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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-08-09 City Council (3)City of Palo Alto City Manager’s Re TO:HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT: PLANNING AND COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT DATE:AUGUST 9, 2004 CMR:385:04 SUBJECT:DIRECTION TO STUDY A CHARLESTON/ARASTRADERO CORRIDOR STREETSCAPE DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEE RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that Council direct staff to take the initial steps, including preparation of a nexus study, to establish a Charleston/Arastradero Corridor Streetscape Development Fee to fund bicycle, pedestrian, and landscape improvements called for in the Council-adopted Charleston/Arastradero Corridor Plan, and report back to Council regarding the feasibility of the proposed fee. BACKGROUND The City Council unanimously approved the Charleston/Arastradero Corridor Plan on January 20, 2004 (CMR:122:04). The Corridor Plan comprises several elements, including improved bicycle lanes, new pedestrian crossings, and landscape enhancements on each side of the corridor and at cemer medians provided on portions of Charleston Road and Arastradero Road. The plan was developed in anticipation of future needs with respect to bicycle, pedestrian and streetscape amenity needs associated with expected new development and redevelopment. The Corridor Plan was adopted with Council direction that staff seek out sufficient resources to implement its provisions. In accordance with Council direction, staff subsequently applied for grants to fund substantial portions of the Corridor Plan through the Valley Transportation Authority’s (VTA) new Local Streets and County Roads (LSCR) grant program and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s Transportation for Livable Communities (TLC) grant program. While the City’s application for LSCR funding was deemed eligible and was placed by VTA in the top third of eligible projects, no funding is foreseen from this source for several years. No decision has yet been made with respect to the City’s TLC grant, which was sublnitted in July 2004. Staff continues to pursue grant funding opportunities as they arise. In all cases, external grants will require local funding as matching resources. Hence it is necessary to seek additional, non-grant generated resources to fnnd the Charleston/Arastradero Co~Tidor Plan. CMR:385:04 Page 1 of 3 DISCUSSION In order to finance the improveinents described in the Corridor Plan, which will primarily serve the demands of new residents of the corridor, staff proposes to study the feasibility of levying a development fee on new development in the con’idor. This fee, which would address localized impacts of development, rather than citywide transportation impacts, would be separate from the citywide TIF, and parcels in the corridor would also be subject to the citywide TIF. Staff requests direction from Council to explore the feasibility of and provide recommendations concerning implementation of a Charleston Arastradero Corridor Streetscape Fee. Feasibility would be explored through a study’ of the nexus between expected development and re-.development and impacts on the cycling, pedestrian, and streetscape environment. POLICY IMPLICATIONS A proposed CharlestoniArastradero Streetscape Development Fee would carry out two of the Council’s Top 5 priorities: Long-Range Financial Planning and Alternative Transportation/Traffic Calming, and help implement both the Bicycle Transportation Plan and draft Transportation Strategic Plan..The Charleston/Arastradero Streetscape Development Fee would implement the following 1998-2010 Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan Transportation Goals: T- 1: Less Reliance on Single-Occupant Vehicles T-3: Facilities, Services, and Programs that Encourage and Promote Walldng and Bicycling T-5: A Transportation System with Minimal Impacts on Residential Neighborhoods T-6: A High Level of Safety for Motorists, Pedestrians, and Bicyclists on Palo Alto Streets ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The CharlestoniArastradero Corridor Streetscape Development Fee would ~partially fund a set of projects from the Charleston!Arastradero Corridor Plan. The Corridor Plan was subject to a Mitigated Negative Declaration approved by City Council in a Resolution adopted on January 20, ’2004 (see Attachment A). The CharlestoniArastradero Streetscape Development Fee itself would be a funding mechanism, not a project subject to environmental review. ATTACHMENTS A. CharlestoniArastradero Corridor Mitigated Negative Declaration CMR:385:04 Page 2 of 3 PREPARED BY: KOTT ~ortation Official DEPARTMENT HEAD: STEVE EMSLIE Director of Planning and Community Environment CITY MANAGER APPROVA "-EMILY HARRISON Assistant City Manager cc:Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce Palo Alto Bicycle Advisory Convnittee Lee Weider Jim Baer Bill Phillips, Stanford Management Company Sandy Sloan CMR:385:04 Page 3 of 3 ATTACHMENT A C HARL E S T O N/ARA S TRAD E RO CORRIDOR PLAN Final Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration January, 2004 Table of Contents: 1.Mitigated Negative Declaration 2.Mitigation Reporting and Monitoring Program 3.COmment Letters and Responses to Comments (Initial Stu@ & Appendices were included in the Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration that, was circulated for public review. Copies of this document are available at the Department of Planning and Community Environmen0 SCti#2003082062 City of Palo Alto 03-EIA-16 City of Palo Alto Department of Planning and. Community Environment City of Palo Alto Department of Planning and Comm unity Environment California Enviromnental QualiO~ Act MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION ’ CHARLES TON ARAS TRADER O ROAD CORRIDOR PLAN NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Mitigated Negative Declaration has been prepared by the Palo Alto Department of Planning and Community Environment for the project listed below. In accordance with CEQA Guidelines, this document is available for review and comment during a minimum 20-day inspection period beginning December 8, 2003 and ending on December 29, 2003. Written comments may be subn-fitted to the Department of Planning mad Community Environment during the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM in the Planning Division, Civic Center, 250 Hamilton Avenue, (fifth floor), or at the Development Center, 285 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, California or FAX 650-329-2154. The Initial Study prepared for the Mitigated Negative Declaration may be also be reviewed at the Department of Planaing and Community Environment I.DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT .......... ¯ Date: December 8, 2003 Application Nos.:City of Palo Alto 03-EIA-16 State Clearinghouse #2003082062 Project Location: Charleston-Arastradero Road Corridor is located in the southern portion of the City of Palo Alto. The Corridor begins on Charleston Road approximately ½ mile from Interstate Highway 101 at Fabian Way, and continues 2.3 miles southwest as Charleston Road, crossing the railroad tracks near Alma Street and State Highway 82 (El Camino Real) where the road continues as Arastradero Road and ends at Miranda Avenue. Project Sponsor’s Name and Address: City of Palo Alto Department of Planning and Community Environment 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94303 Contact Person and Phon~ Number: Susan Ondik, Enviror~mental P!armer (650) 617-3131 Susan.Ondik@cityofpaloalto.org Project Description and Location: ............... In April 2003, the Palo Alto City Council mandated preparation of a Charleston-Arastradero Corridor Plan to address school commute and other travel safety concerns for pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers, as well as to incorporate residential amenities along the corridor, without inducing traffic to shift onto nearby residential streets. The roadway improvements proposed in the Corridor Plan are contained within the existing 80- 86’ fight-of-way width (which includes the 60-foot curb-to-curb street width plus existing sidewalks and vegetation strip areas) along CharlestordArastradero Road corridor and the existing rights-of-way at each of the ten signalized intersections. Additional information addressing existing conditions, the proposed project’s impacts and mitigation measures, the environmental checklist, and technical repolts are contained in the I~itial Study prepared for the project. The Charleston/Aa-astradero Corridor Plan includes the following improvements: In~plementation of traffic adaptive (automated) signaal tectmology on the Charteston!Arastradero Corridor. installation of raised median pedestrian refuges at selected intersections on the Corridor. Installation of lighted (in-pavement, pedestrian actuated) crosswalks to enhance on A~’astradero west of Georgia, on Arastradero between Suzarme Drive and Clemo Avenue, on Charleston Road near Mumford Place, and on Charleston Road at Louis and Montrose. Deployment of additional fixed, electronic radar read-out speed advisory signs along the Corridor. Installation ofbulbouts (extended curbs) at selected intersections. Removal of the two free right turn ("pork chop") islands On the southern leg of the E1 Camino Real and West Charleston!Arastradero Road intersection. Provision of continuous bicycle lanes along the entire Corridor. Tinting or painting the bicycle lanes for higher visibility to both motorists and cyclists along the entire Corridor. Selected improvements in Shuttle service, both bus trips and service routes, along the Corridor. Provision on Arastradero of a three-lane cross-section with two through lanes (one in each direction) and an intermittent left turning pockets or lanes interspersed with raised center median islands from Foothill Expressway to E1 Camino Real. Four travel lanes (two in each direction) will be maintained at Foothill, in the vicinity of Gunn High School, and at E1 Camino Real. An alternative cross-section of four travel lanes (two in each direction) throughout is available and is also feasible on Arastradero Road. Creation of a new dedicated .right turn lane at the Gurm High School driveway for westbound vehicles on Arastradero Road. Wide~-Jng the Gunn High Schoo! d~dveway t!~oat to provide for simultaneous eastbound !eft turns into Gurm and westbound right turns. Retaining four travel lanes (two in each direction) on Charleston from E1 Camino Real to Alma with intermittent "tree islands" (small medians). Provision on Charleston Road of a three-lane cross-section with two through lanes (one in each direction) and one intermittent left turning lane ir~terspersed with raised center median islands from Fabian to E1 Camino Real. An alternative cross-section of four travel lanes (two in each direction) throughout is available and is also feasible on Arastradero Road. Provision of a center left turn lane leading and just west of the easterly Hoover Elementary School driveway. Redesign of the existing median at Louis and Montrose. Installafion of Kontage improvements, including street trees and new street lighting along the Corridor. Demonstration trial of the Corridor Plan with paint, signage, and asphalt curbing in selected sections prior to construction or deployment of final improvements. Charleston Arastradero Corridor Plan MND 2December 8, 2003 The Con-idor Plan phasing is as follows: Installation of a new dedicated westbound fight turn lane and Gram High School and associated driveway improvements to separate right turning from left turning vehicles. Deployment of traffic adaptive traffic signaal operation along the entire Con-idor. Demonstration trial of three-lane section (two travel lanes, one in each direction) from west of Fabian to east of Foothill Expressw~ay, retaining two travel lanes in each direction at both the east and west approaches of Middlefield, from the east approach to Alma to the west approach to E1 Camino Real, at the east and west approaches to the Gum1 High School driveway, and at the east approach to Foothill Expressway. At the conclusion of the demonstration trial, make such permanent changes as proven to be desirable in the trial. Installation of frontage improvements, including street trees and new street lighting. II.DETERMINATION In accordance with the City of Palo Alto’s procedures for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City has conducted an Initial Study to determine whether the proposed Charleston-Arastradero Corridor Plan project may have a significant effect on the enwronment. On the bas~s of that study, the C~ty makes the following determination: X The proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the ’environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION is hereby adopted. Although the project, as proposed, could have a significant effect on the environment, there wil! not be a significant effect on the environment in this ease because mitigation measures have been added to the project and, therefore, a MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION is hereby adopted. The attached initial study incorporates all relevant information regarding the potential environmental effects of the project and confirms the determination that an EIR is not required for the project. The Charleston Arastradero Road. Corridor Plan would not result in significant environment impacts from traffic, including level of service, noise and air quality. In addition, the following mitigation measures have been incorporated into the project: Biotic Resources: BIO-1. Comply with Tree Technical Manual and Chapter 8.10 of the PAMC. All proposed improvements would be required to be built per the tree technical manual standards, particularly those in Section 2.20, Activities during Construction & Demolition near trees, using tree protection zones and requirements as illustrated in Images 2.20-1 through 2.20-3. It includes establishing Zones near trees (such as sidewalk, planter strip, tree protection zone, etc. and include precautions to take to avoid soil compaction, to limit grading and excavation, and storage of construction equipment. The City Arborist Charleston Arastradero Corridor Plan MND 3 December 8, 2003 and Managing Arborist shatl review schematic designs of proposed improvements and their recommendations shall be included in the final design. Guidelines, recommendations, and scheduling of the Arbor Resources & the City of Palo Alto (Arborist comments & City Tree Technical Manual) shall apply during all phases of demolition and construction of the project. BIG-2. Prior to final design, an Arborist Report shall be prepared to assess construction impacts to existing plantings. Wbere the project includes sidewalkand!or curb relocation or widening appropriate mitigation measures shall be included in order to protect the roots of trees. These mitigation measures shall include a more detailed assessment of both existing private and public shrubs and trees at and adjacent to that ROW. The assessment shall also analyze the proposed new planting scheme for any impacts to existing plantings. The City Arborist and City Managing Arborist shall review the schematic design to determine how the improvement could be accomplished without damaging or removing trees. Whenever possible, the design shall be amended to preserve trees, and measures taken to protect trees during construction, as specified in the City Tree Technical Manual. If the trees cannot be preserved, the assessment shall identify measures to offset the loss of street trees, in accordance with PAIVIC, Chapter 8.10. The City shall commit to implementing these measures, which would include additional plantings in vacant spaces, new medians, and replacement of declining street trees as listed in the City Street Tree Inventory. BIG-3. Potential tree removal & nesting birds. Any tree removal along the corridor, in addition to meeting the City Tree removal requirements under PAMC Chapter 8.10 and the City Tree Technical Manual, shall also comply with the following. The removal of trees, shrubs, or weedy vegetation should avoid the December 15 through August 31 bird nesting period to the extent possible. If no vegetation or tree removal is proposed during the nesting period, no surveys are required. If it is not feasible to avoid the nesting period, a qualified wildlife biologist should conduct a survey for nesting birds no earlier than 21 days prior to the removal of trees, shrubs, grassland vegetation, grading, or other construction activity. The area surveyed should include all construction sites, access roads, and staging areas, as well as areas within 150 feet outside the boundaries of the areas to be cleared or as otherwise determined by the biologist. Survey results shall remain valid for a period of 21 days following the survey. In the event that an active nest is discovered in the areas to be cleared, or in other habitats within 150 feet of construction boundaries, clearing and construction should be postponed for at least two weeks or until a wildlife biologist has determined that the young have fledged (left the nest), the nest is vacated, and there is no evidence of second nesting attempts. Implementation of this mitigation measure would reduce impact to nesting birds to a less-than-significant level. Archeological Resources: ARCI~ -1’ In accordance with to the requirements for archaeological resources mitigation in Sections 21083.2(c)-(f) of CEQA, in areas where the curb or sidewalk is expanded, construction work crews shall be aware of the potential for discovery archeological resources. In the event of a discovery, all work at the discovery location shall cease immediately and a qualified archaeologist retained to evaluate the find. The archaeologist shall first determine whether an archaeological resource uncovered during construction is a "unique archaeological resource" under PuNic Resources Code Section 21083.2(g) or a historical resource under Section 15064.5(a)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines. If the archaeological resource is determined to be a "unique archaeological resource" or a historical resource, the archaeologist shall formulate a mitigation plan in consultation with the City that satisfies the requirements of Section 21083.2(c)-(f) of CEQA. If the archaeologist determines that the archaeological resource is not a unique archaeological resource or a historical resource, the archaeologist may record the site and submit the recordation form to the California Historic Resources Information System Northwest Information Center. The archaeologist shall prepare a report of the results of any study prepared as part of a mitigation plan, following accepted professional practice. Copies of the report shall be submitted to the City and to the California Historic ReSources Information System Northwest Information Center. In the event of any Charleston Arastradero Corridor Plan MND December 8, 2003 accidental discovery of human remains, the Sama Clara County Coroner’s Office shal] be notified imlnediately. The coroner would determine if the remains are those of a Native American, and if they are shall comply with the CEQA guidelines Section 15064.5(e). Temporary Construction Impacts: NOISE-l: Construction hours would be limited to Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., as per City Noise Ordinance, Chapter 9.10 requirements. All construction truck traffic shall conform to the City of Palo Alto Trucks and Traffic Ordinance (10.48) that details city truck routes. Average Noise Levels of typical construction equipment is included in Table 2 of the Technical Memoranduna. At 50-100 feet construction vehicle noises ranges from 70 - 90 clBA, but with noise control these can be reduced to 60 - 80 dBA. The project shall b~ required to follow standard construction techniques and bedt management practices, including the development of a Construction Management Plan that would include measures taken to reduce construction noise, tn addition, the contractor would adjust the construction schedule to be sensitive to nearby land uses, use temporary noise barriers, and use tl~e woper ehuipment and shielding for construction machinery and tools. AIR QUALITY-1. Implement Best Management Practices to Reduce Air Emissions During Construction. The City shall include in construction contracts the following requirements: Cover all truck hauling construction and demolition debris from the site; Water all exposed or disturbed soil surfaces at least twice daily; Use watering to control dust generation during demolition of structures or break-up of pavement; Pave, apply water three times daily, or apply (non-toxic) soil stabilizers on all unpaved parking areas and staging areas; . Sweep daily (with water sweepers) all paved parking areas and staging areas during the earthwork phases of construction; Provide daily clean-up of mud and dirt carried onto paved streets from the site; Enclose, cover, water twice daily, or apply non-toxic soil binders to exposed stockpiles (dirt, sand, etc.); Limit traffic speeds on unpaved roads to 15 mph; Install sandbags or other erosion control measures to prevent silt runoff to public roadways; and Replant vegetation in disturbed areas as quicldy as possible. Public Services: Fire Department Service - PUBSERV- 1: Since the improvements would be phased and tested prior to placement, part of the City testing shall include fire department emergency access and tests of response time through traffic to address specific areas of concern before the permanent facilities are in place. The Transportation department shall also work with the Fire Department to integrate areas of concern into the designs as they progress; The traffic adaptive system shall integrate a sytem of traffic signal pre-emption, such as the Opticom Traffic Signal pre-emption system. Utility Service - PUBSERV - 2: Similar to biological (tree) resources discussion, Comply with Recommendation for Supplementary Assessment if Sidewalk or Curb expanded. In order to protect existing utility systems in the ROW, if the project includes sidewalk or curb location or widening (where the curb or sidewalks spreads further out than existing conditions), in any areas, the following shall occur. In locations where the existing curb or sidewalk is relocated!widened out, a more detailed assessment of existing utility placements and proposed improvements shall occur to the satisfaction of the City’s Public Works and Utilities Departments. These departments shall review the proposed design and assessment and determine whether the improvement could be accomplished without impacting existing utilities. The design shall be amended to maintain existing utility service. The proposed improvements, with the above ~harleston Arastradero Corridor Plan IVIND 5 December 8, 2003 mitigation, are considered minor improvements to the existing utility systems, and therefore a less tlaan significant impact. dik, Envir~-nmental Planner Date Jo~sardi, Pl~iI~g Ma~er Date Charleston Axastradero Corridor Plan MND December 8, 2003 CHARLESTON/ARASTRADERO CORRIDOR PLAN Mitigation Reporting And Monitoring Program SCH# 2003082062 City of Palo Alto 03-EIA- 16 City of Palo Alto Department of Planning and Communitv Environment CHARLESTON - ARASTRADERO ROAD CORRIDOR MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION MITIGATION REPORTING AND MONITORING PROGRAM (SCH # 2003082062 & City of Palo Alto #03-EIA-16) The Mitigated Negative Declaration and Initial Study identifies environmental factors that would be potentially affected by the proposed project with regard to Biotic Resources, Archeological Resources, Temporary Construction Impact and Public Services. None of these factors are "Potential Significant Issues". All feasible changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project that avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental impacts identified in the Initial Study and some mitigation is incorporated. The Mitigation Reporting and Monitoring Program describes each potentially affected environmental factor, appropriate mitigation measures that were incorporated into the plan, and the responsible agency and time frame for mitigation monitoring. BIOTIC RESOURCES: BIO-I: Comply with Tree Technical Manual and Chapter 8.10 of the PAMC. All proposed improvements shall be required to be built per the tree technical manual standards, particularly those in Section 2.20, Activities during Construction & Demolition near trees, using tree protection zones and requirements as illustrated in Images 2.20-1 through 2.20-3. It includes establishing Zones near trees (such as sidewalk, planter strip, tree protection zone, etc. and include precautions to take to avoid soil compaction, to limit ~ading and excavation, and storage of construction equipment. The City Arborist and Managing Arborist shall review schematic designs of proposed improvements and their recommendations shall be included in the final design. Guidelines, recommendations, and scheduling of the Arbor Resources & the City of Palo Alto (Arborist comments & City Tree-Technical Manual) shall apply during all phases of demolition and construction of the project. ’ Responsible Agency for mitigation monitoring: The City of Palo Alto Time frame for mitigation monitoring: 1. Design development and preconstruction activities. Applicable City departments, including the City Arborist are responsible for review of tree protection measures, the Tree Protection and Preservation Plan and the Construction Management Plan as project design pr6ceeds to ensure that mitigation is included in the implementation projects of the Plan. 2. Monitor during construction activities. The project arborist shall report to the City of Palo Alto Planning Arborist. The project arborist shall perform inspections of any prescribed tree protection measures. Site inspections to monitor tree condition on a minimum of four-week intervals shall also occur. The Planning Arborist shall be in receipt of the inspection report during the first week of each month until completidn. 3. Mitigation monitoring for additional plantings will also extend to a minimum of at ]east a year after completion of construction to ensure the health and retention of trees. The City has an ongoing monitoring program for city street trees. Any trees planted within the right-of-way as part of the Corridor Plan shall be added to the City Street Tree Inventory. A-1 Charleston-Arastradero Corridor Improvement Plan Mitigation Reporting & Monitoring Pro~’arn (SCH # 2003082062 & City of Palo Alto #03-EIA-16) BIO-2: Prior to final design, an Arborist Report shall be prepared to assess construction impacts to existing plantings. Where the project includes sidewalk and/or curb relocation or widening appropriate mitigation measures shall be included in order to protect the roots of trees. These mitigation measures shall include a more detailed assessment of both existing private and public shrubs and trees at and adjacent to that ROW. The assessment shall also analyze the proposed new planting scheme for any impacts to existing plantings. The Cits? Arborist and City Managing Arborist shall review the schematic design to determine ho>v the improvement could be accomplished without damaging or removing trees. Whenever possible, the design shall be amended to preserve trees, and measures taken to protect trees during construction, as specified in the City Tree Technical Manual. If the trees cannot be preserved, the assessment shall identify measures to offset the loss of street trees, in accordance with PAMC, Chapter 8.10. The City shall commit to implementing these measures, which shall include additional plantings in vacant spaces, new medians, and replacement of declining street trees as listed in the City Street Tree Inventory. Responsible Agency for mitigation monitoring: The City of Palo Alto. Time frame for mitigation monitoring: 1. Design development and preconstmction activities. Applicable City departments, including the City Arborist are responsible for review of tree protection measures, the Tree Protection and Preservation Plan and the Construction Management Plan as project design proceeds to ensure that mitigation is included in the implementation projects of the Plan. 2. Monitor during construction activities. The project arborist shall report to the City of Palo Alto Planning Arborist. The project arborist shall perform inspections of any prescribed tree protection measures. Site inspections to monitor tree condition on a minimum of four-wee~k intervals shall also occur. The Planning Arborist shall be in receipt of the inspectign report during the first week of each month until completion. 3. Mitigation monitoring for additional plantings will also extend to a minimum of at least a year after completion of construction to ensure the health and retention of trees: The City has an ongoing monitoring program for city street trees. Any trees planted within the right-of-way as part of the Corridor Plan shall be added to the City Street Tree Inventory. BIO-3. Potential tree removal & nesting birds. Any tree removal along the corridor, in addition to meeting the City Tree removal requirements under PAMC Chapter 8110 and the City Tree Technical Manual, shall also comply with the following. The removal of trees, shrubs, or weedy vegetation should avoid the December 15 through August 31 bird nesting period to the extent possible. K no vegetation or tree removal is proposed during the nesting period, no surveys are required. If it is not feasible to avoid the nesting period, a qualified wildlife biologist should conduct a survey for nesting birds no earlier than 21 days prior to the removal of trees, shrubs, grassland vegetation, grading, or other construction activity. The area surveyed should include all construction sites, access roads, and staging areas, as well as areas within 150 feet outside the boundaries of the areas to be cleared or as otherwise determined by the biologist. Survey results shall remain valid for a period of 21 days following the survey. In the event that an active nest is discovered in the areas to be cleared, or in other habitats within 150 feet of construction boundaries, clearing and construction should be postponed for at least two weeks or until a wildlife biologist 2 Ch arleston-Arastradero Corri dot Improvement P1 an Mitigation Reporting & Monitoring Program (SCH #.2003082062 & City of Palo Alto #03-EIA-16) has determined that the young have fledged (left the nest), the nest is vacated, and there is no evidence of second nesting attempts. Implementation of this mitigation measure will reduce impact to nesting birds to a less-than-significant level. Responsible Agency for mitigation monitoring: The City of Palo Alto Time frame for mitigation monitoring: 1. Design and Pre-construction. The City Project Manager and applicable City departments are responsible for review during design development to ensure that mitigation is included in the implementation projects of the Plan, including any necessary bird surveys. 2. Monitor during construction activities. The City of Palo Alto and Project Construction Manager is responsible for review and implementation of recommendations resulting from any bird survey, if applicable, including monitoring construction and the notification of appropriate authorities. ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES: ARCH -1: In accordance with to the requirements for archaeological resources mitigation in Sections 21083.2(c)-(f) of CEQA, in areas where the curb or sidewalk is expanded, construction work crews shall be aware of the potential for discovery archeological resources. In the event of a discovery, all work at the discovery locati.on shall cease immediately and a qualified archaeologist retained to evaluate the find. The archaeologist shall first determine whether an archaeological resource uncovered during construction is a ~unique archaeological resource" under Public Resources Code Section21083.2(g) or a historical resource under Section 15064.5(a)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines. If the archaeological resource is determined to be a "uniquearchaeological resource" or a historical resource, the archaeologist shall formulate a mitigation plan in consultation with the City that satisfies the requirements of Section 21083.2(c)=(f) of CEQA. If the archaeologist determines that the archaeological resource is not a unique archaeological resource or a historical resource, the archaeologist may record the site and submit the recordation form to the California Historic Resources Information System Northwest Information Center. The archaeologist shall prepare a report of the results of any study prepared as part of a mitigation plan, following accepted professional practice. Copies of the report shall be submitted to the City and to the California Historic Resources Information System Northwest Information Center. In the event of any accidental discovery of human remains, the Santa Clara C~unty Coroner’s Office shall be notified immediately. The coroner would determine if the remains are those of a Native American, and if they are shall comply with the CEQA guidelines Section 15064.5(e). Responsible Agency for mitigation monitoring: The City of Palo Alto Time frame for mitigation monitoring: 1. Design development and preconstmction activities. Applicable City departments are responsible for review of the implementation projects’ Construction Management Plans to ensure mitigation, including a plan if an archeological discovery is found, is included in the project. 2. Charleston-Arastradero Con’idor Improvement Plan Mitigation Reporting & Monitoring Propam (SCH # 2003082062 & City of Palo Alto #03-EIA-I 6) Monitor during construction. The City of Palo Alto and Project Construction Manager is responsible for monitoring construction for archeological materials and the notification of appropriate authorities. TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS: NOISE-l: Construction hours shall be limited to Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., as per City Noise Ordinance, Chapter 9.10 requirements. All construction truck traffic shall conform to the City of Palo Alto Trucks and Traffic Ordinance (10.48) that details city truck routes. Average Noise Levels of typical construction equipment is included in Table 2 of the Technical Memorandum. At 50-100 feet construction vehicle noises ranges from 70 - 90 dBA, but with noise control these can be reduced to 60 - 80 dBA. The project shall be required to follow standard constructi.on techniques and best management practices, including the development of a Construction Management Plan that shall include measures taken to reduce construction noise. In addition, the contractor shall adjust the construction schedule to be sensitive to nearby land uses, use temporary noise barriers, and use the proper equipment and shielding for construction machinery and tools. Responsible Agency for mitigation monitoring: The City of Palo Alto Time frame for mitigation monitoring: 1. Design development and preconstruction activities. The applicable City departments are responsible for review of construction management plans prepared to ensure mitigation is included in the projects constructed under the Plan. 2. Monitor during construction activities. The City Police Department is responsible for the implementation of the Noise Ordinance and monitoring of construction hours. The City of Palo Alto and the construction project manager are responsible for monitoring that the conditions are implemented. Project design and construction also requires coordination with Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, California Department of Transportation and Santa Clara Valley Water District. AIR QUALIT¥-I. Implement Best Management Practices to Reduce Air Emissions During Construction. The City shall include in construction contracts the following requirements: -Cover all truck hauling construction and demolition debris from the site; -Water all exposed or disturbed soil surfaces at least twice daily; -Use watering to control dust generation during demolition of structures or break-up of pavement; Pave, apply water three times daily, or apply (non-toxic) soil stabilizers on all unpaved parking areas and staging areas; Sweep daily (with water sweepers) all paved parking areas and staging areas during the earthwork phases of construction; -Provide daily clean-up of mud and dirt carried onto paved streets from the site; -Enclose, cover, water twice daily, or apply non-toxic soil binders to exposed stockpiles (dirt, sand, etc.); Chafl.eston-Arastradero Corridor Improvement Plan Mitigation Reporting & Monitoring Pro~am (SCH # 2003082062 & City of Palo Alto #03-EIA-16) Limit traffic speeds on unpaved roads to 15 mph; Install sandbags or other erosion control measures to prevent silt runoff to public roadways; and Repl.ant vegetation in disturbed areas as quickly as possible. Responsible Agency for mitigation monitoring: The City of Palo Alto Time frame for mitigation monitoring: 1. Design development and preconstruction activities. Applicable City departments are responsible for review of, prior to granting any grading permit, the Construction Management Plan prepared for projects implemented under the Plan to ensure mitigation is included. 2.Monitor during construction activities. City of Palo Alto and the project manager will monitor that the Construction Management Plans including dust control measures are followed. PUBLIC SERVICES: Fire Department Service - PUBSERV- 1: The improvements shall be phased and tested prior to placement, part of the City testing shall include fire department emergency access and tests of ’ response time through traffic to address specific areas of concern before the permanent facilities are in place. The TransPortation department shall also work with the Fire Department to integrate areas of concern into the designs as they profess. The traffic adaptive system shall inte~ate a system of traffic signal pre-emption, such as the Opticom Traffic Signal pre-emption system. Responsible Agency for mitigation monitoring: The City of Palo Alto Time frame for mitigation monitoring: 1. Design development and preconstruction activities. Applicable City departments, including the City Fire and Transportation Departments are responsible for review of design of implementation projects for the Plan to ensure mitigation is included in the project. 2. Monitor during construction activities. City of Palo Alto and the project manager will monitor that the concerns brought up during and following the testing phase of implementation projects are documented and any measures taken to address these concerns. Utility Service - PUBSERV - 2: Similar to biological (tree) resources discussion, Comply with Recommendation for Supplementary Assessment if Sidewalk or Curb expanded. In order to protect existing utility systems in the ROW, if the project includes sidewalk or curb location or widening (where the curb or sidewalks spreads further out than existing conditions), in any areas, the following shall occur. In locations where the existing curb or sidewalk is relocated/widened out, a more detailed assessment of existing utility placements and proposed improvements shall occur to the satisfaction of the City’ s Public Works and Utilities Departments. These departments shall review the proposed design and assessment and determine whether the improvement could be accomplished without impacting existing utilities. The design shall be amended to maintain existing utility service. The proposed improvements, with the above mitigation, are considered minor improvements to the existing utility systems, and therefore a less than significant impact. Charleston-Arastradero Conidor Improvement Plan Mitigation Reporting & Monitoring Program (SCH # 2003082062 & City of Palo Alto #03-EIA-16) Responsible Agency for mitigation monitoring: The City of Palo Alto & Santa Clara Valley Water District Time frame for mitigation monitoring: 1. Design development and preconstruction activities. The applicabie City departments, including the City Public Works and Utilities Departments are responsible for the review of project designs prepared to ensure mitigation is included in the project. Work on or near the Adobe Creek bridge on Charleston Corridor must also rdceive review and approval by the Santa Clara Valley Water District. 2. Monitor during construction. The City of Palo Alto and Project Construction Manager is responsible for monitoring construction of projects under the Plan, including any additional coordination of Public Works or Utilities review and!or monitoring during project construction. CHARLESTON/ARASTRADERO PLAN Mitigated Negative Declaration Public Review Comments And Responses to Comments Januao:, 2004 The following written comments were received on the Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration: 1.Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), December 29, 2003 2.Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD), January 2, 2004 [Note: Comments f!"om the SCVWD were received after the close of the public review period, December 29, 2003] 3. State of California, State Clearinghouse, January 5, 2004 [No response is required] This section includes copies of the comment letters and responses to the comments from the VTA and SCVWD. Janua~3~, 2004 SCH# 2003082062 City of Palo Alto - 03-EIA,16 Chareleston/Arastradero Corridor Plan Responses to written comments on the Mitigated Negative Declaration: (Copies of the comment letters are attached) 1.Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Corm~ent Letter dated December 29, 2003. Comment: "VTA provides bus service along Charleston and Arastradero Roads. In order to meet the project objectives concerning improved travel along the corridor and to provide increased accessibility to transit service, VTA staff recommend that improvements to existing bus stops, in accordance with VTA and Americans with Disabilities Act~(ADA) standards, be included as part of the project. Our specific recommendations for each bus stop are attached. VTA staff are available to work with City staff concerning the designof the bus stop improvements. Response: The comment is noted. The City will coordinate with the VTA regarding the construction or improvements for bus stops during further design development and prior to implementation of Plan projects. 2.Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) Comment Letter dated January 2, 2004 Comment: "In accordance with District Ordinance 83-2, all projects within 50 feet fi’om a District facility are subject to review and issuance of a District~permit prior to construction. This includes construction, grading, paving, and landscaping. The proposed project may impact Adobe Creek where Charleston Road crosses the creek. The District has fee title property along Adobe Creek downstream of Charleston Road and an easement upstream of Charleston Road. CharlestordArastradero Corridor Plan MND - Responses to Comments ~ The comment is noted. As proposed, the project would not impact Adobe Creek. All improvements are within the existing City right-of- way. The City will coordinate all improvements within 50 feet of a District facility with the SCVWD during design development of implementation projects. Where required, the City will obtain District permits prior to construction. Charleston/Arastradero Corridor Plan MND - Responses to Comments PAGE R2 December 29, ~,003 Cit~, of Palo Alto Planning Department P.O, Box 10250 Palo Alto, CA 94808 Att, e~iior~: Susan Ondik Subject: City FiIe No.: 03-EIA-16 1 Chm’leston-Arastradero Corridor Plan Dear Ms, Ondik: Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (~fA) staff have re~&ewed ~e Mitigated Negative Declaration for the corridor study to address transpozCatlon issues and pedestriaxgbicycle s~fety for the area along Arastradero :Road a~ud Charleston Road, We have the following oomments. VTA provides bus service along Charleston and Arastradero Roads. in order to meet the project objectives concerning improved travel along the corridor’ and to provide increased accessibility to ~rar~it service, VTA staff recommend that improvements to existing bus stops., ix, accordance wRh ~WA and Americans with DisabitRies Act. (ADA) standazds, be included as pazt of the project. Ou~ specific recommendations for each bus stop are attached, VTA staff are available to work "with City staff concerning the design of the bus stop improvements, Thank you for the opportnnity t~ review this prqject. If you have any questions, please call me a~ (408)321478g. Sincerely~ Roy Molseed Se~or Envirommental Plarmer cc: l~on Wong, VTA :L:Z/2~/2BB3 1B: 28 ~B83215787 ENVIRON ANALYSIS PAGE 03 Proposed Arastradero Road/Charleston Road Bus Stop Improvements (1) #148005 WB Charleston Rd. NS Grove *Fill in planter strip; 40’ long Passenger Waiting Pad *-install 10!x55’ PCC Bus pad (2) #148014 EB Charleston Rd, FS Sutherland Drive *Fill in planter strip, 40’ long Passenger Waiting Pad *Install 10’x55’ PCC Bus Pad Arastradero-Charleston,doc’ Proposed Arastradero Road/Charleston Road Bus Stop Improvements (3) #148016 WB Charleston Road FS Middlefleld Road *Install 10’x55’ PCC Bus Pad (4) #148018 EB Charleston Road FS Middlefield Road *Install 10’×55’ PCC Bus Pad Arastradero~Charleston.doc 2 12/29/20B3 i~:28 4883215787 ENVIRON ANALYSIS PAGE B5 Proposed Arastradero Road/Charleston Road Bus Stop improvements (5) #138002 EB Charleston Road NS Nelson Drive =lnstal] 10’×55’ PCO Bus Pad or Repair Damaged Curb & Gutter (6) #138003 WB Charleston Road At Stevenson House *Fill-in Additional Planter Strip W/PCC For Access to Rear Door of BUS *Install 10’x55’ PCC Bus Pad Arastradero-Charteston.doc 3 12129128BS IB:28 4BBS215787 ENVIRON ANALYSIS PAGE Proposed ArastI’aderb Road/Charleston Road Bus Stop Improvements (7) #t38008 WB CharlestOn Road NS Carlson Cou~ *Fill:in Planter Strip W/40’ Long PCC Passenger Waiting Pad *Install 10’x55’ PCO Bus Pad (8) #I 38009 EB Charieston Road FS Carlson Courf, *Remove Shrubsi Fill’in Planter Strip W/40’ Long POe Passenger Waiting Pad *Install 10’x55’ PCC Bus Pad Arastradero-Charleston,doc 4 12/29/2883 16:28 488S215787 ENVIRON ANALYSIS PAGE 87 Proposed Arastradero RoafliCharleston Road Bus Stop Improvements (9) #138006 WB Charleston Road NS Wright Place *Install 10’x55’ PCC Bus Pad (10) #138007 EB Charleston Road NS Mumford Place *Fill-in Planter Strip Wf 40’ Long POC Passenger Waiting Pad *Install 10’x55’ PCC Bus Pad Arastradero-Charleston.doc 5 PAGE B8 Proposed Arastradero Road/Charleston Road Bus Stop Improvements (11 ) #137904 EB Charleston Road FS Alma St. *Fill-in Planter Strip 40’ Long PCC Passenger Pad *Install 10’x5~’ PCO Bus Pad . (12) #137905 WB W. Charleston Road FS Park Blvd.*Install PCC Pad At BOW 40, Long (Provide 8’ Wide Pax Pad) *Install 10’x55’ PCC Bus Pad Arastradero-Charleston.doc 6 12/29/2~03 16:28 4~83215787 ENVIRON ANALYSIS PAGE Proposed Arastradero Road/Charleston Road Bus Stop improvements (13) #127910 EB W. Charleston Road NS Ruthelma Ave. *Install t0’x55’ PCC Bus Pad (14) #127908 EB W, Charleston Road FS El CaminoReal *Install 10’x55’ PCC Bus Pad Arastradero-Charteston,doc 7 12/2£/280S 16:28 4883215787 ENVIRON ANALYSIS PAGE ProposedArastradero Road/Charleston Road Bus .Stop Improvements (15) #127909 WB Arastradero Road FS El Camino Real *install 10’x55’ PCC Bus Pad (16) #127804 WB Arastradero NS Coulombe Drive *Install 10’x’55’ PCO Bus Pad Arastrad ero-Ch ad eston .doc 8 12/29/20@S 1~:28 488S215787 ENVIRON ANALYSIS PAGE Proposed Arastradero Road/Charleston Road Bus Stop Improvements (17) #127803 EB Arastradero Road NS Suzanne Drive *Install 8’x40’ POC Passenger Waiting *install t0’x40’ PCC Bus Pad (18) #117802 WB Arastradero Road N£ Donald brive *Install 10’x55’ PCC Bus Pad Arastradero-Charlestomdoc 9 12/29/208S 1~:28 408S215787 ENVIRON ANALYSIS PAGE 12 Proposed Arastradero Road/Charleston Road Bus Stop Improvements (19) #t1780I EB Arastradero Road NS Terman *Enlarge Passenger Waiting Pad, South of Tree *Install 10’x55’ PCC Bus Pad (20) #117703 WB Arastradero Road AT Gunn H,S. ~lnstall I0’x55’ PCC Bus Pad Arastradero-Charleston.doc 10 Proposed Arastradero Road/Charlestor~ Road Bus Stop Improvements (21) #117704 EB Arastradero Road OP Gun~ *install 10’x55’ ,PCC Bus Pad Arastradero-Charlestort.doc 1 1 Arnold S ~hwarzenegger ~ovemo~ January 5, 2004 STATE OF CALIFORNIA Governor’s Office of Planning and Research State Clearinghouse and Planning Unit Jan Boel .Interim Deputy Dir~tor Susan Ondik City of Palo Alto, Planning Department 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94303 Subject: Charleston-Arastradero Corridor Plan SUllY: 2003082062 Dear Susan Ondik: The State Clearinghouse submitted the above named Negative Declaration to selected state agencies for review. The review period clased on December 30, 2004, and no state agencies submitted comments by tbal date. This letter aclmowledges that 5ion have complied with the State Clearinghouse review requirements for draft envkonmental documents, pursuant to the California Envirommental Quality Act. Please call the State (’learhtghouse at (916) 445-0613 if you have an).’ questions regarding the environmental review pm~ess, if you have a question abrupt the above-named project, please refer to the ten-digit State Clearingl~0use number when contacting this office. Sincerely, .erry sDixector, State Ciearing]muse 1400 TENTH STREET P.O. BOX 3044, SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95812-3044 (916)445-0613 FAX(916)323-3018 ww~v.opr,ca,gov