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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/16/1983 - Adjourned City Council MeetingADJOURNED MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL CITY OF COSTA MESA JUNE 16, 1983 The City Council of the City of Costa Mesa, California, met in adjourned regular session on June 16, 1983, at 6:30 p.m., in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 77 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, said meeting having been duly and regularly ordered adjourned from the adjourned regular meeting of June 13, 1983, and a copy of the Notice of Adjournment having been posted as required by law. The meeting was called to order by the Mayor. ROLL CALL Council Members Present: Hall, Johnson, Hertzog, McFarland, Schafer Council Members Absent: None Officials Present: City Manager, City Attorney, Director of Public Services, Deputy City Clerk PUBLIC HEARING The Mayor announced the public hearing to discuss the Draft EIS for Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Route 55. Route 55 At the request of the Mayor, the Director of Public Services reviewed the options being considered for Route 55 and gave a brief summary of the advantages/ benefits and disadvantages/costs of the following: Option A - No Project; Option B - Widen Newport Boulevard; Option D - Through Way/Grade Separations; Option F - Previously Adopted Alignment; Option G1 - Freeway/Newport Viaduct; Option -G2 - Freeway/Newport Depressed with Retaining Walls; Option H1 - Easterly Alignment Viaduct; Option H2 - Easterly Alignment Depressed with Sloped or Retaining Walls. The Director of Public Services reported on the findings of the City Route 55.DEIS (Draft Environmental Impact Statement) Task Force as outlined in his memorandum of May 18, 1983. The Task Force reviewed, discussed, and analyzed the alternatives from five aspects: Public Safety, Community Development, Redevelopment, Financial, and Engineering/Transportation. The Task Force recom- mended that support be given to Alternative H2, easterly alignment depressed with retaining walls. Alternative G2 was the second choice of the Task Force. The Director stated that there is a major concern by the Task Force and Newport Beach City staff with "G2" and "H2" as they relate to the reconnection to Newport Boulevard south of 17th Street. Both alternatives create some local circulation problems related to 15th Street, 16th Street, Commercial Way, and Industrial Way; however, the Task Force felt that once an align- ment is chosen, these problems can be resolved. The Director of Public Services commented that noise is also a concern and staff feels that noise has not been sufficiently addressed in the DEIS. In view of this, the City has hired a,consultant to investigate the impact of noise on residential properties. A completed report is expected by June 20 or 21. Because there were no questions from the Council regard- ing the Director's report, Mayor Hall asked for input from the public. Shirley Rinehart, 142 East 20th Street, Costa Mesa, asked where the detours would be during construction and Mayor Hall responded that this could not be deter- mined until an alternative is selected. Ms. Rinehart stated that there was not enough information on noise and pollution impacts. She also commented that when she purchased her property she was told the freeway would be on the west side. Ms. Rinehart expressed her opinion that there was not enough traffic on Newport Boulevard to justify contruction of a freeway and that it only would benefit those traveling through Costa Mesa to other destinations. Cynthia Lockwood, real estate agent, 1010 MacArthur Boulevard, Apartment No. 46, Santa Ana, asked why a depressed route seems to be favored and Mayor Hall responded that it has less visual and sound impacts. Ms. Lockwood commented that businesses would not be seen with a depressed roadway. The Mayor stated that raised freeways have not been beneficial to businesses in other communities. Cynthia Simonson, 325 Broadway, Costa Mesa, stated that if the concern is for the business community, then the entire freeway should be -routed along Newport Boulevard or not be constructed at all. Mayor Hall explained that if the freeway were to be constructed entirely on New- port Boulevard, all traffic would have to be rerouted into residential areas during construction. Ken Fowler, President of the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce, reported that the Board of Directors of the Chamber adopted a resolution in support of any route the Council approves. Mr. Fowler also informed the Council that the Orange Coast Association and the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce adopted similar resolutions. Edward Kuwmer, 1917 Church Street, Costa Mesa, asked questions concerning the costs of Option H2. Mayor Hall and the Director of Public Services responded to Mr. Kuwmer's inquiries as shown on a chart in the DEIS Summary. Theresa Uitz, 1924 Church Street, Costa Mesa, expressed opposition to construction of the freeway, especially Option H2. She stated that she resented losing her property and doubted that a new home could be found in the area because so few properties are available. Former Mayors -and Mayor Hall introduced former Mayors Dom Raciti, Alvin City Officials Pinkley, and Robert Wilson. He also introduced Mrs. Recognized Pinkley, Planning Commissioners Walter Davenport and Mark Sloate, and Traffic Commissioner Charles Ropp. Charles Ropp, 1373 Garlingford Street, Costa Mesa, expressed opposition to the easterly route (H2) and supported the original route through the west side of the City. Klaus Gruenbeck, 2761 San Carlos Lane, Costa Mesa, described the traffic flow in Munich, Germany, and spoke in support of the westerly route. Bill Puget, 800 West First Street, no city given, asked: if the City had previously adopted a freeway route, why was it not implemented. At the request of the Mayor, the City Manager summarized the history of the proposed freeway. Elizabeth Hoevel, 144 East 20th Street, Costa Mesa, expressed strong opposition to construction of a freeway and supported widening of Newport Boulevard. Peter Maxson, 240 Hanover Drive, Costa Mesa, owner of a business.in the downtown area, stated that although he prefers the previously adopted route, he is pleased with the easterly route. Mr. Maxson commented that it is not pleasant to have homes taken; however, it is a greater hardship for a businessman to lose his livelihood. Richard Sewell, 136 Rochester -Street, Costa Mesa, stated that his office and two apartment buildings he owns are located in the vicinity of the easterly route. He mentioned thatAn the past -he had supported the westerly route but that he now feels the easterly route would be the best alternative. Mr. Sewell expressed his opinion that the Draft Environmental Impact State- ment does not adequately address noise impacts and in view of this, he has hired a sound engineer to do a study. Mr. Sewell asked that Council urge the State to construct sound walls on the easterly side of the H2 (easterly) route, and that the City go on record to support expenses to mitigate sound. Kenneth Kinkopf, 201 Broadway, Costa Mesa, spoke in opposition to the proposed freeway stating that the traffic on Newport Boulevard is not congested except on weekends when the swap meet is being held at the Fairgrounds. Virginia Goddard, 1634-C Iowa Street, Costa Mesa, reported that she lives adjacent to the 405 Freeway and noise has been a problem in her neighborhood. She supported the depressed freeway with sound walls because she felt it would reduce noise and be more pleasing visually. Sid Soffer, 900 Arbor Street, -Costa Mesa, suggested that traffic signals on Newport Boulevard be coordin- ated and that the proposed freeway route be determined by the citizens through a ballot measure. Dr. Sara Julius, owner of Ramsay Rexall Drugs, 2246 Newport Boulevard, Costa Mesa, stated that the freeway is not necessary because there is heavy traffic on Newport Boulevard on weekends only. She suggested that Newport Boulevard be improved and additional traffic lanes added. Keith Hall, 1958 Fullerton Avenue, Costa Mesa, asked if the proposed routes are definite. The Director of Public Services responded that the corridors are specific; however, the exact route could change 10 or 15 feet. Jerry Caldwell, 1850 Fullerton Avenue, Costa Mesa, stated that he has not heard an explanation of why the freeway is needed. Mayor Hall.responded: Newport Boulevard at Harbor Boulevard, exclusive of freeways, carries the highest traffic volume in the County of Orange. Newport Boule- vard has the highest accident rate and the highest death rate in the County of Orange. Present Newport Boulevard is detrimental to the business community. Environmental impacts, as. far as pollution is concerned, are bad because when cars stop and go they create more pollutants than when they go through. The majority of the traffic on Newport Boulevard at the present time is going through -the community; it serves people of other communities more than it serves the people of Costa Mesa. It does not permit the people of Costa Mesa easy access (east -west circulation from one side of Newport Boulevard to the other). Pedestrian traffic across Newport is nearly impossible. The freeway will provide a transportation alternative for people who live outside of Costa Mesa to get through the City, and give the people who live in Costa Mesa an opportunity to use their own streets. Mr. Caldwell expressed his opinion that with the free- way, traffic would back up into the downtown area. Sid Soffer stated that he would like to see a study done, and Mayor Hall responded that studies have been done for many years. Malcolm Ross, representing C. J. Segerstrom and Sons, 3315 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, expressed support for Alternative H2, easterly alignment, stating that this route was the least disruptive to the community. Jerry Odegaard, 1632 Pegasus Street, Santa Ana Heights, stated that Alternative H2 is the best option; however, it will be obsolete by the time it is completed. Mr. Odegaard suggested that the freeway be built to Bay Street or 19th Street, and to delay making a decision for the remainder of the route. RECESS The Mayor declared a recess at 8:25 p.m., and the meet- ing eeting reconvened at 8:45 p.m. Mayor Hall introduced Lori Mast from the office of Assemblyman Nolan Frizzelle. Joe Fratt, 1682 Rhode Island Circle, Costa Mesa, expressed full support of the easterly route, Option H2. Donna Hedrick, 201 Broadway, Costa Mesa, commented that construction of the freeway would sever the east side from the west side of the City. Elizabeth Meyer, 1656-D Iowa Street, Costa Mesa, expressed her support for a depressed freeway because it would be better visually, and it would result in less noise, dirt, and pollution. Bill Bodenhoefer,,165 Costa.Mesa Street, Costa Mesa, asked if CALTRANS had considered a freeway to Bay Street and then an expressway for the remainder of the route through the City. The Director of Public Services responded that it had been considered; however, an expressway could not handle the expected traffic increase over a long period of time and would limit the access to the east and west sides. Alvin Pinkley, former Mayor, stated that he opposed a viaduct design for the freeway. Mr. Pinkley commented that no decision should be made until noise impacts have been addressed; however, he expressed support of any decision the Council makes. Roy.McCardle, 1810 Newport Boulevard, Costa Mesa, stated that he favored the easterly route. Robert Wilson, former Mayor, 3435 Plumeria Street, Costa Mesa, referred to a letter submitted to the Council and signed by the following former City officials: Mr. Wilson; Alvin Pinkley; former City Manager Arthur McKenzie; former City Attorney Donald Dungan; former City Engineer Donovan Southworth; and former Planning Director William L. Dunn. The communication states that only Alternatives G2 and H2 are worthy of consideration and urged the Council to make a request to the Department of Transportation for an immediate study of the advantages and disadvantages of Alternatives G2 and H2. Mr. Wilson asked that the Council obtain more input from CALTRANS. Mark Letter, Pacific Federal Savings and Loan Associa- tion, 1901 Newport Boulevard, Costa Mesa, expressed his support for a depressed freeway along the easterly route. Dom Raciti, former Mayor, stated that he favored Alternative H2, the depressed easterly route. Diana Johnson, 1815-39 Newport Boulevard, Costa Mesa, representing Green Properties, owner of eight parcels along,Newport Boulevard, expressed strong support for the H2 option. Peggy Reinert, 1816 Newport Boulevard, Costa Mesa, President of Costa Mesa Tomorrow, referred to the letter submitted by her and G. D. Darling, Executive Board, Citizens for Completion of Route 55. The cULununication states that the two organizations wish to go on record at this time as being solidly and strongly in support of Alternative H2. Chris Steel, 1543 Orange Avenue, Costa Mesa, stated that he favored a depressed route down Newport Boulevard. Mayor Hall acknowledged receipt of communications from the following: Costa Mesa Traffic Commission, in support of Alternative H2; Mesa Consolidated Water Dis- trict, favoring Alternative H2; Route 55 Task Force, in support of the H2 option; Costa Mesa Tomorrow and Citizens for Completion of Route 55, supporting Alterna- tive H2; and six former City officials who recommended the G2 or H2 routes. Mayor Hall commented that because CALTRANS must have all input by July 15, 1983, a decision cannot be delayed. The Mayor reported that all comments, communications, and studies become part of the Environmental Impact Statement. Councilman McFarland reported that he has served on the Route 55 Policy Advisory Committee for the past 2-1/2 years and many workshops were conducted concerning the proposed freeway. He mentioned that the Urban Land Institute report addressed the affect of a freeway in the downtown area and suggested that the report be submitted to CALTRANS. Councilman McFarland stated .that even though he owns property on the east side, he supports Alternative H2. Council Members Johnson, Hertzog, and Schafer agreed that it is imperative that the Council make a decision at this meeting. MOTION A motion was made by Councilman McFarland, seconded by Alternative A Councilwoman Schafer,.to reject Alternative A, No Rejected Project. Councilman McFarland commented that to do nothing would not resolve the traffic problem which now exists and would further deteriorate the downtown area. The motion carried 5-0. MOTION On motion by Councilman McFarland, seconded by Vice Alternative B Mayor Johnson, and carried 5-0, Alternative B, Widen Rejected Newport Boulevard, was rejected. Councilman McFarland stated that his rejection is based on the same concerns as he stated for Alternative A. MOTION Based on his statements regarding,the previous alterna- Alternative D tives, Councilman McFarland made a motion to reject Rejected Alternative D, Through Way/Grade Separations. Mayor Hall added that grade separations would create short viaduct sections that would impact the local area tremendously both visually and commercially. The motion was seconded by Councilwanan Schafer, and carried 5-0. MOTION Councilwoman Schafer made a motion to reject Alternative Alternative F F, Previously Adopted Alignment. Mayor Hall stated that Rejected this alternative would be good for circulation; however, it is the least likely to be accepted by CALTRANS. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Johnson, and carried 5-0. MOTION Councilman McFarland made a motion to eliminate Alterna- Alternatives tives Gl, Freeway/Newport Viaduct, and Hl, Easterly G1 and H1 Alignment Viaduct. Councilman McFarland stated that Eliminated viaduct designs are not viable alternatives because of their visual and environmental impacts upon the commun- ity; viaducts have not been satisfactory in other cities and have not proven to be beneficial to other communi- ties; viaducts detract from the appearance of an area and would cause tremendous traffic circulation problems within the City of Costa Mesa, particularly near the Super Block. The motion was seconded by Councilwoman Hertzog, and carried 5-0. CALTRANS Mayor Hall announced that the Council's decision will be Public Hearing presented to CALTRANS at their public hearing of June 29, Announced 1983. At that time the Council will indicate that prior to CALTRANS's deadline of July 15, 1983, the City will submit a detailed analysis of sound and other issues which are not covered adequately in the Environmental Impact Statement. MOTION Councilman McFarland made a motion, seconded by Vice Alternative H2 Mayor Johnson, to recommend to CALTRANS that Alternative Selected H2, Easterly Alignment Depressed with Sloped or Retain- ing Walls, be adopted.. Councilman McFarland stated that this alternative would eliminate devastation of the downtown community, would be least disruptive to the City, is the most practical alternative, and has received the most support from various organizations. The motion carried 5-0. ADJOURNMENT The Mayor declared ATTEST: adjourned at l,0/.10 of -the City of Costa Ci y Clerk of the City of Cos Mesa J