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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 89-009 N.C.S. 01/09/1989 Resolution No. 89-09 N ~.5. of the City of Petaluma, California ISSUING A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS FOR WESTRIDGE UNITS IV AND V 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 of Westridge Units IV and V have been adequately analyzed and discussed in the Draft and Final 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 eight (8) unavoidable and irreversible adverse impacts that cannot be significantly alleviated by the mitigation measures recommended in the report. They are: 1. Land Use and Open S ace. There would be a significant alteration of t e rural character o the site due to the proposed replacement of 98.7 acres of open space and potentially productive agricultural land with urban uses. 2. Population and Housing. The project would add a maximum of 167 single-family homes and approximately 655 people to the cumulative growth of the city (i.e. , approximately a 1, b percent increase over the 198$ population) . 3. Transportation. Project-related traffic increases would contribute significantly to projected cumulative traffic volumes in the project vicinity . 4. Visual Factors. Views of the undeveloped site would be replaced with views o the homes, streets, and associated landscaped areas. 5. Municipal Services. The project would increase demand for all local public services including water and sewer service, police and fire protection, schools, and community park facilities, solid waste disposal, and road maintenance. 6. Noise. Project-generated traffic would contribute to cumulative increases in traffic noise along access routes. The principal noise impact would include noticeable noise level increases along I Street in the project vicinity. Construction activities would temporarily increase noise levels above those currently experienced adjacent to the site and along routes serving the site. Rcs. No..8.9.-.(~.(~ ............. N.C.S. 7. Air Quality. Project-generated traffic would contribute to cumulative local and regional increases in the levels of pollutants in the air. 8. Vegetation and Wildlife. The construction of the residential subdivision would contribute to cumulative losses of open .space and oak savannah habitats in the south county region resulting from urban growth and would be incons istent with city general plan policies and state Department of Fish and Game recommendations regarding preservation and restoration of creek natural values; and, 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 numbers 1 through 8, above, are acceptable based on the following overriding considerations: 1. The project site is and has been within the recognized General Plan Urban Limit Line and, therefore, considered by the City as suitable for urban development at some point in time consistent with the General Plan and related City development policies . The site was not designated for either open space or agriculture but for residential development at densities appropriate to the location and characteristics of the site. 2. The increase in housing and population is consistent with the provisions of the City's Residential Growth Management System and within the overall growth projections of the entire community. 3. The project will contribute to needed circulation improvements related to the project and a general upgrading of the circulation system in the area. 4. 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. 5. Since this project is within the present General Plan Urban Limit Line, development of the site and its impact on municipal services has already been considered and determined not to be detrimental. 6. Traffic related noise can be minimized by regularly maintaining the major access routes and enforcing traffic laws (e.g. muffler requirements, speeding, etc.) . Construction noise can be regulated to ensure that it does not occur during evening or early morning hours. 7. Air quality in the area and City-wide is generally good.. Although the cumulative contribution to regional air quality is a recognized impact, Reso. 89-09 N.C.S. ~• on balance, the City does not consider this to be a factor in the overall decision-making process on this particular project. 8. The creation of the Urban Limit Line and Urban Separator and the General Plan policies adopted to maintain them are intended, in part, to minimize urban sprawl and significant loss of natural habitat. Since the General Plan has designated the site for urban development, the loss of habitat has been anticipated. Creekway modifications resulting in the loss of natural values have been balanced against the need for storm run-off protection and the City's position that the Creekway habitat will be enhanced. reso. westridge. considerations /resol0 Ei,~ - ~'~ -~3~~ ruc S Under the power and authority conferred upon this Council by the Charter of said City. REFERENCE: I hereby certify the foregoing Resolution was introduced and adopted by the Approved as to Council of the City of Petaluma at a (Regular) (Adjourned) (S~eta~l) meeting /f~ on the9th .................... day of .............,Is~AlAax~r..........-----------......., 19..9, by the .~ -following vote: ~,/~ ` ~y Attorney AYES: Cavanagh, Tencer, Sobel, Woolsey, Balshaw, Vice Mayor Davis, Mayor~`1jAligoss (./ NOES: ~ ABSENT: ~ / • ~./~.... ATTEST : ..... ........................................................................................... ...... . _._ ............_................._.............:....:. " City Clerk Mayor Council File .................................... CA 10-85 ~ Res. No.8 9,- 0.9„ .............. N.es.