AgdaPkt 2002-02-04 - Laserfiche WebLink

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iREPOR ~o the Honorable Mayor and City Council From the City Manager February 4, 2002 Subject Agreement for Professional Services with Environmental Science Associates (ESA) for Preparation of an EIR for Abbott Laboratories Proposed Project Recommendation Approve an Agreement for Professional Services with ESA for Preparation of an EIR Background Abbott Laboratories, Inc. is proposing to construct 1,000,000 sq. ft. of building area, consisting of office, manufacturing, warehouse, and research & development uses. The project site is approximately 17.5 acres in size and is located at the terminus of Chesapeake Drive approximately one-half mile north of its intersection with Seaport Boulevard. The campus-style complex is to be constructed in phases and will include landscaping, on- site parking, public access to the shoreline, and other features and facilities. The applicant has also indicated that the functions and facilities of the Marine Sciences Institute, now located in temporary quarters within the boundaries of the project site, will be accommodated within the complex. The City will need to prepare an environmental assessment for the project as required by the California Environmental Act (CEQA). The document will evaluate the potential impacts of the project on the environment and identify/discuss mitigation measures as appropriate. Included in the analyses will be the evaluation of three building area alternatives for the project, all less than the proposed 1,000,000 sq. ft. Following the preparation of the draft EIR, the document will be available for public review and comment for a period of not less than 45 days. The Planning Commission will then review the draft document for accuracy and completeness and determine whether they should certify it. (1) (1) Requests for Proposals (RFP) were solicited from five consulting firms, four of which responded: ESA, David J. Powers & Associates, EIP Associates, and Mundie & Associates. Following a review of the responses submitted, staff selected the first two firms as finalists who were invited for an interview with a City panel. The panel selected ESA on the basis that the firm exhibited a greater understanding of the issues involved, given the complexities of the project, and proposed a team whose experience, expertise, and project management abilities will match well with the forthcoming tasks proposed within the scope of work.