Res07 14769 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

03/27/2007 would also result in reduced, but still significant unavoidable, impacts related to transportation and circulation and long-term regional air emissions. C. Alternative 4-No Project-Existing Land Use Policy (Zoning): The Existing Land Use Policy alternative is discussed at pages 18-12 to 18-15 and throughout the EIR. (i) The Existing Land Use Policy alternative is rejected as an alternative because it would not best achieve the Project's objective nor the objectives of the City. (ii) Explanation: This alternative would not attain the City's project objectives and goals as identified in section 3.3 of the FEIR. Under the Existing Land Use Policy alternative, certain areas of Downtown would experience more growth than is anticipated under the Maximum and Moderate Intensity alternatives generally because, in some areas of Downtown, existing land use policy permits office building heights greater than proposed under the other alternatives. Under this alternative approximately 321,000 square feet more office space will be permitted than under the Maximum Intensity Alternative. The 321,000 square feet of additional office space under this alternative would generate more traffic trips and associated air pollution emissions despite the alternative's comparative reductions in population and housing resulting in increased significant unavoidable impacts related to transportation and circulation and long-term air emissions compared to the Maximum Intensity alternative. Compared to the Maximum Intensity alternative, this alternative would not have the same beneficial effect in assisting the City in achieving a better citywide balance between employed residents and jobs, because the approximately 321,000 square feet of additional office space under this alternative would generate its own additional need for housing. The current General Plan and associated existing zoning provisions do not include the detailed and coordinated strategies, improvements, and contemporary development regulations proposed in the Precise Plan. Due to the absence of Precise Plan proposals for high-density, mixed land use patterns that promote walking, transit use, and shorter commutes, as well as Downtown improvements to help ensure that "pedestrian comfort, safety, convenience, and enjoyment have priority, under this alternative, many of the City's project objectives and goals will not be realized. Atty/Reso/Reso.1683 ~ p 14769 030707 Muff #613