Reso PC16-23 PC 0116 Reso CEQA - Sandpiper

Browse Search

SECTION 4.0 ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING, CHECKLIST & DISCUSSION OF IMPACTS This section describes the existing environmental conditions on and near the project area, as well as environmental impacts associated with the proposed project. The environmental checklist, as recommended in the CEQA Guidelines, identifies environmental impacts that could occur if the proposed project is implemented, The right-hand column in the checklist identifies the source(s) for the answer to each question. The sources cited are listed at the end of this section. Mitigation measures are identified for all significant project impacts. "Mitigation Measures" are measures that will minimize, avoid, or eliminate a significant impact (CEQA Guidelines § 15370). Measures that are required by the Lead Agency or other regulatory agency that will reduce or avoid impacts are categorized as "Standard Project Conditions." Important Note to the Reader: The California Supreme Court in a December 2015 opinion [California Building Industry Association v. Bay Area Air Quality Management District, 62 Cal. 4th 369 (No. S 213478)] confirmed that CEQA, with several specific exceptions, is concerned with the impacts of a project on the environment, not the impact the existing environment may have on a project. Therefore, the evaluation of the significance of project impacts under CEQA in the following sections focuses on impacts of the project on the environment, including whether a project may exacerbate existing environmental hazards. One exception relates to school projects. Public Resources Code section 21151.8 requires agencies to evaluate a project site's environmental conditions to determine if school sites are located on or near sources of hazardous substances or waste or in close proximity to freeways or other operations that might emit hazardous emissions. 4.1 AESTHETICS 4.1.1 Existinp- Setting 4.1.1.1 Visual and Aesthetic Character of the Project Area The project site is located in a flat, urbanized area of Redwood City called Redwood Shores. Redwood Shores is located on the Redwood Peninsula, which is bounded by Belmont Slough to the north, San Francisco Bay to the east, Steinberger Slough to the south, and US 101 to the west. Levees ring Redwood Shores, since the ground elevations are below that of high tides. Redwood Shores Lagoon lies within the interior of Redwood Shores, and is lined with residential and commercial development. Redwood Shores Lagoon is located along the western boundary of the project site. Development in Redwood Shores began in the 1960s, with the project site and surrounding area eventually being developed in the 1990s. The project site is developed with the Sandpiper Community Center, Sandpiper Park, and Sandpiper Elementary School, which includes contemporary buildings up to two stories in height, asphalt outdoor recreation areas, and a synthetic City of Redwood City 14 Initial Study(Mitigated Negative Declaration Sandpiper Elementary School Facilities Expansion November 2016