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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 5043 RESOLUTION NO. 5043 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE GENERAL PLAN'S LAND USE ELEMENT BY APPROVING GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT GP -87 -3, CHANGING THE GENERAL PLAN DESIGNATION OF GP -87-3 FROM "PUBLIC USE" TO "LIGHT MANUFACTURING ". THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Downey hereby finds, determines and declares that: A. The County of Los Angeles ( "the County ") has proposed to convert a 121 -acre site ( "the Site ") from hospital activities to a light industrial park ( "the Development "). The Development would proceed in three phases over a period of sixteen years and would contain 2,247,694 square feet of building floor area. During each phase, hospital activities that the Development would replace would relocate to the Rancho Los Arni.gos Hospital property north of imperial Highway. B. In order for the Development to proceed, the City would have to approve, among other things, amendments to the Land Use and Circulation Elements of the City's General Plan. C. A General Plan Report and General Plan Map were adopted by the City Council on January 8, 1973, by Resolution No 2760, in conformance with the California Government Code. D. The County has initiated a request to: (1) amend the Land Use Element of the General Plan by changing the Site's General Plan designation from "Public Use" to "Light Manufac:turiuy" dad (2) amend the Circulation Element of the General Plan by designation of a circula- tion plan for the Site specifying roadway alignments and roadway width. ( "General Plan Amendment GP-87-3" or "the Project ".) E. The City Council has adopted Resolution No. [Al certifying that the Final Environmental Impact Report ( "FEIR ") prepared for the Project has been (1) prepared and completed in accordance with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act, and applicable State and Local guidelines, and (2) preseriLed Lo the City Council and the Council has reviewed and considered the information contained therein. F. The Planning Commission gave required notice and held public hearings on General Plan Amendment GP -87 -3 on April 6; April 20; May 18; May 25; June 1 and June 15, 1988, to consider amending the General Plan's Land Use Element; at which public hearings the proposed amendment and General Plan Map were displayed and explained. G. Following said public hearings, the Planning Commission gave careful consid- eration to testimony and all facts and opinions offered at the aforesaid public hearings and, by Resolution No. 1127, L COflil ended tu the City Council that the Council amend the Land Use Element of the General Plan by approving General Plan Amendment GP -87 -3. H. The City Council has fully reviewed and carefully considered the DEIR, the comments and responses to comments concerning the DEIR and all other environmental documents that comprise the FEIR at a public hearing, including all '- information presented at said public hearing, in making its decision on the ptupused Amendment to the General Plan. I. The Cily Council ave ieeiuiied notice and held a public hearing on General Plan Amendment GP -87-3 on July 12, 1988, at which the proposed amendment and General Plan Map were displayed and explained. SECTION 2. The City Council of the City of Downey hereby further finds, determines and declares that: A. The City Council adopts, and incorporates herein by this reference as if fully set forth, the following documents attached hereto as exhibits: (1) the Background Statement, attached hereto as Exhibit "A ", (2) the Statement of Findings, attached hereto as Exhibit "8.I, and (3) the Statement of Overriding Considerations, attached hereto as Exhibit "C ". B. The City Council makes the findings contained in the Statement of Findings with respect to significant environmental impacts identified in the FEIR together with the finding that each fact in support of the findings is true and based -2- upon substantial evidence in the record, including the FEIR. C. The FEIR has identified all significant environmental effects of the Project, there are no known potential environmental impacts not addressed in the FEIR, and all significant effects of the Project are set forth in the Statement of Findings. D. The Statement of Findings and the FEIR identify certain significant 'environmental effects that will result if the Project is approved, however, 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 Pacts and the FEIR. E. The unavoidable significant impacts of the Project identified in the Statement of Findings which will not be reduced to a level of insignificance, will be aub reduced in their impacts by the imposition of mitigation measures as set forth in the Statement of Findings and the FEIR. F. The unavoidable significant impacts of the Project which will not be reduced to a level of insignificance as identi- fied in the Statement of Findings and FEIR, are clearly outweighed by the economic, social and other benefits of the project, as set forth in the State- ment of overriding considerations. The facts and conclusions set forth in the Statement of Overriding Considerations are true and are supported by substantial evidence in the record, including the FEIR. G. The FEIR has described all reasonable alternatives to the Project, including an evaluation of alternative land uses and intensities of the Project, that could feasibly obtain the basic objectives, -of the Project, even when those alternatives might impede the attainment of Project objectives or might be more costly. All reasonable alterna- tives were considered in the review process of the FEIR and ultimate deci- sions on the Project. The proposed Amendment represents the least environ- mentally damaging alternative that could -3- feasibly obtain the basic objectives of the Project. SECTION 3. In view of the foregoing, the City Council of the City Of Downey resolves that the Land Use Element of the City of Downey General Plan is hereby amended by changing the Project Site's General Plan designation from "Public Use" to "Light Manufacturing." SECTION 4. In view of the foregoing, the City Council hereby directs the Planning Division Staff, in coordination with the County, to prepare a specific plan for GP -87 -3 to replace the Project Site's existing R1 -5000 zoning. SECTION 5. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Resolution. APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 12th day of July _ , 1988. Attest: 77? Je:nx Yom, pity Clerk Mayor ._ ._ . Robert G. Cormack I hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Downey at a regular meeting thereof held on the 12th day of , 1988, by the following vote of the Council: RYES! 5 Council Members: Paul, Barb, Boggs, Hayden, Cormack NOM: 0 Council Members: None ABSENT; 0 Council Members: None aeriAT Y9 -4- EXHIBIT "A" STATEMENT OF FACTS BACKGROUND STATEMENT SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF PROPOSED GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT GP -87 -3 (RANCHO BUSINESS CENTER), FINDINGS WITH RESPECT TO SAID EFFECTS, AND STATEMENT OF FACTS IN SUPPORT THEREOF, ALL WITH RESPECT TO GP -87 -3. State EIR Guidelines (Guidelines) promulgated pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) provide in part: "No public agency shall approve or carry out a project for which an environmental impact report has been completed and which identifies one or more significant effects of the project unless the public agency makes a written finding accompanied by a statement of the facts supporting each finding." (Section 15091) The City of Downey may adopt proposed General Plan Amendment GP -87 -3 to change the General Plan designation_ of approximately 121 acres of the Rancho Los Amigos Medical Center site from "Public Use" to "Light Manufacturing ". As part of the proposed change, the City may amend the General Plan's Circulation Element by adopting Circulation Alternative No 3A. Because these proposed actions constitute a project under CEQA, the City of Downey has prepared an Environmental Impact Reprt (EIR). Further, the City Council of the city of Downey has determined that the EIR is complete and has been prepared in accordance with CEQA and the Guidelines. Therefore, the following findings are set forth herein pursuant to Section 15091 of the CEQA Guidelines. The EIR for GP -87 -3 identifies a number of potential significant adverse environmental effects of the project and unavoidable adverse impacts. Additionallly, mitigation measures were added to the project after the distribuiton of the Draft EIR as a result of the normal planning process and the comments of the public. The EIR also identifies mitigation measures which reduce or eliminate potential adverse effects. 25 :CCGP873 -A EXHIBIT "8" STATEMENT OF FINDINGS ENERGY AND UTILITIES IMPACTS A. Electricity Southern California Edison (SCE) currently provides electrical service to the project area. As specific information regarding the size and design of each structure project is current unavailable at this time, SCE was unable to provide exact consumption figures for electrical usage. However, based on consumption factors provided by the South Coast Air Quality Management District(SCAQMD), the project is estimated to require 19.8 million kilowatt hours per year of electricity. SCE also indicated that the project would require modifications to existing onsite electrical facilities. Project development would require a backbone distribution system with adequate facilities provided for each building. These modifications, however, are not expected to impact electrical service in the project area. SCE will provide service to the proposed project and indicated there is sufficient electrical capacity in the general area to meet the projects's needs. ' Installing underground lines may cause some temporary disrupton to normal traffic flow* on adjacent streets. SCE customers in the area may experience minor, short -term planned outages as each new project or customer comes an line; sometimes de- energizing a portion of an existing circuit is necessary to energize new underground facilities. These impacts, however, would be short-term. B. Gas Service The project is located within the service area of the Southern California Gas Company. Accurate gas consumption figures are currently unavailable due to the preliminary nature of development plans. However, the Southern California Gas Company provided an estimate of seven BTUs (British Thermal Units) per hour per cubic foot of interior space. This estimate can vary greatly depending upon what type of buildings are constructed. In addition, SCAQMD estimates a consumpton factor of 4.5 million cubic feet of gas per year. The increased demand for natural gas can be accommodated by existing facilities and, according to Gas Company correspondence, adequate service can be provided to the project site. Further, natural gas service for the project area is not expected to be impacted. C. Water The project site is currently served by the Los Angeles County Water Works District. Well water is supplemented as necessary by water purchased from the Metropolitan Water District, therefore, supply is flexible. The proposal is estimated to require approximately 300 acre feet of water per year. This figure is based an a consuapton factor of 2.5 acre feet per acre per year for a 121 -acre light industrial park. PAGE 2 ENERGY AND UTILITIES Implementation of the proposed project would require developing water delivery facilities to the project. The site's existing water delivery system is inadequate to meet the project's anticipated demand and to meet expected fire flow requirements. Further, relocating hospital activities from the project site to Rancho Hospital's main facility north of Imperial Highway will result in additonal water service needs to that area. However, this increase is anticipated to be insignificant. D. Sewer Service Implementing the proposed project would generate approximately 56,250 gallons per day of wastewater, based on a generation factor of 25 gallons per day per 1,000 square feet of light industrial land use. It should be noted that sewage generation would vary greatly depending on specific land uses. Wastewater generated by the site's hospital activities is handled by the Los "Angeles County Sanitation District who have indicated the ability to serve the proposed project. Sewage is discharged into the Joint Outfall "B ", unit 1, Section 6 which is a 54 -inch diameter, reinforced concrete pipe sewer line located in Arizona Avenue and Gardendale Street. Wastewater is treated at the Joint Water Pollution Control Plant in the City of Carson. All treatment facilities either have adequate capacity to handle expected project flow, or be expanded to meet the project's anticipated demand. E. Railroad Union Pacific Railroad currently awns the tracks and an 80 -foot wide easement which traverses a portion of the site near its western boundary. Erickson Avenue's proposed alignment crosses the railroad tracks; this new crossing is required in order to extend the proposed alignment of Erickson Avenue to Garfield Avenue. If it is infeasible for the proposed Erickson Avenue extension to cross the railroad tracks at garde, a grade separation would have to be constructed. During construction of a grade separation, traffic movement would be disrupted temporarily; however, interruptions would cease with project completion. Finding Changes or other measures have been included in the project which would avoid these potentially significant environmental effects, or mitigate anticipated effects to an insignificant level. Facts in Support of Finding A. Electricity The project applicant(s) shall coordinate with SCE to assure adequate electrical service is provided to the proposed development. Further, construction and service connection activities shall be performed in cooperation with Southern California Edison to minimize short -term impacts. PAGE 3 ENERGY AND UTILITIES B. Gas Service As no significant impacts have been identified, no mitigation measures are proposed. C. Water Los Angeles County shall develop and construct a water delivery system prior to issuing building permits. The following State laws require water - efficient plumbing fixtures in structures shall be installed in structures. D. Sewer Service . The Santitation Districts are empowered by the California Health and Safety Code to charge a fee for the privilege of connecting to the Sanitation Districts' Sewerage System. Fees are used to construct - incremental expansions to the system to mitigate development impacts. Payment of a connection fee will be required before a permit to connect to the sewer is issued. : A Districts' permit for Industrial Wastewater Discharge may be required. The applicant(s) will submit a final development plan to the Sanitation Districts to determine whether such a permit is necessary. - E. Railroad Prior to Phase 2 construction, the applicants shall submit sufficient information indicating that the Public Utilities Commission and Union Pacific Railroad will accept an at -grade crossing, or if an at -grade is prohibited, the applicants shall submit preliminary engineering design plans to the satisfaction of the City of Downey Public Work Director preliminary engineering design plans indicating feasibility of a grade separation. Finding All significant environmental effects have been eliminated by virture of mitigation measure identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project as set forth above. Mitigation measures have been included in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project or required in future discretionary approval which will avoid or reduce the potential effects cited above to a level of insignificance. SIC SERVICES IMPACTS A. Police Protection The intensification of land use proposed by the project may eventually generate a need for more law enforcement services. However, at this time, it is anticipated that there would be no significant impact to existing services. PAGE 4 PUBLIC SERVICES B. Fire Protection The site's existing water delivery system cannot generate adequate water pressure, volume, and flow duration to satisfy fire flow requirements of the proposed project. For emergency fire services, the proposed project represents an incremental increase in demand; however, this increase is not considered significant. Further, the City's ISO (Insurance Services Offices, Inc.) rating is not anticipated to change as a result of project implementation. Rates are set by the ISO and provide the basis for grading municipal fire protection system. C. Solid Waste Disposal Service Due to the preliminary stage of the project's development plans, project waste generation cannot be determined. However, the project is not expected to significantly impact solid waste disposal service, nor is the project expected to negatiely impact its designated disposal site: La Puente Landfill D. Telephone No significant impacts to telephone service have been identified. E. Schools State legislation allows students from kindergarten through 8th grade to attend school in the area where their parents are employed. With a projected employment population of 6,100 jobs at buildout, project development could impact schools in the Downey Unified School District (DUSD). Enrollments at district schools are currently at or near capacity. DUSD presently operates a school on the site of Rancho Hospital's primary patient -care facilities: that 55 -acre parcel north of Imperial Highway, between Old River School Road and Rives Avenue. According to the phasing plan for Rancho Business Center, before each development phase is implemented, hospital facilities located within that phase would be relocated to the primary facility. As part of the hospital's consolidation program, the applicant has indicated provisions will be made to accommodate the school within the hospital's facilities. Finding Changes or other measures have been included in the project which avoid these potentially significant environmental effects, or mitigate anticipated effects to an insignificant level. Facts in Support of Finding A. Police Protection The applicant(s) shall cooperate with the Downey Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff to assure that adequate police protection is provided to the project site. Adequate emergency access and circulation throughout the project will be provided to assure accessibility for law enforcement personnel. PAGE 5 PUBLIC SERVICES B. Fire Protection . The applicant(s) shall develop a water delivery system prior to issuing building permits to assure full emergency response capacity. This involves improvements to the water delivery system to provide adequate water volumes, pressure, and flow duration. . Buildings 10,000 square feet or larger shall be fire sprinklered. • Buildings 5,000 square feet or larger must be equipped with automatic fire alarms. . During construction, applicant(s) shall insure the hospital's fire alarm system is not interrupted and cooperate with the Fire Department to assure adequate access to the project site. C. Solid Waste Disposal Service Although ice significant impacts have been identified, mitigation measures that have been suggested include the use of trash compactors in buildings where specific uses generate large volumes of waste materials. D. Telephone No mitigation measures are proposed as no significant impacts to telephone service have been identified. E. Schools The project will be assessed school impact fees pursuant to Assembly Bill 2926 at an amount of up to $0.25 per square foot of floor area. Downey Unified School District has adopted a Resolution stipulating the maximum fee of $0.25 per square feet for light industrial floor area. Finding All significant environmental effects have. been eliminated or substantially lessened by virtue of mitigation measures identified in the Final BIR and incorporated into the project as set forth above. Mitigation measures have been included in the Final SIR, and incorporated into the project, or required in future discretionary approvals which will avoid or reduce the potential effects cited above to less than significant levels. POPULATION AND SOUSING IMPACTS The applicant estimates the proposed Rancho Business Center would create approximately 6,100 employment opportunities. This estimate represents approximately 50% of the expected employment increase in the City of .. Downey between now and the year 2010. Although estimated employment opportunities could incrementally increase the need for housing in the project region as employees seek residences, the estimated increase is not expected to result in significant impacts to population growth or housing demand in the City of Downey or surrounding areas. PAGE 6 POPULATION AND HOUSING Finding Changes or other measures have been included in the project which avoid tese potentially significant environmental effects, or mitigate anticipated effects to an insignificant level. Facts in Support of Finding No significant increase in population is expected as a result of project implementation due to housing stock stability and demographic transitions anticipated within the next 20 years. It can be expected that the proposal would have incremental regional impacts on population and housing supply, but any regional impacts that may result are not anticipated to be significant due to an average commute distance of approximately 10 miles, indicating a relatively wide dispersion of housing opportunities for future employees. CLIMATIC AND AIR QUALITY IMPACTS Short-Term Short -term air quality impacts would result from project construction acitivities caused by to construction equipment exhaust emissions and inert silicate dust generated during demolition, grading, and site preparation. Dust and exhaust emissions that these activities would produce could temporarily impact existing hospital uses which had not been relocated. The project may result in minor local alterations to wind and temperature patterns, including effects from building wind deflections and shading (shadows). Long -Term Emissions from vehicle traffic that the project is forecasted to generate, plus emissions from stationary natural gas and electrical power plants producing the project's energy needs, would result in incremental increases in local and regional air pollutant concentrations. The project at bnildout would contain about 2.25 million square feet of light industrial floor area, estimated to generate approximately 15,730 daily vehicle trips. This translates into total vehicle miles traveled (VW) of 157,300 miles per day (15,730 daily vehicle trips at an average trip length of ten miles). The addition of project traffic will lead to overall increases in local and regional increases in ambient air pollutant concentrations; sensitive receptors (hospital patients and neighboring residents) would experience local increases in ambient pollutant concentrations The project, in addition, would lead to an increase id the regional pollutant load due to indirect impacts from power plant emissions and natural gas combustion. The proposed project would create a demand for electric energy and natural gas, space heating, water heating, and air , conditioning, and the emissions created by these demands would incrementally contribute to the degradation of the South Coast Air Basin's regional air quality. Short -Term Impacts Finding Changes or other measures have been included in the project which avoid these potentially significant environmental effects, or mitigate anticipated effects to an insignificant level. PAGE 7 CLIMATE AND AIR QUALITY Facts in Support of Finding Mitigation measures have been included in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project or required in future discretionary approvals which will avoid or substantially lessen the potential effects cited above: • A. Construction of the proposed project will be required to be in compliance with SCAQMD Rule 403 to reduce potential dust impacts due to demolition, site cleanup, and construction activities. Dust reducing measures include: . Regular watering of graded surfaces; . Restriction of all construction vehicles and equipment to travel along established and regularly, watered roadways; and . Suspending operations that create dust during winding conditions. B. The project also comply with SCAQMD Rule 402 to reduce potential nuisance impacts due to odors from site cleanup and construction activities. Measures to Mitigate Long -Term Impacts Include: A. Several measures to mitigate air quality impacts resulting from development are required, with support by the City of Downey and County of Los Angeles. The South Coast Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) is utilized as a guideline for these measures. Since air quality impacts associated with this project result primarily from automobile traffic, the most significant mitigation measures take the form of regional vehicle trip reduction programs. These programs require cooperation between local cpvernments and project developer(s) which can be generated by the AQMP process. Regulation XV, recently adopted by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), requires employers of more than 100 persons to devise ridesharing plans to reduce vehicle miles traveled. Support of Federal and State legislation aimed at lowering air pollution emissions from new cars and trucks would also result in improved air quality. B. General Measures which shall be applied for the development include: . Encourage using alternative transportation modes by promoting public transit usage and providing secure bicycle facilities. . Provide mass transit accommodations such as bus turnout lanes and bus shelters. Because of the project's preliminary stages, bus turnout lanes and accommodations for bus shelters are not mentioned. As plans are developed, these features should be include. . As a general mitigation measure to air pollution, vehicular emissions in the Basin would continue to be reduced through legislative exhaust emission controls and increased provisions for mass transit. It should be noted that, in addition to mitigation measures listed above, there are others aimed at reducing mobile and stationary source emissions that are beyond the control of the City and County, and lie within the realm of other government agencies. . As required by the Subdivision Map act, architectural planning and design, to the extent feasible, will take full advantage of such concepts as natural heating and /or cooling through sun and wind exposure and solar energy collection system opportunities. Energy efficient interior and exterior lighting systems should also be designed and employed to the maximum extent possible. PAGE 8 CLIMATE AND AIR QUALITY . Landscape design will be tailored, where feasible, to use requirements of individual structures, with the intent to minimize heat gain in summer and maximize heat gain in winter, and promote air circulation for heating /cooling purposes. • Hot water systems, to the extent feasible, will be designed to utilize alternative energy sources (e.g. solar energy collections). Should such systems be deemed infesible at the time of initial construction, building design should incorporate provisions to allow them to be easily accommodated/installed at a later date by project occupants. . At future planning stages, the applicant and City will investigate implementing reasonably available control measures including: - Energy conserving street lights; -Traffic light synchronization: - Ridesharing; and -Bicycle/pedestrian facilities to reduce vehicle miles traveled. . The applicant(s) will relocate sensitive hospital uses south of Imperial Highway which involve patient care facilities prior to demolition and construction to avoid impacts to patients in the immediate area. ' Effects Not Mitigated to a Less Than Significant Level The project would incrementally degrade local and regional air quality, and may result in higher levels of air pollutants. Finding Potential Mitigation Measures not incorporated into the project and project alternatives were rejected as infeasible, based on economic, social or other considerations as set forth in the Statement of Facts, the Final EIR, and listed below. Facts in Support of Finding Mitigation of impacts on air quality is partially the responsibility of another public agency as presented below: Implementing the Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) for the South Coast Air Basin is the jurisdiction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District and includes technological improvements to reduce emissions from both mobile and stationary sources. The remaining unavoidable significant effect is considered acceptable when balanced against the facts set forth above, and in the Statement of Overriding Considerations attached hereto. MISS IMPACTS Short -Term Impacts Temporary noise impacts will exceed 80 dBA(decibels) caused by project construction activities.. Noise levels will range from 81 dBa to 88 dBA at a distance of 50 feet from the construction noise source. Demolition and construction activities may create unavoidable adverse impacts for those hospital patients and sensitive hospital activities south of Imperial Highway. Construction noise impacts may also effect residents living near the project site. PAGE 9 NOISE Long -Term Impacts < Project - generated traffic would result in incremental increases in ambient noise levels along affected roadways. The project would be expected to increase ambient noise levels onsite and in the project vicinity, as a result of increased vehicle travel on nearby roadways serving the site. However, the project's contribution to future traffic noise is not expected to result in land uses being significantly impacted that are not already affected by existing traffic noise levels. Short-Term Impacts Finding Changes or other measures have been included in the project which avoid these potentially significant environmental impacts, or mitigate anticipated effects to an insignificant level. Facts in Support of Finding Mitigation measures have been included in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project, or are required in future discretionary approvals which will avoid or substantially lessen the potential effects cited above. Measures to avoid short-term construction noise impacts include: . Project construction activities will comply with Chapter 6 of the Downey Municipal Code, Unnecessary Noises: shall be limited to construction hours between 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friaday. (A special City Permit is required to allow construction during other time periods). . Sensitive patient care facilities shall be relocated prior to demolition and construction activities. Long -Term Impacts Measures to Avoid Long -Term Noise Impacts Include: ▪ Prior to issuing building permits for. each project phase, applicant(s) shall provide a detailed noise assessment to the City, as project traffic would result in the 60 CNEL extending further into noise - sensitive land uses. The noise assessment shall be prepared to the satisfaction of the City to evaluate project- generated and cumulative noise impacts without structural mitigation measures, identify the degree of noise protection provided by exisiting walls, and if necessary, provide additonal noise reduction measures to comply with State and local noise standards. Additional measures may include erecting walls, upgrading existing walls, or installing double -paned windows. . Applicant(s) shall erect noise wall(s), if determined to be required in the noise assessment discussed above, to adequately protect residential uses from traffic noise, so that City and State noise standards are not exceeded. . Existing noise walls shall be upgraded or added as necessary to provide a buffer as continuous as possibe between the site and adjacent residential areas. Effects not Mitigated to Less Than a Significant Level Construction activities would temporarily increase noise levels in the immediate vicinity of the project. Peak construction noise levels cannot be mitigated other than by limiting hours of construction activities. PAGE 10 NOISE Finding Potential mitigation measures not incorporated into the project and project alternatives were rejected as infeasible, based on economic, social or other considerations as set forth in the Statement of Facts, the Final EIR, and listed below. Facts in Support of Finding Under the current development proposal, increased noise levels created by short -term construction impacts are temporary and would'cease when the project was completed. Further, with the exception of the "No Project" alternative, none of the other project alternatives would reduce significant temporary noise impacts to less than significant levels. The remaining unavoidable significant affect is considered acceptable when balanced against the facts set forth above, and in the Statement of Overriding Considerations attached hereto. SEISNICITT IMPACT The project site is proximate to the Newport - Inglewood fault zone, the Whittier fault zone, and the Norwalk fault. All of these are considered active faults. Given their history, it's reasonable to assume that during a 50 -year span, project structures would be subjected to an earthquake which could produce measurable ground shaking. Horizontal accelerations induced by an earthquake may affect structures on the site. The degree of shaking would depend mainly on: 1) distance from the epicenter; 2) the magnitude of the earthquake; and 3) the method of faulting. Finding Changes or other measures have been included in the project which avoid this potentially significant environmental impact, or mitigate anticipated impacts to an insignificant level. Facts in Support of Finding . The applicant will comply with the standards set forth in the Uniform Building Code. 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 incorporated into the project set forth above. HISTORICAL RESOURCES IMPACT The proposed project is not expected to significantly impact any historical resources onsite. The National Register of Historic Places lists none of the buildings located on the project site as historical landmarks. Although, several of the site's buildings (Casa Consuelo; Business Services/Nursing Education Center; Harriman House /Supervisor's Residence) could be considered significant from a local standpoint, and singled out for their aesthetic, historic, or symbolic value, none have no federally registered historical significance. None of the buildings exhibit exceptional architectural significance for their time periods. To qualify as a national historic landmark, a building must meet the following criterion: PAGE 11 HISTORICAL RESOURCES . is associated with an event(s) that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; or . is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; . embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possesses high artistic values, or that represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; . has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history. Finding Changes or other measures have been included in the project which avoid this potentially significant environmental effect, or mitigate anticipated impacts to an insignificant level. Facts in Support of Finding No measures to mitigate historical impacts are required, as no significant historical impacts have been identified. However, the Business Services/Nursing Education Center is an interesting focal point of the hospital site and could be considered an aesthetic resource. Because of its visual importance, this building should be considered for preservation. However, this recommendation recognizes the need for land currently occupied by this building and cost for remodeling or maintenance. But, if these are not significant variables, then the building should be retained. No other mitigation measures are recommended for the remaining buildings, since no significant historical impact is anticipated to result from the removal of the structures. HYDROLOGY IMPACTS Short-Term During construction, soil loss would occur due to sheet erosion with the most serious erosion occurring along any manufactured slopes. Long -Term Development of the site would result in changes to existing flow paths and changes to storm runoff volumes, peak flows,and velocities. Moreover, surface runoff velocities, volumes and peak flow rates would increase due to the increase in impervious surfaces associated with the light industrial park development. In addition, the existing Hollydale Storm Drain which serves as the principal drainage facility for the project site may be inadequate to convey a 100 -year regional storm water flow through the site, regardless of project development. Development of the site as a light industrial center would also present a major change in the quality of storm runoff from the project site. Urban types of pollutants (e.g., oil, grease, heavy metals, debris) would increase as well as sediment flows containing fertilizer and pesticides. Typically, the majority of urban pollutants are washed off the streets during the first storm of the winter season, provided at least one -half inch of rainfalls. Proposed land uses would be within 100 -year flood boundaries if proposed NeAlF t btiftemtn4ie.o g rtirtSI �` I A �es v4r iu q a d 100- year flood. PAGE 12 HYDROLOGY Finding Changes and other measures have been included in the project which avoid these potentially significant environmental effects, or mitigate anticipated impats to an insignificant level. Facts in Support of Finding Measures to mitigate short -term impacts due to project construction include: . Applicant(s) shall submit a soil report prior to issuance of a grading permit; . Applicant(a) shall submit a grading plan for City approvals • Proper grading techniques, including adequate watering will be used to reduce soil erosion. Grading will also proceed without extensive delays to prevent prolonged periods of bare soil exposure: - Construction vehicles will be washed before leaving the site to prevent loose soil from being deposited on external roadways. If grading occurs during the rainy season (October - April), temporary erosion control measures will include the use of planting, wood chips, straw or plastic (visqueen) in any acceptable combination to reduce soil erosion. Sandbags mayalso be sued to divert runoff. . During construction, mitigation, in the form of erosion control measures implemented during and immediately following grading operations, will be necessary to prevent exposed soils from eroding during periods of heavy rainfall. Soil on erodible surfaces would be strengthened 9'� by plantings to reduce the potential of erosion. Measures to Mitigate Long -Term Impacts Due to Project: . Provide an onsite retarding base to be constructed prior to issuance of wilding permits for Phase 1 of this project to mitigate the increase in runoff due to development of the Rancho Business Center. This will provide temporary mitigation only during Phase I. The use of retention basin will be discontinued prior to Phase II development. . Prior to Phase II, the applicant will prepare a detailed engineering hydrology study which shall be reviewed and approved by the City and shall fully address the project's flood control design requirements and any effects of proposed mitigation measures, prior to the issuance of building permits. . Allow sufficient right -of -way to allow future improvements to the Hollydale Storm Drain from the project site to the Los Angeles River. It is estimated that the existing 10'3" x 8' Reinforced Concrete Box(RCB) could be replaced by a double 12' x 8' RCB in order to convey the 100 -year peak flow through the (approximately 2,000 linear feet). However, the hydraulic benefit l of these improvement would not be realized until the downstream reach of the Hollydale Storm Drain to the Los Angeles River (2,500 linear feet) was also improved. Design and implementation of these improvements would require coordination with the Los Angels County Department of Public Works, which has right -of -way and maintenance responsibilities for the Hollydale Storm Drain. • Set pad elevation at least 2 to 3 feet above the exisitng elevations of perimeter streets (Imperial Highway, Gardendale Street), in lieu of more detailed flood plain information. This recommended pad elevation will be adjusted to reflect the findings of the Army Corps of Engineers Final Study. Any preliminary flood plain data made . available by the Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA) should be used to develop site grading pad elevations. • PAGE 13 HYDROLOGY All structures with 100 -year flood plains are required to obtain flood insurance unless FEMA exempts the structure with a map amendment. GEOLOGY AHD SOILS IMPACTS No significant environmental effects have been identified with regard to geology and soils due to project development. The proposed project is not expected to require significant subsurface excavation, and grading activities will be minimal due to the site's level topography. As a result, the project is not expected to create any significant geological or soils impacts. Erosion potential of the site's dominant soil associations is considered slight to moderate. Grading activities would expose surface layers of soil to erosion hazards. Some wind and water erosion may occur, but with the implementation of proper grading techniques and erosion control measures, erosion effects would be minimized to less than significant levels. Finding Changes or other measures have been included in the project which avoid these potentially significant environmental effects, or mitigate anticipated impacts to an insignificant level. Facts in Support of Finding (1) Soils . The applicant(*) shall submit a soils report prior to the issuance of grading permit; . The applicant(s) shall submit a grading plan for City approval; . Proper grading techniques, including adequate watering will be used to reduce soil erosion. Grading will also proceed without extensive delays to prevent prolonged periods of bare soil exposure. If grading occurs during the rainy season (October through April), temporary erosion control measures will include the use of plantings, wood chips, straw or plastic (visqueen) in any acceptable combination to reduce soil erosion; . Construction vehicles will be washed before leaving the site to prevent loose soil from being deposited on external roadways. (2) Geology As no significant impacts are anticipated, no mitigation measures are proposed. In consideration of the preceding facts, the project will not result in any significant impacts on the site's soils nor will it result in any geological impacts. TREi SURVIT IMPACTS The proposed project would result in redeveloping the project site into a light industrial park and result in removing most of the mature trees and shrubs that landscape the project site. Although removing the trees does not represent a significant ecological impact (the trees and shrubs are primarily non - native species and do not provide a critical habitat for any native animals). Several of the trees were identified as landmark PAGE 14 TREE SURVEY specimens of their species due to their good condition and size, or the specimen's uniqueness. Further, some of the trees were identified as economically valuable for horticultural reasons. Thus, although no ecological impacts are anticipated, tree removal would significantly impact the site's horticultural and aesthetic resources. Thirty -three or approximately 1% of the site's trees were rated as either very good or rare specimens, according to the Tree Survey. The remaining trees are of primarily common value or condition. Ratings were based on both physical condition and landscape value. Of the 33 trees, about 21 would be retained if Circulation Alternative #3A was adopted: the recommended highway plan. That is, the proposed alignments of the streets comprising Alternative #3A would not interfere with the 21 trees. Finding Changes or other measures have been included in the project which avoid these potentially significant environmental effets, or mitigate anticipated impacts to an insignificant level. Facts in Support of Finding Although it is recognized that the requirements for building pads and street alignments within the project site must be considered, as well as the design of the site plan, it is recommended that all trees with a value of 7 be retained and incorporated into project design, wherever possible. It is further recommended that trees in good physical condition with a rating of 7 and a landscape value of 6 be saved by transplanting, or if infeasible to transplant, also be retained (See Table 2 and Exhibit 7, TREE SURVEY, of the Final EIR for trees with these categories) also be retained. The City of Downey shall coordinate with the applicant (Los Angeles County) and the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Branch Cooperative Extension) of the University of California in an effort to preserve the site's following trees: Morton Bay Fig, Bunya Bunya, Mexican Apple. Along with those trees, the above agencies shall work to preserve the cluster of three Pink Cedar trees (Indian Cedar) located immediately north ofthe hospital's 1100 Building. (Mitigation Measure added by the City Council, July 12, 1988) LAND USE IMPACTS The project proposes converting existing hospital uses to light industrial /business park activities. The project envisions redeveloping 121 acres of the hospital site to accommodate approximately 2,247,694 square feet of light industrial floor area. The project will be developed in three phases over a period of approximately 16 years. The project's circulation network includes: 1) plans to extend Erickson Avenue from Hidalgo Road to intersect Garfield Avenue approximately 1,000 feet north of Gardendale Street; Erickson Avenue would be developed as a major highway; 2) improving Consuelo Street to a local collector highway; 3) developing the "link road" from the Erickson Avenue extension to Gardendale Street as a local collector street. Short -Term Impacts Short -term construction impacts would affect adjacent land uses including the hospital facilities north of Imperial Highway. Noise, dust, and traffic associated with construction activities would also temporarily impact to nearby residents. PAGE 15 LAND USE Short -term impacts to existing onsite land uses include the generation of dust, noise, and air pollutants associated with demolition, grading and construction activities. Other short -term impacts would result from demolishing existing roadways to repalce them with new highways. During construction, access to existing buildings would be temporarily restricted. Asbestos may exist in the site's steam tunnel, and currently, studies are being conducted to determine the extent and location of asbestos. Asbestos, if found, will require removal prior to project development in accordance with applicable Federal and State requirements. Long -Term Impacts Redeveloping the site and converting existing hospital uses to light industrial uses would result in an intensification of land uses, as well as an increase in traffic and associated noise and air quality impacts. Redevelopemnt plans show buildings covering 40% of the project site at buildout. The proposed project will require a General Plan Amendment (GP -87 -3) to accommodate Light Industrial land uses. The proposed project will also require an additional to the General Plan's Circulation Element and the City's Master Plan of Streets and Highways. Impacts to surrounding neighborhoods are expected to result from land Ilse intensification due to the loss of open space and increased urbanization, in addition to the factors mentioned in the above paragraphs. Transformation of land uses on site may also result in some aesthetic impacts due to the removal of a number of trees and shrubs. Finding Changes or other measures have been included in the project which avoid these potentially significant environmental effect, or mitigate anticipated effects to insignificant levels. Facts in Support of Finding Mitigation measures have been included in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project or required in future discretionary approvals which all avoid or substantially lessen the potential effects cited above. Measures to mitigate the project land use impacts include: . It is recommended that construction activities proceed without significant delays to allevaite impacts to the hospital facilities. In addition, noise control, in the form of limited construction hours, and dust control measures will reduce short -term impacts to nearby areas. Construction vehicles will be washed prior to exiting the site on public roadways. . Prior to issuance of building permits, the applicant(s) shall submit a report adequately identifying the location and nature of asbestos on the site, to the satisfaction of the City. The report shall also include a proposed Asbestos Mitigation Plan, which will reflect current applicable regulations. Asbestos shall be removed by the applicant(s) pursuant to th above mitigation plan in a manner to the satisfaction of the City and State Health Department. . Proper procedures, as required by Federal and State law will be followed with regards to the handling, transportation, and disposal of potentially hazardous materials associated with proposed land uses. . Any sensitive hospital uses will require relocation prior to demolition and construction activities on the Rancho Business Center site to avoid impacts to any existing patient facilities. PAGE 16 LAND USE . Landscaping will be provided throughout the project site with particular consideration to the perimeters of the project boundaries that have high exposure to surrounding streets, residences and Pius X High School. Particular specifications will be determined by the Specific Plan. The Specific Plan for the proposed project will indicate specific land uses allowed on the site.These will be limited to light industrial uses and will limit office activities. Effects Not Mitigated to a Less Than Significant Level The proposal will result in the conversion of hospital activities to more intensive light industrial uses which include the loss of public space thereby increasing urbanization in the City and permanently altering the visual nature of the site. FINDING Potential mitigation not incorporated into the project and project alternatives were rejected as infeasible, based on economic, social, or other considerations as set forth in the Statement of Facts, the Final EIR, and listed below. Fact in Support of Finding • Following action on General Plan Amendment GP -87 -3, it is recommended that a specific plan be developed and adopted to replace the project site's exisitng R1 -5000 zoning classification. A specific plan will require City Council review and approval of future light industrial land uses as well as site development standards (percentage of open space, perimeter setbacks, building heights) which will reduce the project's impacts on nearby residential uses and other sensitive land uses. The remaining unavoidable significant effect is considered acceptable when balanced against the facts set forth above, and in the Statement of Overriding Considerations attached hereto. CIRCULATION AND TRAFFIC IMPACTS The project at ultimate development will generate 15,730 average daily trips (7,865 arrivals - 7,865 departures) which translates into approximately 157,300 vehicle miles traveled daiLy; this assuming a 10 -mile average trip length. During AM peak travel hours, the project is expected to generate 2,090 average daily trips (ADT) (1,620 inbound - 470 outbound) and a PM peak hour volume of 2,160 daily trips (540 inbound - 1,620 outbound). The proposed project will require construction of an onsite circulation system (Roadway Alternative #3A) that would be developed in three phases. Finding Changes and other measures have been included in the project which avoid these potentially significant environmental effects, or mitigate anticipated effects to insignificant levels. Facts in Support of Finding Mitigation measures have been included in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project or required in future discretionary approvals which will avoid or substantially lessen the potential impacts cited above. Measures to mitiagte the project's circulation and traffic impacts include: PAGE 17 CIRCULATION AND TRAFFIC . The proposed project will improve onsite roadways (pursuant to specifications of the Final Circulation plan that will be part of the project's Specific Plan) necessary to serve development phases, according to Circulation Alternative #3A. With each development phase, existing hospital facilities will be relocated to the hospital site north of Imperial Highway, between Old River School Road and Rives Avenue. Phase 1 Development (with Cumulative Projects and Hospital Adjustment /Growth) Phase 1 includes development of Parcels 5A and 6 with the southerly realignment and widening of Erickson Avenue as a major highway to the western part of Parcel 6. The following mitigation measures will be required prior to Phase 1 construction: Mitigation to Level -of- Service C /Off -site Improvements . Garfield Avenue /Imperial Highway Intersection - install dual southbound left turns. . Paramount Boulevard /Imperial Highway Intersection - install northbound, eastbound, and westbound dual left turns with protected left turn phasing. . Old River School Road /Imperial Highway Intersection - make number one southbound lane optional left /through on split phase. . Garfield Avenue /Gardendale Street Intersection - install dual southbound left turns. . Construct Erickson Intersectin /Imperial Ramp System prior, to issuing Certificates of Occupancy for any structures on Parcels 5A and 6, pursuant to Specific Plan SP -85 -1. . Meter ramp traffic. . Rives Avenue /Imperial Highway Intersection - restrict north -south Rives Avenue vehicle movements to right - turn-in, right- turn-out by extending a solid Imperial Highway median through the intersection. Relocate the existing traffic signal from the Rives Avenue /Imperial Highway Intersection to the Smallwood Avenue /Imperial Highway Intersection. Internal Site Improvements . Install 4 -way stop controls at Erickson Avenue /Hildago Road. . Install stop controls at driveways /cul -de -sac at Old River School Road /Hidalgo Road. . Install one -way stop control on Consuelo Street at Erickson Avenue. . Prohibit parking on Erickson Avenue between Hidalgo Road and Garfield Avenue. . Provide advanced pedestrian warning signs on Erickson Avenue in advance of mid -block crosswalks. . Replace 20 mph signs on Erickson Avenue with 25 mph signs. Phase 2 Development (with Cumulative Projects and Hospital Adjustment Growth) Require a focused Traffic Study to assess Phase 1 traffic impacts, and Phase 2's forecasted impacts on Consuelo Street to identify and implement additional mitigation measures that may be needed so travel conditions along this street are maintained at a safe level. PAGE 18 CIRCULATION AND TRAFFIC . Phase 2 includes development of Parcels 5C and 7. The "link road" local collector street will be partially developed from the Erickson Avenue extension southwards to provide adequate access to Parcels 5C and 7, as determined by the City. The following improvements will be required prior to construction of Phase 2. Mitigation to Level -of- Service C /Off -Site Improvements . Garfield Avenue /Imperial Highway Intersection - install fourth westbound through lane. . Old River School Road /Imperial Highway - add additional westbound dual eastbound left turns. Internal Site Improvements . Partially construct "link road" from the Erickson Avenue extension southwards to provide access to Parcels 5C and 7, and install a stop control on the northwest link road approach to Erickson Avenue. Phase 3 Development (with Cumulative Projects and Hospital Adjustment Growth) Phase 3 development includes development of Parcels 4A, 4B, 4C, 5B, 8 and 9. Master - planned roadway improvements include: 1) completing Erickson Avenue from its Phase 1 terminous to Garfield Avenue and aligning Erickson Avenue with Borwick Avenue to avoid an offset intersection and allow a 4- way signalization, 2) improving Consuelo Street as a local street from Erickson Avenue to Paramount Boulevard, 3) completing the "link road" to Gardendale Street. The following improvements will be required prior to Phase 3 construction: Focused Traffic Study . The City of Downey City Planner may, at his /her discretion, require a focused Traffic Study following the opening of the Century (I -105) Freeway prior to Phase 3 development. Mitigation to Level-of-Service C /Off -Site Improvements . Garfield Avenue /Imperial Highway Intersection - install dual southbound left turns, plus an additional east -west lane. . Paramount Boulevard /Imperial Highway Intersection - install westbound fourth through lane, and add southbound and eastbound exclusive right turn lanes with signal overlap. . Garfield Avenue /Gardendale Street Intersection - install dual southbound left turns with the westbound right turn signal overlap, and change westbound approach to optional left turn /through lane and dual right turns. Internal Site Improvements . Complete construction of Erickson Avenue from its Phase 1 terminous to Garfield Avenue developed to major highway standards, and develop an at- grade or grade- separated crossing at the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. Prior to Phase 2 construction, the applicants shall submit significant information indicating that the Public Utilities Commission and Union Pacific Railroad will accept an at -grade crossing, or if an at -grade is prohibited, the applicants shall submit preliminary engineering design plans to the satisfaction of the City of Downey Public Work Director preliminary engineering design plans indicating feasibility of a grade separation. . Complete construction of the "link road" from its, Phase 2 terminous southwards to Gardendale Street, as a local collection street with 60- foot right -of -way and 44 feet curb -to -curb. PAGE 19 CIRCULATION AND TRAFFIC . Construct a raised island at the "link road" approach to Gardendale Street restricting access to Gardendale Street to right- turn -in and right- turn -out only, and post signage prohibiting eastbound turns onto Gardendale Street from the "link road ". . Construct a raised median in the center of Gardendale Street at the "link road " /Gardendale Street /Industrial Avenue Intersection to prevent northbound Industrial Avenue traffic from crossing Gardendale Street and accessing the "link road ". Northbound •Industrial Avenue traffic would, however, still be able to make eastbound and westbound turning movements onto Gardendale Street. . Paramount Boulevard /Gardendale Street - provide protected left turn movements with eastbound right turn overlap. . Maintain existing locl collector status for Consuelo Street (44 feet from curb to curb) and construct a raised island on Consuelo Street at Paramount Boulevard configured for right- turn-out only. Install Traffic Signalization . Erickson Avenue /Garfield Avenue /Borwick Avenue Intersection. Continued Study (Monitor) for Signalization /Install Signal When Warranted . Erickson Avenue /Consuelo Street . Erickson Avenue /southeast Link Road . Hidalgo Road /Erickson Avenue Other Possible Mitigation Measures From a broad standpoint, the most effective means of mitigating the traffic impacts of this project, cumulative projects and Rancho Los Amigos Hospital in the project area would be programs which would reduce single occupant and /to private automobile usage. These items would fall under the general category of Transportation Systems Management (TSM). The following presents a listing of some of the actions which merit consideration and encouragement. These measures could be incorporated into a Specific Plan with adequate enforcement measures. 1) Car and Van Pooling 2) Bus Pooling or Subscription Bus 3) Staggered and flexible work hours 4) Parking Management, with favored parking location /charges for car and van pools 5) Integrated pedestrian circulation facilities 6) Improved transit service and facilities 7) Transit stop optimization 8) Improved /Coordinated Traffic Signal Systems Regulation XV of the SCAQMD requires that employers develop ridesharing programs to reduce vehicle miles traveled. Finding All significant environmental effects have been eliminated or substantially lessened by virtue of mitigation measures identified in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project as set forth above. Mitigation measures have been included in the Final EIR and incorporated into the project or required in the future discretionary approval which will avoid or reduce the potential effects cited above to less than significant levels. 13:GP87 -3ATTI EXHIBIT "C" STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS General Plan Amendment GP -87 -3 The City Council finds that the mitigation measures discussed in Exhibit "B" will, when implemented, mitigate or substantially reduce most of the significant effects identified in the EIR for General Plan Amendment GP -87 -3. Nonetheless, certain significant environmental impacts of the project are unavoidable even after incorporation of all feasible mitigation measures. These include: land use; short -term noise impacts; and air quality impacts. For these effects, the City Council has balanced the benefits of the project against the unavoidable environmental risks in approving General Plan Amendment GP -87 -3. In this regard, the City Council hereby finds that all mitigation measures identified in Exhibit "B" have been and will be implemented with the project, and that any significant unavoidable effects remaining are acceptable due to the following specific economic, social, and other considerations based on the facts set forth above, in the Final EIR, and in the public record: 1. Implementation of the project will result in the development of a circulation network for the site. 2. Implementation of the project will provide construction jobs, attract employers, create approximately 6,100 permanent employment opportunites, and generate revenues for the City. 3. Implementation of the project will increase the City's General Plan acreage of properties designated "Light Manufacturing ". For these reasons, on balance, the City Council finds that the benefits of the project outweigh the identified significant effects. 25 :CCGP873 -C