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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-04-24 - AGENDA REPORTS - NEGDEC 90-001 SAUGUS REHAB (2)AGENDA REPORT City Manager Approval Item to be presented by: CC EN CALENDAR,, George Caravalho:< DATE: April 24, 1990 SUBJECT: ND -90-001 - Negative Declaration for City acquisition of Saugus Rehabilitation site.. DEPARTMENT:' . Community Development BACKGROUND A negative declaration has been prepared for the potential acquisition of the Saugus Rehabilitation site for municipal uses. The public review period for this item was a 21 -day period from March 16, to April 6, 1990. No written comments were received during the review period. The document only addresses the impacts of the potential acquisition of the property. The mere change in ownership of the property would not, in itself, result in any environmental impacts. Precise plans for development of the property have not been generated. Therefore, the impacts addressed only deal with general issues associated with development on that site. It is identified in the negative declaration that once plans for development of the site are formulated, then specific impacts could be identified and addressed in detail. RECOMMENDATION 1. Review and consider.the negative declaration. 2. Approve the negative declaration. If the Council desires, the following motion may be made: "I move that the negative declaration for the potential City acquisition of the Saugus Rehabilitation site be approved. ATTACHMENTS negative declaration MAR: r APPROVED ID -22 Agenda item— 192.,# CITY OF SANTA CLARITA N E G A T I V E D E C L A R A T I O N CERTIFICATION DATE: APPLICANT: City of Santa Clarita TYPE OF PERMIT: None FILE NO.: ND -90-001 LOCATION OF THE PROJECT: East of Bouquet Cyn Rd. generally opposite the intersections of Alamogordo Rd. and Centurion Way, and approximately 3/4 mile north of Soledad Cyn. Rd. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT: Purchase of real property (generally known as the Saugus Rehabilitation site.) [X] City Council It is the opinion of [ ] Planning Commission [ ] Director upon review that the project will not have a significant effect upon the environment. Mitigation measures Form completed by: [ ] are attached [X] are not attached Michael A. Rubin, Associate Planner (Name and Title) Date of Public Notice: February 23. 1990 [XJ Legal advertisement. [X] Posting in three prominent public places. [ ] Written notice. Cec ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (Initial Study Form B) CITY OF SANTA CLARITA CASE NO. ND -90-001 Prepared by: Michael Rubin Project Location: East of Bouquet Cyn. Rd., generally opposite the inter- sections of Alamogordo Rd. and Centurion Way and approx. 3/4 mile north of Soledad Canyon Road. Project Description -and Setting: Acquisition of property for future undetermined uses, which may include a civic center, park uses, open spaces, other municipal uses and a portion of the future Rio Vista Road. Site is mostly undeveloped. Some structures remain from the previous use as an alcoholic rehabilitation center. Generally this site is in a natural state with rolling hills of moderate contours, with three large plateaus. Some rows of crops are presently planted. General Plan Designation (P) Public Service Facilities and Hillside Mgt. Zoning: Heavy Agricultural max. 1 d.u./5 acres (A-2-5) Applicant: City of Santa Clarita Environmental Constraint Areas: None A. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS YES MAYBE NO 1. Earth. Will the proposal result in: a. Unstable earth conditions or in changes in geologic substructures? .................. [ ] [ ] [XJ b. Disruptions, displacements, compaction or overcovering of the soil? ............... [ J I [X] C. Change in topography or ground surface relief features? ........................... [ ] [ ] [X] d. The destruction, covering or modification of any unique geologic or physical features? .................................. [ ] [ ] [X] e. Any increase in wind or water erosion of soils, either on or off the site? .......... [ ] [ ] [X] f. Exposure of people or property to geologic hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, mudslides, ground failure, or similar hazards? ................................... [ ] [ ] [X] - 2 - YES MAYBE NO g. Changes in deposition, erosion or siltation? .................................. [ ] [ l [Xl h. Other modification of a wash, channel, creek, or river? ........................... [ l [ l [Xl i. Earth movement (cut and/or fill) of 10,000 cubic yards or more? ....................... [ ] [ ] [X] j. Development and/or grading on a slope greater than 25Z natural grade? ............ [ ] [ ] [X] k. Development within the Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone? ...................... [ ] [ ] [X] 1. Other? [ ] [ l [X] 2. Air. Will the proposal result in: a. Substantial air emissions or deterioration of ambient air quality? .................... [ ] [ ] [X] b. The creation of objectionable odors? ....... [ ] [ ] [X] C. Alteration of air movement, moisture, or temperature, or any change in climate, either locally or regionally? .............. [.] [ ] [X] d. Development within a high wind hazard area? ...................................... [ l [ l [Xl e. Other? [ ] [ ] [X] 3. Water. Will the proposal result in: a. Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate and amount of surface runoff? ............................ [ ] [ ] [X] b. Alterations to the course or flow of flood waters? .............................. [ l [ l [Xl C. Change in the amount of surface water in any water body? ......................... [ l' [ l [Xl d. Discharge into surface waters, or in any alteration of surface water quality, in- cluding but not limited to temperature, dissolved oxygen or turbidity? ............. [ ] [ ] [X] e. Alteration of the direction or rate of flow of ground waters? ..................... [ ] [ ] [X] 4. 5. 6. 3 _ YES MAYBE NO f. Change in the quantity of ground waters, either through direct additions or with- drawals, or through interception of an aquifer by cuts or excavations? ............ [ ] [ ] [XJ g. Substantial reduction in the amount of water otherwise available for public water supplies? ............................ [ ] [ ] [X] h. Exposure of people or property to water related hazards such as flooding? .......... [ ] [ J [XJ i. Other? [ ] [ ] [X] Plant Life. Will the proposal result in: a. Change in the diversity of species or number of any species of plants (including trees, shrubs, grasses, crops, and microflora)? ... [ ] [ ] [XJ b. Reduction of the numbers of any unique, rare or endangered species of plants? ...... [ ] [ J [XJ C. Introduction of new species of plants into an area, or in a barrier to the normal re- plenishment of existing species? ........... [ ] [ J [XJ d. Reduction in acreage of any agricultural crop? ...................................... [ ] [ ] [X] Animal Life. Will the proposal result in: a. Change in the diversity of species, or numbers of any species of animals (birds, land animals including reptiles, fish and insects or microfauna)? .................... [ ] [ ] [XJ b. Reduction of the numbers of any unique, rare or endangered species of animals? ..... [ ] [ ] [XJ C. Introduction of new species of animals into an area, or result in a barrier to the migration or movement of animals? ...... [ ] [ J [XJ d. Deterioration to existing fish or wildlife habitat and/or migratory routes? ........... [ ] [ ] [XJ Noise. Will the proposal result in: a. Increases in existing noise levels? ........ [ ] [ ] [XJ b. Exposure of people to severe or unacceptable noise levels? ................. [ ] [ ] [XJ C. Exposure of people to severe vibrations? ... [ ] [ ] [XJ 4 - YES MAYBE NO 7. Light and Glare. Will the proposal produce substantial new light or glare?. ................. [ ] [ ] [X] 8. Land Use. Will the proposal result in: a. Substantial alteration of the present land use of an area? ....................... [ ] [X] [ ] b. A substantial alteration of the planned land use of an area? ............... [ ] [ ] [X] C. A use that does not adhere to existing zoning laws? ............................... [ ] [ ] [X] d. A use that does not adhere to established development criteria? ...................... [ ] [ ] [X] 9. Natural Resources. Will the proposal result in: a. Increase in the rate of use of any natural resources? ................................. [ ] [ ] [X] b. Substantial depletion of any nonrenewable natural resources? ......................... [ ] [ ] [X] 10. Risk of Upset/Man-Made Hazards. Will the proposal: a. Involve a risk of an explosion or the release of hazardous substances (including, but not limited to, oil, pesticides, chemicals or radiation) in the event of an accident or upset conditions? .......................... [ ] [ ] [X] b. Use, store, transport or dispose of hazard- ous or toxic materials (including, but not limited to, oil, pesticides,.chemicals or - radiation)? ................................ [ l [ ] [X] C. Possible interference with an emergency response plan or an emergency evacuation plan? .........................:............ [ ] [ ] [X] d. Otherwise expose people to potential safety hazards? ................................... [ ] [ ] [X] 11. Population. Will the proposal: a. Alter the location, distribution, density, or growth rate of the human population of an area? .................. [ ] [ ] [X] b. Other? [ ] [ ] [X] _ 5 _ YES MAYBE NO 12. Housing. Will the proposal: a. Remove or otherwise affect existing housing, or create a demand for additional housing? ........................ [ ] [ ] [X] b. Other? [ ] [ ] [X] 13. Transportation/Circulation. Will the proposal result in: a. Generation of substantial additional vehicular movement? ........................ [ ] [X] [ ] b. Effects on existing parking facilities, or demand for new parking? ................. t ] [X] [ ] C. Substantial impact upon existing transportation systems, including public transportation? ............................ [ ] [X] [ ]- d. Alterations to present patterns of circulation or movement of people and/or goods? .............................. [ ] [X] [ ] e. Increase in traffic hazards to motor vehicles, bicyclists or pedestrians? ....... [ ] [X] [ ] f. A disjointed pattern of roadway improvements? .............................. [ ] [ ] [X] 14. Public Services. Will the proposal have an effect upon, or result in a need for new or altered govern- mental services in any of the following areas: a. Fire protection? ........................... [ ] [ ] [X] - b. Police protection? ......................... [ ] [ ] [X] C. Schools? ................................... [ ] [ ] [X] d. Parks or other recreational facilities? .... [ ] [.] [X] e. Maintenance of public facilities, including roads? ........................... [ ] [ ] [X] f. Other governmental services? ................ [ ] [ ] [X]. 15. Energy. Will the proposal result in? a. Use of substantial amounts of fuel or energy. .................................... [ ] [ ] [X] b. Substantial increase in demand upon existing sources of energy, or require the development of new sources of energy? .. [ ] [ ] [X] YES MAYBE NO 16. Utilities. Will the proposal result in a need for new systems, or substantial alterations to the following utilities: a. Power or natural gas? ...................... [ ] b. Communications systems? .................... [ ] C. Water systems? ............................. [ ] d. Sanitary sewer systems? .................... [ ] e. Storm drainage systems? .................... [ ] f. Solid waste and disposal systems? .......... [ ] g. Will the proposal result in a disjointed or inefficient pattern of delivery system improvements for any of the above? ......... [ ] 17. Human Health. Will the proposal result in: a. Creation of any health hazard or potential health hazard (excluding mental health)? ... [ ] b. Exposure of people to potential health hazards? ................................... [ l 18. Aesthetics. Will the proposal result in: a. The obstruction of any scenic vista or view open to the public? ................... [ l b. Will the proposal result in the creation of an aesthetically offensive site open to public view? ....................... [ ] c. Will the visual impact of the proposal be detrimental to the surrounding area? [ ] 19. Recreation. Will the proposal result in an impact upon the quality or quantity of existing recreational opportunities? ............. [ ] 20. Cultural Resources. a. Will the proposal result in the alteration of or the destruction of a prehistoric or historic archaeological site? .............. [ ] b. Will the proposal result in adverse physical or aesthetic effects to a prehistoric or historic building, structure, or object? ... [ ] _ 7 _ YES MAYBE NO C. Does the proposal have the potential to cause a physical change which would affect unique ethnic cultural values? ............. [ J [ J [X] d. Will the proposal restrict existing religious or sacred uses within the potential impact area? ..................... [ ] [ ] [X] C. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE Section 15065 of the California Environmental Quality Act states, in part, that;iif any of the following can be answered yes or maybe, the project may have a significant effect on the environment and an Environmental Impact Report shall be prepared. 1. Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self sus- taining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? ................. [ ] [ ] [X] 2. Does the project have the potential to achieve short-term, to the disadvantage of long-term, environmental goals? (A short-term impact on the environment is one which occurs in a relatively brief, definitive period of time while long-term impacts will endure well into the future.) ........... [ ] [ ] [X] 3. Does the project have impacts which are individually limited but cumulatively considerable? (A project may impact on two or more separate resources where the impact on each resource is relatively small, but where the effect of the total of those impacts on the environment is significant.) .. [ ] [ ] [X] 4. Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? ......... [ ] [ ] [X] D. DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION Although this request is not exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, no significant environmental impacts will occur because no change will occur at this time pertaining to the subject property. The acquisition of property by the City merely represents a change in ownership of property without any physical changes or development of the property at this time. Because of the size, location and terrain of the property, numerous alternatives are available for future development which may include such projects as park and open space uses, civic center, segment of Rio Vista Road or other municipal uses. Although it is too speculative .to identify and evaluate a particular development alternative at this time, at such time as specific plans for development are proposed, any required environmental review will be conducted. E. DETERMINATION On the basis of this Initial Study, it is determined that: The proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION WILL BE PREPARED. .................................... [XI Although the proposed project COULD have a significant effect on the environment, there WILL NOT be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described in this Initial Study have been added to the project. A NEGATIVE DECLARATION WILL BE PREPARED ...................................... [ The proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT isrequired. ......................................... [ DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA February 20, 1990V— Date Signature Michael A. Rubin, Associate Planner Name and Title EXPLANATIONS TO 'YES' AND 'MAYBE' RESPONSES IN THE INITIAL STUDY 8. Land Use a. The only activity on the site is presently several acres devoted to agriculture. A variety of row crops are planted. Several buildings (in disrepair) exist on the site from its former use as an alcoholic rehabilitation center. A substantial alteration of the present use could occur as a result of the variety of potential land uses under consideration for the site. Among the uses ,.under consideration are a city hall, other municipal facilities, park and recreational uses, open space and a portion of Rio Vista Road. Since any future proposed uses are undetermined at this time, it would be too speculative to attempt to address a particular development proposal. Therefore, the only "project" which can be considered at the present time is acquisition of the property, which will not have any impact upon the environment. 13. Transportation/Circulation a. The potential exists for substantial additional vehicular movement as a result of future development of the site. The potential uses described in no. 8a. above, could generate a significant amount of additional vehicular traffic. At such time as a specific development proposal is known, any required environmental review will be conducted. Traffic impacts will be assessed at that time. It is anticipated that a portion of the future alignment and construction of Rio Vista Road will occur within the site. This is a north/south arterial highway that would facilitate vehicular movement generated on site and in the vicinity. The alignment and construction of Rio Vista Road will be subject to its own detailed environmental review. b. Any additional developement on the site would generate the need for additional off-street parking. This would be satisfied by municipal code requirements for off-street parking. The quantity of parking required would be known once a specific proposal for developement is known. c/d. The only existing public transportation system that serves the vicinity is a public bus service. Its present service demand could be increased when future development occurs on the site. Alterations to present patterns of cirulation or movement of people and goods could occur as a result of new development on the site. In addition to the new Rio Vista Road mentioned above, it is conceivable that one or more new roads would be constructed that would alter the present patterns of circulation that presently exist as they relate to the site in its current condition. e. Any new development on site could potentially increase traffic hazards. Standard mitigation measures are available such as effective use of building setbacks to ensure adequate sight distance, common traffic control markings and devices, and well-planned onsite circulation to minimize potential conflicts, which will be addressed in connection with any proposed development projects. The above comments address generally anticipated potential transportation and circulation impacts. Impacts from development activities will. be addressed at such time as specific development proposals are known. It is too speculative, at this time, to address hypothetical impacts in the absence of specific development proposals. 19. Recreation. The proposal could very likely expand additional recreational opportunities above what is presently available in the city. Among the potential recreation uses that the site could be developed for are a new city park, hiking, jogging, and exercise trails, open space and other general recreation uses. Activities that could occur as a result of expanded recreational facilities may have associated environmental impacts. Anticipated impacts will be assessed at the time a plan for development of the site is -available. Since the manner of proposed development and use is not yet known, it is too speculative at this time to address potential development impacts,.