HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 5044 RESOLUTION NO. 5044
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF DOWNEY, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE
GENERAL PLAN'S CIRCULATION ELEMENT
(MASTER PLAN OF STREETS AND HIGHWAYS) BY
ADOPTING CIRCULATION ALTERNATIVE NO. 3A
OP GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT GP -87 -3.
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
Amigos Hospital property north of
Imperial Highway.
B. In order for the Development to
proceed, the City would have to approve,
among other things, amendments Lo Lhe
Ladd 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 Manufacturing" and (2)
amend the Circulation Element of the
Genera, Plan by designation of a
circulation 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 A] certifying that the
Final Environmen ai Impact Report
( "WEIR ") 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) presented to 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 Circulation 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 Rasalutidn No. 1128,
recommended to the City Council that the
Council amend the Circulation Element of
the General Plan by approving Circulation
Alternative No. 3A for 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
proposed Amendment to the General Plan.
1. The City Council gave required
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 "B ", 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
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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
an development proposals submitted
pursuant to the approved General Plan
Amendment and the imposition of
mitigation measures as set forth in the
Statement of Facts and the FEIR.
E, The unavoidable siyI1if ied[IL impact
of the Project identified in the
SfatiMarit of Pifidir40 Whiah will riot be
reduced to a level of insignificance,
will be substantially 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
ore 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
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feasibly ubLaiu the basi: objectives of
the project.
H. The FEIR identifies and evaluates
several circulation alternatives for the
Project. The City Council finds that the
FEIR has described all reasonable circu-
lation alternatives for the Project that
could feasibly obtain the basic objec-
tives of the Project, even when those
alternatives might impede the attainment
of Project objectives or might be more
aaatl.y. The Cvu&7�:i1 CuL iliac Liiidj LI1r41.
based on the information in the FEIR, the
[tuts yet earth in the Statement of
Findings and the information contained in
the administrative record for this
matter, Circulation Alternative No. 3A,
described in the FEIR and Statement of
Findings, represents the most satisfac-
tory and least objectionable alternative
among the circulation alternatives.
SECTION 3. In view of the foregoing, the City
Council of the City of Downey resolves that the Circulation
Element (Master Plan of Streets and Highways) of the City of
Downey General Plan is hereby amended by the adoption of
Circulation Alterndtive Nu. 3A of General Plan Amendment
GP -87 -3.
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 l2th day of
July , 1988.
/mayor , 7
7 -- ,
Robert G. Cormack
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Attest:
N
Jenny Young ; City Clerk._)
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
July , 1988, by the following vote of the Council:
AYES: 4 Council Members: Paul, Barb, Hayden, Cormack
NOES: 1 Council Member: Boggs
ABSENT: 0 Council 1 tuber : None
cit y Clerk
Je Young
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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 - -
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 "B"
STATEMENT OF FINDINGS
IMEGT 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 anew 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 on 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 Unfits) per hour per cubic
foot of interior space. This estimate can vary greatly depending
upon what type of buildings are constructed. In addition, SCAQIr)
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 on a consumpton 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 owns 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 -tern 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 measurs identified in the Final SIR 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 approval which will
avoid or reduce the potential effects cited above to a level of
insignificance.
PUBLIC 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.
PAIGE 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 rhresaghout 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 i10" - 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 BIB 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 approvals which
will avoid or reduce the potential effects cited above to less than
significant levels.
POPULATION AND HOUSING
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 sees 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..
=MT! MD AIR LIT
IMPACTS
Short -Term
Short -term air quality impacts would result from project construction
acitvvities 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 buildout 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 (VMf)
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 ill 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.
PAIGE 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 - Will 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
for of regional vehicle trip reduction programs. These programs
require cooperation between local governments 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 mt. 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
'11=14 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 SIR, 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.
WISE
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.
PAIGE 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 Lonj -Tern 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 balls 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 Leas 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.
SEISMICITY
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 MOOR=
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 Consuelos
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 f lows,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
wetliei 4Iptisotilittitnitoatm fa aftairVlIkr q a d tie
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 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: " 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 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 building 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 &ring 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 project site
(approximately 2,000 linear feet). However, the hydraulic benefit of
these improvement would not be realized until the downstream reach of
the Hollydale Storrs Drain to the Loss 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 AND 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 hazard.- 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(s) 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 cobination
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.
TRU SURVEY
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 use
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.
I
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 "8" 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
"8" 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