HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions 89-123 N.C.S. 05/01/1989`{
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resolution No. ~9~~ N C.S.
of the City of Petaluma, California
ISSUING A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS
FOR THE CORONA/ELY SPECIFIC PLAN
WHEREAS, an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been prepared in
accordance with the provisions and guidelines of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the City of Petaluma, and the
identified environmental impacts related to development in the Corona/Ely
Specific Plan area have been adequately analyzed and discussed in the Draft
and Fina1~EIR and through the public hearing process; and,
WHEREAS., the Final EIR has been certified by the City Council on
recommendation from the Planning Commission following public hearings
before both bodies; and,
WHEREAS, the Final EIR has identified six (6) unavoidable and irreversible
adverse impacts that cannot be significantly alleviated by the mitigation
measures recommended in the report. They are:
. Traffic and Road Access : The proposed Specific Plan
development program would significantly increase traffic on the
local circulation network.
Land Use: Development of the planning area would significantly
change the land use character and ultimately eliminate
approximately 676 acres of what presently can be defined as
"agricultural or open land" . The Sonoma Mountain Parkway would
displace existing residential, business, and agricultural activities.
The Parkway alignment would result in near-term impacts on
existing grazing areas divided by the route.
Visual: The predominantly rural, open space character of the
planning area would be altered significantly by residential,
institutional, commercial, and industrial development, giving the
area a more densely developed urban character.
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k' Noise : The development of the planning area according to the
Specific Plan would slightly increase off-site noise levels, due
primarily to increases in traffic . The proposed Sonoma Mountain
Parkway interim alignment would increase traffic noise at the
existing residence fronting on the north side of Corona Road,
opposite the interim "T" intersection.
. Air Quality: Short-term generation of dust and other pollutants
could occur during periods of construction activity. Specific Plan
accommodated development would also contribute to significant
cumulative increases in regional air pollutant emissions, primarily
due to traffic emissions .
. Industrial Development : Development of a portion of the planning
area. for industrial use could result in such unavoidable localized
impacts such as increased noise levels and hazardous material
handling and storage risks .
WHEREAS, Section 15093(b) of the California Environmental Quality Act
Guidelines requires the City to "state in writing the specific reasons to
support its actions" when "a decision of the public agency allows the
occurrence of significant effects which are identified in the Final EIR but
are not at least substantially mitigated" prior to final approval of the
project .
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Petaluma City Council has
carefully considered the project and the unavoidable environmental impacts
associated with it and hereby determines that the adverse impacts as
described in numbe rs 1 through 6, above, are acceptable based on the
following overriding cons iderations
1. Implementation of the Specific Plan will result in the creation of a
major new street plus a contribution, through impact fees, to major
improvements outside of the Specific Plan area. The results of traffic
model runs based on these improvements show that traffic and access
will be consistent with General Plan policy.
2. The project site is and has been within the recognized General Plan
Urban Limit Line and, therefore, considered by the City as suitable
Reso. 89-123 N.C.S.
for urban development at some point in time consistent with the General
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Plan, the Specific Plan and related City development policies: The site was
~:,~ not designated for either open space or agriculture but for future
development at densities appropriate to the location and characteristics of
the site and consistent with the recomineridatibris of the Specific Plan.
3. While a significant portion of the site will be developed, the actual
visual impact will be lessened by the proximity of the Urban Separator
and adjacent agricultural. land outside of the Urban Limit Line: as well
as design guidelines intended to preserve views of the Sonoma
Mountains, existing .creekways and other natural features.
4. Traffic related noise can be minimized by regularly maintaining the
major access routes and enforcing traffic laws (e.g. muffler
requirements, speedin'g;;; etc.°) . Construction. noise can be regulated to
ensure that it does riot :occur, during evening or early morning hours.
5. Air quality in the, area: and,. City-.wide is .generally good. Although the
cumulative contribution to regional air quality is a recognized impact,
on balance, the ~ City does .not ..consider this to be a factor in the
overall decision-making process. .on this particular project.
6. Industrial noise can be,. reduced through project design as well as the
design of adjacent development. Hazardous material handling and
storage is monitored • by the City and .will. be subject to related
policies.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED- that this statement shall be posted with the
No:t:ce of Determination on the project,.
Under the-:power and authority. conferred,_upon ,this Council by the. Charter of said City.
I hereby certify the. foregoing Resolution. was introduced and adopted by the proved as to
Council of the City of`Petaluma at a (Regul'ar) (~~~k meeting fob
reso . eir / code ..:.-1sa ............. day of ........---............May .._.:................__, 19..$.Q., by the
following vote:
AYES: Cavanagh., Tencer, Sobel, Woolsey, Balshaw, Vice-Mayor Davis, May9lr H~llgoss
NOES: ~ v
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ABSENT • `
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• City Clerk Mayor ~
Council File.......// .................. (('~]. .
Form CA 2:7181 Res. No . *.1._ ~ @~~..~. 1-