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SR-400-001-02 (2) ATTACHMENT H Planning Commission minutes – September 5, 2001 6-B. Open Space Element Update and Final Environment Impact Report. City- wide. An update of the Open Space Element of the General Plan and Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The Open Space Element is a state mandated component of the City’s General Plan and identifies the appropriate use, capacity, and location of existing and proposed parks and open space facilities within the City. The Open Space Element also proposes long range objectives and policies for improving the character and quality of parks and open space facilities for City residents. The Open Space Element proposes to increase the future inventory of open space through reuse of public lands, redefinition of streets and transportation corridors, and acquisition of private parcels. The intent is to create a diverse system of parks and open space areas, including: undeveloped natural areas, gardens, greens, pathways, tree-lined streets, urban parks, and various recreational facilities. The ultimate focus of the Open Space Element is to reinforce the social, environmental, cultural and recreational role of open space within Santa Monica. The City’s current Open Space Element was adopted in 1973. [Planner: Paul Foley] Senior Planner Paul Foley presented the staff report. Also present were the City’s consultants, Michael Meyer of Meyers Mohaddes Associates and Christopher Joseph of Christopher Joseph and Associates. Commissioner Brown asked staff about the optimum percentage of park land to City area. Mr. Foley explained that the figure is usually based upon acres and population figures. Assistant Director of Community and Cultural Services, Karen Ginsberg, explained the national figure is usually 5 acres of open space per 1000 people. Commissioner Brown inquired about the stability of the palisades. Ms. Ginsberg stated that she is not an engineer, however the City has recently been awarded a grant to study bluff stabilization. Commissioner Brown commented on the amount of data presented and asked for clarification on the process. Ms. Ginsberg explained that the Open Space Element was jointly worked on by Planning staff and Community and Cultural Services staff. The work involved creation of a 20-year Recreation and Parks Master Plan with funding through the City’s capital improvement funds. Part of this plan already in development is the expansion of Virginia Avenue Park and the creation of Airport Park. Commissioner Johnson commented on a reference on page 15 of the Open Space Element which refers to tree canopies creating a sense of open space. He noted that the only park he is aware of north of Montana Avenue is Goose Egg Park. Ms. Ginsberg commented that the Open Space Element does not identify sites for future parks and discusses only existing open spaces. Commissioner Johnson commented on the funding cited in the 1997 draft Element, specifically a general obligation bond. Ms. Ginsberg stated that the figure cited does not include the $5,000,000 from the School bond. Commissioner Johnson asked about the open space to person ratio. Ms. Ginsberg explained the City has 418 acres of open space, including the beach. She also stated that the City’s schools are beginning to replace some of their asphalt areas with green space. Chair Olsen commented that McKinley School has actually converted green space to parking and it is not accessible to the public. Ms. Ginsberg noted that McKinley School is adding parking, however other asphalted areas are being replaced with green space. She also stated that the new green space at schools, except Edison School, will be open evenings and week-ends to the public. Commissioner Moyle commented on the environmental process and asked why a copy of the Statement of Overriding Considerations was not included in the packet. Mr. Foley explained that copies would be provided to the Commission. Two members of the public, Stephanie Barbanell and Art Harris, addressed the Commission regarding the Open Space Element. [The Commission received copies of the Statement of Overriding Consideration and the Mitigation Monitoring Program.] Commissioner Clarke commented that he had attended a meeting on the Open Space plan and was pleased to see that recommendations from that meeting are included in the Element. He asked if the urban forest could be encouraged along the Santa Monica freeway. Ms. Ginsberg stated that the City has not approached CalTrans on this matter, but perhaps it can be addressed through the Civic Center Specific Plan update. Commissioner Hopkins commented on issues included in the Draft Open Space Element, including the term “undeveloped natural areas;” the need for sustainability; that traditions reach back to archeological sites (page 8); that “preservation of natural resources” should include restoration of natural systems (page12); that the plant materials listed on page 15 should be expanded; and asked what happened to the South Beach Park restoration (page 31). Ms. Ginsberg stated that she is unaware of a South Beach Park restoration project, but it may have predated her tenure with the City. Commissioner Hopkins commented on the community forest concept and stated that the City also needs to “preserve access to sunshine” for neighbors. Commissioner Johnson asked questions about the daytime versus night-time population of the City as regards open space needs. Commissioner Dad commented on the need to focus on resident’s needs in the eastern portion of the City. She also commented on public versus private open space. One additional member of the public, Chuck Allord, addressed the Commission on the Open Space Element. Commissioner Moyle made a motion to recommend the City Council certify the Environmental Impact Report and Statement of Overriding Consideration. Commissioner Clarke seconded the motion. The motion was approved by the following vote: AYES: Brown, Clarke, Dad, Hopkins, Johnson, Moyle, Olsen. Commissioner Moyle made a motion to recommend the City Council adopt the Open Space Element. The Commission discussed which comments should be included in the City Council staff report. Commissioner Hopkins asked that her comments be included. Commissioner Moyle suggested that Commissioner Hopkins’ comments, which are appropriate to the Environmental Task Force, be presented to that body for their endorsement prior to going to City Council. Ms. Frick stated that staff needs actual language for analysis, not just conceptual ideas. Commissioner Clarke recommended that park funding be increased. The Commission agreed. The motion to recommend adoption of the Open Space Element was approved by the following vote: AYES: Brown, Clarke, Dad, Hopkins, Johnson, Moyle, Olsen. [Commissioner Brown and Clarke left the meeting at the conclusion of this item. 11:25 p.m.] ATTACHMENT I Open Space Element Electronic version of attachment is not available for review. Document is available for review at the City Clerk’s Office and the Libraries. ATTACHMENT J Open Space Element EIR Electronic version of attachment is not available for review. Document is available for review at the City Clerk’s Office and the Libraries.