Reso23-02 0009 PC Reso Adopt CEQA

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Findings and Statements Required by the California Environmental Quality Act Focused General Plan Update 55 Final Environmental Impact Report January 2023 Findings Relating to the Consolidated Housing Sites - Downtown Alternative Findings. The Consolidated Housing Sites - Downtown Alternative is described and discussed on pages 5-18 to 5-23 of the DEIR. The Consolidated Housing Sites - Downtown Alternative assumes a reduction in residential development potential within the Planning Area. This alternative assumes the Public Safety Element and the Environmental Justice policies will apply. The Consolidated Housing Sites-Downtown Alternative is proposed as a possible scenario that may reduce the air quality and transportation impacts associated with the Project’s VMT. It is important to note that the unit count associated with this Alternative will not comply with RHNA and thus, does not comply with State law. Explanation. The Consolidated Housing Sites - Downtown Alternative assumes that Housing Element residential development potential would be restricted to the Downtown area, which would result in a reduction in residential and population potential from the Project. The Consolidated Housing Sites – Downtown Alternative will provide an additional development potential of 1,534 units (though less than the Project or the other two alternatives). This Alternative assumes some of the proposed changes to the Built Environment Element (Urban Form and Land Use Chapter) will not occur – specifically, the increased density for the Mixed Use designations and the redesignation of parcels along Woodside Road would not occur – however, the proposed changes to the Public Safety Element and the Environmental Justice policies will be applied. With regard to aesthetics, the Consolidated Housing Sites - Downtown Alternative assumes the amount of residential development potential would be reduced by 23 percent compared to the Project. As with the Project, aesthetic impacts are anticipated to be less-than-significant. The southern and western scenic vistas will be unchanged. Impacts to scenic resources would not occur because this alternative, like the Project, would not allow for development that is inconsistent with State and local regulations covering architecturally distinctive/historic buildings or historic points of interest. New development may result in an increase in the number of lighting sources and nighttime lighting within the area; however, given that the area is already developed, such increases are not expected to be substantial. The Consolidated Housing Sites - Downtown Alternative would result in a similar less-than-significant impact, when compared to the Project. With regard to agriculture and forestry resources, the Planning Area is developed with urban and suburban uses and no land in the Planning Area is considered Prime Farmland, Farmland of Statewide Importance, or Unique Farmlands nor zoned for agricultural use. In addition, no Williamson Act contracts exist. There is no Timberland, land zoned for Timberland Production, or forest land. This alternative would have a similar no impact on agriculture and forestry resources as the Project. With regard to air quality, the Consolidated Housing Sites - Downtown Alternative would decrease the amount of development potential when compared to the Project; however, it is likely that air quality mitigation measures needed for the Project would also be required for this alternative. Air quality related to construction emissions may also exceed BAAQMD thresholds, however, the Consolidated Housing Sites – Downtown Alternative would still provide policy to reduce air quality impacts on disadvantaged communities. The Consolidated Housing Sites –