HomeMy WebLinkAbout83-107A - Adopting GP-83-2A242
RESOLUPICN NO. 83-107A
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT GP -83-2A, AMENDING THE GENERAL PLAN OF
THE CITY OF COSH MESA.
WHEREAS, the General Plan was adopted by the City Council of the City
of Costa Mesa by Resolution No. 81-67 on July 20, 1981; and
WHEREAS, the General Plan is a long-range, canprehensive document
which serves as a guide for the orderly development of Costa Mesa; and
WHEREAS, by its very nature, the General Plan needs to be updated and
refined to account for current and future canmunity needs; and
WHEREAS, General Plan Amendment GP -83-2A, an application to change
the Land Use Designations of properties bound by South Coast Drive, Bear
Street, Sunflower Avenue, and Tracts 7718 and 7557, frau Medium Density
Residential to General Carnmercial has been recommended for approval by the
Planning Commission; and
WHEREAS, public hearings were duly held on August 15, 1983, and
November 7, 1983, in accordance with Section 65355 of the Government Code
of the State of California, all persons having been given the opportunity
to be heard both for and against said Amendment GP -83-2A to the General
Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City of Costa Mesa has prepared a Final Environmental
Impact Report (EIR) in compliance with the California Environmental Quality
Act (CE¢A) and the State EIR Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed and considered the certified
Final EIR in making its decision on the proposed Amendment to the Costa
Mesa General Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City Council, by this Resolution, adopts the Statement
of Facts and the Statement of Overriding Considerations as required by
Sections 15088 and 15089 of the State EIR Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to adopt General Plan Amendment
GP -83-2A as shown in that document entitled "June 1983 General Plan
Review", Page II -12, Option I;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of
Costa Mesa that:
1. The City Council makes the findings contained in the Statement of
Facts with respect to significant impacts identified in the Final EIR
together with the finding that each fact in support of the findings is
true and is based upon substantial evidence in the record, including the
Final EIR. The Statement of Facts is attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and
incorporated herein by this reference as if fully set forth.
2. The City Council finds that the facts set forth in the Statement
of Overriding Considerations are true and are supported by substantial
evidence in the record, including the Final EIR. The Statement of Over-
riding Considerations is attached hereto as Exhibit "B" and incorporated
herein by this reference as if fully set forth.
3. The City Council finds that the Final EIR has identified all
significant environmental effects of the project and that there are no
known potential environmental impacts not addressed in the Final EIR.
4. The City Council finds that all significant effects of the project
are set forth in the Statement of Facts.
5. The City Council finds that although the Final EIR identifies
certain significant environmental effects that will result if the project
`�4�3
is approved, all significant effects that can feasibly be avoided or
mitigated will be avoided or mitigated by the imposition of conditions on
development proposals submitted pursuant to the approved General Plan
Amendment and the imposition of mitigation measures as set forth in the
Statement of Facts and the Final EIR.
6. The City Council finds that the unavoidable significant impacts of
the project, as identified in the Statement of Facts, have not been reduced
to a level of insignificance, but have been substantially reduced in their
impacts by the imposition of mitigation measures. In making its decision
on the project, the City Council has given greater weight to the adverse
environmental impacts. The City Council finds that the remaining unavoid-
able significant impacts are clearly outweighed by the economic, social,
and other benefits of the project as set forth in the Statement of Over-
riding Considerations.
7. The City Council finds that the Final EIR has described all
reasonable alternatives to the project that could feasibly obtain the basic
objectives of the project, even when those alternatives might impede the
attainment of project objectives and might be more costly. Further, the
City Council finds that a good faith effort was made to incorporate
alternatives in the preparation of the Draft EIR, and all reasonable
alternatives were considered in the review process of the Final EIR and
ultimate decisions on the project.
B. The City Council finds that the project should be approved,
and that any alternative to this action should not be approved for the
project based on the information contained in the Final EIR, the data
contained in the Statement of Facts, for reasons stated in the public
record, and those contained in the Statement of Overriding Considera-
tions.
9. The City Council finds that a good faith effort has been made to
seek out and incorporate all points of view in the preparation of the Draft
and Final EIR as indicated in the public record on the project, including
the Final EIR.
10. The City Council finds that during the public hearing process for
General Plan Amendment GP -83-2A, the Planning Commission and the environ-
mental document evaluated alternative land uses and intensities and the
project, as approved by this Resolution, is included within that range of
alternatives. Therefore, the City Council finds that it is not necessary
to refer the General Plan Amendment back to the Planning Commission for
report and recammendation. The City Council has considered the recommenda-
tion of the Planning CaM fission in its decision on the project.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Costa Mesa
that the Land Use Designations of the properties bound by Bear Street,
South Coast Drive, Sunflower Avenue, and Tracts 7718 and 7557 are hereby
amended frau Medium Density Residential to General Commercial.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 7th day of November., 1983.
Mayor -46f the City of Costa Mesa
ATTEST:
City Clerk of e City of Costa
244
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss
CITY OF COSTA MESA )
I, EILEEN P. PHINNEY, City Clerk and ex -officio Clerk of the City
Council of the City of Costa Mesa hereby certify that the above and fore-
going Resolution No. 83-107A was duly and regularly passed and adopted by
the said City Council at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 21st day
of November, 1983.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal
of the City of Costa Mesa this 22nd day of November, 1983.
City Clerk and ex -officio clerk 9f the
City Council of the City of CosV Mesa
`e45
EXHIBIT "A" FOR RESOLUI'ICN NO. 83-107A
CEQA FINDINGS AND STATEMENT OF FACTS
NOVEMBER 7, 1983
Significant environmental effects which cannot be avoided if the proposed
General Plan Amendment is adopted, findings with respect to said effects
and Statement of Facts in support thereof, all with respect to the proposed
amendment of the General Plan of the City of Costa Mesa, designated General
Plan Amendment GP -83-2A.
BACKGROUND
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the State CEQA Guide-
lines (Guidelines) promulgated pursuant thereto provide:
"No public agency shall approve or carry out a project for which an
environmental impact report has been canpleted and which identifies
one or more significant effects of the project unless the public
agency makes one or more of the following written findings for each
of the significant effects, accanpanied by a statement of facts
supporting each finding."
The possible findings are:
1. Changes or alternatives have been required in, or incorporated
into, the project which mitigate or avoid the significant
environmental effects as identified in the Final EIR;
2. Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and
jurisdiction of another public agency and not the agency making
the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such other agency
or can and should be adopted by such other agency;
3. Specific econanic, social, or other considerations make infeasi-
ble the mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in
the Final EIR.
The City of Costa Mesa proposes to amend the Land Use Element of the
General Plan by adopting General Plan Amendment GP -83-2A. Because GP -83-2A
constitutes a project under CEQA and the Guidelines, the City of Costa Mesa
has prepared an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The EIR identified
certain significant effects which may occur as a result of this proposed
General Plan Amendment. Further, the City Council wishes to adopt General
Plan Amendment GP -83-2A as shown in that document entitled "June 1983
General Plan Review", Page II -12, Option I, and has determined that the
EIR for GP -83-2A is camplete and has been prepared in accordance with CEQA
and the Guidelines, the findings set forth herein are made:
EFFECTS DETERMINED TO BE INSIGNIFICANT
The EIR for General Plan Amendment GP -83-2A has concluded that the General
Plan Amendment and its attendant project would not have any significant
adverse impacts on:
Geology (Page 74, Draft EIR);
Telephone Service (Page 47, Draft EIR);
Biological/Agricultural Resources (Pages 4-66 and 4-67, Draft EIR);
Archaeological/Historical Resources (Page 4-75, Draft EIR);
Public Transit (Page 4-64, Draft EIR);
Solid Waste (Pages 4-54 through 4-56, Draft EIR).
246
FINDINGS AND FACTS IN SUPPORT OF FINDINGS
FOR SIGNIFICANT RMRCNMENTAL EFFECTS OF
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT GP -83-2A
EFFECTS DETERMINED TO BE MITIGABLE TO A LEVEL OF INSIGNIFICANCE
LAND USE
NOISE
Impacts
The proposed General Plan Amendment and attendant development repre-
sent a substantial land use modification frcm the site's Medium
Density Residential General Plan designation. The primary Land Use
impact would be the development of a major commercial center adjacent
to an existing residential neighborhood, rather than residential uses
as envisioned by the existing General Plan.
Findings
1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or
incorporated into the project, or are otherwise being imple-
mented, which mitigate this significant environmental effect
in that:
a. Construct a 45 -foot to 60 -foot wide, densely landscaped berm
as detailed in the presentation, running the length of the
site between the parking structure and the adjacent resi-
dences;
b. Construct a 6 1/2 -foot high wall along the westerly edge of
the parking structure's upper level;
C. Amend the site's General Plan designation and zoning classi-
fication in accordance with the proposed project, thereby
correcting the General Plan and zoning inconsistency.
Impacts
Project -generated traffic will incrementally increase noise along the
roadway network which services the development. In addition, vehicle -
related noise emanating fram the project's parking structure may
impact neighboring residences. Lastly, during project development,
construction activities will generate short-term noise impacts.
Find ings
1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or
incorporated into the project, or are otherwise being imple-
mented, which will mitigate these impacts to a level of
insignificance in that:
a. Construct a 45 -foot to 60 -foot wide, densely landscaped berm
as detailed in the presentation, running the length of the
site between the parking structure and the adjacent resi-
dences;
b. Construct a 6 1/2 -foot high sound barrier along the westerly
edge of the parking structure's upper level;
C. Restrict maintnance operations, including parking lot
and parking structure sweeping, to between 7:00 a.m. and
8:00 p.m.;
d. Finish parking structure floors with a rough surface;
e. Restrict the hours of commercial trash disposal service to
between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.;
'217
f. The following construction techniques will be used:
(1) Drilled piles or vibratory pile drivers instead of
impact pile drivers;
(2) Welding instead of riveting;
(3) Mixing concrete off-site instead of on-site;
(4) Employing prefabricated structures instead of
assembling them on-site;
(5) Using the quietest construction equipment (i.e.,
electric instead of diesel -powered equipment, and
hydraulic tools instead of pneumatic impact tools);
(6) Scheduling equipment operations to keep average noise
levels low by having the noisiest operations coincide
with times of highest ambient levels, keeping noise
levels relatively uniform in time, and turning off
idling engines;
(7) Enclosing stationary construction equipment;
(8) Constructing barriers around noisy areas on the site
or around the entire site.
VATER SERVICE
The project will create a demand for approximately 68,000 gallons of water
per day.
Findings
1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or
incorporated into the project, or are otherwise being imple-
mented, which will mitigate this impact to a level of insignifi-
cance in that:
a. The Mesa Consolidated Water District (the local water
purveyor) has appointed a task force whose aim is to
promote water conservation and to reduce the demand for
potable water thereby offsetting the impacts caused by
the loss of Northern California water;
b. The project will use reclaimed water for landscape/
irrigation purposes when it becanes available;
C. The following water conservation measures will be used:
(1) Low -flush toilets (Section 17921.3 of the Health and
Safety Code);
(2) Low -flow faucets (California Administrative Code,
Title 24, Part 6, Article 1, T20 -1406F);
(3) Hot water lines will be insulated in water recircu-
lating systems (California Energy Commission regula-
tions);
(4) Supply -line water pressure will be maintained at 50
pounds per square inch or less by means of pressure -
reducing valves;
(5) Flush valve operated water closets (three gallons per
flush);
(6) Drinking fountains will be equipped with self-closing
valves;
243
(7) Hot water lines will be insulated to provide hot water
faster with less water waste, and hot lines will be
separated from cold lines;
(8) Restaurants will use water conserving dishwasher models
or retrofitted with spray emitters;
(9) Restaurants will serve drinking water upon request
only.
d. The following water conservation measures for landscape/
irrigation purposes will be instituted:
(1) Landscape with drought resistent planting materials.
The project's landscape plan will be approved by the
Planning Division prior to the issuance of building
permits;
(2) Apply mulch extensively to all landscaped areas;
(3) Install automatic and drip irrigation systems, and
soil moisture sensors;
(4) use pervious paving material.
SEWER SERVICE
Impact
The project will generate approximately 68,000 gallons of wastewater
daily.
Findings
1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or
incorporated into the project, or are otherwise being implemented,
which will mitigate this impact to a level of insignificance in
that:
a. The project sponsor will work closely with officials of the
Costa Mesa Sanitary District and the Orange County Sanitation
District to insure adequate capacity is available and can be
allocated to the development;
b. The Costa Mesa Sanitary District (CMSD) will charge the project
sponsor a connection fee based on a set fee schedule;
C. The site will be annexed by the CMSD in order to provide sewer
service;
d. The project sponsor will construct and will pay for off-site
sewer facilities which will be dedicated to the CMSD;
e. The following water conservation measures will be used to
reduce the rate of wastewater flaw:
(1) Low -flush toilets;
(2) Low -flow faucets;
(3) Hot water lines will be insulated in water recirculating
systems;
(4) Supply -line water pressure will be maintained at 50 pounds
per square inch or less by means of pressure -reducing
valves;
(5) Flush valve operated water closets (3 gallons per flush);
(6) Drinking fountains will be equipped with self-closing
valves;
�i9
(7) Hot water lines will be insulated to provide hot water
faster with less water waste;
(8) Water -conserving dishwasher models will be installed in
all restaurants or retrofitted with spray emitters;
(9) Restaurant drinking water will be served upon request
only.
PIT-IM"P.-.
Impact
The project will consume approximately 13,600 million cubic feet of
natural gas per month, or about 163,200,000 million cubic feet yearly.
Findings
1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or
incorporated into the project, or are otherwise being implemented,
which will mitigate this impact to a level of insignificance in
that:
a. Energy conserving construction and management techniques will
be required by State law to insure efficient use of natural gas;
b. The project sponsor will work with the gas company to provide
sufficient new facilities for gas service to the project.
PT.Pf TR'TC TTY
is DI
Impact
The project will require approximately 13,000,000 kilowatt-hours of
electricity annually.
Findings
1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or
incorporated into the project, or are otherwise being implemented,
which will mitigate this impact to level of insignificance in that:
a. Water heaters and hot water pipes will be wrapped with good
quality, thermal insulation;
b. Interior and exterior lighting will be limited to the amount
that is necessary for the safety and the protection of pro-
prietors and their customers. The use of time -controlled
outdoor lighting, adjusted seasonally, will aid in reducing
unnecessary electrical use during daylight hours;
C. Energy -efficiency will be a major consideration in elevator
selection;
d. C union property will be illuminated by flourescent lighting
or lighting which is as efficient as flourescent lighting.
If an alternative to flourescent lighting is proposed, an
analysis will be prepared which demonstrates its energy
efficiency.
Impact
The project will cause a significant increase in the demand for energy
resources.
Findings
1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or
incorporated into the project, or are otherwise being implemented,
which will mitigate this impact to a level of insignificance in
that:
Construction Materials and Building Techniques
a. Use building materials which provide minimum heat loss and
gain;
b. Use light-colored roofing materials;
C. Use light colors on walls facing west and dark colors on
walls facing south;
d. Use photoelectric controls on security lighting;
e. Insulate heating ducts;
f. Use double -paned glass, glazed glass, and recessed windows;
g. Use thermal or lined drapes on windows;
h. Insulate hot water tanks and pipes;
i. Use deciduous trees along the southern face of the building;
j. Use solid-state dimmer switches;
k. Install recycling bins;
1. Use time -controlled thermostats;
M. Use outdoor advertising which does not require energy;
n. Insulate doors, walls, floors, and ceilings;
o. Use tight fitting, weather-stripped windows;
p. Use clear glass for south facing windows;
q. On south, southeast, and east -facing windows, shading will be
employed instead of specialized glass;
r. Use exterior shading devices such as overhangs, awnings, and
recessed entryways;
S. Plant deciduous trees directly in front of south -facing
windows or provide a hanging trellis with a climbing vine
that sheds its leaves in winter.
Siting and Orientation of New Structures
a. Final site design planning shall consider the optimum orien-
tation, slightly east of south for Costa Mesa;
b. Structures will be shaped so as to maximize southeast exposure
and minimize west and north exposures in order to accomplish
higher solar heat gain in the winter and minimize summer
cooling needs.
Alternative Energy Sources
a. Use flourescent lighting, or mercury or sodium vapor lamps,
instead of incandescent lighting;
b. Use automatic flue gas dampers if using a gas heater system;
C. Use heat pump systems if using electric heating;
25?
d. Solar energy is a feasible source of alternative energy for
space heating and cooling and water heating. This energy -
type will be incorporated when possible;
e. Prepare a detailed analysis of the energy conservation
effectiveness of the project's heating and cooling systems
and submit analysis to the Planning Commission for review
and approval prior to the issuance of building permits.
FIRE PROTECTICN
Impact
The project will incrementally reduce Costa Mesa Fire Department's
service capability in the area of fire suppression, medical aid, and
fire prevention inspections.
Find ings
1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or
incorporated into the project, or are otherwise being imple-
mented, which will mitigate these impacts to a level of
insignificance in that:
a. The project sponsor will deposit a development fee, deter-
mined by the Fire Department, which will be used to update
Fire Department facilities;
b. The project will be included in the Fire Department's
company inspection program;
C. The Fire Prevention Division will require adequate fire
flow at the project's building permit stage;
d. The Fire Prevention Division will require that on-site
fire hydrants be installed. The number of hydrants will
be determined at the project's building permit stage.
POLICE PROTECTICN
Impact
The project will incrementally reduce the Police Department's service
capability.
Find ings
1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or
incorporated into the project, or are otherwise being imple-
mented, which will mitigate these impacts to a level of
insignificance in that:
a. The project sponsor will provide a full-time security force;
b. The Police Department's patrol area will be expanded to
include the project.
C. Submit the security plan of the Broadway/Robinson's project
to the City Council and neighboring residents.
Impact
The project may produce localized flooding during storm episodes of
greater than 10 -year frequency.
Find ings
1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in
or incorporated into the project, or are otherwise being
252
implemented, which will mitigate these impacts to a level of
insignificance in that:
a. The project will incorporate the appropriate floodproofing
measures identified in the City's floodplain zoning regula-
tions (i.e., elevate building pads to the 32 -foot base
flood elevation or above);
b. The project sponsor will prepare a detailed hydrological
analysis in conjunction with the project's final site plan.
Based on this analysis, on-site storm drains will be pro-
vided. In particular, the analysis will determine the
specific drainage systems or sump facilities that will be
required to reduce the potential flooding impact.
'WATER QUALITY
Impact
The project will incrementally increase the level of runoff contami-
nants into the Orange County Flood Control District system and ulti-
mately into the Santa Ana River.
Find ings
1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or
incorporated into the project, or are otherwise being imple-
mented, which will mitigate these impacts to a level of
insignificance in that:
a. Landscape planting will be carried out as quickly as
possible.
b. Street and parking lot paving will be restricted to the
surmer dry period;
C. Porus pavement will be used in parking lot and roadway
construction. If the site's soils are not conducive to
porus pavement, the project's drainage system will include
pervious collection basins and ditches;
d. Storage and infiltration systems will be incorporated into
the project's runoff collection system. These facilities
will be designed to accommodate maximum runoff loads.
AESTHETICS/PRIVACY
Impact
Aesthetics is considered a subjective issue; therefore, it is diffi-
cult to state whether neighboring properties will be negatively
impacted in terms of aesthetics. The proposed project could impact
neighboring residences' privacy.
Find ings
1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or
incorporated into the project, or are otherwise being imple-
mented, which will mitigate these impacts to a level of
insignificance in that:
a. The building elevations will be designed to be campatible
with the exteriors of South Coast Plaza's major department
stores;
b. The project's landscape treatment will canplement its design.
C. The project's design will include a 45 -foot to 60 -foot wide,
densely landscaped berm as detailed in the presentation,
running the length of the site between the parking structure
and the adjacent residences;
253
d. A 6 1/2 -foot high wall will be constructed along the
westerly edge of the parking structure's upper level.
CITYWIDE HOUSING INVENTORY
Impact
The development proposal, submitted in conjunction with General Plan
Amendment GP -83-2A, will generate a Citywide housing demand for
approximately 49 dwelling units, and eliminate the potential of
developing 272 new units on the site. This could aggravate the
City's existing housing market and also affect the housing needs of
adjacent cammunities.
Findings
1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or
incorporated into the project, or are otherwise being imple-
mented, which will mitigate these impacts to a level of
insignificance in that:
a. The project sponsor shall submit a program that will
replace the lost, and supply the newly generated housing
units and demand to accammodate the housing shortage that
the Broadway/Robinson's project will create, plus future
projects of C. J. Segerstram and Sons.
SIGNIFICANT ENVIRCNMENTAL EFFECTS WHICH CAN-
NOT BE AVOIDED IF THE PRWECT IS IMPLEMENTED
AIR QUALITY
Impact
The project will create an incremental increase in stationary and
mobile source pollutants; forecasted emission levels are incon-
sistent with the Air Quality Management Plan, 1982 Revision.
F ind ings
1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or
incorporated into the project, or are otherwise being imple-
mented, which will mitigate these impacts to a level of
insignificance in that:
a. Perform major grading in spring when soil moisture is
highest, or after thoroughly sprinkling the site;
b. Paving parking and materials staging areas early during
development to reduce travel on unpaved surfaces;
C. Spray trucks hauling debris to prevent blown dust from open
trucks and wash excess mud off vehicle tires before they
enter vehicle roadways;
d. Enforce reduced vehicle speed within the construction area;
e. Clean up construction -related dirt on approach routes to the
site;
f. Conduct a detailed analysis of the energy conservation
effectiveness of the project's heating and cooling systems
and submit to the Planning Cammission for review and
approval prior to the issuance of building permits.
g. Encourage employees and customers to use public transit
and/or carpools by the following methods:
(1) Distribute information on transit routes and schedules;
(2) Provide convenient bus shelters;
rJ Q-
i
(3) Assist employees in forming carpools;
(4) Provide preferential carpool parking;
(5) Subsidize employees' costs for monthly transit passes.
h. Employers/tenants on-site should consider modified work
schedules for employees to reduce travel during periods of
traffic congestion and thereby reduce congestion -related
motor vehicle emissions;
i. Provide bicycle storage facilities.
2. All significant environmental effects that can feasibly be
avoided have been eliminated or substantially lessened by virtue
of mitigation measures identified in the Final EIR and incorpor-
ated into the project as set forth above.
3. Project alternatives were rejected as infeasible, based on
economic, social, and other considerations as set forth in the
Statement of Facts, the Final EIR, and listed below:
a. Air quality in the vicinity of the project site is generally
good due to the proximity of the coast and prevailing wind
patterns. Mitigation of air impacts is partially the
responsibility of another agency as presented below:
(1) The implementation of the Air Quality Management Plan
(AQMP) for the South Coast Air Basin is the jurisdic-
tion of the AQMP and includes technological improve-
ments to reduce emissions from both mobile and
stationary sources.
b. The "No Project" alternative was rejected because:
(1) The developing nature of the project vicinity makes it
economically unviable to continue farming the project
site in view of mounting development pressures;
(2) Agricultural production is inconsistent with the
intense development trend of neighboring properties;
(3) The activities attendant to farming such as the appli-
cation of pesticides and creation of dust from culti-
vation adversely impact neighboring residents;
(4) The retention of agricultural activities is inconsist-
ent
nconsistent with the General Plan's long-range assumption of
the eventual development of all agricultural land
within the City by 1990.
C. The "Existing General Plan" alternative was rejected
because:
(1) City service expenditures to provide services to this
alternate would eceed revenues. This potential effect
would in turn result in a net revenue drain and conse-
quently, is inconsistent with objectives of the City
of Costa Mesa;
(2) Project implementation would be inconsistent with the
intense development trends in the project vicinity;
(3) The public park (Wakeham Park) that project residents
would utilize, lacks the capacity to adequately accom-
modate their recreational needs.
d. The "Reduced Density" alternative was rejected because:
(1) A market demand does not exist for development in
accordance with this alternative;
255
(2) Project implementation would be inconsistent with the
intense development pattern that is evolving in the
vicinity of the project site;
(3) Project implementation would produce the most adverse
impact to the City's housing inventory (create a demand
for 367 dwelling units), compared to the project (321
dwelling units).
(4) Project implementation would be inconsistent with the
General Plan policy of concentrating intense develop-
ments with high traffic generation near major trans-
portation corridors and employment centers.
4. The remaining, unavoidable significant effect is acceptable when
compared to and balanced against facts set forth above and in the
Statement of Overriding Considerations.
TRANSPORTATICN/CIRCUTATICN
Impact
The development proposal submitted in conjunction with General Plan
Amendment GP -83-2A will generate approximately 23,800 vehicle trips
per day.
F ind ings
1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or
incorporated into the project, or are otherwise being imple-
mented, which will mitigate these impacts to a level of
insignificance in that:
a. Fund and construct traffic improvements in the amount of
$30.00 per daily trip to mitigate regional traffic def is i-
encies caused or contributed to by the project from among
the following locations:
(1) Add travel lanes to the segment of Sunflower Avenue
between Fairview load and Bear Street;
(2) Add travel lanes to the segment of MacArthur Boulevard
between Fairview load and Bear Street;
(3) Add travel lanes to the Bear Street/MacArthur Boulevard
intersection;
(4) Add travel lanes to the Bear Street/South Coast Drive
intersection;
(5) Add travel lanes to the Bear Street/Paularino Avenue
intersection;
(6) Add travel lanes to the Fairview Road/Sunflower Avenue
intersection.
b. Full development of the project may result in the need for
traffic signals at the access on Bear Street and at the
access to South Coast Drive. The traffic signal at Fuschia
Street and Sunflower Avenue is to be implemented as soon as
possible in concert with the residential project north of
Sunflower Avenue.
However, since the close spacing of signals is not desir-
able, these intersections will be monitored to identify the
actual need for traffic signals following project comple-
tion.
C. Locate the South Coast Drive main entrance sufficiently west
to permit left turns eastbound and westbound at the planned
signalized location. Also, locate the Sunflower Avenue
``56
access sufficiently west to permit left turns for westbound
and for possible future signalization;
d. Prohibit left -turn access out of the site onto Bear Street
between South Coast Drive and Sunflower Avenue and design
for circulation to Sunflower Avenue instead as a planned
alternative.
e. Provide a portion of the necessary funding to initiate
feasibility studies toward obtaining CALTRANS approval for
additional freeway access to Bear Street in the vicinity of
South Coast Drive;
f. Establish and participate in an Employers' Transportation
Management Association.
g. Submit a plan to provide services for parking overflows
during the traditional Christmas shopping season (the day
after Thanksgiving through January 2);
h. Submit plans for pedestrian bridges linking South Coast
Plaza with the Broadway/Robinson's project and Town Center;
i. Submit a plan to provide crossing guards during the morning
and evening hours for students attending Bear Street
School;
k. Prepare a program of coordinating the efforts of the project
applicant with the City of Costa Mesa, CALTRANS, and the
Federal Highway Administration on the San Diego Freeway/
South Coast Drive on- and off -ramps.
2. All significant environmental effects that can feasibly be
avoided have been eliminated or substantially lessened by virtue
of mitigation measures identified in the Final EIR and incorpor-
ated into the project as set forth above.
3. Project alternatives not incorporated into the project were
rejected as infeasible, based on economic, social, and other
considerations as set forth in the Statement of Facts, the Final
EIR, and listed below:
a. The "No Project" alternative was rejected because:
(1) The developing nature of the project vicinity makes it
economically unviable to continue farming the project
site in view of mounting development pressures;
(2) Agricultural production is inconsistent with the
intense development trend of neighboring properties;
(3) The activities attendant to farming such as the
application of pesticides and creation of dust from
cultivation adversely impact neighboring residents;
(4) The retention of agricultural activities is inconsist-
ent
nconsistent with the General Plan's long-range assumption of
the eventual development of all agricultural land
within the City by 1990.
b. The "Existing General Plan" alternative was rejected
because:
(1) City expenditures to provide services to this
alternative would exceed revenues. This potential
effect would in turn result in a net revenue drain
and consequently, is inconsistent with objectives of
the City of Costa Mesa;
(2) Project implementation would be inconsistent with the
intense development trends in the project vicinity;
257
(3) The public park (Wakeham Park) that project residents
would utilize, lacks the capacity to adequately accom-
modate their recreational needs.
C. The "Reduced Density" alternative was rejected because:
(1) A market demand does not exist for development in
accordance with this alternative;
(2)
Project implementation would be inconsistent with the
intense development pattern that is evolving in the
vicinity of the project site;
(3)
Project implementation would produce the most adverse
impact to the City's housing inventory (create a demand
for 321 dwelling units compared to the project 367
dwelling units);
(4)
Project implementation would be inconsistent with the
General Plan policy of concentrating intense develop-
ments with high traffic generation near major trans-
portation corridors and employment centers.
4. The remaining, unavoidable significant effect is acceptable when
canpared
to and balanced against facts set forth above and in the
Statement of Overriding Considerations.
.58
EXHIBIT "B" FOR RESOLUrICN NO. 83-107A
STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CCNSIDERATICNS
The California Environmental Quality Act requires a public agency to balance
the benefits of a proposed project against its unavoidable environmental
risks in determining whether to approve the project. The City of Costa
Mesa has determined that the unavoidable environmental risks of this project
are acceptable when balanced against benefits, giving greater weight to the
unavoidable environmental risks. In making this determination, the follow-
ing factors and public benefits were considered or decisions made:
1. Revenues generated by the proposed project will exceed costs
associated with serving the project resulting in a financial gain
to the City of Costa Mesa;
2. Funds will be available frau revenues generated by the proposed
project to provide expanded and improved municipal services;
3. General Plan Amendment GP-83-2A/Option I responds to changing
land use and economic trends influencing the project site;
4. The proposed commercial development is consistent and campatible
with commercial development proximate to the project site;
5. The proposed General Plan Amendment/Option I will increase the
City's employment base;
6. Development of GP-83-2A/Option I will enhance the site's char-
acter and vicinity by providing a well -landscaped, attractive
shopping mall;
7. The benefits noted above cannot be attained with the project
alternatives evaluated in the Final EIR.