LeBard Park and City Related Updates

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Exciting news about the park and tennis courts. On the week of September 18th construction will start.  This includes demolition of the clubhouse, refurbishment of the tennis courts and turf/landscaping and irrigation improvements.  The tennis courts will be be accessible for the duration of the construction.

Meredith Gardens Street and LeBard Park Updates 7/13/23

As many of you have probably noticed the street improvements have begun  HB's city contractor in conjunction with the HB city street maintenance department have been working. While the schedule of when is not always clear, the city will post signs on the street.  Check them out for the dates and time for your street. Overlay/Paving will have started now and some of the streets have had repairs but the actually slurry won't be starting until October. All sidewalk concrete work is completed as of now.

The following is the actions by street.

OVERLAY (Paving):

> Kenworth Circle and the entrance on Crailet.

>Birchwood Drive

>Craimer lane

>Lawson Lane

>Wesley Circle

>Midland Lane

>Niagara Drive

>Beaument Circle

>Colgate Cir

>Viva Circle

>Jill Drive

SLURRY: (After repairs)

>Crailet Drive

>Warwick Drive

>Ravenwood Lane

>Princeton Circle

>Tanbark Circle

 LEBARD PARK UPGRADES: (Starting September 11th)

> Resurfacing of the tennis courts

>Recovering of the fences screens and any repairs necessary on the fences.

>Removal of the old scrub and planting of new ones.

>Demolition of the old clubhouse and replacing the area with a temporary cement pad.  The new clubhouse still requires budget approval by the city council but the design has already been selected.

>New scrubs and trees will be replaced based on what will be removed.  Also a plan for a human/dog water fountain and better trash containers will be installed.

LIGHT BREEZE HOUSING PROJECT

>All but one house is completed and all are sold

>Frontage Landscaping (on Craimer) has finally started.  Hopefully to be completed shortly ???

>Landscaping of the houses should have been completed within three months of occupancy but that hasn't happen.  I've been in contact with the developer to accelerate the completion by the owners.

LeBard Park - 

>The planned upgrades will cover the tennis court resurfacing, painting the fences and new wind screens.  Also the demolition of the club house will be part of the upgrades.  In the interim period, the city will  place a cement slab with picnic tables and benches.  Replacing the club house is still planned but no date is established. The timetable for the upgrade project is as follows:

- Anticipated contract approval to City Council: Tuesday, March 21

- Work to begin: late April

- 5-6 month timeline for work

o Monday – Friday, only

o Contractor will be asked to reduce impacts to parking lot

>Landscaping - The landscaping team has been performing maintenance; however, Public Works no longer use pre-emergent pesticides, so weed control is being performed mechanically.  Maintenance of the sand pits is being impacted by the rain and will resume once the rainy periods subsides.  Regarding the fallen tree branches along the ball fields, that area is covered under a maintenance agreement with the developer, HB Homes Management (HBHM).  Steve Bogart, Senior Civil Engineer, is reaching out to them.

>Additional ADA Ramp off the sidewalk by the tennis courts – Public Works Staff reviewed the request and has some ideas.  The contract award is scheduled for approval at the March 21st City Council meeting with the other items.  This relocation request was not scoped and budgeted for as part of the project.  If public works department has remaining funds towards the end of the project, their staff will make every effort to incorporate the relocation request.

Light Breeze Housing Project -

>13 of the 15 houses have been sold.  Another one is scheduled to close escrow March 15th. The last one being built should be completed by the end of August.

Occupancy of homes - approximately 8 out of the 13 houses should have moved in. The other 5 should be moving in soon.

>Landscaping of the homes - The owners are expected to complete the landscaping within three months of moving in.

>Frontage Landscaping - The individual responsible for the completion of the frontage landscaping has not advised me when it is to be done. As soon as I have the date I'll post it.

>Fallen trees around the wall on the baseball fields - The supervisor has advised me the he has inspected the fallen trees and will be straight or replacing them. 

The latest updated on LeBard Park received from the Director of Community Services and the Director of Public Works at the city.

> The clubhouse is still planned for demolition and for a new building to be constructed. Bids by the City will be going out in October. The process will take time but the building is in 2022 budgets.  Of course, the budget runs until July  2023.  

> The landscaping in the park is in very poor condition and it's acknowledged that the contractor is not doing well.  Also a major problem is two irrigation pumps are broken and the replaced have been back ordered.  No dates were given as to when this would be fixed.  Also there is a dead tree along the path going up to the river that will be removed shortly.

> The tennis courts is also scheduled to be renovated with new concrete and repainting.  That project is going out for bid in October. No date on when the construction will start.

Street repaving in Meredith Gardens is schedule for this budget period.  

> There are 12 neighborhood pavings scheduled for this budget year by the City so we'll have to be patience since we are number 12.  The paving will include repairing sidewalks and removing trees that are damaging the sidewalks.  The city would then replace the trees removed.

> If you have serious pot holes by you house now contact the City Public Works department and request repairs. They are responding pretty quickly with good patching.

Seabreeze Homes Status is provided by the Project Manager.  These dates are estimates since past target dates have been missed.

> The first move ins phase will be Sept. 15th  - 7 houses, lots 1-5, 14, and 15.

> Second phase move ins will be Oct 15th - 3 houses, lots 6, 8, and 9.

> Third phase move ins will be Oct 30th - 3 houses Lots 10, 11, and 12.

> Final house will be Dec 15th - 1 house Lot 13 (Largest home).

> The project will be completed after home 13 is completed on Dec 15th.

> Landscaping of the homes are the homeowners responsibility and must be completed within 90 days from move-in.

> Keystone is responsible for maintaining the two landscape strips between the new bloc wall and Craimer Lane and the catch basin by the baseball field area.  Keystone will transfer the maintenance to the homeowners at the completion of Phase 1.

LeBard Park 

Here is the latest information from H.B.'s City Parks Department concerning the LeBard Park development.  Many of the park issues are dependent on the budget allocations for the HB city parks department so the funds, based on priorities, are not always available to LeBard. The MGHA board is continually pushing for actions. 

1.  Trash cans are to be replace shortly with lids and additional ones added. 

2.  The Tennis court will have the cracks repaired and resurfaced. No date has yet been advised. 

3.  The landscaping people have been advised about the truck wheel ruts by the tennis court and the gopher/mole holes.  They have also been advised that the quality of their work is poor and needs to be improved. 

4.  The plan is to replace the clubhouse, but no date has been set due to budgetary limitation.  In the interim, the old clubhouse, which is a hazard will be demolished and the area will be replaced with grass and picnic benches until the city builds the new facility.  No timetable has been established. 

5.  The dead tree by the path to the river will be removed and a new one will replace it.    

Seabreeze Housing Project 

The following information was provided by David Nguyen, Project Manager.  As in the past, the dates provided are not always accurate.  Access to materials and subcontractors affect the target dates. 

1. Expected dates for the owners to be able to move in:  Phase 1 Houses 1-5 and 14 &15 between June 1-15. 

2.  Target date for the road to be paved is between May 7-15th. 

3.  Front landscaping along the block wall on Craimer is expected to be completed , by June 1st.  

4.  Landscaping by the owners will be required to be completed in 60-90 days after they move in,

5.  The planned completion of the last house and the entire project by August 1st. 

The city has started the process of upgrading all the playground equipment plus planning on several other improvements.  Below is the feedback from Chris Slama, Director of Community Services.  He has also provided a rendering of the planned design and equipment. 

This project is actually going to be in two phases. The equipment for the node cable/rope based equipment (red cable/blue posts) is still in the manufacturing process. 

The good news is the rest of the equipment and rubberized surfacing will be installed and open for play in about 3 weeks. The installer will then return in early February to install the rest of the equipment. The city will have staff work on some signage showing that there is more equipment on the way so people don’t think we just permanently installed a big slab of rubberized surface. 

The City is still working to schedule the other concrete repair which will most likely be in January 2020. 

This update was received from the H.B. Director of Community Services who we're staying in close contact. As soon as we have the actual schedule for each item we'll post them.

Playground replacement: working to schedule this in December, but we do not have a confirmed date. There is still some concrete work that needs to be done around the existing playground area, and we're working to coordinate the two contractors so those two projects are done in conjunction with one another. Once started, it should only be a few weeks of construction, and then a week or so for the rubberized surfacing to fully cure before the playground opens. - West open space/grass area: this is turning out to be a bigger project than expected. We're coordinating with Public Works to put together a scope for rehabilitation of the turf and irrigation in order to go out for a public bid to award a contract. Schedule for bidding is not quite ready, but we're hoping we would release some time in December and begin improvements in late January. Will coordinate with the Seaview league accordingly as we know more. - Tennis Courts: as previously mentioned, we are not budgeted this year to resurface the tennis courts. However, we are working to assess the condition of the courts to determine what needs to be done. This way we will be ready when funding becomes available. - Old "Clubhouse" Building: while this isn't among the other highly prioritized park projects, it is still on our list for upcoming assessment.

Click Here for the Latest Images of the Keystone Development at LeBard Park.

The information here comes either from the City or the Developer so the reliability  is generally accurate.  The dates have been an issue since they are constantly slipping later. This is mainly because of permit requirements or reliability of the sub-contractors.

LEBARD PARK -

> The City has finally signed off the park upgrades for the developer and most of the yellow tape has been removed.

> Seaview Little League now has the responsibility to maintain the baseball fields and the back fields. 

> There has been issues about keeping the back fields cut on a regular basis.  The Seaview Little League is working with Public Works to maintain this area.  

> The H.B. Community Development Department is working with us to repair or replacement the play gym equipment.  Also the plan is to replace some of the sand with rubberize material which is safer and cleaner.  

> We have had problems with graffiti on the walls and on the sidewalks in the park.  If you see any graffiti either call or go to the City website and file a compliant under Graffiti "Report an Issue" https://www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/services/report-issue/ .

Seabreeze Housing Project - The framing of the models is actively in progress, There will be three homes.

>Completion of the Houses:

           - Models - April 2021

           - First 8 houses - April/May 2021

           - Final 7 houses - August 2021

> Date targeted for viewing the model homes: Late April 2021

> There will now be two models: 

Model 3A: (3 Units)

5,087 S.F. Living Space and 7,883.4 S.F. Lot size

5 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms, and 3 Car Garage

Model 3C; There will be 12 models

4,699 S.F. Living Space and 9,353.9 S.F. Lot size

5 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms, and 3 Car Garage

> Pricing: Will not be available until two months before complete estimate Feb 2021.

> Name of street: Light Breeze Circle

If you are interest in seeing the floor plans of the two model types, let me know. If you are interested in getting on the wait list for the houses: Contact David Nguyen at david@keystonedcs.com or go the website:  www.keystonedcs.com.

We've had contact with both the Director of H.B. Community Services and Project Manager for the Keystone Housing Development for feedback on the park and housing.  As everyone can see there has been progress.  Not real fast but moving forward.  

LeBard Park Status

> Sandbox upgrade -  The playground improvements/rubber surfacing is on the City’s list of proposed projects for next Fiscal Year, which begins July 1. If Council approves the project as part of the adoption of the 20/21 budget, staff will proceed accordingly to begin the process of additional improvements over there.

> Tennis Courts – The City is also going to be looking at the tennis courts more closely in the longer term, but their priority for tennis court repair in the immediate future is over at Edison Community Center.

> Keystone Park Improvements/Upgrade - The checklist has been complete, and if all goes well, the improvements are going to City Council for acceptance next Monday, 6/15/20. The City will then close escrow on the property and execute an in-kind license agreement with Sea View Little League moving forward.  Hopefully the yellow tape will be removed shortly.

>Clubhouse Repair and Maintenance – The Parks Department will be following up with Sea View about this, and will be coordinating working with our Public Works Department to perform a building assessment.

> Grass Planting under the Edison Easement – Grass was to be placed in this area in phase 2 of the original park plan. Community Service will also ask Public Works to check this out and provide us feedback.

Keystone Housing Project (SeaBreeze Homes)

> Timeline for the housing development – Keystone has started working on the construction of the houses. The completion time line is 9 months for the first 8 houses, closest to Craimer Lane, and another 3 months for the remaining 7 houses.

> Models Planned – Keystone will build 2 model homes Plan 3A and Plan 3B. They will not build model for plan 1 since there was only one house planned.  Check Keystone’s website www.keystonedcs.com for designs. 

> Outside Wall Progress – Completion by end of June.

> Expected Date for Houses to go on the Market – April 2021

This LeBard housing project (Seabreeze Houses) update is to provide information for all in the neighborhood who were not able to attend the MGHA Annual meeting.  The presentation by  David Nguyen, Project Manager for Keystone DCS icovered the latest details.

1. Overview:

    Phase 1:  LeBard Park improvement Jan 2019 - Dec. 2019 completed. Just waiting for final sign off by the city.

    Phase 2:  Tract housing development from Jan 2020 to Dec. 2020

2.  Tract development details:

     - Horizontal:  Grading Jan 2020. Underground Utility, Street - Feb 2020

     - Vertical:  Home foundations March 2020. Model House expected to be completed 

       Oct 2020

3.  There are three plans available:

     Plan A,B,& C  Square Footage:  4,500-5,000; 4-5 bedrooms & 4-5 bathrooms.

     (refer to this website for view of the  various designs 

      http://www.keystonedcs.com/property/seabreeze-homes/ ) 

4.  General information:

     - Workers once the grading is completed will only park inside the property

     - Working Hours will be from; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday - Saturday

4.  For any contact needs with Keystone concerning the project David Nguyen is available via email:  david@keystonedcs.com or by telephone at 714-791-3771.

August 2019:

While these are estimates and many factors will continue to impact the accuracy of this information, this is the best data available directly from Keystone Developers.  If dates changes or other information effecting the project is passed to me, I’ll let you know.  

1. Park Improvement  

a. All Sidewalk – Completed by 8/25 

b. 2 Swales – Completed by 8/25 

c. New Parking By the Tennis Court – Completed by 8/30 

d. New Restroom Building – Completed By 9/15 

e. Detention Basin – Completed By 9/30  

2. Residential  

a. Demolition – On Going – Completed by 8/30 

b. Grading – Starts Sept 1 – Completed by 9/30 

c. Underground Utility & Block Wall – Oct 1 – Nov 30 

d. Houses Dec 1 – August 30, 2020

January 2019:

Demolition started a few days ago and yesterday fencing was set up around the building. The security fencing also has screening attached to reduce the view of the demo site. Keystone/HB Home Management is targeting January 31st for completion but may run beyond that date.

Between Feb 1st to the 28th the demo area will be graded and the fencing will be moved to the edge of the street to allow the parking areas to be graded as well.

Keystone is anticipated the homes and street construction to begin on March 1st and continue until December 31, 2018.

The park improvements by Keystone is scheduled from Feb. 1st to March 30th. This will disrupt the use of the park during certain day so check before sending your kids over to the park.

If you want more details or have questions on the entire housing project, David Nguyen, Project Manager, will be attending the MGHA Annual Meeting on January 25th with a presentation.

October 2017:

Timeline published in a letter from HB Homes Management, LLC:  

Nov 1 – Nov 30, 2017 – Demolition of the existing HB District building and Parking lots 

Dec 1, 2017 – Jan 15, 2018 – Grading 

Jan 15 – Sep 30, 2018 – Homes and Street Construction 

Dec 1, 2017 – Mar 30, 2018 – Park improvement

September 2017: 

We received several questions from neighbors which were passed to Keystone for their replies. Below is the feedback.  

1. Has the demo plan been approved and a date scheduled for demolition? Is the work being done now part of the demo plan? There is a pre-demo plan to disconnect the water/electricity from the building to the baseball field and connect to city building. “This is underway and should be one in a week. The main demo plan is still being reviewed by city. Hopefully to be approved in 4 weeks. Then we will start the building demo.”  

2. The re-piping of the baseball fields has created lots of open holes in the park area. When will this activity be completed? The Meredith Gardens Homeowner Association will have a big event in the park and baseball fields on September 17th . There will be several hundred person attending. I want to make sure there is no hazards that will endanger anyone and affect your liability. “This will be completed by next Friday Sept 8th.”  

3. Please clarify the plan for the existing club house. Will this building remain or be removed and the new club house replace it? “This building belongs to the city. We will not touch it. This building will stay. The new club house is for the little league’s usage only.”  

4. Any further updates on the house construction plans? “The final plans are being reviewed. Hopefully approved in 6 weeks.”  Security of the school building continues to be a problem. If you see people entering the building or on the roof please contact the police at 911.

August 2017: 

The Project Manager from Keystone Developers had a meeting with the city planning department on August 14th as part of their bi-weekly meeting. City Planners are still going through the approval process for the demo and construction.  I had heard from our neighbors that they thought there were changes made by Keystone delaying the progress. Keystone confirmed that they were not aware or made any changes with the proposed demo plan or park development.  The house architectural were preliminary approved about 4 weeks ago. Nothing has changed since. If anyone would like to see the architectural design please let me know.  Security of the school building continues to be a problem. Teens are braking in and vandalizing the building. The police have been called on several occasions but we need all neighbors to be on the watch and if they see anyone entering the building or on the roof, please call 911.

July 2017:

The Keystone Developers have advised that they are still waiting for acceptance of their demolition plan by the Huntington Beach Planning department. They are hoping to get the approval in about 2 months.  Until they start Keystone can only wait and keep the building and grounds secure. There have been several break ins and vandalism and Keystone has had to board up doors and windows. If you are around the park or school keep an eye out for any suspicious individuals around, in or on the roof of the building. If you see anyone attempting to enter the school, please call the police.  Earlier this week there was a major water break by the auditorium side of the building requiring the City water department to rush out to stop the flow. The water continued to leak so Keystone sent out a contractor on Thursday to secure the water flow. Please be careful since the ground is still very wet and there is a lot of dirt on the sidewalk.

March 2017:

Keystone DCS, the developer, has provided us with the following progress update as of March 1st.

1) Keystone DCS submitted architectural, civil plans, and final map to the city and the county. They expect to get approval in 3-4 months.

2) Upcoming timeline:

a) June – July: Start demolition & grading for Tract

b) August: Start demolition & grading for Park Improvement

c) August: Start house construction

d) Feb 2018: Model house ready

e) March – July 2018: Selling of the houses

These dates can change depending on the approval process and scheduling of the subcontractors. Keystone has promised to continue providing us updates on their progress and sending us a timeline on a regular basis as appropriate.