HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-01-26 - RESOLUTIONS - FEIR SCH 97021026 CIP ROAD EXT (2)RESOLUTION NO. 99-22
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
CERTIFYING FEIR SCH# 97021026 AND ADOPTING A
STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS THAT WEIGHS PROJECT
BENEFITS AGAINST THE PROJECTS SIGNIFICANT UNAVOIDABLE IMPACTS
FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PROJECT NO. S0005,
MASTER CASE NO. 97-147, AND HILLSIDE REVIEW NO. 97-001
FOR THE EXTENSION OF MAGIC MOUNTAIN PARKWAY
FROM SAN FERNANDO ROAD AND THE EXTENSION OF VIA PRINCESSA
FROM RAIINBOW GLEN DRIVE
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, DOES
HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council does hereby make the following findings of fact:
a. The proposed project consists of the construction of Magic Mountain Parkway
from San Fernando Road to Via Princessa and of the extension of Via Princessa
from Magic Mountain Parkway to 1, 148 feet west of Rainbow Glen Drive. The
roadway extension will be approximately 4.5 miles long and will ultimately
include six lanes with a 14 -foot wide center median. The project will require an
interchange at San Fernando Road and Magic Mountain Parkway and a bridge
over San Fernando Road and the Metrolink. railroad tracks east of and adjacent
to San Fernando Road. The bridge will also include pedestrian and bicycle trails.
The proposed interchange will replace the existing at -grade t -intersection of
Magic Mountain Parkway with San Fernando Road and will require widening of
the existing bridge over the Santa Clara River. The roadway will be built in
phases with the first phase including four traffic lanes and a bicycle lane.
b. The center portion of the roadway is part of the circulation system of the Porta
Bella Specific Plan. General impacts of the roadway through the Specific Plan
area have previously been addressed in the Porta Bella Specific Plan
Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The Porta Bella site was used by the
Whittaker-Bermite facility for the manufacture and testing of explosive and
propellant devices, such as munitions and rocket motors. The manufacturing
process produced a variety of wastes, both liquid and solid, that are considered
hazardous. The Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC), a division of the
California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal -EPA) is overseeing the clean up
of this site. As a final condition of approval for the Porta Bella Specific Plan, all
development must not commence until after the completion of the clean-up
program and certification by DTSC. The portion of the Magic Mountain/Via
Princess Extension that passes through the Porta Bella site will also be subject
to this condition.
C. On October 8, 1994, the City of Santa Clarita held a Community Strategic Plan
meeting to receive input from the community for action items. The participants
identified the lack of adequate roadways throughout the Valley as a major
Reso No. 99-22
Page 2
concern. The focus was on east -west circulation and there was an overall desire
expressed to develop new road links.
d. On April 25, 1995, the City Council adopted "The Extension of Magic Mountain
Parkway and the Construction of Via Princessa between San Fernando Road and
Rainbow Glen Drive" as the preferred alternative for a new road link.
e. On September 12, 1995, the City Council adopted the Porta Bella Specific Plan
(Ordinance No. 95-6), following certification of the Final EIR (Resolution No. 95-
41, SCH# 92-041040) on April 25, 1995. The Porta Bella Development Agreement
(Ordinance No. 96-4) was approved on February 27, 1996. Condition ED -10 of
the Final Conditions of Approval for the Porta Bella Specific Plan calls for the
construction of a grade separated bridge for Magic Mountain Parkway over San
Fernando Road.
f. On November 13, 14, and 19, 1996, public information workshops were held
regarding the proposed extension and a duly noticed EIR scoping meeting/public
hearing was held on March 5, 1997. The EIR scoping meeting1public hearing was
taped and televised to encourage additional public participation on this project.
The specific alignments studied in this EIR and scope of the environmental
analysis considered all of the input received at those meetings. The alignments
studied in the EIR were selected in part because they affected the fewest
properties among those originally considered.
9. The City of Santa Clarita prepared an Initial Study for the project that
determined that the project may have a significant effect on the environment and
that an environmental impact report must be prepared. A Notice of Preparation
(NOP) for the Capital Improvement Program project and Hillside Review was
mailed in February 1997 to affected agencies.
h. The City originally considered preparing a joint CEQA/NEPA document.
However, federal funds are not identified to be used for the roadway project;
therefore, NEPA review is not required. The environmental document prepared
is a CEQA stand-alone document and not a joint CEQA/NEPA document.
i. On December 9, 1997, the City Council approved an update of the Circulation
Element of the General Plan, which included the extensions of both Magic
Mountain Parkway and Via Princessa as part of the Circlilation Element map of
arterial highways.
j. On November 3, 1998, the Planning Commission and City Council held a joint
study session to receive a presentation from Mr. Thomas Cota from the
Department of Toxic Substance Control regarding the status of the clean up of
the Porta Bella site.
k. On November 19, 1998, the Department of Toxic Substance Control held a
community meeting at the City Council Chambers regarding the status of the
clean up of the Porta Bella site.
Reso No. 99-22
Page 3
in. On December 8, 1998, the Planning Commission went on a field visit to the
western and eastern termini of the proposed roadway connection, beginning in
the Council Chambers for the purpose of becoming familiar with the project's
impacts on businesses along San Fernando Road and the projects connections
with existing roadways.
n. The Magic Mountain Parkway/Via Princessa Extension Draft Environmental
Impact Report (DEIR) was circulated for review and comment by the affected
governmental agencies and all comments received have been considered. The
DEIR (SCH# 97021026) was distributed to the Planning Commission, the public
and affected governmental agencies for a 45 -day public review period beginning
on August 18, 1998 and ending on October 2, 1998. The public review period was
first extended until November 2, 1998, and a second time until December 1, 1998.
0. The Planning Commission held duly noticed public hearings on the Magic
Mountain Parkway/Via Princessa Extension DEIR on September 15, and
December 1, 1998. These public hearings were held at 7:00 p.m. at the City
Council Chambers, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita.
P. The Final EIR, considered by the Planning Commission included the DEIR and
the following: responses to written comments on the DEIR, responses to public
testimony regarding DEIR issues raised at the public hearings during the public
comment period, and suggested modifications to the DEIR text. The DEIR was
provided to the Commission on August 18, 1998, and the remaining Final EIR
documents were prepared and provided to the Planning Commission on
December 8, 1998.
q. On December 15, 1998, the Planning Commission considered the Final EIR, as
well as information provided in staff reports and public testimony, and
recommended that the City Colin il certify the Final EIR and adopt a statement
of overriding considerations.
r. The Final EIR, herein incorporated by reference as Exhibit A, includes the Final
EIR considered by the Planning Commission and the Mitigation Monitoring and
Reporting Program (MMRP).
S. A duly noticed public meeting was held by the City Council on January 26, 1999,
commencing at 6:30 p.m. at the City Council Chambers located at 23290 Valencia
Boulevard, Santa Clarita. At this meeting, the Council considered the project's
DEER, the Final EIR, the MMRP, information provided in staff reports, the
Planning Commission's considerations, and public testimony regarding the
project.
SECTION 2. The City Council of the City of Santa Clarita does hereby make the
following findings of fact:
Reso No. 99-22
Page 4
a. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires decision -makers to
balance the benefits of a proposed project against its unavoidable environmental
impacts. If the benefits of a proposed project outweigh the unavoidable adverse
environmental effects, the adverse effects may be considered "acceptable" by
adopting a "Statement of Overriding Considerations." This statement sets forth
the project benefits or reasons why the Lead Agency is in favor of approving and
weighs these benefits against the project's adverse environmental impacts
identified in the Final EIR that cannot be mitigated to a level less than
significant.
b. CEQA requires decision -makers to adopt a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting
Program (MMRP) for those mitigation measures that are conditions of the
project.
SECTION 3. The City Council does hereby find that the Final EIR for the Capital
Improvement Program No. S0005, Master Case No. 97-147, and Hillside Review No. 97-001
identifies cumulative project impacts and project specific impacts. Environmental impacts
identified in the Final EIR are summarized as follows:
a. The DEER, herein incorporated by reference as Exhibit A, identifies the following
issue areas as significant and unavoidable: Earth Resources, Land Use and
Planning, Noise, Air Quality, and Visual Resources/Light and Glare.
b. The DEIR identifies the following issue areas as significant but feasibly mitigable
to a less than significant level: Transportation/Circulation, Human/Health
Hazards, Biological Resources, Hydrology/Water Quality, Cultural Resources, and
Energy. A mitigation monitoring reporting program will be prepared to outline
monitoring requirements for all adopted mitigation measures and will be
included as part of the Final EIR to be certified by the City Council.
SECTION 4. Based upon the testimony and other evidence received, and upon studies
and investigation made by the City Council and on its behalf, the City Council finds as follows:
a. That the Final EIR for this project is adequate, complete and has been prepared
in accordance with CEQA.
b. That the City Council has reviewed and considered the Final EIR in reaching its
decision.
SECTION 5. Based upon the testimony and other evidence received, and upon studies
and investigation made by the City Council and on its behalf, City Council finds that the Final
EIR analyzes a range of project alternatives.
a. Alternative 1, the No Project Alternative. This Alternative is required by the
CEQA Guidelines and it compares the impacts which might occur if the site is left
in its present condition with those that would be generated by the project as
proposed. This alternative assumes that the Magic Mountain/Via Princessa
Extension will not be approved as planned. As a result, the Porta Bella Specific
Reso No. 99-22
Page 5
Plan will not be developed per the final conditions of approval, because the
proposed project is the major accessway around which the interior residential and
commercial development is based. Access to the Ports. Bella development would
be from the existing Soledad Canyon Road. The planned Civic Center
development of the City, adjacent on the north to Ports. Bella, would be delayed
or thwarted because of the lack of the connection by this roadway project to other
parts of the City. Although another route may be chosen to provide a cross -valley
connection, failure to construct the proposed project would cause delays and
additional costs, perhaps in acquisition of right-of-way to obtain another route for
the connection sought between 1-5 and SR -14. The area to the east of Ports, Bella
would continue to develop in accordance with City regulations, but would not be
assisted by the City infrastructure; any road extensions would be at the expense
of private development and probably would be slower developing.
b. Alternative 2, Proposed Project Interchange Alternatives. The interchange
alternatives assume that the Magic Mountain/Via Princessa Extension would
provide the cross -valley connection from 1-5 to SR -14 and that at the same time,
it would be the backbone connector into and through the new Porta Bella
community. Included in the Western Segment of the proposed project are three
interchange alternatives for the intersection of Magic Mountain Parkway and San
Fernando Road.
Interchange Alternative 1 — This alternative proposes to construct a one -
lane ramp in the southwest quadrant of the interchange, and a multi -lane
"hook" ramp in the northwest quadrant.
Interchange Alternative 2 — This interchange alternative proposes to
construct a multi -lane ramp in the southwest quadrant of the interchange.
Interchange Alternative 3 — This alternative proposes to construct a
multi -lane ramp in the northwest quadrant of the interchange. This is
also the "Environmentally Superior" alternative under CEQA.
In addition, three bridge options with varying structure span lengths and
construction methods were analyzed that could be used with any of the three
interchange options listed above.
Alternative 3, The Porta Bella Only Alternative. In this alternative, Magic
Mountain Parkway would be extended eastward into Ports, Bella. It would serve
to link the Porta Bella development to the communities on the west and the Civic
Center. It would also provide a backbone major street for the intercommunity
connection of Ports. Bella developments. However, this alternative would not
extend to the eastern boundary of Ports, Bella but only as far as the residential
development planned for the southern section of the Ports, Bella property. There
would be no connection to Via Princessa. Via Princessa would not be extended
from its current eastern terminus.
SECTION 6. By adoption of this Resolution, the City Council finds that the Final EIR
Reso No. 99-22
Page 6
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 exception of Earth Resources, Land Use and Planning, Noise, Air Quality, and Visual
Resources/Light and Glare. In accordance with CEQA Sections 15091 and 15093, each
significant impact and the rationale for finding that changes or alterations have been required
for, or incorporated into, the project which avoid or substantially lessen the significant
environmental effect as identified in the Final EIR are detailed below:
a. Earth Resources/Land Use and Plannin : The proposed project would result in
permanent changes in the local topography, crossing or impinging on primary
ridgelines in four locations and secondary ridgelines in five locations. In addition,
the project will exceed the 1,500 cubic yard grading cut or fill limit and proposed
development of slopes which are greater than 15 percent on part of the site.
Mitigation Measures: The Final EIR identifies Mitigation Measures LU -8a and
LU 8b that would reduce the visual impact of the grading to some extent.
However, no feasible mitigation exists which would reduce these impacts to below
less than significant. Therefore, the visual impacts created by the grading of the
hillsides to accommodate the road would be unavoidably significant.
b. Noise: Residents in the Circle J Ranch area would realize an increase in local
noise levels with project implementation, as there are currently no major
thoroughfares located in proximity to these residents. Peak hour traffic within
the project area could raise local noise levels by 3 to 4 decibels (dBA). While the
resultant noise levels with project implementation would remain below the
criteria value noise levels, the increase in noise at proximate receptors would be
expected to be over 5 dBA, producing a significant impact.
Mitigation Measures: The Final EIR identifies Mitigation Measures N-2 and N-3
that include the use of noise walls and/or berms to shield existing receptors from
this noise. If of sufficient size and properly placed, these noise walls and berms
may reduce noise at receptor locations by as much as 20 to 23 dBA, thereby
reducing any potentially significant impacts to a level that is less than
significant. The exact size and placement will vary with the proximity of the
barrier to the road and receptor, as well as any grade differential. Because these
values vary across the project alignment, it is beyond the scope of this Final EIR
to determine wall/berm height and placement for each receptor location. Such
determinations will be made during the design phase of the project. Thus, for
this potentially significant impact Mitigation Measures N-2 and N-3 provide that
a more refined noise study shall be performed during the design phase, prior to
project initiation. This study shall address noise impacts based upon noise level
increase, and outline feasible mitigation measures such that any increase in noise
is less than 5 dBA over ambient levels. Because this study cannot be performed
at this time, it is unclear as to whether this impact will be reduced to a level of
less than significant; therefore, the impact is considered unavoidably significant.
Reso No. 99-22
Page 7
C. Air Qualit : Nitrogen oxides generated by construction equipment have the
potintial to exceed both daily and quarterly significance limits set forth by the
South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD). Therefore, the short-
term impacts from nitrogen oxides are considered unavoidably significant.
Mitigation Measures: The Final EIR identifies Mitigation Measures AQ -1a and
AQ -1b that would limit the daily amount of heavy equipment used for the project
and require that equipment is maintained in good operating condition so as to
reduce operational emission. However, the significance of the residual impact
will ultimately depend upon the daily use of construction equipment; therefore,
the project's impacts to air quality remains unavoidable and significant.
d. Visual Resources/Lipht and Glare: The proposed project will affect four primary
and five secondary significant ridgelines of the San Gabriel Mountains as it
crosses Santa Clarita. Of these, three primary and one secondary ridgeline are
crossed in the segrAent of the roadway east of Ports Bella. The roadway will be
a visible intrusion along these significant ridgelines, Also, the proposed project
will initiate the change in character of Santa Clarita from undeveloped to
suburban development that was analyzed and accepted with the Porta Bella
Specific Plan. These effects east of Ports Bella will be similar, including the
introduction of roadway light and glare.. There are no feasible mitigation
measures to reduce these impacts related to ridgelines and lighting to a level of
less than significant. Therefore, they would be unavoidably significant impacts.
Mitigation Measures: The Final EIR identifies Mitigation Measures V -la, V -2a,
V -lb, and V -2b that would require landscaping, berming, and sensitive grading
to address these impacts. However, after the implementation of these mitigation
measures the impacts on Visual Resources and Light and Glare will remain
unavoidably significant.
SECTION 7. FINDINGS IN SUPPORT OF A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING
CONSEDERATIONS. Based upon the testimony and other evide�nce received, and upon studies
and investigation made by the City Council and on its behalf, the City Council flarther finds that
the Magic Mountain Parkway/Via Princessa Extension will have community benefits. The City
Council finds that the following benefits are overriding considerations that support adoption of
a Statement of Overriding Considerations:
a. The project implements the Valley Center Concept in the General Plan.
b. The project will provide the City with a major east -west roadway connection as
identified as a high priority in the Citys,1995 Strategic Plan and the General
Plan Circulation Element.
C. The project is consistent with the site's City General Plan and Zoning Land Use
classifications.
d. The project proposes to create a major east -west roadway through the City and
supports the General Plan as follows:
Reso No. 99-22
Page 8
The'project supports the Land Use Element including policies promoting a mixed-
use town center, with higher density residential, in proximity to public
transportation, as follows:
Goal 1, Growth Management: To preserve the character of the
communities and the integrity of the Santa Clarita Valley by permitting
orderly growth through the synchronization of development with the
availability of public facilities, such as roads, sewers, water service, and
schools needed to support it.
Goal 3, Distribution and Intensity of Land Uses: To achieve a balanced
physical environment through sensible land use planning and urban
design, while establishing the City's role as a regional center.
Goal 7, Responsible Growth Management: To preserve the character of
the communities and the integrity of the Santa Clarita Valley through
orderly development practices and the provision of private and public
capital improvements, facilities, and services to support existing and
future development.
The project supports the Circulation Element, which seeks to improve traffic
circulation throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, as follows:
Goal 1: To provide a circulation system to move people and goods safely
and efficiently throughout the City of Santa Clarita. and the general
Planning Area.
Policy 1.2 Seek alternative funding opportunities to provide
adequate transportation and circulation facilities.
Policy 1.3 Adopt a program of street and highway landscaping
(i.e. median planting and street trees) to enhance the appearance
of the City's circulation system.
Policy 1.6 Develop design standards for roadway and
intersection improvements to safely and efficiently accommodate
existing and projected transportation pattern and circulation.
Policy 1.11 Improve circulation facilities to provide improved
levels of service and standards of safety over current traffic
operations with a priority to improve local transportation
pattems.
Policy 1. 12 Maintain appropriate levels of service at all
intersections in the City during peak hours to ensure that traffic
delays are kept to a minimum.
Reso No. 99-22
Page 9
Policy 1. 13 Preserve the quality of residential neighborhoods by
discouraging the flow of truck and through traffic in these areas
consistent with circulation and emergency needs.
Policy 1. 16 Limit the number of intersections and driveways on
all major, secondary and limited secondary roadways to
accommodate a safe, efficient and steady flow of traffic.
Policy 1. 19 Maintain adequate access to state highways and
freeways servicing the Santa Clarita Planning Area including
Interstate 5 on the west, State Route 14 on the southeast and
State Route 126 on the northwest.
Goal 3: To promote safe and effective alternatives to the personal
automobile that will meet the needs of all Planning Area residents.
Policy 3.5 Establish multi -use corridors and reserve
appropriate rights-of-way.
Policy 3.6 Maintain the Master Plan of Bikeways that is
coordinated with the County plan for the Santa Clarits. Valley and
regional network, including Ventura County, in order to provide
an adequate system for the safe and efficient movement of cyclists.
Goal 4: To provide for and ensure an adequate supply of off-street private
and public parking to meet the needs of local residents and visitors to the
City and Planning Area.
Policy 4.4 On -street parking should generally be eliminated
from all major, secondary and limited secondary roadways.
Goal 51: Pursue an aggressive posture in the region in advocating a
regional transportation system.
Policy 5.5 Encourage intergovernmental coordination and
cooperation among all agencies and levels of government for the
planning, management, financing, and implementation of
transportation system improvements.
Goal 6: Encourage the implementation of txip reduction methods to reduce
daily auto trip generation through alternate transportation, land use
planning and other strategies.
Policy 6.3 Encourage im plementation of the City's General
Plan, Transportation Development Plan, Bikeway Master Plan,
Infrastructure Master Plan and other documents with
transportation policies through new development and
redevelopment.
Reso No. 99-22
Page 10
Policy 6.8 Synchronize the expansion of public transportation
facilities with the development with implementation of "pay as you
go" for expansion of public transportation facilities.
Policy 6. 11 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 Angels County region.
e. The project provides significant public benefits in that it provides for an improved
circulation network that will result in the connection of Magic Mountain Parkway
to Via Princessa thereby allowing for an additional major, east -west roadway
connection in the City.
SECTION 8. STATEMIENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS AND EIR
CERTIFICATION. By adoption of this Resolution, the City Council has reviewed and
considered the environmental information contained in the Final EIR (SCH# 97021026) and
determines that it is adequate and in compliance with CEQA (Public Resources Code, Section
21000 et seq.) and reflects the independent judgement of the City. In compliance with CEQA
Section 15093, the City Council has considered the project benefits as balanced against the
unavoidable adverse environmental effects 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 and the adverse environmental
effects are considered acceptable. The City Council hereby certifies the Final EIR documents and
adopts a Statement of Overriding Considerations that identifies the benefits of the project as
balanced against its unavoidable environmental risks.
SECTION 9. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this Resolution.
Reso No. 99-22
Page 11
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 26th day of January, 1999
�6011
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
1, 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 26th day of January, 1999, by the following
vote of the City Council:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
SAPBS\C0LTNC1L\MGXRES0.DoC
Ferry, Weste, Klaj;�c, He�idt, Darcy
None
None
CITY CLERK