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4/25/2005 b. Overriding Considerations. This Council specifically adopts and makes this Statement of Overriding Considerations that this Project includes all feasible measures that would eliminate or substantially lessen the significant impacts of the Project on the environment, and that the remaining significant, unavoidable impacts of the Project are acceptable in light of the environmental, economic, social and other considerations set forth herein because the benefits of the Project outweigh the significant and adverse impacts of the Project. This Council finds that each of the overriding considerations set forth below constitutes a separate and independent ground for finding that the benefits of the Project, as described below, outweigh its significant adverse environmental impacts and sets forth an overriding consideration warranting approval of the Project. These matters are supported by evidence in the record. C. Benefits of Proposed Project. This Council has considered the FEIR, the public record of proceedings on the proposed Project and other written materials presented to the City as well as oral and written testimony at all public hearings related to the Project, and does hereby determine that implementation of the Project as specifically provided in the Project documents would result in the substantial public benefits set forth below. This Council has weighed the benefits of the proposed Project against its unavoidable environmental risks and adverse environmental effects identified in the FEIR and hereby determines that those benefits, as outlined below, outweigh the risks and adverse environmental effects and, therefore, further determines that these risks and adverse environmental effects are acceptable. i) Restoration of Historic Building A county courthouse has stood at this site since the California gold rush period when the first township was settled and the seat of the County of San Mateo was established in Redwood City. The front entrances to the different courthouse buildings which have stood on this ground have always faced Broadway. Since 1856, these successive courthouse facades have served as well recognized symbols of government and portals to the laws regulating the entire region. Approximately ninety percent (90 %) of the original classical Courthouse facade remains intact behind the Depression -era South Annex facade. Currently one enters the Courthouse from the side of the building on Hamilton Street. Removal of the South Annex and reconstruction of the building's missing entrance will restore the community's most significant architectural building to its former splendor as a rare and beloved Beaux - Arts landmark and an important historical governmental center of the region. The project also includes the faithful restoration of missing features which were taken down from the Courthouse building or demolished as a result of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake in conformance with the Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Reconstruction of Historic Buildings (§ 15064.5 (b) (3)), (the "Standards "). ii) Creation of a Central Public Gathering Place Atty /Reso /Reso.1530 14639 042005 3 Muff # 301