AgdaPkt 2015-07-27 Joint SA and PFA

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8.A. - Page 10 Zoning Compliance: The DTPP serves as the regulatory framework with which the Project must comply. The DTPP was initiated by the City in the mid -2000s as a significant initiative to revitalize the Downtown area and promote public and private investment. Goals and guiding principles of the DTPP include, but are not limited to, the following: • Actively encourage and promote the preservation of Redwood City's historic resources, and reduce the deferral of judgement on how to preserve them as much as possible; • Create a strong employment district and "vital center"; • Make pedestrians the priority; • Integrate transit and bicycle use; and • Provide "just enough" parking and create a "park -once and walk" district. The Project is consistent with the DTPP in that it meets applicable DTPP standards, guidelines, and overall intent of the DTPP regarding the proposed deviations from nine (9) guidelines. The Project would contribute to the creation of a strong employment district with the construction of 60,322 square feet of office space, and is centrally located in Downtown Redwood City directly across from major public transit facilities including the Caltrain Station, SamTrans bus facilities, and other major shuttle stops. The Project incorporates large storefront windows and doors that would promote pedestrian activity, and the Project consists of both on- and off -site bicycle storage that support alternative modes of transportation. In addition, the Project proposes a public - private partnership between the City and the Property Owners by creating a larger public parking garage through the connection of the Project's Hamilton Garage with the City's Jefferson Garage. Based on the review of the project plans and documents, and on the AAC and HRAC recommendations, staff feels that the proposed project is consistent with regulations and intent of the DTPP. Community Engagement and Public Notification The City conducted five (5) public meetings to provide opportunities for the public to learn about the project and to submit early feedback (two AAC meetings, two HRAC meetings, and one Planning Commission meeting). A public hearing notice was sent to 106 property owners, occupants and interested parties within a 300 foot radius from the subject properties, published in the Daily Journal newspaper, posted on the City Hall bulletin board 10 days prior to the public hearing, and posted on the Project's three publicly - accessible frontages 10 days prior to the public hearing. One public comment was received (Attachment 8), and the Applicant provided a response (Attachment 9). The commenter expresses concerns regarding demolition, excavation and structural shoring activities at the Project site and how those activities may affect the adjacent property at 830 Middlefield Road. The applicant has provided satisfactory response; all construction engineering issues will be addressed at the building permit plan review phase.