all maintenance of the property, reducing the City’s annual maintenance burden.
The sale price is based on an independent assessment commissioned by GMI, as the City has not conducted its own valuation. Additionally, the proposed sale price appears to return to GMI as credits toward planning fees, while the City will still bear costs related to transfer fees, title, and taxes.
Mills Act Agreement
Item 9: A Mills Act agreement for the property located at 229 North Cornell Avenue. This agreement, which has been presented multiple times in recent months for other properties, offers property owners reduced taxes in exchange for commitments to restore and maintain historic homes. There are currently ten properties seeking this designation.
Agenda-40110425 PW Portion of West Commonwealth Abandonment Agenda Report
Share this:
Discover more from Fullerton Observer
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Categories: Local Government, Local News
Why is the city agreeing to sell for only $43,000 – less several thousands’ worth of certain fees – when the city states the trees on it alone are worth $160,080? And why hasn’t the city conducted its own appraisal – why are they accepting the ‘independent appraisal’ contracted by the buyer itself?
Is this appraisal obtainable by the public?
Well the asset is impaired by limitation on what the buyer can do with the property… has to be parking or remain open space and they are limited in what they can do with the trees.
So the city is not going to get the same price they would if they just sold it without such limitations.
True, but the land is still worth more than we’re selling it for. You appraise land not based on what the seller wants do with it (though the deed restrictions will limit its value), but based on what the land is actually worth. I would argue it’s worth at least $160k regardless. What the buyer decides to do with the trees is irrelevant.
Maybe the city can sell the property at a market rate without the kickbacks and use that cash to help fund residents whose families are being torn apart by ICE raids.
I do have an objection to special deals for churches that don’t pay taxes that support road and infrastructure repair, safety services and schools.
And speaking of that – at the same time that the city is demanding high fees for outdoor dining patios for businesses that do pay those taxes.