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8.0 <br /> Exl�'i�A� <br /> achieve this vision. Adoption and implementation of the proposed Downtown Precise <br /> Plan is a necessary and important step in achieving this vision. The DPP will facilitate <br /> and e�tend the General Plan vision by providing specific regulations intended to create a <br /> vibrant urban center in the downtown area, consistent with the General Plan vision. <br /> (DPP, Book I, pp. l 9-28, and Book II) <br /> 2. Reducin� the number of vehicle tri s that occur in the City <br /> and the number of vehicle miles traveled bv residents of the City. Motor vehicle <br /> trips are the biggest source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in California. <br /> Reducing the number and length of vehicle trips by residents of Redwood City will <br /> benefit Redwood City residents, both directly and indirectly, by improving local air <br /> quality, alleviating traffic congestion on local streets and roadways, contributing to <br /> regional and statewide efforts to reverse or slow global warming, reducing local energy <br /> consumption, and contributing to broader efforts to reduce our nation's dependency on <br /> foreign oil and petroleum products. Adoption and implementation of the proposed DPP <br /> will enable substantial residential growth in close proximity to public transit, employment <br /> opportunities, entertainment and recreational opportunities, retail and commercial <br /> providers, and other necessary services, thereby eliininating and/or shortening the length <br /> ' of a significant number of vehicle trips in the City. In addition, shortening the length of <br /> commuter trips and other vehicle trips will reduce the time spent in vehicles, enabling <br /> residents to devote more time to more productive or desirable activities. <br /> 3. Ensuring that development in the downtown area is undertaken in <br /> a manner that preserves the historic and cultural resources and respects the existin�. <br /> character of the downtown area. The proposed Downtown Precise Plan contains an <br /> extensive set of policies and programs to preserve the historic and cultural resources in <br /> the downtov�m area. (DPP, Book II and Appendix 1) These policies and programs will <br /> benefit the City and its residents by preserving the City's important historic and cultural <br /> landmarks and resources and by ensuring new downtown development is compatible with <br /> and respects the historic character of the downtown area. <br /> 4. Compliance with State mandates. Assembly Bill 32, the Global <br /> Warming Solutions Act of 2006, requires that greenhouse gas emissions be reduced <br /> to 1990 levels by 2020. The State has determined that cities must implement land use <br /> strategies, such as dense and walkable infill development in downtown areas, as part of <br /> their AB 32 strategy. SB 375, the Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Act <br /> of 2008, goes further, requiring dramatic regional reductions in tailpipe emissions from <br /> passenger vehicles through transportation, land use, and housing policies—particularly <br /> through slowing suburban sprawl and encouraging modes of transportation other than <br /> private automobiles. By encouraging and facilitating compact and pedestrian-oriented <br /> development near existing jobs, services, and transit, the Downtown Precise Plan is an <br /> important part of Redwood City's obligation to comply with AB 32 and SB 375. Also, <br /> state housing laws require cities, even built-out cities Iike Redwood City, to facilitate a <br /> reasonable share of regional growth. The Downtown Precise Plan is an important part of <br /> fulfilling these obligations as put forth in the recently state-certified Redwood City <br /> Housing Element. <br /> S:\RESOI.UTIONS\Reso. 2092 CF.QA Findings for DPP Lxhibit B.doc 59 <br /> 012011 <br />