AgdaPkt 2007-08-13 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

7A Page 66 Response to Comments in FEIR Letter D 1. Traffic improvements proposed by Costeo as part of the project would add more capacity than \Nould be used by the proposed project. As stated in the Master Responses to Traffic Comments in the Final EIR, project-related improvements will reduce average delays during the weekday PM peak hour by 3.8 seconds at the Woodside Road/Middlefield Road intersection. Thus, contrary to the suggestion in the comment, the addition of a new traffic signal on Middlefield Road would not create a "gridlock" situation. 2. The Draft and Final EIRs provide an in-depth analysis of traffic operations on the surrounding road network and identify measures to mitigate traffic impacts caused by the proposed Costco project. Middlefield and Woodside Roads are commercial arterials and operate differently than the street network in downtown Redwood City. The Downtown Precise Plan is intended to take advantage of the densities in the urban core of Redwood City to create a unique hub for transit and other modes of alternative transportation, which are readily accessible in the downtown area. Whiie transit riders and users of alternative modes of transportation are and will continue to be accommodated at Costco, motor vehicles will remain the primary mode of transportation for Costco customers because of large bulk purchases which cannot readily be transported via public transportation. The Costco project will provide new crosswalks, sidewalks, an improved bus stop, and some bicycle facilities for the public and Costco employees, which addresses alternate modes of transportation within the context of big box retail projects. 3. Electric vehicle charging stations are common at many Costco facilities in California. A condition of approval was included in the Notice of Official Action to require Cost co to install an electric vehicle charging station as part of the Redwood City project. 4. With regard to promoting a healthy environment, the "green building" design elements that Costco will be using in the new facility are discussed in Appendix D of the Final EIR. In addition, the proposed project meets the City's land use objectives for compact infill development, provides for bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and will be required to comply with City and state energy efficiency regulations, all of which contribute to climate protection within Redwood City. 5. All stormwater would be retained on-site and treated to regulatory standards prior to release into the City's storm drain system. Untreated stormwater would not leave the project site or enter adjacent surface water resources.