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4/25/2005 FINDINGS CONCERNING PROJECT ALTERNATIVES An EIR must describe a range of reasonable alternatives to a project, or the location of a project, which would feasibly obtain most of the basic objectives of a project, but would avoid or substantially lessen any of the significant environmental effects of a project, and evaluate the comparative merits of the alternatives. Even if a project alternative will avoid or substantially lessen any of the significant environmental effects of a project, the decision -maker may reject the alternative if it determines that specific considerations make the alternative infeasible. The City Council has not yet approved the Project. For the reasons identified in the attached resolution and as supported by the evidence in the record, Alternative #3 constitutes the Project. The findings with respect to alternatives identified in the FEIR are described below. A. NO- PROJECT ALTERNATIVE ( #1) Description of Alternative: Under the No- Project Alternative, no new development would occur at the Project site and demolition would be not triggered. Findings: This alternative would preserve existing conditions on the Project site, and no Project approvals would be adopted by the City. Existing facilities which are currently vacant would remain in their present condition and require increased maintenance. The City finds that this alternative is infeasible and less desirable than the proposed Project and rejects this alternative for the following reasons: 1. This alternative would forgo the opportunity to strengthen cultural, visual and pedestrian connections within the downtown environment including re- establishing a visual link with the Theater located directly in front of the Courthouse which is currently used as a regional museum. 2. This alternative would forgo the opportunity to restore the original front facade to a historically significant major community landmark listed on the National Register which is listed as one of the goals and objectives of the historic element of the City General Plan. Based on the foregoing, the City finds that, on balance, the Project is preferable to the No- Project Alternative and that the No- Project Alternative is not a feasible alternative to the Project. B. THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE PORTICOISTEPS AND PLAZA DESIGN ALTERNATIVE ( #2) Description of Alternative: The proposal involves restoring the Courthouse fagade to its original appearance by reconstructing the entrance columned portico and steps. Specific elements of the Courthouse are to be reconstructed to closely resemble their 1910 appearance and location. The specific number and materials for the major elements to be reconstructed on each fagade are listed in the FEIR. This alternative is Atty /Reso /Reso.1530 14639 042005 8 Muff # 301