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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESO 40171. • 1 • ORIGINAL RESOLUTION NO. 4017 RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO MAKING ADDITIONS AND AMENDMENTS TO THE GENERAL PLAN AS CERTIFIED TO THE CITY COUNCIL BY RESOLUTION NO. 51 OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION ADOPTED ON JUNE 7, 1967 FOR THE BAYLANDS (THREE -FINGER LAKE) WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Palo Alto has duly prepared and recommended for adoption certain additions and amendments to the General Plan of the City of Palo Alto, and the Planning Commission, after having held a public hearing on such proposed additions and amendments on June 7, 1967, pursuant to the provisions of Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 2.251.3, has certified such additions and amendments to the City Council recommending their incorporation into the General Plan, and WHEREAS, the City Council has also held a public hearing on the adoption of such amendments, pursuant to Section 2.251.3 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, on August 7, 1967, notice of the time and place of which was published and given in the manner provided by law, and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to adopt certain additions and amendments recommended, certified and reported on by the Planning Commission with reference to "Areas of Special Interest: Baylands and Foothills (Three -Finger Lake)", NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto does RESOLVE as follows: SECTION 1. The General Plan of the City of Palo Alto adopted by the City Council by Resolution No. 3616 and amended by Resolutions Nos. 3709, 3713, 3839 and 3855 is hereby further amended to read as indicated in the following maps and descriptive materials, true copies of which are attached hereto: (1) That the Planning Commission's proposals for the develop- ment of the Baylands be added to the General Plan by the revision - 1 - 3. : . • • of pages 47, 48 and 63 and the addition of pages 47a, 47b, 47c, 47d, 47e and 47f attached hereto as Exhibit "A", (2) That a map entitled "Baylands Plan" be incorporated in the General Plan following revised page 47, a copy of said map being attached hereto as Exhibit "B". SECTION 2. Said General Plan of the City of Palo Alto shall be endorsed to show that the maps and descriptive materials con- tained therein have been so amended by the City Council of the City of Palo Alto. INTRODUCED AND PASSED: August 7, 1967 AYES: Unanimous NOES: None ABSENT: Cooley ST: APPROVED: ty er APP = D AS TO PORN: Deputy City Attorne, APPROVED AS TO 1 r • RESOLUTION NO. 51 A RESOLUTION OF THE PALO ALTO PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDING AN AMENDMENT TO THE GENERAL PLAN OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO FOR THE BAYLANDS WHEREAS, the Planning Commission recognizes a great opportunity to achieve a bayfront of which the City can be proud and which will serve the needs of a great many people; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has been impressed with a compelling sense of immediacy that now and probably never again will there be an opportunity to meet these needs in such an effective way; and WHEREAS, in the course of the Planning Commission's study of the baylands the need to provide more facilities for recreation, conservation and flood control has been clearly demonstrated; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission, as a result of its studies desires to amend the General Plan by expanding the section on "Areas of Special Incerest: Baylands and Foothills" to include certain proposals for development of the baylands; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has held a public hearing on such proposed amendment on June 7, 1967, pursuant to the provision of Palo Alto Municipal Cade, Section 251.3; NOW, THEREFORE, THE PLANNING COMMISSION DOES RESOLVE that it recommends the adoption of an amendment to the General Plan as follows: 1. That the Planning Commission's proposals for the development of the baylands be added to the General Plan by the revision of pages 47,48, and 63 and the addition of pages 47a, 47b, 47c, 47d, 47e, and 47f attached hereto as Exhibit "A"; 2. That a map entitled " Baylands Plan" be incorporated in the General Plan following revised page 47, a copy of said crap being attached hereto as Exhibit "8". Duly passed and adopted at a meeting held on the 7th day of June, 1967 by the following vote: AYES: Brenner, Gordon, Grench, Stromquist. NOES: ABSENT: Brophy, Norton, Ware. ATTEST: Secretary Chairman C I TY OF PALO ALTO TO: Planning Commission FROM: Assistant Planning Officer SUBJECT: Baylands -- A Proposed Amendment to the General Plan. The General Plan Revision: DATE: June 2, 1967 DEPT: Planning The attached proposed amendment to the General Plan is based on the work of the Planning Commission as reflected in the report, "Proposed Baylands Development - The Three -Finger -Lake". An effort has been made in the draft amendment to distinguish between the elements of the sub -regional proposal (the lakes, the marshland reserve, the marina, the golf course, the main access, and the airport) and the elements of a local nature (the general aesthetics, the athletic center, the municipal service center, the interpretive center, refuse disposal, and sewage treatment). The proposed amendment is presented as a revision of Pages 47, 48, and 63, addition of Pp. 47a, 47b, 47c, 47d, 47e, 47f, and Map -4A- to the existing General Plan text under Part III, Elements Of The Plan, D. Areas of Special Interest: Baylands and Foot- hills. Current Status of t1aeJ"Three-Finger-Lake" Plan: The Bayfront Development Committee, composed of representatives from cities along the Bay, submitted to the Santa Clara County Mkt- and Recreation Commission its recommendations for recre- ational development of the baylands. The Parks and Recreation Commission at its meeting of April 26, 1967 reviewed the findings of the Bayfront Committee and by a vote of 5 to 1 submitted the following recommendations to the Board of Supervisors: 1. The Commission approves in concept the proposed recreational development plan of the City of Palo Alto, known as the "Three -Finger -Lake", copies of which were previously furnished the Board of Supervisors by the City of Palo Alto. 2. The Commission recommends that an engineering study be undertaken to determine the feasibility of the recreational proposal of the City of Palo Alto, with a view toward coordination with the proposed shoreline park of the City of Mountain -2 - View to further the idea of a regional shore- line park. The Commission wishes to point out the urgency for instituting a feasibility study so that recreational planning and development of the bayfront may begin without further delay. 3. It is further recommended by the Commission that the feasibility study be a joint venture of all agencies involved. On May 5, 1967 the Board of Supervisors approved the Parks and Recreation Commission's recommendations and referred the matter to the involved agencies so that a more definitive proposal might be presented to the Board. Respectfully submitted, r►�d h%� c�l a MICHAEL B. BARKER Asst. Planning Officer MBB:mhw attchs. • 1 Revised Page 47 D. Areas of Special Interest: Baylands and Foothills Iptrgduction: In the initial stages of developing the General Plan it became obvious that the use of much of the flat lands was predetermined by existing land uses, and the areas wherein major development alternatives needed to be considered were the Baylands and the Foothills. Baylands Plan: 1. Scope The plan covers that area of San Francisco Bayfront between Cooley Landing and Moffett Field. More emphasis has been placed on the development of the lands owned by, and within the City of Palo Alto, and a further emphasis has been placed on the recla- mation and use of the Palo Alto flood basin. How- ever, the whole plan is considered to be an integral unit and should be implemented as such. The Bay - lands Development Plan is depicted in Map -4A-. 2. The Proposal: Flood Basin -- The major element in the Baylands proposal is a three -finger -lake, one finger of which is a modification of the present Palo Alto flood basin. The advantage of this lake system is that flood control can be improved at the same time a valuable recreational and conser- vational resource is developed. The flood basin should be redesigned to accommodate long-range • BAYLANDS PLAN - 4A- • ti !4- Y 4 NATURAL AREA sNTERSIVE RECREATION PUF1.1"' FACILITIES .- RECREATION TPAIL 0 2000 4000 Ft • • Page 47a flood control by increasing its depth and improv- ing the control devices. During the dry season, when water -oriented recreation resources are most in demand, the flood basin (lake) could be maintained at a constant level and used for a wide variety of water sports. Marshlands -- In the areas between the "fingers", marshlands should be preserved and enhanced as a natural habitat for wildlife. The animal and plant life which depends on the tides could be given a permanent reprieve from man's destruction for man's benefit and enjoyment. The mudflats adjacent to the marshlands should also be preserved so that their purification effect on the waters of the Bay, their temper- ing effect on our weather, and their sustaining link in the wildlife food chain would endure as nature intended. Marina Area -- The marina area needs a general upgrading. The area in and around the yacht harbor is ideal for development as a recreation complex but needs expansion and development of facilities in addition to yachting and boating activities. Golf Course -- Play at the existing golf course • 0 Page 41b has reached capacity and consideration should be given to the establishment of a second course. It is recommended that this additional facility be planned for the present refuse disposal fill area and on the adjoining portion cf the flood basin not needed for lake or passive recreational use. The development could be done in two stages: the first stage being a 9 -hole course located on existing fill, and the second stage being an additional 9 holes located on land yet to be filled. Recreational Access -- A recreation road along the western fringe of the lake complex is proposed to give access to the area and provide a scenic driving route. Bicycling and hiking trails could also be established within the lake -park area, including a connection to the Oregon -Page Mill System and to any system which may be developed to the south. Airport -- Needs for the airport have been generally recognized in various reports and by agreements now pending. A Joint Effort -- The proposal involves three juris- dictions -- Pale Alto, Mountain View, and the County of Santa Clara. Additionally, the Santa Clara County Page 47c Flood Control and Water District would be directly involved. These jurisddctions are all engaged in, and at various stages of, planning for the Baylands. The City of Mountain %iew is developing a 500 -acre park on their waterfront which includes a small boating lake, a golf course, and other recreational uses. The Mountain View General Plan designates the Leslie Salt ponds as "Water Area". Our proposal respects and complements these Mountain View efforts. Implementation -- In term of financing, the plan is a regional one and should be financed as such. The County of Santa Clara is, in effect, the South Bay regional planning,body and therefore it should provide leadership, coordination, and a means for funding such a regional facility. An initial appraisal indicates that development could be carried out in three or more phases. For example, the major element of the first phase would logically be the Mountain View Bayland Park development. The second phase could include the Palo Alto flood basin lake and perhaps a portion of the "second finger" lake. In addition, hiking and cycling trails and a recreation access rood tying the Palo Alto Baylands with the Mountain View Bayland Park could be developed. • Page 47d The major element of the third phase could include the completion of the "second finger" lake and, in addition, a link between the Mountain View Bayland Park lake and the "second finger" lake. The major element of the fourth phase could include the "third finger" lake, additional facilities for boat users and picnickers, and improved landscaping. 3. Other Elements - Palo Alto: Aesthetics -- While the opportunity exists, any pro- posal for development of a broad nature in this area should not fail to include the necessity for im- proving aesthetic, visual, and emotional values. The Bay and its adjacent lands are a priceless natural heritage. The awakening of people to the importance of this aspect of development needs to be fcstered not only for our own sakes but for all the people who will come after us. Athletic Center -- Two parcels, in the vicinity of Geng Road, totaling fourteen acres, have been designated as an athletic center site. The site is large enough to accommodate three baseball diamonds and two multi -purpose playfields. Munciipal Service Center -- Approximately twenty- five acres adjacent to the East Bayshore Frontage Road have been reserved for the development of the Muncipal Service Center. This facility, • • Page 47e which replaces the old corporation yard, accom- modates all the major service units of the City and in the future phases of its development will contain a joint fire -police training building with auxiliary facilities and the relocated City - owned and operated nursery. Baylands Interpretive Center -- A Baylands Interpretive Center, located to the northeast of the yacht harbor in an area designated "natural area" on Map -4A-, will house exhibits of indigenous plants and wildlife. The facility will also serve as a focal point for outdoor exhibits and field trips. The re -designed duck pond, a bayfront landmark and tradition, should continue to be a feature of particular fasci- nation to the younger child. Refuse Disposal -- In the area available for refuse disposal, soma sixty acres have been filled atd about thirty acres remain to be filled. At the present rate of fill (approxi- mately six acres per year), a new site will be needed within five or six years. The Planning Commission sees no short-range solution to the refuse disposal problem that will not require • • . .. Page 47f additional space. However, the Planning Com- mission expects that the amount of fill required for the disposal area should be mini- mized and that other means of disposal of refuse will be achieved on a regional basis through ABAG. Use of the flood basin for future refuse dis- posal area is dependent upon developing facilities for handling flood waters. The plan proposes a reduced flood basin and recom- mends use of the remaining portion for future refuse disposal and ultimately a3 a park and recreation area. Sewage Treatment Plant -- Future sewage treat- ment improvements are recommended to be develop- ed southerly toward the flood basin. Approxi- mately twenty-five acres will be needed for both existing and proposed facilities. This includes the possibility of a joint plant for Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Los Altos. Privately Held Properties Those areas which were designated in the 1963 General Plan as employment -professional -industrial -adminis- trative should remain as originally designated. e Revised Page 48 While some restricted commercial activities could be successfully incorporated in these areas, all proposals should be carefully reviewed to insure their compatibility with overall planning for the Baylands. Foothills - Above Future Junipero Serra Freeway: Studies of the Palo Alto Foothills have shown that the number of dwelling units which can reasonably be built will be determined largely by the road system serving the area. The total number of dwelling units possible ranges from a low of 2,000 with only the present road system, to 4,300 with some improvement and a new road, to a high of 8,500 with extensive improve- ment and a new road. The basic assumptions made in determining circulation pattern are shown below. BASIC ASSUMPTIONS - FOOTHILLS ROAD DEVELOPMENT Road I• II III 2000 D.U.'s 4300 D.U.'s 8500 D.U.'s Alpine-Portola 2 lanes 4 lanes with 4 -lane Freeway center median (Willow) Page Mill-Arastradero 2 lanes 4 lanes 6 lanes -4 lanes New Road 2 lanes 4 lanes Skyline 2 lanes or 4 lane parkway Upper Alpine 2 lanes 2 lanes 2 lanes Montebello Ridge Road 2 lanes 2 lanes 2 lanes • • Revised Baylands (pending) Revised Downtown Parks (pending) Page 63 City -Wide Facilities: Baylands development will continue to add more recreational facilities as the various proposals of the Baylands Plan described earlier in "Areas of Special Interest: Baylands and Foothills" (P. 47) are imple- mented. Foothill Park will be developed over a period of years, gradually add- ing a wide range of recreational facilities. Greater Downtown Parks, Open Space, and Beautification: The area bounded by El Camino Real, Middlefield Road, the Embarcadero, and San Francisquito Creek provides the setting for the City's Central Business District and Civic Center aad as such, parks, open space, and beautification of the area are of City-wide significance. In develop- ing the policies for parks, open space, and beautification, the Plan- ning Commission made the following major assumptions and findings: 1. Through traffic will be diverted from University Avenue to Hamilton Avenue and Lytton Avenue in order to relieve traffic congestion on University Avenue and allow University Avenue to be exten- sively landscaped and made more attractive to pedestrians. 2. Attractive multi -level parking facilities, either above or below ground, will be built to solve Palo Alto's critical shortage of off-street park- ing space and may possibly enable parts of some existing parking lots to be landscaped for park