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7.B. - Page 44 2 Environmental Analysis <br /> a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? <br /> The proposed project would have little effect on the scenic vistas in the area. The expanse of marsh <br /> grassland and natural features that provide most of the scenic values to this area are on the east side <br /> of the creek opposite the proposed path and the City-owned parcel (see Figure 2-1). The area where <br /> the joint-use path would be located is on the western bank and consists primarily of disturbed <br /> grassland or exposed creek bank. Figure 2-4 shows the location of the proposed facilities with <br /> respect to the surrounding natural features and development areas. Project construction for the <br /> joint-use path and pump station would not affect the salt marsh vegetation or intrude into the center <br /> of the creek and would have little effect on views from other locations. The replacement pump <br /> station and emergency generator would not be visible from the creek area. The joint-use path would <br /> include a 1-foot high metal railing along the top of the creek-side wall under the bridge and a scenic <br /> overlook oriented towards Redwood Creek, elements that would provide improved access and views <br /> of the creek. The proposed landscaping features would complement the scenic vistas in the area. <br /> (Less than Significant Impact) <br /> b)Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock <br /> outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? <br /> The proposed project is not located within,in the vicinity of, or adjacent to a designated scenic vista <br /> or a state scenic highway. The closest state scenic highway is Interstate 280 (1-280),approximately <br /> 4.1 miles away (City of Redwood City,2011). The proposed project facilities would not be visible <br /> from I-280 and would not affect any features adjacent to I-280. Therefore, the proposed project <br /> would not impact a scenic highway or natural features or buildings near it. (No Impact) <br /> c)Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? <br /> The proposed project would include engineered features that would change the visual appearance of <br /> the immediate project area. Many of these features would improve the visual character of the <br /> Redwood Creek visual corridor. The tieback retaining wall would have a battered finish with <br /> aesthetic treatments, and metal railing on the creek-side wall would have decorative elements. The <br /> project would include new landscaping,including trees,pedestrian lights,landscaped retaining walls, <br /> and a scenic overlook area located within the City-owned parcel that would enhance the visual quality <br /> of the site. The landscape improvements would comply with the Urban Design Guidelines in the <br /> 2010 General Plan. The landscaping and lighting on the west side of the project would be consistent <br /> with the North Main Street Precise Plan (North Main Street Precise Plan,2007),and the <br /> improvements on the east side of the project would be consistent with the Peninsula Park Precise <br /> Plan. The new pump station,wet well,and vault would be underground. The enclosed generator <br /> and control cabinet would be painted green,and the area landscaped. The landscaping would <br /> enhance the existing visual character of the area near the traffic circle on Bair Island Road. The <br /> proposed project would improve the overall visual qualities of the area, and the impacts to the visual <br /> character of the site would be less than significant. (Less than Significant Impact) <br /> 2-4 US 101 Pedestrian Undercrossing and Bair <br /> Island Road Storm Drain Pump Station Project <br />