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01/24/2011 Exhibit B Public Resources Code section 21002 prohibits a public agency from approving a project if there are feasible alternatives or feasible mitigation measures available which would substantially lessen the significant environmental effects of such projects. When a lead agency finds, even after the adoption of all feasible mitigation measures, that a project will still cause one or more significant environmental effects that cannot be substantially lessened or avoided, it must, prior to approving the project as mitigated, first determine whether there are any project alternatives that are feasible and that would substantially lessen or avoid the project's significant impacts. Under CEQA, "feasibility" includes "desirability" to the extent that it is based on a reasonable balancing of the relevant economic, environmental, social, and technological factors, and an alternative may be deemed by the lead agency to be "infeasible" if it fails to adequately promote the lead agency's underlying goals and objectives for the project. Thus, a lead agency may reject an alternative, even if it would avoid or substantially lessen one or more significant environmental effects of the project, if it finds that the alternative's failure to adequately achieve the City's goals and objectives for the project, or other specific and identifiable considerations, make the alternative infeasible. A. City's Goals and Objectives for the Project. The City has identified sixteen specific goals and objectives for the Project (See Draft EIR at pages 3 -5 to 3 -7): 1. Establish new land use and development regulations that will produce a unique and robust Downtown within the context of a rich, historic and valued built environment. 2. Create a well - designed, pedestrian - friendly, and financially viable historic Downtown. 3. Provide for the expansion of city housing choices by encouraging compact, transit- accessible, pedestrian- oriented housing and mixed use (commercial/housing) development within the DPP area in densities greater than currently permitted. 4. Facilitate public and private investment in the DPP area. 5. Restore Downtown Redwood City as the indispensible hub where a mix of diverse services, conveniences, experiences, and lifestyle choices are provided in a way that preserves Downtown's rich supply of historic resources while remaining appropriate to the social and economic conditions of life in the 21 Century. 6. Create a visually appealing and memorable Downtown by setting clear and detailed standards for quality design in the reuse and restoration of historic buildings and spaces, and the careful design and construction of new buildings. U: \Resolutions\2011\Reso 15086 Exhibit B.doc 48 012011 Reso. # 15086 Muff #601