AgdaPkt 2002-02-25 - Laserfiche WebLink

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IREPOR- To the Honorable Mayor and City Council From the City Manager February 25, 2002 Subject General Plan Amendment for Oracle Childcare Facility Recommendation Adopt a Resolution to amend the General Plan land use designation from "Open Space" to "Commercial/Office". Background Oracle wishes to construct a 21,800 sq. ft. childcare center on its office campus, including a 6,000 sq. ft. office, and parking area at 325 Oracle Parkway. Please refer to the attached site plan and elevations. The project will accommodate approximately two hundred children in age groups ranging from infant to pre-kindergarten, and will primarily serve Oracle Corporation employees. In addition to the classroom area, approximately 25,000 sq. ft. of secure yard and playground area will be provided. The subject property currently has a General Plan land use designation of "Open Space" because it was originally planned for playing fields, a clubhouse and other recreational outdoor uses. However, the site was really never converted to that use, and in 1999 the applicant obtained City approvals to convert the site to a parking lot. The reasons for this change were: 1 ) there was a need for parking; 2) there were sufficient open space opportunities already along the Belmont Slough; and 3) there were other recreational facilities for Oracle employees. The proposed childcare facility would not be allowed under the current General Plan classification. For this reason the City needs to change the General Plan from "Open Space" to "Commercial/Office" (Office Park Oriented Uses) to allow such a proposed use. Planning Issues There are several planning issues related to this project. They are: 1. Net decrease in parking 2. Open space impacts The childcare facility will displace an existing parking lot for Oracle employees, resulting in a net decrease from 70 spaces to 39 (a reduction of 31 spaces). Although there will be a slight net decrease in overall employee parking, staff believes that the benefits of on-site childcare facility will outweigh this loss. First, there is great need for childcare facilities in Redwood City, and the project would be consistent with City policies supporting these needed services. In addition, the proposed use should reduce auto trips for parents who currently have to drop off their children at day care facilities outside of Redwood Shores. Finally, Oracle also has an active transportation demand management program available for employees who seek alternative transportation modes to work. So the loss of this parking maY not be as significant as for a company that does not have these transportation incentives~. I The creation of additional parking facilities encourage additional trips by auto.