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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-12-09 - AGENDA REPORTS - GP CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMEND (2)AGENDA REPORT PUBLIC HEARING DATE: December 9, 1997 City Manager Item to be pre Jeffrey Lambert SUBJECT: GENERAL PLAN CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT DEPARTMENT: Planning and Building Services RECOMMENDATION 1. City Council receive staff report; open the public hearing; receive public testimony; discuss the project; and close the public hearing. 2. Adopt Resolution 97-143 to Certify the Environmental Impact Report and adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations. 3. Adopt Resolution 97-144, to Approve the Circulation Element Amendment (Master Case No. 97-111, Previous Master Case No. 93-198, General Plan Amendment No. 97- 002). At its September 30, 1997 special meeting, the City Council approved Resolution 97-113, approving the Circulation Element Amendment. At the request of Councilman Boyer, the Council conducted a special meeting on October 21, 1997 and acted on a 3-2 vote to reconsider the Circulation Element Amendment and directed staff to schedule a public hearing at the November 25, 1997 regular Council meeting. The Council's action to reconsider the Circulation Element Amendment was based on three issues: (1) width of Newhall Ranch Road between McBean Parkway and Bouquet Canyon Road (six vs. eight lanes), (2) width of Valencia Boulevard between McBean Parkway and the I-5 Freeway (six vs. eight lanes), and (3) the elimination of The Old Road between Valencia Boulevard and McBean Parkway. The Council conducted a new public hearing on the Circulation Element Amendment on November 25, 1997. At this meeting, the Council provided the following direction to staff: • The Old Road - eliminate The Old Road from the City's General Plan Circulation Element, recognize that The Old Road exists in the County's plan, and state the City's objection to The Old Road's extension through SEA 64. (5-0 vote) Adopted : dO )fei{: /2'ens ca Iter® g • Valencia Boulevard between McBean Parkway and the I-5 - increase the designation of this segment of Valencia Boulevard to an 84ane arterial provided new street trees are planted along the north side of the street in advance of the street widening. (3-2 vote) Newhall Ranch Road between McB an Parkway and Bouquet Canyon Road - the Council was split regarding its position on the number of lanes to designate for Newhall Ranch Road between McBean Parkway and Bouquet Canyon Road. However, the Council voted 3-2 to continue consideration of the General Plan Circulation Element Amendment to December 9, 1997 and direct staff to provide additional information to assist in a decision regarding this roadway segment. The Council continued the public hearing open for the purpose of obtaining additional testimony regarding Newhall Ranch Road only. Following Council direction, staff has prepared a proposed amendment to the Circulation Element of the City's General Plan. The preparation of this amendment includes an Environmental Impact Report and an extensive public outreach program. Council received the Proposed Circulation Element Text on June 3, 1997 and a copy of the Draft EIR on June 16, 1997. A Final EIR was distributed to the Planning Commission on September 2, 1997 and to the Council on September 10, 1997. The Final EIR includes the Draft EIR Responses to Comments, Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) and Summary of Community Meetings. Newhall Ranch Road Newhall Ranch Road was previously designated as an 8 -lane limited access expressway from I-5 to State Route 14. Based upon the EIR traffic analysis which showed Newhall Ranch Road at gridlock with 6lanes, the Planning Commission recommended that Newhall Ranch Road be reduced only to an 8 -lane arterial (city street with traffic signals) from Bouquet Canyon Road to the I-5 and a 6 -lane arterial from Bouquet Canyon Road to its terminous at Golden Valley Road. At its September 30, 1997 meeting, the City Council amended the Planning Commission's recommendation by limiting Newhall Ranch Road to a 6 -lane arterial from McBean Parkway east to its terminous at Golden Valley Road. In addition, the City Council eliminated the super truck route designation for Newhall Ranch Road. If Newhall Ranch Road is limited to six lanes, the segment between McBean Parkway and Bouquet Canyon Road will reach gridlock (LOS "F") approaching the build out of the City's General Plan and the County's Community Plan. Should Newhall Ranch Road be allowed to be 84anes, the City will avoid gridlock and this segment will likely be at LOS "D" or "E " The City Council discussed a concern that an 8 -lane segment between McBean and Bouquet would be harmful to the existing residents in the Northbridge community or the new residents in the North Valencia development. However, gridlock caused by a 6 -lane limit is likely to cause more harm in increased traffic congestion, increased noise and worsened air quality. But, in light of the Council's concerns with an 84ane roadway, staff has suggested a mitigation measure which may reduce some of the impacts either roadway width will cause: significantly increased median with mature landscaping to further reduce noise, improve air quality, and improve the aesthetics of a larger roadway. During the Council discussions on November 25, 1997 staff' was directed to prepare additional information and analysis regarding the configuration of this segment of Newhall Ranch Road. The following is this additional information: Future development potential along Newhall Ranch Road east of Bouquet Canyon Road Councilman Boyer asked what future development can be anticipated along the easterly extension of Newhall Ranch Road. The Santa Clarita Valley traffic model used in the Circulation Element Amendment analysis assumed the following level of development in the large vacant land commonly known as the Pan Handle and now included within the Center City Specific Plan area: 3,935 residential units, small amount of local serving neighborhood commercial uses, and various institutional uses. This development was included in the future build -out of the City's General Plan, which resulted in an LOS "F" in the subject segment of Newhall Ranch Road if it were to be limited to 6 -lanes. Avenue Scott easterly extension between McBean Parkway and Bouquet Canyon Road Councilman Boyer requested that staff look at the utility of expanding Avenue Scott east of McBean Parkway from the proposed 24ane local road to a 4 -lane secondary road in order to reduce the need for 8 lanes on Newhall Ranch Road. Staff has analyzed this proposal. Because Avenue Scott does not extend to Bouquet Canyon Road due to the highly sensitive habitat in this area, it does not relieve traffic congestion on Newhall Ranch Road. Any eastbound traffic on Avenue Scott must join Newhall Ranch Road at Hillsborough and will therefore not reduce congestion. It is also important to note that the Circulation Element has been designed to designate a limited number of larger roadways in order to confine much of the "through" traffic to these roads. Increasing these roadways to 8 lanes will allow the City to create pedestrian -friendly environments on the remaining local roadways. To create a livable community with cohesive pedestrian communities, we need to protect these neighborhoods from cut -through traffic. This can be accomplished by encreasing the capacity of a few roadways and limiting the capacity of others. The Newhall Ranch Road and Avenue Scott couplet can be a good example of this technique. Exhibit A - Circulation Element Amendment History Chart Exhibit B - Proposed Circulation Element Text - Executive Summary Exhibit C - Resolution 97-143 (Rescinding Resolution 97-112, Certifying EER and Adopting Statement of Overriding Considerations) Exhibit D - Resolution 97-144 (Rescinding Resolution 97-113 and Approving the Circulation Element Amendment) Exhibit E - Newhall Ranch Road before and after enhanced photographs JJL:lep cd\council\circarjjl TIMELINE OF EVENTS CIRCULATION ELEMENT UPDATE September 1997 6/25/91 City's first General Plan Circulation Element Adopted. 11/10/92 City Council adopted General Plan Amendment 92-02 (Master Case 92-154) which amended the Circulation Element for clarity and to identify the Lyons Avenue Extension. 1 10/92 Council passed a motion to reject the north and south alignments of State Route 126 as they were proposed in the Caltrans' Draft EIR. City Council made a referral to the newly formed Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC) to receive further community input regarding an alternative east/west roadway network in the City. 7/93 CTAC recommendations were presented to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission conducted public hearings on this topic, made refinements in the alternative roadway patterns to be studied, and forwarded its recommendation to the City Council. 12/21/93 Planning Commission recommended a network that the City Council should consider in studying an amendment to the Circulation Element. 9/13/94 Council awarded a contract to Meyer Mohaddes Associates, Inc. to conduct a traffic study (the Center City Traffic and Modeling Study) for the purpose of examining the existing circulation system and four alternative road networks in an effort to recommend a superior and acceptable highway system which would eliminate "the super truck" State Route 126 from the City's General Plan, while providing a suitable alternative east/west connector with a network of supporting arterial highways, essential to mobility in the Clarita Valley. . 1/3/95 At the City Council Study Session, staff presented the preliminary findings of the Center City Traffic and Modeling Study to be used in the environmental document for the proposed amendments to the Circulation Element of the General Plan. The presentation included highlights of the traffic study for the four alternative circulation networks recommended or endorsed by the CTAC, the Planning Commission, and the City Council. The study at that time concluded that neither the current Circulation Element nor any of the four potential circulation plans would meet the City's General Plan minimum level of service goal (LOS -D). The City Council directed staff to prepare additional analysis and try to develop a network that best meets the future circulation goals of the Valley. Two additional alternatives were ultimately analyzed as part of an iterative process to develop a superior alternative. The scenarios and the conclusions of the traffic study are described in the Draft Final Center City Circulation El m nt udv (June 1995). TIMELINE OF EVENTS CIRCULATION ELEMENT UPDATE Cont'd 10/10/95 Council authorized staff to proceed with recruiting an EIR consultant. At that time, it was anticipated that Scenario 5 from the Center City Circulation Element Study would be treated as the preferred alternative for purposes of environmental analysis. 11/13/95 At City Council request, staff held a community meeting to discuss the adoption of a new circulation system. The purpose of the meeting was to present the City's proposed circulation system amendment to the General Plan to citizens and to ask their assistance in identifying the most appropriate way to involve the community in the adoption of a new citywide circulation system which would help to solve the on-going problem of traffic congestion. Two things became clear through this process: (1) that it was premature to consider Scenario 5 as the preferred alternative, and (2) that there was a need to keep the community informed and involved in all activities, studies, input opportunities and recommended actions relating to altering the City's future circulation system. 12/12/95 City Council appropriated $100,000 for the public participation process and preparation of the legally required environmental impact report and authorized an agreement with Willdan Associates to oversee the General Plan Amendment process for an amount not to exceed $30,000.00. 9/3/96 The Council authorized Rincon to prepare the Circulation Element EIR and oversee the. public participation plan for the EIR project for $187,000. Meyer Mohaddes was authorized to perform the traffic study for the project for $23,000. The Council directed the formation of a steering committee and appointed Councilwoman Darcy and Councilwoman Heidt to represent the Council on the committee. The Council appropriated an additional $140,000 for these projects. ($210,000 less the $70,000 remaining from the previous allocation of $100,000= $140,000) 9/17/96 The steering committee representatives from the Planning Commission, Chairman Brathwaite and Commissioner Killmeyer are chosen. 9/19/96 The role of Willdan Associates is changes to that of technical reviewer. -The Community Development Department takes the lead for project management of the amendment process. 10/15/96 Kick-off meeting for the Circulation Element EIR and the steering committee are held. 11/5/96 Notice of Preparation of an environmental impact report 30 -day public review period begins. NOP comment period ends December 9, 1996. TIMELINE OF EVENTS CIRCULATION ELEMENT UPDATE Cont'd 11/18/96 Second Steering Committee meeting to finalize public participation information for the planned December 4, 1996 EIR Scoping Meeting. Full page Circulation Element Update ads appeared in the Signal on Sundays, November 24, 1996 and December 1, 1996. 12/4/96 Third Steering Committee meeting followed by the public EIR. Scoping meeting held in Council Chambers and attended by approximately 150 people. The Scoping Meeting was taped and aired several times over the following weeks on Cable TV, 12110/96 Agenda Report received by the Council providing an update on the Circulation Element Amendment progress. 1/28/97 Council approves an additional $13,000 to cover the cost of additional traffic modeling and public outreach efforts. 3/4/97 Council Study Session to review the status of the Circulation Element Amendment and review the proposed DEIR alternatives. 3/18/97 Fourth Steering Committee meeting to review descriptions of trip reduction alternatives and alternative circulation network possibilities. Schedule the finalizing of alternatives. Review possible newsletter content, community workshop format and content and schedule. 4/15/97 Fifth Steering Committee meeting to finalize alternative descriptions, discuss preliminary model results, review the draft Circulation Element Amendment text, review newsletter and community workshop locations. 6/8/97 Circulation Update H two-page advertisement in the Signal to advertise the upcoming release of the Draft EIR and three community workshops for June 26, June 28 and July 10, 1997. This advertisement also serves as the public notice for the fust Planning Commission public hearing on this project scheduled for July 15, 1997. This advertisement was reprinted on Sunday, June 15, 1997. 6/16/96 Draft EIR released for a 45 -day public review period eneing July 31, 1997. Notice of Completion sent to the State Clearinghouse and Notice of Availability sent to Los Angeles County and the various agencies. The DEIR was distributed to Council and Commission members. 6/26/97 First Community Workshop held at the Boys and Girls Club in Newhall. This workshop was attended by approximately 30 people. 6/28/97 Second Community Workshop held a Sierra Vista Junior High School and attended by approximately 20 people. 7/10/97 Community Workshop held at Arroyo Seco Junior High School. TIMELINE OF EVENTS CIRCULATION ELEMENT UPDATE Cont'd 7/15/97 First Public Hearing on the Circulation Element Text and Draft Environmental Impact Report before the Planning Commission. Subsequent hearings held on July 23, August 19, 1997, September 2, 1997 and September 10, 1997. 9/10/97 The Planning Commission Considers the Final EIR, Closes the Public Hearing and Recommends Adoption of Alternative 4 to the City Council with Transporation Demand Management (TDM) strategies on a voluntary basis. 9/30/97 First City Council Public Hearing on the Circulation Element Text and Final EIR S:\cd\advanm\cins1st1.Uu EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT PROPOSED CIRCULATION ELEMENT TEXT DATED JUNE 1997 k` �j'if;� •,.,•-, iii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY BACKGROUND In 1992 the City Council directed City staff to reassess the center City circulation network as a result of a Caltrans study to extend State Route 126 through the City. A City Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC) was formed to study the roadway system and gather public input on an alternative east -west corridor through the City. In 1993, CTAC presented its findings to the City Planning Commission. The Planning Commission subsequently held public hearings on the circulation issue to further solicit public input on east -west roadway system options. In December 1993, the network recommendations of both CTAC and the Planning Commission were presented to the Council the purpose of identifying a roadway network to use as the basis of study for a Circulation Element amendment. In September 1994, the City Council authorized the Center City Traffic and Modeling Study to review the existing planned circulation system and four alternative roadway networks as earlier identified by CTAC, the Planning Commission and Council. The study was completed in January 1995 and concluded that neither the existing circulation system nor any of the four networks studied would meet the City's General Plan level of service goals. In an effort to find a superior alternative, an additional two alternative networks were studied in the Draft Final Center City Circulation Element Study which was prepared June 1995. In November 1995, a community meeting was held to present a recommended circulation network and to identify an appropriate community public participation process prior to proceeding with the amendment. Due to public comments received, it was determined that the environmental review process would review various circulation element amendment alternatives at an equal level of detail. In September 1996, the Council created a Steering Committee with members of the City Council and Planning Commission to work with staff and consultants to direct preparation of the environmental document, Circulation Element amendment text, and an extensive public participation process. The Steering Committee held a scoping meeting in December 1996 -an information from this public input became the basis for the seven circulation alternatives studied in the environmental impact report (EIR) prepared for this project. In addition to the environmental scoping meeting, the community participation process includes three public workshops to discuss the alternatives and their environmental impacts, two newsletters distributed to the public and published in the newspaper, and public hearings before the Planning Commission and the City Council. SUNEVIARY OF TEXT CHANGES Suggested changes in the Circulation Element received through the various public meetings, in-house staff review, consultation with other agencies, and the Steering Committee have been incorporated into the proposed amendment. Although the primary purpose of the Circulation Element amendment is to resolve the issue of the removal of SR 126 and identify an east -west corridor between I-5 and SR 14, the amendment text includes a comprehensive update on various transportation issues and new policies. The changes include minor ES -1 clarifications and corrections, as well as substantive alterations and additions to City circulation policy. New circulation topics addressed include enhancement of the pedestrian environment, Metrolink, transit, dial -a -ride, multi -use corridors, Congestion Management Plan (CMP) roadways, hikeways, light rail and high speed rail discussions have been added. For purposes of the text amendment, Newhall Ranch Road replaces SR 126. The following tables summarize the changes in Circulation Element goals and policies and proposed changes to the Master Plan of Arterial Highways. 14tE,`fasi"i431ai',ttl+ii£F(?ITG`1*CHt►i>�� 5 To provide a circulation system to move people and 1.19 Maximize use of all major, secondary and goods safely and efficiently throughout the City of limited secondary roadways while Santa Clarita and the general planning area. minimizing use of all collectors and local streets. Encourage development design that ensures that local streets function as designed and not as collector streets or other higher capacity roadways. 1.28 Discourage the creation of new gated private roadways that block area -wide through ' routes Promote a diversified public transportation system 2.2 Provide for the mobility of City residents to that is safe, convenient, efficient, and meets the . access local services and employment, identified needs of the City of Santa Clarita and the particularly for those who may experience general planning area. mobility difficulties, including the elderly, disabled, low income residents and Youth. 2.4 Develop multi -modal transit facilities that are strategically located in the City, convenient to major local residential and employment centers. 2.10 Explore the expansion of rail service to Ventura County, to Los Angeles, and to the Antelope Valley. Encourage connections to future high-speed rail that may be located through the Santa Clarita Valley. To promote safe and effective alternatives to the 3.3 Promote bicycle and pedestrian accessibility personal automobile that will meet the needs of all to all commercial, industrial, multi -family planning area residents residential, and public facilities, including parks, schools, and centers of civic activity. Pursue an aggressive posture in the region in 5.3 Work cooperatively with regional advocating a regional transportation system. transportation agencies to develop and improve mass transit system connections between the City, metropolitan Los Angeles, Los Angeles International Airport, the Antelope Valley and Ventura County. &t - ES -2 (Continued) 5.4 Encourage the develooment and utilization of the Metrolink commuter rail and high Pursue an aggressive posture in the region in advocating a regional transportation system. Sneed rail. 5.5 Encourage linkages between the Citys transoortation system. regional rail and high-speed rail. 5.6 Encourage the creation of High -Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes and other methods to increase the capacity of the SR -14 and 1.5. Encourage the imolementation of trio reduction 6.1 Develop coordinated Plans for land use. circulation, and transit with City and County departments to concentrate hien methods to reduce daily auto trip generation through land use olanninz and other strategies. densitv housing, emplovment and commercial areas close to transit corridors. 6.2 Encourage "transit -friendly' commercial and industrial development that provides convenient pedestrian and bicycle access 6.3 Encourage new develooment to use Pedestrian "ziooers" nr walkways to Provide a convenient link between different residential neighborhoods and commercial centers. 6.4 Encourage the location of convenience services, such as day ears, at Transit Centers. 6.5 Encourage implementation of the City's General Plan, Transportation Development Plan, Bikeway Plan. Infrastructure Master Plan and other documents with transportation Policies -through new . development and redevelopment. 6.6 Encourage flerdbility in development standards to permit a higher floor area ratio and lower Parking requirements for commercial develooment that provide and maintain transit facilities and that subsidize shared -ride programs. 6.7 Synchronize the exoansion of public transportation facilities with new develooment with implementation of "Pay as you go" for expansion of public transportation facilities. Support improvements to Congestion Management Plan (CMP) facilities and aid in the implementation of the CMP to improve mobility corridors in the Santa Clarita Valley and North Los Angeles County Region. 6.9 Develop marketing and customer service Plans to promote widespread we of alternatives to the auto. Target public agencies, maior employers, the Chamber of Commerce. Transportation Management Associations (TMAs), etc., to encourage commute Patterns using Public transit. ES -3 kk (Continued) 6.10 Encourage the implementation of My reduction methods to reduce daily auto trio generation thmu h 6.1t. land use oianninz and other strategies. Che underlined text is orocosed to he Use bus stays and transfer point to oromote transit with attractive and readable information and schedules Encourage implementation of travel demand management strategies including telecommuting. compressed work weeks. and The proposed Circulation Element amendment includes several changes to the Master Plan of Arterial Highways, which identifies Major Highways (at least 6 lanes), Secondary Highways (4 lanes), and Limited Secondary Highways. The proposed changes include upgrading or downgrading roadway designations, changing the limits of roadways, and adding new roadways. The following table shows the roadways to be changed on the Master Plan of Arterial Highways: ES -4 Roadway Limits Roadway Ltmits Ave Tibbits Newhall Ranch Rd to W Street Poe Pkwy to Valencia Magic Mountain Blvd Parkway Backer Rd Castaic Rd to SR 126 Ave Scott McBean Pkwy to Hillsborough Pkwy Bouquet Cyn Rd Magic Mnt Pkwy to Biscailuz Dr The Old Road to Castaic Soledad Cyn Rd and Rd Seco Cyn Rd to the Angeles Forest boundary Castaic Rd Ridge Route to Lake Copperhill Dr Seco Cyn to Bouquet Cyn Hughes Rd Rd Copperhill Dr Rye Cyn Rd to Seco Cyn Decoro Dr Copperhill Dr to Seco Rd Cyn Rd Golden Valley Rd* SR 14 to Newhall Ranch Dickason Dr Newhall Ranch Rd to Rde Decoro Dr Lake Hughes Rd I.5 to the Angeles Forest Golden Valley Rd Newhall Ranch Rd to boundary Plum Cyn Rd Lyons Ave The Old Road to Hillcrest Pkwy Sloan Cyn Rd to The Old Dockweiller or Placerita Road Cyn Rd*. Magic Mountain Pkwy I.5 to Pia Princessa lake's way Sierra Hwy to Lost Cyn Rd McBean Pkwy I-5 to Copperbill Dr Parker Rd Sloan Cyn Rd to The Old Road Newhall Ranch Rd* I-5 to Golden Valley* Poe Pkwy Valencia Blvd to Stevenson Ranch Pwky ES -4 (Continued) The Old Road to Castaic Ridge Route I.5 to Northlake Blvd Rd Parker Rd Valencia Blvd to west of Sand Cyn Rd Soledad Cyn Rd to Sierra Pico Cyn Rd The Old Road Hwy Rio Vista Dr Lyons Ave Ext to Via The Old Road Pico Cyn Rd to Calgrove Princessa Blvd and Backer Rd to no. of Sloan Cyn Rd Sand Cyn Rd Placenta Cyn to Soledad 16th Street Orchard Village Rd to Cyn Rd San Fernando Rd Santa Clarita Pkwy Bouquet Cyn Rd to SR Lr#nif8(iUnt#81}i11X �Zl 14 rr r Stevenson Ranch Pwky I-5 to Pico Cyn Rd ChiquitoSCyn Rd SR 126 to Del Valle Rd ,. The Old Rd Pico Cyn Rd to Backer Henry Mayo Dr The Old Road to Magic Rd and so, of Calgrove Mountain Pkwy Blvd. `At2'iBiG.�&3F1LttYi<i'2CEljs"fa Ridge Route I-5 to no. ofNorthlake ha�tge Llil£ thB:a3ii6tidntBC[t >8u� Blvd ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The Circulation Element Draft environmental impact report (EIR) is under preparation and is anticipated to be released for public review on. June 17, 1997. Seven alternative circulation systems will be analyzed in the Draft EIR. These include Alternative 1- the existing planned circulation system that includes all of the roadways planned as part of the current Circulation Element with the exception that the extension of SR 126 through the City would be replaced with Newhall Ranch Road as a 6 -lane major arterial highway. Alternative 2 (Newhall Ranch Road Reduction) and Alternative 3 (Golden Valley Road Network) propose additional roadways. Alternative 4 and Alternative 5 (based upon Alternatives 2 and 3) seek to add additional capacity to the base roadway network through the augmentation of intersections to provide additional turn lanes which aid traffic flow. Finally, Alternative 6 and Alternative 7 (based on Alternatives 2 and 3) contain aggressive transportation demand management (TDM) measures, such as parking pricing strategies, to reduce the number of automobile trips. The EIR will provide the environmental information necessary for evaluating alternatives and provide a basis for decision-making. Please contact Laura Stotler of the City s Community Development Department at (805) 255-4330 for information on obtaining copies of the Proposed Circulation Element Text and the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Circulation Element Amendment. s:\cd\advance\cimLmt4lhs kk ES -5 RESOLUTION NO. 97-143 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA TO RESCIND RESOLUTION 97-112, TO CERTIFY THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT AND TO ADOPT A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS THAT WEIGHS PROJECT BENEFITS AGAINST SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS FOR THE CIRCULATION ELEMENT AMENDMENT MASTER CASE NO. 97-111 (PREVIOUS MASTER CASE NO. 93-198) GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 95-002 THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The City Council does hereby find and determine as follows: a. On June 25, 1991, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 91-98, adopting the General Plan of the City of Santa Clarita and Certifying the Environmental Impact Report. b. An Initial Study was prepared for this project on November 4, 1996. A Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) SCH No. 96112028 was prepared for this project in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA )by Rincon Consultants, Inc following the 30 -day public review period for the Notice of Preparation (NOP) beginning November 4, 1996 and a formal scoping meeting held on December 5, 1996. Following the scoping meeting, the NOP circulation period was extended two additional weeks to December 19, 1996. The Draft EIR and Notice of Circulation (NOC) for this project was released for a 45 -day public review period on June 16, 1997. Two duly noticed public hearings on the Draft EIR were held before the Planning Commission during the public review period on July 15, 1997 and on July 23, 1997. The public review period ended on July 31, 1997. The Draft EIR analyzes seven circulation network alternatives, including Alternative 1 which is the No Project Alternative under CEQA. C. The Draft EIR, herein incorporated by reference as Exhibit A, identifies the following issue areas as significant but unavoidable: earth resources (roads crossing active fault lines), air quality (pollutant emissions during construction), biological resources (degradation of riparian habitat; intrusion into significant ecological area), noise (during construction)and aesthetics/light and glare (alteration of important ridgelines; change in community character/viewshed alteration; community -wide change in nighttime lighting conditions). These impacts are the same level of significance for all alternatives studied in the Draft EIR. d. The Draft EIR identifies the following issue areas as significant but feasibly mitigable to a less than significant level: hydrology/flooding, noise (traffic noise on new roadways), risk of upset, public services/utilities/energy, cultural resources. These impacts are the same level of significance for all alternatives studied in the Draft EIR. A mitigation monitoring reporting program has been prepared to mitigate these potentially significant impacts to a less than significant level and is included as part of. the Final EIR. Reso. 97-143 Page 2 e. The Draft EIRidentifies the following issue areas as less than significant: earth resources (slope destabilization due to grading; fill settling or rebounding; landslide movements; seismic ground shaking; liquefaction); air quality (San Joaquin Valley Fever; long-term vehicle emissions); hydrology/flooding (increase in flood height from construction in floodplains), population and housing (displacement; growth inducing impacts), and public services/utilities/energy. These impacts are the same level of significance for all alternatives studied in the Draft EIR. The Draft EIR identifies beneficial impacts for transportationlcirculation. These impacts are the same level of significance for all alternatives studied in the Draft EIR. g.. Duly noticed public hearings were held by the Planning Commission on July 15, 1997, July 23, 1997, August 19, 1997, September 2, 1997, and September 10, 1997 in the City Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, at 7:00 p.m. h. The Response to Comments on the DEIR and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) was prepared and provided to the Planning Commission on September 2, 1997. The Draft EIR together with the Responses to Comments and the MMRP, herein incorporated by reference as Exhibit B, together are considered the Final EIR.. The Proposed Circulation Element Text dated June 1997, herein incorporated by reference as Exhibit C, also contains circulation policies. that mitigate potential circulation impacts and was considered by the Commission. The Planning Commission considered the Final EIR, as well as information provided in staff reports, the amendment text and through public testimony, prior to adopting Resolution P97-15 recommending that the City Council certify the Environmental Impact Report, adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations, and prior to adopting Resolution P97-16 recommending that the City Council approve the Circulation Element Amendment as modified by the resolution. i. The City Council received the Proposed Circulation Element Text on June 3, 1997, the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the project on June 17, 1997 and the Final Environmental Impact Report for the project on September 9, 1997. Copies of all the Planning Commission staff reports and minutes have been provided to the Council in the City Council reading file 10 days prior to the November 25, 1997 public hearing. j. Noticed public hearings .were held by the City Council on November 25, 1997 and December 9, 1997 in the City Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, at 6:30 p.m. The public notice for this project was mailed to over 300 residents/businesses who expressed interest in this project and an eighth -page ad was placed in the main section of the Signal Paper on November 3, 1997. SECTION 2. Based upon the testimony and other evidence received, and upon studies and investigation made by the Planning Commission and the City Council and on its behalf, the City Council finds: Reso. 97-143 Page 3 a. That the Final Environmental Impact Report for this project is adequate and complete. b. That the Planning Commission has reviewed and considered the Final EIR in reaching its recommendation to the City Council and that the City Council has reviewed and considered the Final EIR in reaching its decision. C. That changes and alterations have been required and incorporated into the circulation element amendment project which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect because the policies of the element itself reduce impacts upon the transportation system and mitigation measures included in the MMPR are made conditions of approval for this project. SECTION 3. Based upon the testimony and other evidence received, and upon studies and investigation made by the Planning Commission and by the City Council and on its behalf, the City Council finds that the Circulation Element Amendment will have the following benefits: a. Promotes an acceptable local and regional transportation system that accommodates land use expansion as envisioned in the City General Plan and the Los Angeles County Area Plan. b. Provides for roadways that will accommodate regional growth, including local regional housing needs, as projected by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). C. Provides for efficient transportation including policies for reducing single -occupancy vehicle trips, trip reduction methods, roadway design (e.g. augmented intersections and cross sections for class one and class two bikeways) and technological advances (e.g. traffic light synchronization and alternate fuel vehicle usage) that minimize air quality impacts upon the Valley and the region. d. Encourages a variety of transportation options that stimulate economic development opportunities in the Santa Clarita Valley and aid in providing for the jobs -housing balance. e. Reduces Circulation Element environmental impacts because removal of SR -126 east of Golden Valley Road from the Arterial Network of Highways will reduce the need for a bridge crossing of the Santa Clara River in the Canyon Country area,. reduce impacts upon biology, particularly the Santa Clara River Significant Ecological Area (SEA), reduce the amount of earth movement, and not dislocate residential units. f. Responds to the concerns of numerous residents that SR -126 would be placed through their neighborhood by removing the SR -126 designated link on Newhall Ranch Road east of Golden Valley. g. Provides policies to encourage pedestrian -friendly environments, encourage construction Reso. 97-143 Page 4 of bikeways, and encourage roadways appropriate for neighborhoods by providing for traffic calming and vehicle weight limits. h. Identifies and encourages expansion of transit opportunities in Santa Clarita including local bus service, commuter bus service, dial -a -ride service, Metrolink commuter train service, and possible extension of light-rail and high-speed rail. SECTION 4. Based upon the testimony and other evidence received, and upon studies and investigation made by the Planning Commission and by the City Council and on its behalf, the Council further finds that the Final EIR analyzes a whole range of project alternatives at a program level and that the environmental impacts of the proposed eight -lane divided major highway links recommended for approval are not significantly different from the impacts of six - lane divided major highways anticipated under the seven alternatives studied, particularly Alternative 4, the recommended alternative. The existing Circulation Element already identifies an eight -lane major highway cross section and identifies a portion of Bouquet Canyon Road as an eight -lane major highway, so precedent exists for the identification of additional eight -lane major arterials in the General Plan. The reasons for supporting the finding that the additional environmental impacts anticipated from an eight -lane rather than a six -lane major arterial are less than significant are as follows for each proposed eight -lane roadway link: a. Magic Mountain Parkway between Valencia Boulevard and I-5 Freeway- Approximately half of this roadway link, from Citrus Street to McBean Parkway has already been constructed to accommodate an eight -lane roadway. The link between McBean Parkway to the Southern California Edison Powerline easement, approximately .5 miles, is already studied at the project level as an eight -lane arterial and is analyzed a part of the traffic analysis for the North Valencia Specific Plan EIR. This leaves less than one mile of roadway widening for further analysis. Given that this area is would not bisect a significant ecological area, ridgeline, Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone or other unique topographical or biologically unique area, widening the roadway an extra two lanes may result in additional impacts, however, these would not be significant given the program level of analysis in the Circulation Element Amendment Final EIR. As shown in the Final EIR. traffic analysis for Alternative 4, changing the designation of Magic Mountain Parkway between Valencia Boulevard and I-5 Freeway from a six -lane to an eight -lane divided major arterial would mitigate traffic impacts on this roadway link at buildout from LOS "F" as shown in the Draft EIR, to LOS "E", thereby improving traffic circulation. b. McBean Parkway between Valencia Boulevard and Newhall Ranch Road- Approximately half of this roadway link, from Valencia Boulevard to Creekside Drive has already been constructed to accommodate an eight -lane roadway. The link between Creekside Drive to Newhall Ranch Road, approximately .5 miles, is already studied at the project level as an eight -lane arterial as part of the traffic analysis for the North Valencia Specific Plan and Annexation EIR. This link includes the widening of the bridge over McBean Parkway which is already identified as a significant impact and subject to a Statement of Overriding Considerations (SOC) under the North Valencia Specific Plan and Reso. 97-143 Page 5 Annexation EIR. Given that the remainder of this roadway link would not bisect a ridgeline, Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zone or other unique topographical or biologically unique area, widening the roadway an extra two lanes may result in additional impacts, however, these would not be significant given the program level of analysis of the Circulation Element Amendment Final EIR. As shown in the Final EIR traffic analysis for Alternative 4, changing the designation of McBean Parkway between Valencia Boulevard and Newhall Ranch Road from a six -lane to an eight -lane divided major arterial would mitigate traffic impacts on this roadway link at buildout from LOS "F" as shown in the Draft EIR, to LOS "E", thereby improving traffic circulation. C. Newhall Ranch Road between Bouquest Canyon Road and I-5 Freeway - Alternative 1 of the Final EIR. includes an analysis of Newhall Ranch Road as an eight -lane major highway. Additionally, a portion of this roadway is within the City and the remaining area is proposed for annexation into the City as part of the North Valencia annexation, presently under application at LAFCO. The portion of Newhall Ranch Road between Bouquet Canyon Road and the San Francisquito Creek Bridge is already analyzed as an eight -lane divided major highway at the project level through the North Valencia Specific Plan and Annexation EIR. d. Valencia Boulevard between McBean Parkway and I-5 Freeway - The widening of this link of Valencia Boulevard has been analyzed in the EIR for the North Hills project and was approved in Spring 1997. Since environmental impacts of this link have already been analyzed at the project level and have been found to be less than significant as approved, the environmental impacts of this roadway link would likewise be less than significant at a program level analysis. As shown in the Final EIR traffic analysis for Alternative 4, changing the designation of Valencia Boulevard between McBean Parkway and I-5 Freeway from a six -lane to an eight -lane divided major arterial would mitigate traffic impacts on this roadway link at buildout from LOS "F" as shown in the Draft EIA to LOS "E", thereby improving traffic circulation. SECTION 5. By adoption of this Resolution, the City Council finds that the Final Environmental Impact Report identifies certain significant environmental effects and feasible mitigation measures that mitigate potential significant impacts to levels less than significant for each of these impacts with the exclusion of earth resources, air quality, biological resources, noise and aesthetics/light & glare. In accordance with CEQA Sections 15091 and 15093, a description of each significant impact and rational for finding that changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the Final EIR is detailed below: a. Air Quality: Implementation of the proposed circulation element amendment would directly generate.emissions during construction of roadways and indirectly contribute to regional air pollution by accommodating motor vehicle traffic in the City. Project - related construction activity would occur sporadically over a number of years. Alternative 4 would exceed maximum daily significance thresholds within the South Coast Air Quality Management Districts (SCAQMD) Air Quality Handbook for NOx and Reso. 97-143 Page 6 PM10. Although construction activity would occur only sporadically, impacts on worst- case construction days are considered significant and unavoidable even with the implementation of mitigation measures to reduce the impacts. New transportation infrastructure would not directly generate long-term air emissions but would accommodate an increase in traffic and associated air pollutant. emissions. Once construction activities are concluded, the project, with mitigation measures AQ(a)-1, AQ(a)-2 and AQ(a)-3 as identified, would not create significant long-term impacts to local air quality. Air quality impacts are significant, even though the mitigation measures identified above will provide a certain reduction in air quality impacts; however, the benefits of the project identified above in Section 3 outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental effects on air quality and the adverse environmental effect on air quality is considered acceptable. b. Earth Resources: Implementation of the proposed circulation element amendment would result in roadways across active faults which would pose a potentially significant impact from fault rupture during a seismic event. Design and construction solutions are generally available to reduce all seismic and geologic hazards to risk levels considered acceptable. Mitigation measures ER -1(a), ER -1(b), ER -1(c), ER -3(a), ER -5(a) and ER -6(a) have been identified to reduce the significance of impacts although some risk of damage to roadway infrastructure would remain. Ground rupture on active fault lines could damage roads, which is considered a potentially significant and unavoidable impact. Earth resource impacts are significant, even though the mitigation measures identified above will provide a certain reduction in these impacts; however, the benefits of the project identified above in Section 3 outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental effects on earth resources and the adverse environmental effect on air quality is considered acceptable. C. Biological Resources: Buildout of the roadway system as envisioned under Alternative 4 for the Circulation Element would result in significant and unavoidable impacts to biological resources within the City. The most significant impacts are associated with the loss of riparian habitats and disturbance to the significant ecological areas along the Santa Clarita River, San Francisquito Creek and the oak savanna west of Interstate 5. Mitigation measures B -2(a), B -2(b), B -2(c), B -2(d), B -2(e), B -2(f), B -2(g), B-3, B -4(a), B - 4(b), B -5(a), B-5(b)are proposed to reduce the effects on plant and animal resources through realignment or elimination of certain roadways and the requirement for site specific survey and mitigation plans for sensitive plants and animals prior to construction. Nonetheless, biological impacts associated with the roadway network buildout and accompanying growth of the City is anticipated to result in unavoidable significant impacts. Overall biological resource impacts are considered lowest under Alternative 4, and are lower than those anticipated under the existing major arterial highway network. Reso. 97-143 Page 7 Biological resources impacts are significant, even though the mitigation measures identified above will provide a certain reduction in these impacts; however, the benefits of the project identified above in Section 3 outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental effects on biological resources and the adverse environmental effect on biological resources is considered acceptable. d. Noise: Construction activity associated with Alternative 4 would have the potential to generate significant impacts to sensitive receptors in the vicinity of construction sites. Traffic noise would potentially exceed normally acceptable levels on all major roadway segments and would be greater under the existing major arterial network than under Alternative 4. Mitigation measures N -1(a), N -1(b), N -1(c), N -1(d) N -2(a), and N -2(b) have been added to the project to reduce short-term roadway construction noise impacts and long-term traffic noise impacts. Long-term traffic -related noise impacts can be reduced to a less than significant level through the use of sound walls, berms, setbacks, and/or the use of rubberized asphalt in street paving. Short-term noise impacts from roadway construction are significant, even though the mitigation measures identified above in Section 3 will provide a certain reduction in construction noise; however, the benefits of the project identified above outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental effects on earth resources and the adverse environmental effect on air quality is considered acceptable. e. Aesthetics: Implementation of the proposed circulation element amendment would result in significant alteration of important ridgelines, change in community character/viewshed alteration, and communitywide change in nighttime lighting conditions. The substantial amount of grading that would occur under Alternative 4, although less than that required for the existing master plan of arterial highways, would result in substantial changes to the natural topography of the City, altering primary and secondary ridgelines. Such alteration potentially conflicts with City policies for ridgeline preservation and hillside development and is considered a significant and unavoidable impact. New roadways under Alternative 4, as under the existing planned roadway network, would result in significant and unavoidable impacts on viewsheds as well. Mitigation measures AES -1(a), AES -1(b), AES -1(c), AES -1(d), AES -2(a), AES -2(b), AES - 2(c), AES -2(d), AES -3(a), AES -3(b), AES -3(c) have been added to the project to reduce the amount of landform alteration, particularly on ridgelines, to minimize the potential for roadways to affect scenic vistas and to reduce light and glare produced from development of roadways that would extend the urban lighted area of the City, alter the nighttime sky view, and produce daytime glare from reflective metallic materials and glass associated with vehicles. While these mitigation measures may reduce potential impacts to some degree, impacts relating to alteration of the overall rural nature of the public view cannot generally be mitigated, although Alternative 4 would have less impacts on public views than the existing planned roadway network because Alternative 4 proposes fewer roadway miles. Likewise, the mitigation measures may reduce the significant effects, yet the increase in artificial light and glare resulting from roadway development would Reso. 97-143 Page 8 remain as a significant and unavoidable under both Alternative 4 and the existing roadway network, although Alternative 4 would have lesser impacts because of its fewer roadway miles. Aesthetic impacts are significant, even though the mitigation measures identified above will provide a certain reduction in aesthetic impacts; however, the benefits of the project identified above in Section 3 outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental effects on aesthetics and the adverse environmental effect on aesthetics is considered acceptable. SECTION 6. By adoption of this Resolution, the City Council rescinds Resolution 97- 112: The City Council has reviewed and considered the environmental information contained in the Final EIR SCH No. 96112028 and determines that it is adequate and in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code, Section 21000 et seq.). In compliance with CEQA Section 15093, the City Council has considered the project benefits in Section 3 as balanced against the unavoidable adverse environmental effects in Section 5 and hereby determines that the benefits outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental effects; therefore, the City Council determines that this resolution comprises a Statement of Overriding Considerations (SOC) that considers project benefits in light of significant adverse project impacts and the adverse environmental effects are considered acceptable. The City Council hereby certifies the Final EIR documents and adopts a Statement of Overriding Considerations (SOC) that is contained herein in Section 3 and Section 5. SECTION 7. By the adoption of this Resolution, the City Council rescinds Resolution 97- 112, certifies the environmental impact report and adopt an SOC that identifies the benefits of the project as balanced against its unavoidable environmental risks, but has not granted any approval or entitlement on this project. SECTION 8. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Resolution. Reso. 97-143 Page 9 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this .1997. MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) § CITY OF SANTA CLARITA ) day of I, Sharon L. Dawson, CMC, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita; do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita at a regular meeting thereof, held on the day of 1997 by the following vote of the City Council: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: CITY CLERK s: \cd\council\circres3.1hs Reso. 97-143 Page 10 Exhibit A Draft Environmental Impact Report June 1997 Incorporated by Reference Reso. 97-143 Page 11 Exhibit B Responses to Comments on the Draft EIR and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program Incorporated by Reference Reso. 97-143 Page 12 Exhibit C Proposed Circulation Element Text June 1997 Incorporated by Reference RESOLUTION NO, 97-144 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA RESCINDING RESOLUTION 97-113, APPROVING REMOVAL OF STATE ROUTE 126 FROM THE MASTER PLAN OF ARTERIAL HIGHWAYS AND OTHER AMENDMENTS TO THE CIRCULATION ELEMENT - MASTER CASE NO. 97-111 (PREVIOUS MASTER CASE NO. 93-198) GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT NO. 95-002 THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The City Council does hereby find and determine as follows: a. On June 25, 1991, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 91-98, adopting the General Plan of the City of Santa Clarita and Certifying the Environmental Impact Report. In November 1992 the City Council adopted General Plan Amendment 92-02 (Master Case No. 92-154) that revised the Circulation Element text for clarity and added the Lyons Avenue Extension as a planned arterial roadway with a connection to Dockweiler Drive. C. On October 13, 1992 the City Council, by minute action, urged Caltrans to find an alternative route for SR 126 and then directed staff to find another east -west route through the City center. d. A City Manager's Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC) was formed to study an east -west route .and presented their recommendation to the Planning Commission in July 1993. The Planning Commission recommended network was presented to the City Council in December 1993 for consideration in studying a possible Circulation Element Amendment. e. In September 1994, the City Council commissioned the Center City Traffic and Modeline Study to examine the existing General Plan circulation system and four alternative roadway networks recommended or endorsed by CTAC, the Planning Commission, and the City Council. f. The findings of the Center City Traffic and Modeling Study were presented to the City Council at a January 1995 study session and, subsequently, two additional alternatives were added to the study and were included in the Draft Final Center City Circulation Element Study, dated June 1995. g. On November 13, 1995, a community meeting was held to present the City's recommended circulation system amendment (Scenario 5 from the Draft Final Center City Circulation Element Study), however, based on the meeting response, the Council determined that the CEQA process should be used to study various alternatives at an equal level of detail, with no preferred alternative. h. An Initial Study was prepared for this project on November 4, 1996. A Draft Reso. 97-144 Page 2 Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) SCH No. 96112028 was prepared for this project in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA )by Rincon Consultants, Inc following the 30 -day public review period for the Notice of Preparation (NOP) beginning November 4, 1996 and a formal scoping meeting held on December 5, 1996. Following the scoping meeting, the NOP circulation period was extended two additional weeks to December 19 1996. The Draft EIR and Notice of Completion (NOC) for this project was released for a 45 -day public review period on June 16, 1997. Two duly noticed public hearings on the Draft EIR. were held before the Planning Commission during the public review period on July 15, 1997 and on July 23, 1997. The public review period ended on July 31, 1997. The Draft EIR. analyzes seven circulation network alternatives, including Alternative 1 which is the No Project Alternative under CEQA Duly noticed public hearings were held by the Planning Commission on July 15, 1997, July 23, 1997, August 19, 1997, September 2, 1997, and September 10, 1997 in the City Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, at 7:00 p.m. j. Noticed public hearings were held by the City Council on November 25, 1997 and December 9, 1997 in the City Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, at 6:30 p.m. k. The Circulation Element identifies the general location and extent of existing and proposed major thoroughfares, transportation routes, terminals, and other local public transportation facilities all correlated with the land use element of the General Plan. The Circulation Element Amendment is consistent with the objectives of the General Plan. The Circulation Element Amendment includes the following project objectives: Identify the primary east -west corridor alternative to an extension of SR -126; Remove SR -126. as a limited access expressway from the Master Plan of Arterial Highways; Identify the existing and planned standards for major, secondary, and limited secondary highways in the City; Identify the primary features of the City's transit system; Reduce the level of vehicular trips in general, and specifically the use of autos for drive -alone trips; Identify alternative commute options including Metrolink, commuter buses, park-and- ride, and telecommuting; Encourage land use planning that supports these mobility goals; Establish mobility corridors within the City. In. The Circulation Element, as amended, may necessitate subsequent amendment of other elements of the General Plan including the noise element, air quality element, open space and conservation element and land use element. SECTION 2. Based upon the testimony and other evidence received, and upon studies and investigation made by the Planning Commission and by the City Council and on its behalf, the City Council further finds and determines that the proposed General Plan amendment is consistent with the goals and policies of the adopted General Plan, and that the proposed amendment complies with all other applicable requirements of state law and local ordinances. Reso. 97-144 Page 3 SECTION 3. The City of Santa Clarita City Council has reviewed and considered the environmental information contained in the Draft and Final EIR SCH No. 96112028 and determines that it is in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code, Section 21000 et seq.) The Planning Commission has adopted Resolution P97- 15 that recommends certification of the Final EIR documents and recommends adoption of a Statement of Overriding Considerations (SOC). The City Council has adopted Resolution 97-143 on December 9, 1997 that certifies the Final EIR and adopts a Statement of Overriding Considerations. SECTION 4. Based upon the foregoing, the City Council approves the following: a. The roadway network analyzed in the Draft EIR as Alternative 4 (Augmented Newhall Ranch Road Reduction) with the addition of Transportation Demand Management (TDM) measures as listed in the Draft EIR Table 2.5 on a voluntary basis with the exception of Parking Pricing Strategies which would be eliminated. b. Recommend that an acceptable Circulation Element Level of Service (LOS) for the General Plan be less than °D" for the following roadway links based on the DEIR Transportation/Circulation (Section 5.8) projected Volume -to -Capacity ratios (Figure 5.8- 4) and analysis for Alternative 4: 1. Bouquet Canyon Road, between Cinema Drive and Seco Canyon Road and between Santa Clarita Parkway and Haskell Canyon Road. 2. Newhall Ranch Road, between Bouquet Canyon Road and west of I-5 Freeway. 3. Soledad Canyon Road, between west of Golden Valley Road and east of Sierra Highway. 4. Magic Mountain Parkway, between west of The Old Road and east of Bouquet Canyon Road. 5. Valencia Boulevard, between west of the I-5 Freeway and east of Bouquet Canyon Road. 6. McBean Parkway, between north of Newhall Ranch Road and south of Valencia Boulevard, and north of Decoro Road. 7. Orchard Village Road, between McBean Parkway and Wiley Canyon Road. 8. Via Princessa, between west of San Fernando Road and Sierra Highway. 9. Seco Canyon Road, between north of Decoro Road and Bouquet Canyon Road. 10. Rye Canyon Road, between The Old Road and north of Newhall Ranch Road. 11. Wiley Canyon Road, between Orchard Village Road and west of San Fernando Road. 12. Pico Canyon Road, between west of Valencia Boulevard and SR -126. 13. Sierra Highway, between Dockweiler Drive and Santa Clarita Parkway. 14. SR -126, between east of Avenue Stanford and Chiquito Canyon Road. 15. The Old Road, between Rye Canyon Road and Valencia Boulevard. 16. I-5 Freeway, between Calgrove Boulevard and the southerly Planning Area Boundary. 17. SR -14, between San Fernando Road and I-5 Freeway. Reso. 97-144 Page 4 18. San Francisquito Canyon Road, north of Copperhill Road. 19. Lyons Avenue, between I-5 Freeway and east of Wiley Canyon Road, and between Newhall Avenue and San Fernando Road. 20. Copperhill Road, between Newhall Ranch Road and north of Decoro Road, and between McBean Parkway and Seco Canyon Road. C. The Proposed Circulation Element Text dated June. 1997 (Attachment A), herein incorporated by reference, with the following changes: 1. Re -order the circulation policies, add a new traffic calming policy, add a new traffic synchronization policy, add a new truck limitation policy, add a new Traffic Calming text and exhibit, and add a revised Table C-1 (Attachment B). 2. Include Augmented Intersection text. 3. Remove Avenue Scott as a Secondary Highway east of McBean Parkway to Hillsborough Parkway. 4. Remove Rio Vista Drive as a Major Highway from the Lyons Avenue Extension to Via Princessa. 5. Designate Lyons Avenue as a Major Highway from The Old Road to Dockweiler Drive as presently exists on the General Plan. 6. Designate Golden Valley Road as a Major Highway from SR -14 to Newhall Ranch Road. Designate Golden Valley Road as a Secondary Highway from Newhall Ranch Road to Plum Canyon and from Placerita Canyon to SR -14 8. Designate Newhall Ranch Road as a Major Highway from 1-5 to Golden Valley Road. 9. Change the Proposed Text Major Highway discussion (Page C-7) fifth line from the top- level "F" to show level "E". 10. Remove Bouquet Canyon Road as a Major Highway from Seco Canyon Road to the Angeles Forest Boundary and designate Bouquet Canyon Road as a Major Highway from Seco Canyon to Vasquez Canyon Road and a Secondary Highway from Vasquez Canyon Road to the Angeles National Forest Boundary. 11. Remove Castaic Road as a Secondary Highway from SR -126 to Lake Hughes Road and designate Castaic Road as a Secondary Highway from Newhall Ranch Road to Lake Hughes Road. Reso. 97-144 Page 5 12. Remove Parker Road as a limited secondary highway since it is already covered under listings for major and secondary highways. 13. Designate the following roadway segments as eight -lane major highways: Newhall Ranch Road between Bouquet Canyon Road and the I-5 Freeway. Magic Mountain Parkway between Valencia Boulevard and I-5 Freeway. McBean Parkway between Valencia Boulevard and Newhall Ranch Road and Valencia Boulevard between McBean Parkway and I-5 Freeway. 14. The Circulation Element incorporates and is consistent with specific plans previously adopted by the City of Santa Clarita. It is recognized that roadway corridors and intersection augmentations depicted on maps in the environmental analysis for the Circulation Element are conceptual only. No specific roadway alignments or intersection augmentations have been determined for areas covered by an adopted specific plan. Where a specific plan has been adopted and approved, the Circulation Element has incorporated roadway alignments and intersection characteristics that are consistent with such adopted specific plans. 15. Modify the Truck Route narrative (Attachment B ) to remove reference to super - truck routes and eliminate Exhibit C-10 Truck Routes and Super Truck Routes (STAA). 16. The Lyons Avenue Extension includes an at -grade crossing of the railroad, rather than a bridge. 17. Delete the major highway segment of The Old Road between Valencia Blvd and McBean Parkway, acknowledge. that this roadway is in the County Plan, and state the City�s objection to its construction in SEA 64. 18. Strengthen the language in support of the Ventura Rail Line (Attachment B) 19. Rescind Resolution Resolution 97-113. d. The proposed map exhibits of the Proposed Circulation Element Text dated June 1997 (Attachment A) are hereby amended to reflect the changes noted above. SECTION 5. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Resolution. Reso. 97-144 Page 6 PASSED, rmma.I�A1 CITY CLERK STATE OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AND ADOPTED 19 MAYOR this day of I, Sharon L. Dawson, CMC, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita at a regular meeting thereof, held on the day of 19_ by the following vote of the City Council: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: SAcd\councfl\dreres4.1hs COUNCILMEMBERS: COUNCILMEMBERS: COUNCILMEMBERS: CITY CLERK Existing condilion View looking East on Newhall Ranch Road Eight lane expansion The City of Santa Clarita �U - Street Expansion Analysis ® HOGLE-IRELAND EA M I SfAIC IA[E .TER AGFNCY R • Pati 1WO'i13 UM -61 M �,• .• MWK PIAN BOUNDARY PLANNING AREA BOUNDARY -- CIRCULATION AND ACCESS : TRAFMSICNAIS TRAFFIC S[GNA15 (IXIS1'ING) T RUGHIIN/RIGHPOHC RIGIiSIN/RICER OVP/IFFI'W a BOTRNTTALGA77'D EXHIBIT 5 CIRCULATION PLAN 1402M VAIIMCU SH=C >P7[.AFI VALENCIA COMPANY II I HO( Source: base map by FMA Florian Martinez Associates, 1997. SrAXIA� oaasoeXcr a. Ml LEGEND Project Site Boundary Planning Arca Boundary NOTE:The MWD Easement. Cestaic fake Water Agency, So. Cal Gas Company and Arco Station are a pert of the project but not a pan of the Specific Plan. Alternative 2—Buildout According to the City of Santa Clarita General Plan NORTH VALENCIA ANNEXATION EIR Soured: bin map by FMA norian Martinez Associates,1997, ff,uc u ,iPR.WRKY a � nnl LEGEND Project Site Boundary 8 Planning Ares Boundary Open Space Created by Clustering Units NOTE:7be MWD Easemm4 Valencia Industrial Center (portion) Cestaic Lake W&WAgenry, So. Cel Gas Comlxmy and Arco Stadon aR d pelt of. the project but not a pan of the Specillc Nen MuaE6.0-2 Altemative3—Biological Attemativ NORTH VALENCIA ANNEXATION E 2m Source: base rasp by FMA nonan Martinez Associates, 1997. Im AGENCY ..hru LEGEND Project Site Boundary Planning Area Boundary Open Space Created by Reducing Commercial and Residential S.F. 20% NOTE:The MV/D 13mement, Castaic lake Water Agency, So. Cal Cas Company and Arco Station arc a part of the project but not a pan of the Specific Plan, Altemative 4—Reduced Density No. NORTH VALENCIA ANNEXATION ENI Source: ban map by FMA Florian MarldneXAssociates, 1997. - s 'gym is • :N fTAE tAR n>XAcfnrT 12-0baAA NORTH VALENCIA ANNEXATION EIR I. 1 LEGEND 0 Project Site Boundmy +�. •'' BPlanning Ana Boundary Open Space Cfeeted by Reduang, I Commercial and Residential S.P. 40% NOTE:The MWD Eawmem Valencia Wwuial Cmtef (portion) Cartaic lAke Water Agency, So. Cal Gas Company and Afro Stadon aro a pm of the project but Imt a pmt of the Specific Plan. is '''.1 �-r FIdn1EO.U�Y Alternative 5 -Reduced Density No 2 12-0baAA NORTH VALENCIA ANNEXATION EIR I. X37 Y _ � � RT _ ✓4 View looking East on Newhall Ranch Road The City of Santa Clarita Existing condition Street Expansion Analysis Eight lane expansion IIL & WC'6 CIIASL AAMU"ATI , ^, \lG1:U.1pI01.AT10\5 r 141 FL1-0955