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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-06-12 - AGENDA REPORTS - SAUGUS SITE FEASIBILITY RPT (2)AGENDA REPORT City Manager Approval Item to be presented A UNFINISHED BUSINESS DATE: June 12, 1990 SUBJECT: Saugus Site Feasibility Report DEPARTMENT: City Manager BACKGROUND George Caravalho By the direction of the City Council, staff has commissioned the firm of Tierra Planning and Design to perform a feasibility analysis of the Saugus Rehabilitation Site. That analysis has recently been completed and is the culmination of an extensive process focused on ascertaining the best possible direction for the City to take in planning for the future of the Saugus Site. An area -wide approach was utilized to evaluate the site and surrounding development. Attention was given to the interaction between the site and potential adjacent or neighboring projects, including the river corridor, the City -owned 238 acre site, Valencia Corporation properties, and the future water treatment plant. The Preliminary Land Use concept depicts how the land uses arrived at in the area -wide phase could be sited and designed for a cultural/recreational hub. (The report specifically analyzes the use of the three distinct mesas.) The graphics within the report illustrate the siting and uses which may eventually be used for future planning. While the preliminary analysis of the site is complete, additional areas have been identified and must be addressed. These areas include: - Determine access to site - Structure a comprehensive planning program - Continue working with water agency - Determine community needs RECOMMENDATION That the City Council receive report and authorize staff to evaluate the access to site and planning program. ATTACHMENT Site Feasibility Analysis Agenda Item:____. I Z7 • r 3 (D DO ` w, T I EBRD Design April 23, 1990 Mr. George Caravalho City Manager CITY OF SANTA CLARITA 23920 Valencia Blvd. Suite 300 Santa Clarita, : CA 91355 RE: SAUGUS REHABILITATION SITE/PROPOSED CIVIC -PUBLIC RECREATION, MIXED-USE PROGRAM Dear George: The enclosed report and graphics are the culmination of a lengthy process of examination and interaction, attempting to ascertain the best possible direction for the City of Santa Clarita to take in planning an effective land use for the Saugus Site. The report consists of an Area -wide Land Use Concept, a Preliminary Land Use Concept, and a Summary of Recommendations. The Area -wide Land Use Concept is an attempt to evaluate the Saugus Site in relation to surrounding development. An attempt has been made to demonstrate how the Saugus Site will interact with neighboring projects. The information demonstrated is a product of a series of meetings and phone discussions with the Valencia Corporation, the Castaic Nater Agency, and direct input from City Planning personnel. It also represents considerable research into the background of both the site and its surrounding area. The Preliminary Land Use Concept is an attempt at conceptualizing how the land uses arrived at the Area -wide phase could best be located and designed. Specific research was conducted on each element to judge how the individual input pieces of the puzzle would fit the opportunities and constraints of the site itself. The resulting conceptual design is a springboard from which future planning and adaption may begin. 31882 Camino Capistrano, Ste. 108 San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 (714) 643-0414 - 661-6212 FAX (714) 248-9607 Mr. George Caravalho April 23, 1990 Page Two The Summary of Recommendations for the Saugus Site is merely an attempt to state succinctly the crucial conclusions of the study and stress directional guidelines for the future of the Saugus Site. Please review the attached material and contact us with your critique and comments. We await your further direction. Sincerely, & DESIGN, INC. Y Thomas J. Davis Principal Chris Lee Project Manager • E CITY OF SANTA CLARITA SITE FEASIBILITY ANALYSIS SAUGUS REHABILITATION SITE April 23, 1990 A. AREA -WIDE LAND USE CONCEPT We found it necessary, before any attempt at determining specific land uses at the Saugus Site, to view the parcel in interaction with its surrounding vicinity. Some of that vicinity is fully developed, other areas are in the planning stage of the development process, and still other areas will resist major change. Each specific area plays vital role in the eventual fabric of an important part of the City of Santa Clarita. River Corridor The specific basin boundaries of the Santa Clara River are assumed to be maintained. It represents a unique opportunity for a greenbelt parkway which will unify all surrounding development and lead to the Civic Center. A system of pedestrian and bicycle trails stretching the length of the river corridor and networking with other greenbelts and neighboring residential parks will do much to enhance the area aesthetically as well as provide valuable traffic diminishing access. Lind Property The 230 acre Lind property recently acquired by the City of Santa. Clarita is a valuable cog. Its location on the intersection of Newhall Ranch Road/Soledad Canyon Road/Bouquet Canyon Road and Rio Vista Road make it an optional candidate for a Civic Center site. The Lind Property's accessibility and size give the City a degree of flexibility in determining the structuring of the entire river basin area. Valencia Corporation The Valencia Corporation land along the Santa Clara River Basin has been master planned but is recommended to follow the City's lead. Once the Newhall Ranch Road route has been determined and a specific Civic Center site selected the Valencia Corporation should tailor their development plans to best fit the needs and desires of the City. The Civic Center will need professional support office complexes as well as careful mixes of multiple and single-family residential neighborhoods. Once again all individual development must be made to conform to the overall General Plan for the area as a whole. Castaic Water Agency Another important element in the overall planning of the area is the Castaic Water Agency. Now that it is reasonably certain that a Water Treatment Plant will be II II I U I ?I E 0 lu E' located on the Middle Mesa of the Saugus Site, it is important that all surrounding development work in congress with this plant and its design. Location of the pump station and careful study of all environmental concerns and limitations are necessary before serious planning in the area can be realized. The enclosed graphic demonstrates a possible orientation of the individual elements in the area of the Saugus Site. An attempt has been made to provide a framework which will function effectively in spite of the likelihood that various elements may change location. For example the Civic Center could jump to the north side of the river without appreciably altering the plan. 'What is paramount is that the civic, cultural and recreational aspects of this vital area work together as desired, unimpeded by the needed residential and commercial development which will follow. I B. F I I EJ `PRELIMINARY LAND USE CONCEPT - SAUGUS SITE The Saugus Site is divided into three distinct mesas. Adherence to these three tiers will provide a varied and naturally attractive land use. The following land use concept is an attempt to integrate the Saugus Site with all surrounding development, both existing and proposed, so that it may fulfill its promise as a centerpiece of the planning necessary for a cultural/recreational hub to the new City of Santa Clarita. Lower Mesa The Lower Mesa covers 207 acres and will serve as an active recreation and cultural area. Completion of Rio Vista Road, and Route 126 will combine with Bouquet Canyon Road to make it the most accessible of the Mesas. The inclusion of ample parking, considerable green area, and family oriented facilities will help to produce a positive impact on surrounding residential development. A greenbelt parkway on Bouquet Canyon Road and Rio Vista Road will connect with the Civic Center and Santa Clara River Greenbelt system. The active sport fields which may include one.baseball and three softball diamonds; one adult and three youth soccer fields; one regulation football field; and adjacent parking lots are all located north of Rio Vista Road. To make any lighted facilities more palatable to local residents they have been well buffered by a passive park area offering opportunities for picnic, free play -and 7,800 linear feet of jogging and walking trails. A Swim Center which accommodates both a competitive swim program as well as offering a community recreation pool is proposed at the Bouquet Canyon and Rio Vista Intersection and is also accessible via an as yet unnamed access road. Adjacent to the Swim Center is the Tennis and Health Complex which can provide 18 regulation tennis courts and one stadium exhibition court. Hardscape for basketball or volleyball courts and workout rooms for handball/racquetball, weight -training, aerobic exercise and sauna relaxation are also provided. Also taking full advantage of the accessibly of the location is the Community Center. This Center can offer civic support and multi-purpose space as well as an auditorium, daycare center, a senior citizen hall, possibly lawn bowling greens, and a small outdoor amphitheater facility. Serving. to tie the Lower Mesa to the Middle Mesa is the Botanical Gardens. Wrapping around the amphitheater and taking full advantage of the maximum topographical change, shelter, and microclimates. The Botanical Gardens may connect very. compatibly with the proposed Demonstration Gardens on the Middle Mesa planned by the Castaic Water Agency. Middle Mesa The 173 acre Middle Mesa is the designated location of the Castaic Water Agency Treatment Plant. The Middle Mesa will be dominated by the Water Treatment Plant, but this land use '-plan is designed to work in congress with the proposed Demonstration Gardens provided by the water district. Not only will the Botanical Gardens of the Lower Mesa have connecting garden paths to the Middle Mesa demonstration area, the Middle Mesa view parks and picnic areas will also be connected to both the Lower and Upper Mesa's by hiking trails. Vehicle access to the picnic areas of the Middle Mesa will also help to take full advantage of any land not acquired by the-Water Treatment Plant. Upper Mesa The Upper Mesa is an area of approximately 108 acres. It will be made accessible via a new access road and provide the opportunity for an impressive cultural center for Santa Clarita. A central park, bordered by a museum complex may include museum structures, an observatory, an art center and a sculpture garden, eventually flowing into a view park and picnic area which will effectively buffer existing residential development. A potential Hotel/Restaurant Facility can take advantage of the Upper Mesa's view opportunities and proximity to the Civic Center and future Commercial/Industrial Developments. This entire cultural area is linked to the adjoining greenbelt system and Mesa's below by a network of bicycle and hiking trails. Fundamental to development of the Upper Mesa is the extension of the as yet unnamed access road. Without this access route public use of the Upper Mesa would remain minimal. The designated alignment was chosen by performing a preliminary grading analysis. Placement of the new road on the northwest face of the Upper Mesa is also an attempt to provide viable access to the area as well as protect the private nature of the site. The option of this area as a 3 par or executive golf course was considered; however, lack of community -wide benefit, wind, rugged topography at its parameter all detracted from its feasibility. If golf was to be considered viable we would recommend devotion of more of the site for championship level facility. II • STATISTICAL SUMMARY - Preliminary Land Use Concept Lower Mesa 207.8 Acres Hotel Grounds Active Recreation Area 121.6 ac. 3 Softball Fields Museum Complex 1 Baseball Field 1 Museum Grounds 3 Youth Soccer Fields 1 Central Park 1 Standard Soccer Field Art Center 1 Football Field Museum & Exhibition Halls Picnic & Free Play Area 7,800 L.F. Jogging Trail 6.5 ac. Swim Complex 22.7 ac. i Hiking Trails/View Points Swim Club with Olympic Pool Natural Open Space/Slope Community Swim Center TOTAL ACREAGE Community Center 24.0 ac. Offices & Auditorium Amphitheater Senior Citizen Center Tennis & Health Complex 17.1 ac. Club House 18 Regulation Courts ] 1 Exhibition Stadium 1 6 Basketball Courts Botanical Gardens 22.4 ac. Learning Center Demonstration Garden Trails Middle Mesa 173.1 Acres Water Treatment Plant 102.3 ac. Picnic & View Park Area 70.8 ac. Hiking Trails View Point Upper Mesa 108.9 Acres icebLauran1/noiei %.ompiex t+.y ac. Hotel Grounds Underground Parking Museum Complex 17.5. ac. 1 Museum Grounds 1 Central Park Art Center 30.6 ac. Museum & Exhibition Halls Sculpture Gardens Observatory 6.5 ac. +� Picnic Area & View Park i Hiking Trails/View Points Natural Open Space/Slope 93.0 Acres TOTAL ACREAGE 582.8 Acres C. ` SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS The following steps are crucial to a successful planning phase for development of the Saugus Rehabilitation Site. 1. As soon as the. Newhall Ranch Road (Route 126) and Rio Vista Road alignments have been determined an access road for the Saugus Site should be a top priority. A successful circulation system is crucial and all subsequent planning must be structured around these alignments. 2. Also important is a structured comprehensive planning program for the area. The City of Santa Clarita should take the lead in organizing a comprehensive look at the entire Santa Clara River Basin area including undeveloped and underdeveloped properties. Juxtaposition of proposed uses to the Saugus Site can be very important criteria for site development. 3. It is not too early to begin liaison planning with the Castaic Water Agency to be sure that there is a smooth and congruous development process. 4. The Preliminary Land Use Concept. represents a basis by which to begin more detailed investigation into community needs and market feasibility studies. 5. Given the nature of the site, the intended development, and the existing residential neighborhood, a thorough environmental assessment is highly recommended. 0 AREAWEE LAND USE CONCEPT SAUGUS PROPERTY CITY OF SANTA CLARITA Q® -`6e; X119: 9fAF9 MMMMAW LAM PIN Q ROPERTY USE C0NC� CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ®® ••n • •