SR-06-14-2011-8BCity Council Meeting: June 14, 2011
Agenda Item: 8-B
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Eileen Fogarty, Planning and Community Development Director
Subject: Planning Commission Recommendation regarding the Amendment to the
Civic Center Specific Plan (11GPA-001) to allow increased square footage
and removal of the surface parking lot for the Early Childhood Center
(ECEC)
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Council incorporate the Planning Commission's four
recommendations included in this report into its resolution adopting the proposed Civic
Center Specific Plan amendment modifying certain aspects of the Early Childhood
Center.
Discussion
On June 8, 2011, the Planning Commission held a public hearing and considered the
proposed Civic Center Specific Plan (CCSP) Amendment for the Early Childhood
Center (now known as the ECEC). As this recommendation hearing took place after the
release of the Council staff report, this supplemental report is provided to inform the
Council of the Planning Commission's recommendations.
One member of the public spoke at the hearing in support of providing childcare
facilities and with some specific concerns regarding design flexibility and safety. Staff
clarified that the footprint shown on the illustrative plan is conceptual and that SMC's
design team will be able to shape the project to meet the facility's needs within the
building site.
The Planning Commission unanimously recommended that the Council adopt this
amendment with the following revisions and additions (the Commission's revisions are
shown in bold italic):
1. Revise Policy AD-12 as follows: The facility shall be located along Civic Center
Drive across from the Civic Center Parking Structure. Its.
„r.„,,,, „~ o.,+~+,,,., s#aN_be to ,~.~-pa;-~ There shall be a vehicular drop-off/short
term Parkinq area with between 5 and 15 parking spaces along the eastern
northern and/or western side of the center accessed from Civic Center Drive. No
vehicular access or egress will be permitted from Fourth Street. Parkinq for
employees and visitors to the center shall be provided in the Civic Center Parking
Structure and other shared parking facilities within the Civic Center.
2. Revise Policy AD-16 as follows: The facility shall be set back from the Fourth
Street frontage by a dimension sufficient to create a sidewalk and planting area
of at least 20 feet. (increased from 15')
3. Policy Addition (AD-18): The design should accommodate future joint use plans
being considered and riot preempt developments such as the continuation of the
Michigan bike path as it crosses 4~h Street:
4. Policy Addition (AD-19): -The Fourth Street elevation shall be developed as a
pedestrian friendly fagade.
5. Policy Addition (AD-20): Visitor bicycle parking shall be provided in a visible
location.
Prepared by: Elizabeth Bar-EI, AICP, Senior Planner, Strategic & Transportation
Planning Division
roved: Forwarded to Council:
S /^`/
vV
ileen Fogarty, rector Rod ould
Planning and C mmun~ Deve ment City Manager
2
~r
City of
Santa Monica®
City Council Report
City Council Meeting: June 14, 2011
Agenda Item:-'~
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Eileen Fogarty, Planning and Community Development Director
Subject: Amendment to the Civic Center Specific Plan (11GPA-001) in regard to
the Main Street Traffic Circle and Early Childhood Center (ECEC), and
authorization of fee transfers related to the RAND Development
Agreement
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Consider an addendum to the CCSP Environmental Impact Report that analyzes
the proposed amendments in compliance with the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA).
2. Approve the application and adopt two resolutions amending the Civic Center
Specific Plan (CCSP) to (i) conditionally eliminate the Main Street Circle as a
public improvement for Main Street, and (ii) modify provisions for the Early
Childhood Center to eliminate the proposed surface parking lot at the south west
corner of 4th Street and Civic Center Drive, and allow a maximum floor area of
.16,000 square feet for the facility.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Transfer Agreement And Joint Escrow
Instructions with RAND for the fee transfer to the City of three parcels located on
RAND properly that are essential to develop the "Living Street" and to provide
subterranean garage and pedestrian access for the Civic Center Village
Development, per the Rand Development Agreement, and to accept the fee
transfers.
Executive Summary
This report recommends modifications
to the Civic Center Specific Plan,
adopted June 28, 2005 that relate to:
1) the requirement to construct a traffic
circle (referred to in the CCSP as the
Main Street Circle) where the street
changes direction at the intersection of
the future Civic Center Drive and Main
Street; .and 2) the maximum floor area
and adjacent surface parking lot for the Early Childhood Center
Main Street Traffic Circle: As a condition of approval of the RAND Development
Agreement, adopted on October 24. 2000, section 2.7.1 (b) required that RAND make
an irrevocable offer of dedication to the City the surface portion of the property,
(approximately 5,000 square feet) necessary to construct a traffic circle on Main Street
in front of the RAND property. Subsequent City Council discussions, including specific
direction given on July 13, 2010 and a general. Civic Center study session held on
March 24, 2009, concluded the Circle no longer aligned with the broader priorities for
the Civic Center, and should not be constructed. RAND has agreed to fee transfers for
three parcels necessary to develop the "Living Street" and other open space elements
within the Village project, which more specifically address circulation needs.
Early Childhood Center : A planned component within the CCSP's Auditorium Special
Use District is the Early Childhood Center (now called the Early Childhood Education
Center, or ECEC). In 2008, Santa Monica College (SMC) hired a design firm to prepare
a detailed description and scope for the ECEC project, including space needed for
observation and teaching activities, and determined that 12,500 square feet is
insufficient for its program. In addition, changing standards result in the need for more
outdoor play space to accommodate 100 pre-school children. While the outdoor space
is not limited by the CCSP, the increased interior space requires that the CCSP be
amended in order for the project to comply with the specific plan. The City of Santa
Monica Community & Cultural Services Department filed a specific plan amendment
application on May 24, 2011 requesting to amend the specific plan to allow a maximum
of 16,000 square feet of floor area for the ECEC, and to provide parking in the Civic
Center Parking Structure, on the site of the adjacent surface parking lot. The revised
parking request is consistent with shared parking policy recommendation in the recent
Civic Center/Downtown Parking Assessment, which the Council reviewed on March 8,
2011. Parking for staff and visitors is available in the directly adjacent Civic Center
parking structure and has been included as part of the shared parking analysis. Without
the adjacent surface lot, the ECEC may be located closer to 4th Street. Adrop-off/short-
term parking zone on the north side of the ECEC would be provided to meet the pre-
school's operational needs as anticipated in the CCSP.
The proposed changes are consistent with the intentions of the CCSP and with the
goals and policies of the Land Use & Circulation Element (LUCE).
Background
The Civic Center Specific Plan, adopted in 1993 and amended in 2000 and 2005,
includes a number of specific project and area improvements. Over time, some of these
have been implemented, such as the Public Safety Facility, the Civic Center Parking
Structure, the new RAND headquarters and the Village, which will soon begin
construction. Some of the projects have evolved with time and this report describes two
2
amendments to the CCSP necessary to update specific elements and proceed with
implementation: the RAND/Main Street traffic circle and associated fee transfers for the
Living Street, and the Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC).
Main Street Traffic Circle
As part of the original project approval, a traffic circle referred to as the "Main Street
Circle," was included in the CCSP area design to create a new focus and landscaped
feature element that would mark the change in direction of Main Street. The plan
indicates the Circle could be designed to incorporate a water feature as a focal point
centered on a pedestrian path that would include trees and public seating. The intent of
the Circle was to create a stronger sense of arrival, to "calm" vehicular movement and
to reinforce the north-south axial relationship between the Town Square and the Civic
Auditorium.
On July 13, 2010, the City Council, pursuant to the Santa Monica Municipal Code
Section 9.04.20.18.080(b), announced its specific intention 4o consider amending the
text of the City's Civic Center Specific Plan to eliminate the Main Street Circle and
directed the Planning Commission to initiate this amendment. A previous study session
was held by the City Council on March 24. 2009, to consider an integrated approach to
planning and the implementation of Civic Center and Expo Light Rail improvements in
which the Council discussed removal of the circle among other longer range
cohsiderations. On May 11, 2009,. a public workshop was held on the integrated
planning opportunities and there was general support for removing the Main Street
Circle from the Civic Center Specific Plan.
Early Childhood Center (hereafter, "ECEC")
The ECEC is a planned component of the Auditorium Special Use District introduced in
the 2005 CCSP amendment. The goal of the facility is to provide a use that
complements .the open space and cultural character of the district and to provide a
needed service to nearby residents and employees. The CCSP includes policies and
site diagrams that define the location of the ECEC and restrict its size to 12,500 square
3
feet maximum (Policy AD-11). The adopted plan also includes a parking lot, located on
the corner of 4th Street and Civic Center Drive, intended to serve as parking for the
ECEC.
The ECEC is a joint project of the City of Santa Monica and Santa Monica College
(SMC), which will operate the facility as a teaching center for early childhood education
on City-owned property. At this time, both SMC and the City are interested in
proceeding with design and construction. The City of Santa Monica Community &
Cultural Services Department filed an application on May 24, 2011 requesting to amend
the specific plan to allow a maximum of 16,000 square feet of floor area for the ECEC
and to provide parking in the Civic Center Parking Structure, eliminating the proposed
adjacent surface parking lot.
Discussion
Main Street Traffic Circle
As part of its October 24, 2000 Development Agreement, RAND was required to make
an irrevocable offer to dedicate that portion of the Main Street Circle on its property
subject to the condition that, among other things, the offer would terminate if the City
chose not to move forward with the circle's construction. Following the events of
September 11, 2001 and subsequent security studies, RAND and its clients, including
the federal government, have become more concerned about how best to secure the
RAND facilities. The proposed Main Street Circle now creates public safety challenges
not anticipated in the CCSP, which envisioned the circle as providing an aesthetic
benefit to the Civic Center as an extension of the activities within the Civic/Cultural Park.
However, in consideration of these security issues, the traffic circle is not a crucial or a
functional component of the 16.4 acre open space system. At the March 2009 study
session, Council concluded that the Main Street Circle was no longer aligned with the
broader priorities for the Civic Center due to its location in relation to the potential
cultural facility and the proposed Civio Center circulation improvements, which provide
access to the individual CCSP components.
4
At the July 13, 2010 hearing, the Council directed the Planning Commission to initiate
an amendment to the CCSP that would alleviate RAND of its responsibility for the
irrevocable offer of land dedication for that portion of its property necessary to construct
the Circle. Thereafter, on March 9, 2011, the Agency transferred ownership of the
Village site to the City. RAND has agreed to grant the City fee transfers for three
parcels adjacent to the Civic Center Village site following the CCSP amendment to
eliminate the Main Street Circle pursuant to a negotiated Transfer Agreement. As
discussed in more detail in the following section, these parcels are essential for the
development of the "Living Street"-a vital open space element of the Civic Center
Village, which provides pedestrian access to the subterranean garage for that project.
The proposed CCSP amendment to eliminate the Main Street Traffic Circle is
conditional upon RAND's execution of a Transfer Agreement between the City and
RAND.
The Development Agreement for the Civic Center Village (Village) was adopted on May
27, 2008. The Village will provide the Civic Center area with approximately 320
residences, including 160 affordable residences, consisting primarily of family housing
and also including 10 live/work units suitable for artists, and approximately 160 market-
rate condominium units, with 20,000 square feet of commercial retail space (50% of
which is neighborhood-serving), public
open space and the continuation of
Olympic Drive from Main Street to
Ocean Avenue.
RAND Fee Transfers
Subject to Council approval, the City and
RAND will enter into a Transfer
Agreement that sets forth the terms
upon which RAND will grant deed to the
City fee interest in the three parcels of
land located on their property. These
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Fee Trensfe~r Illustration, Parcels 1, 2, and 3
5
parcels are depicted in the attached Exhibit D titled "RAND Fee Transfers" and needed
for the following Village elements:
• Parcel 1: Needed for the construction of a retaining wall for safe ingress and
egress to the Village's proposed subterranean parking garage accessible via
First Court. This parcel is located on the north side of First Court on the RAND
property adjacent to the Village site, totaling 141 square feet.
• Parcel 2: Needed for reconfiguration of First Court alley to provide for safe
ingress and egress to the Village's proposed subterranean parking garage
accessible via First Court. This parcel is located on the RAND property abutting
the north side of First Court adjacentto the Village site, totaling 135 square feet.
• Parcel 3: Needed for emergency vehicle and public access from Main Street fo
the Village site and the "Living Street" pedestrian walk. The Living Street design,
which includes a central plaza with a strong connection to Olympic Drive and
Palisades Garden Walk and apedestrian-only walk street through the site from
Main Street to Ocean Avenue, integrates the public and private areas with
pedestrian access and landscaping to provide a wide range of interactive
opportunities on the site. This parcel is located on the south side of Main Street
along the northwest corner of the RAND property abutting the Village site,
totaling 1,614 square feet.
On September 12, 2006 the City Council voted to give the Village developer, The
Related Companies of California, flexibility on reconfiguring public open space. Further
discussions between Related and staff concluded the pedestrian pathway planned for
the area adjacent the west side of the RAND building conflicted with the building's
subterranean parking driveway located on Vicente Terrace. At the June 19, 2007 City
Council meeting, the Council agreed that in exchange for an easement off the Main
Street side of the RAND property that would allow access to the Living Street, RAND
would be relieved from the obligation to build a pedestrian pathway as required by its
Development Agreement, Section 2.7.1(d).
A Minor Modification has been prepared pursuant to section 2.5.2 of RAND's 2000
Development Agreement, which authorizes minor changes to the RAND Project without
amending the 2000 Development Agreement upon the making of requisite findings and
approval of the Planning and Community Development Director. The Minor Modification
will be approved and signed by the Planning and Community Development Director
following the adoption of the resolution to eliminate the Main Street Circle as part of the
6
CCSP. This modification document removes Section 2.7.1(b), relieving RAND from
having to make an offer of dedication to the City of the surface portion of the property
that would have been necessary to construct the traffic circle. It also deletes and
replaces Section 2.7.1 (d) with text that relieves RAND from having to develop the
pedestrian pathway and instead allows RAND to fulfill its responsibility through the
transfer of the three parcels necessary for the Village development to the City. RAND
has further agreed to construct a pedestrian emergency access path from RAND's
property to the Main Street right of way to satisfy Fire Department requirements. As
such, this requirement has also been included in the Minor Modification to RAND's
Development Agreement. Per Government Code 27281, deeds or grants conveying any
interest in or easement upon real estate to a political corporation or governmental
agency for public purposes requires the consent of the grantee or authorized officer or
agent to accept and consent to such deeds or grants before they can be accepted for
recordation. The recommended actions include authorizing the City Manager to execute
the appropriate certificate of acceptance of the grant deed for these three parcels.
Early Childhood Education Center
In 2008, SMC hired childcare facility specialists to develop program and initial design
studies for a grant application to the State Chancellor's Office (which was later
withdrawn). Their work, based on current State standards and the facility's role as a
teaching center, demonstrated that the ECEC will require approximately 15,500 -16,000
square feet in gross floor area. Minimum State standards require 35 square feet per
child for indoor play area, and childcare facility designers recommend 75-85 square feet
per child (net) for superior quality facilities. SMC's center would exceed the typical size
of a high quality childcare center for 100 children because the college plans to include
space for teaching, conferencing, observation and other functions as part of the concept
for providing a state of the art childcare teaching facility. Much of the square footage
associated with teaching would be contained in an upper level, which typically would not
be found in a childcare center, where areas for children must generally be located on
the ground floor unless specifically adapted for access, In order to ensure that SMC is
able to build their facility- with the quality and program they intend, a specific plan
7
amendment to modify Policy AD-11, which limits the floor area to 12,500 square feet, is
required.
Since approval of the CCSP in 2005, State standards for outdoor play space have
grown to 100 square feet per child, which would result in a minimum requirement of
10,000 square feet for a center serving 100 children. While the outdoor space is not
limited by the CCSP, it is recommended for consistency to reflect the new outdoor
standard in the specific plan as the minimum to be provided.
On March 8, 2011, the City Council supported a shared parking strategy to efficiently
provide the needed parking capacity for the Civic Center area both during the upcoming
planned construction projects and thereafter. The CCSP currently anticipates a surface
parking lot for the ECEC to be located at the corner of 4th Street and Civic Center Drive.
However, based on the shared parking strategy, this lot will not be required as there will
be sufficient parking available in the Civic Center Parking Structure. Therefore, the
preferred location for the ECEC building is by the 4~h Street/Civic Center Drive
intersection. The modified location will provide an anchor at the corner of 4~h Street and
Civic Center Drive and provide more flexibility for any future improvements on the
balance of the site.
The project now proposed by SMC will provide a state of the art, high quality early
childcare education facility in a location that is compatible with the future open space
and cultural activities that the Civic Center will contain.
Planning Commission Action
The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on the proposal to eliminate the
Main Street Traffic Circle on December 1, 2010. Based on input from staff and the
public, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended that the City Council:
Amend the Civic Center Specific Plan to eliminate the Main Street Circle
• Consider the Addendum to the 2005 Civic Center Specific Plan Final EIR
8
On June 8, 2011, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the amendments
requested to facilitate SMC's revised ECEC project and eliminate the proposed surface
parking lot shown in the CCSP. The Planning Commission's recommendation will be
provided to the Council at the public hearing.
Consistency with Specific Plan Intent
The proposed CCSP amendments are consistent with the intent of the plan's Auditorium
Special Use District, in which the ECEC and Main Street Traffic Circle are located in the
plan. The revised circulation on Main Street and modifications to the ECEC and its
parking will not adversely affect the overall character of the district, which will retain its
intended uses and configuration. Additionally, the ECEC modifications reducesthe
amount of parking in surface lots and result in a stronger, more prominent corner that
begins to define the 4th Street frontage from an urban design perspective. The
requirement fora 15' setback to create a wider sidewalk with landscaping on 4th Street
would be retained. Furthermore, the parcels that RAND will transfer for use on the
Village project will promote the goals of providing mixed-use housing and services in the
CCSP Village district.
The attached draft CCSP amendment revises the Auditorium Special Use District
policies and other language throughout the document that references the traffic circle,
ECEC and parking lot to ensure internal consistency. Illustrations on a number of
pages throughout the document are also proposed to be amended to reflect the revised
siting (Attachment B).
General Plan Consistency
The proposed amendments are consistent with the Land Use & Circulation Element
(LUCE). LUCE Policy D15.3 specifically calls for updating the CCSP, including the
following: "Eliminate the current CCSP-proposed roundabout in Main Street." In
addition, action on the provision of the ECEC is contained in LUCE Policy D15.4:
D15.4 Implement a child care facility in collaboration with Santa Monica College to
serve the Civic Center area.
9
Furthermore, the LUCE identifies early childhood education as a highly desirable
community benefit, and development of the ECEC at this time implements the following
LUCE policy objectives:
CE9.1 Support the development of high quality child care and early
education facilities and small and large family child care in homes to meet
the needs of those who work or live in Santa Monica. Maintain streamlined
processing and permit regulations, encourage harmonious integration with
the neighborhood, and fee reductions as incentives.
CE9.5 Promote and utilize community partnerships with the SMMUSD,
Santa Monica College, nonprofits, and the private sector to meet child care
and early education needs.
CEQA Compliance
An Addendum to the original documentation for the Civic Center Specific Plan (CCSP)
has been prepared and is included as Attachment A. This Addendum includes a
description of the revised plan as it is currently proposed and a comparison of the
revised plan to the project described in the environmental documentation previously
certified/adopted by the City of Santa Monica on June 28, 2005. In regard to the
elimination of the traffic circle, particular consideration was given to possible circulation
impacts. Utilizing forecast traffic volumes presented in the Transportation and
Circulation Study for the CCSP, a Level of Service (LOS) calculation for Main Street and
Civic Center Drive was performed and analyzed by the City's Principal Transportation
Engineer who concluded since forecast traffic volumes from Civic Center Drive are very
low, and the intersection is forecast to operate at LOS C during both AM and PM peak
hours; traffic impacts would remain less than significant. As the ECEC program does
not change, there is no intensification of use, and the access remains the same. The
proposed ECEC modifications are minor and do not generate or increase environmental
impacts from those identified in the 2005 Civic Center Specific Plan Final EIR. As such,
it can be seen with certainty that the proposed amendment will not result in any new
unanticipated significant environmental impacts or a substantial increase in the severity
of previously identified environment effects. Therefore, an addendum to the CCSP EIR
has been drafted in compliance with CEQA Guideline section 15164.
10
Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
The City's Public Works Department estimates that the cost of building the traffic circle
would be approximately $375,000, which the City would not be obligated to spend as a
result of the proposed Civic Center Specific Plan amendment. In addition, The Public
Works Maintenance Division estimates that the annual operational cost to maintain a
traffic circle is approximately $195,000 per year, so the proposed action would also
result in potential annual operational savings. There are no other financial impacts
associated with the recommendations in this report.
Prepared by: Elizabeth Bar-EI, AICP, Senior Planner & Travis Page, Associate
Planner, Strategic & Transportation Planning Division
Approved:
Forwarded to Council:
Eileen rty, ~ire~tol• - ~-° Rod Gould x
Planning and Community Development City Manager
Attachments
A. Proposed CCSP FEIR Addendum
B. Draft Resolution to Amend the CCSP to Eliminate the Main Street Traffic Circle
C. Draft Resolutioh to Amend the CCSP to Modify Provisions for the Early
Childhood Center
D. Proposed Revised Civic Center Specific Plan Illustrative Plan
E. RAND Fee Transfers Exhibit
11
ac meat
Proposed CCSP FEIR Addendum
12
ADDENDUM TO THE CIVIC CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN EIR
CITY OF SANTA MONICA
PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
1685 MAIN STREET
SANTA MONICA, CA 90401
ADDENDUM TO THE CIVIC CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN EIR
INTRODUCTION
This document is an Addendum to the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) [SCH #2003011074]
prepared for the City of Santa Monica Civic Center Specific Plan (the project). This Addendum
has been prepared in accordance with the relevant provisions of the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) of 1970 (as amended) and the State CEQA Guidelines as implemented by
the City of Santa Monica. According to Section 15164(a) of the State CEQA Guidelines, an
addendum to a previously certified EIR is the appropriate environmental document in instances
when project changes and additions are necessary, but no project changes, changes in
circumstances under which the project is undertaken, or new information involve new or
substantially more severe significant environmental effects beyond those identified in the EIR.
As discussed below, the changes being contemplated involves revisions to the previously
proposed Civic Center Specific Plan project, with no increase in development intensity.
Specifically, the originally proposed Main Street Circle is being considered for removal from the
Civic Center Specific Plan project and the proposed Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) is
proposed to be increased to a size of 16,000 square feet with no chgnge in the number of
student seats. As supported by the analysis below, the proposed revisions would not result in
new or substantially more severe significant environmental effects. As such, the addendum is the
appropriate environmental document under CEQA. All mitigation measures identified in the
previously certified EIR shall apply to the revised plan. In addition, the adopted Mitigation
Monitoring Plan from the previous CEQA documents shall remain effective for the revised plan.
This Addendum includes a description of the revised plan as it is currently proposed and a
comparison of the impacts of the revised plan to those identified in the EIR previously
certified/adopted by the City of Santa Monica on June 28,2005.
ORIGINAL PROJECT DESCRIPTION
PROJECT LOCATION
The Civic Center Specific Plan (CCSP) area consists of approximately 67 acres in downtown
Santa Monica. As shown on Attachment C, the Specific Plan Area is bounded by Fourth Street
to the east, Ocean Avenue to the west, Pico Boulevard to the south and Colorado Avenue to
the north. Main Street bisects the Plan Area in a north to south direction.
CIVIC CENTER $PECIFIC PLAN COMPREHENSIVE UPDATE, DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT PLAN
AMENDMENT AND ASSOCIATED DEVELOPMENT EIR PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The project studied in the original CCSP EIR, certified June 28, 2005, consisted essentially of an
amendment to the CCSP, which was first adopted in 1993 and amended in 2000. The
amendment to the CCSP revised the planning policies and land use and development
regulations for the CCSP area. It included revisions to the land use mix in the traditional Civic
Center area, and also studied the incorporation of the Santa Monica Place shopping center
property into the overall planning area. The project also included a proposed amendment to
the Land Use and Circulation Element of the General Plan providing that the Santa Monica
Place Special Use District would be governed by the policies and standards contained in the
CCSP rather than in the Bayside District Specific Plan. Subsequently, an addendum to the
original CCSP EIR was adopted in April 2008. The addendum was prepared for modifications to
the development standards for the Village Special Use District. The CCSP project as evaluated in
p® Addendum to the Civic Center Specific Plan EZR
May 2011
...,....,.. Page 2 of 15
ADDENDUM TO THE CIVIC CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN EIR
the 2005 EIR prepared for plan amendments which would allow for the development of the
following:
• 16.4 acres of public open space
• 775 units of mixed-use multi-family housing with 20,000 square feet of retail along Ocean
Avenue and Olympic Drive
• 150,000 square feet of public and community facilities including a new 100,000 square
feet of city services building, expansion of the Civic Auditorium building, and an early
childhood center
• 560,000 square feet of reconfigured or reconstructed commercial retail, 85,000 square
feet of new office space, and 450 multifamily dwelling units on the Santa Monica Place
site
• Street system improvements including the extension of Olympic Drive to Ocean Avenue,
the extension of 2nd Street to Olympic Drive, the closure of Main Street between
Colorado Avenue and Olympic Drive, the extension of Civic Center Drive to Main Street,
and a traffic circle at the intersection of Main Street with the extended Civic Center Drive
• New parking facilities to serve the proposed uses including subterranean parking
beneath the mixed-use residential units, beneath the redeveloped Santa Monica Place,
beneath the city services building, and beneath the auditorium expansion. Additionally,
small surface parking lots would be provided to serve the early childhood center and
park uses and the existing Civic Auditorium surface parking lot would be eliminated
Special Use Districts. The proposed CCSP divided the Civic Center area into the following six
Special Use Districts (SUDS), each with specific policies and property development standards
aimed at achieving the overall vision for the area:
Village Special Use District
• Palisades Garden Walk Special Use District
• Santa Monica Place Special Use District
• Civic Core Special Use District
• Civic Auditorium Special Use District
• Colorado Avenue Special Use District
Subsequent to certification of the CCSP EIR, the Council eliminated Santa Monica Place and the
associated 450 housing units from the CCSP area, leaving 365 units for development within the
Village Special Use District.
The following is the project information from the original CCSP EIR for the Main Street Circle and
the Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC), which are the focus of the proposed changes
that are the subject of this addendum. The Main Street Circle is planned to be developed where
the Civic Core, Civic Auditorium and Village Special Use Districts converge onto Main Street. The
ECEC is planned to be developed in the Civic Auditorium Special Use District.
od Addendum to the Civic Center Specific Plan EZA
May 2011
......_.. Page 3 of 15
ADDENDUM TO THE CIVIC CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN EIR
Main Street Circle
The Main Street Circle would be a roundabout where Main Street changes direction and where
the street intersects with Civic Center Drive. The intent of the Circle is to create a stronger sense
of arrival, to "calm" vehicular movement, and to reinforce the north-south axial relationship
between the Town Square and the Civic Auditorium. Traffic approaching the Circle from each
intersecting street would be required to yield or stop to allow for safe pedestrian crossings. North
and south of the Circle, the existing 58-foot wide curb-to-curb dimension would be reduced to
50 feet in width, to maintain axial views along the centerline of the street between the Town
Square and Civic Auditorium, and to provide a broader sidewalk and parkway along the street
edge.
Early Childhood Education Center
An Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC) of up to 12,500 square feet would also be
developed at the intersection of Fourth Street and Civic Center Drive, across from the County
Courthouse, with access taken from Civic Center Drive. The ECEC would accommodate up to
100 preschool children, with an adjoining 7,500 square foot play area along the northern edge
of the new park to address child care needs of nearby employees and residents. The dedicated
children's play area would be provided along the southern and western edges of the building
facing the park, providing quality open space for the center's children while minimizing noise
impacts on the County Courthouse.
The ECEC would reach a maximum height of 25 feet. The parking lot of the ECEC would be set
back from Fourth Street and Civic Center Drive frontages by a dimension sufficient to create a
sidewalk and planting area of at least 15 feet along these streets. The perimeter of the parking
lot would be screened by a low hedge not to exceed 42 inches in height along Fourth Street
and Civic Center Drive. A landscaped setback of 30 feet would be required along Civic Center
Drive frontage to separate the ECEC from the County Courthouse.
CEQA PROCESS /ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was prepared for the original project in accordance with
Section 15087 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. Two Notices of
Preparation (NOP) were filed with the California Office of Planning and Research and distributed
to involved public agencies and interested parties for 30-day public review periods that
concluded on February 18, 2003 and May 10, 2004. Public scoping meetings were held on
January 21, 2003 and April 15, 2004. Copies of the Draft EIR were made available fora 45-day
public review period, which closed on July 22, 2004. A total of 13 comment letters on the draft
EIR were received. These comment letters, as well as the response to comments, were included
in the Final EIR.
The EIR addressed the potential environmental effects of the proposed project. The scope of the
EIR included environmental issues determined to be potentially significant based on the Initial
Study and responses to the NOP. The environmental analysis, particularly in the traffic and
circulation section, categorized build-out of the project into four major geographical
components in order to associate specific mitigation measures, such as signal improvements,
with specific development projects.
The environmental study determined that the proposed project would have minimal or no
impacts for the following five environmental categories: Biological Resources, Mineral Resources,
Economic and Social Impacts, Recreation and Agriculture Resources. Because potential effects
fl Addendum to the Civic Center Specific Plan EIR
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in these impact areas were found not to be significant, further analysis of these impacts was not
required or provided in the EIR.
The NOP identified potentially significant effects. in the following impact areas associated with
the construction or operation of the proposed project, which were addressed in detail in the EIR:
• Aesthetics
• Air Quality
• Construction Effects
• Cultural Resources
• Geology and Soils
• Hazards and Hazardous Materials
• Hydrology and Water Quality
• Land Use and Planning
• Noise
• Population and Housing
• Public Services
• Shadow Effects
• Transportation and Circulation
• Utilities
• Neighborhood Effects
The EIR analyzed the issues referenced above and identified potentially significant
environmental impacts, including site-specific and cumulative effects of the project in
accordance with the provisions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines. The EIR also recommended
feasible mitigation measures, where possible. Significant and mitigable impacts were found in
the areas of Aesthetics, Construction Effects, Cultural Resources, Geology and Soils, Hazards and
Hazardous Materials, Hydrology and Water Quality, Land Use and Planning, Noise, Transportation
and Circulation, Utilities and Neighborhood Effects.
Significant and unavoidable impacts that could not be mitigated were identified in the EIR and
addressed in the adopted CEQA findings and statement of overriding considerations as follows:
Cultural Resources -significant and unavoidable impacts to cultural resources
if a large Moreton Bay Fig is removed or unsuccessfully relocated;
• Traffic/Circulation -significant and unavoidable traffic impacts to nine
intersections including PCH /California Incline, Ocean Avenue /Colorado
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Avenue ,Fourth Street /Broadway, Fourth Street /Colorado Avenue, Fourth
Street / I-10 Off-ramp, Fourth Street / I-10 On-ramp, Lincoln Boulevard / I-10
Off-ramp, Lincoln Boulevard/ Pico Boulevard, and Fifth Street /Colorado
Avenue; immitigable significant traffic impacts at one CMP arterial monitoring
intersection, Lincoln Boulevard / Pico Boulevard; immitigable significant
neighborhood traffic impacts on Fourth Street between Pico Boulevard and
Ocean Park Boulevard and between Ocean Park Boulevard and the southern
City limits;
Air Quality -significant and unavoidable air quality impacts related to ROG,
NOx and CO emissions from vehicle trips, natural gas use, and landscape
maintenance equipment;
Construction Effects -significant and unavoidable impacts to air quality from
NOx emissions during demolition and construction and ROC emissions during
application of architectural coatings; and
Neighborhood Effects -significant and unavoidable impacts identified above
related to Air Quality, Construction Effects and Transportation and Circulation.
The Final EIR for the Civic Center Specific Plan project (CCSP project) was completed in October
of 2004. The Specific Plan, EIR and related actions were reviewed by the Civic Center Working
Group on May 3, 2005 and by the Planning Commission on May 18, 2005. On June 28, 2005, the
City Council. certified the EIR, adopted CEQA findings and a statement of overriding
considerations, and adopted the Specific Plan amendments.
CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines establish the type of environmental documentation which is
required when changes to a project occur after an EIR is certified.
Section 15164(a) states that:
"The lead agency or a responsible agency shall prepare an addendum to a previously
certified EIR if some changes or additions are necessary but none of the conditions
described in Section 15162 calling for preparation of a subsequent EIR have occurred".
Section 15162 of the CEQA Guidelines requires a Subsequent EIR where an EIR has already been
prepared under the following circumstances:
1. Substantial changes are proposed in the project which will require major revisions of
the previous E1R due to the involvement of new significant environmental effects or a
substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects;
2. Substantial changes occur with respect to the circumstances under which the project
is undertaken, which will require major revisions of the previous EIR due to the
involvement of new significant environmental effects or a substantial increase in the
severity of previously identified significant effects;
3. New information of substantial importance, which was not known and could not have
been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time the previous EIR was
certified as complete shows any of the following:
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a. The project will have one or more significant effects not discussed in the
previous EIR or negative declaration,
b. Significant effects previously examined will be substantially more. severe than
shown in the previous EIR,
c. Mitigation measures or alternatives previously found not to be feasible would in
fact be feasible, and would substantially reduce one or more significant effects of
the project, but the project proponents decline to adopt the mitigation measure
or alternative, or
d. Mitigation measures or alternatives which are considerably different from those
analyzed in the previous EIR would substantially reduce one or more significant
effects on the environment, but the project proponents decline fo adopt the
mitigation measure or alternative.
The purpose of this Addendum is to address whether currently proposed modifications (hereafter
referred to as the revised plan) to the original City of Santa Monica Civic Center Specific Plan
could result in any new cumulatively significant environmental impacts which were not identified
in the EIR or whether previously identified significant impacts would be substantially more severe.
As indicated in the analysis provided herein, the revised plan would not constitute a substantial
change in the project that will involve "new significant environmental effects or a substantial
increase in the severity of previously identified significant effects". The environmental impacts
associated with the revised plan would be within the envelope of impacts analyzed in the EIR
and/or do not constitute a new or greater significant impact.
On the basis of substantial evidence in the -light of the whole record, the City has determined
that an Addendum is the appropriate form of CEQA documentation to address the revised plan
to the City of Santa Monica Civic Center Specific Plan.
PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS/REVISED PLAN
Removal of Main Street Circle -_As part of the original project approval, a traffic circle referred
to as the "Main Street Circle," was included in the CCSP area design to create a new focus and
landscaped feature element that would mark the change in direction of Main Street. The plan
indicated the Circle could be designed to incorporate a water feature as a focal point
centered on a pedestrian path that would include trees and public seating.
The November 23, 2000 Development Agreement between the City of Santa Monica and the
RAND Corporation, required RAND to provide an irrevocable offer of dedication for the portion
of land on its property that would be necessary for the development of the Circle. Section
2.7.1 (b) of that Development Agreement reads as follows:
The City may improve a portion of Main Street adjacent to the property with a traffic
circle. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or under the existing
regulations, RAND's sole obligation in connection with improvements fo Main Street,
including such traffic circle, shall be to offer irrevocably for dedication to the City the
surface portion of the property ("Main Street Circle Dedication"J shown on Exhibit "G"
(see Attachment A of this report) attached hereto, while expressly reserving all
subterranean rights; provided, however, that RAND's subterranean use of the Main Street
Circle Dedication shall not materially impactor interfere with the City's use of the surface
as a traffic circle. RAND shall make such irrevocable offer to dedicate prior to or
® Addendum to the Civic Center Specific Plan EIR
May 20T 1
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ADDENDUM TO THE CIVIC CENTER SPECIFIC PLAN EIR
concurrently with the City's issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the Project. If the
City makes the decision not to construct the Main Street Circle or reduces the size of the
circle such that all or a portion of the Main Street Circle Dedication is no longer needed
to construct the Circle, such offer shall be terminated or revised to conform to the portion
needed.
This addendum is for a project pursuant to which the City would not construct the Main Street
Circle and which would relieve the RAND Corporation of its responsibility to irrevocably offer the
dedication of property as outlined in Section 2.7.7 (b) of the Development Agreement. Although
the Main Street Circle would have provided the aesthetic benefit of visually reinforcing an axial
relationship through the Civic Center, and was envisioned as an extension of the activities within
the Civic/Cultural Park, it is not thought to be either a crucial or a usable component to the 16.4
acre open space system.
Please see Attachment C detailing the change (including the removal of the Main Street Circle)
to the previous layout of the Civic Center Specific Plan area. .
Revised ECEC - As previously discussed, the ECEC was originally envisioned to accommodate
100 students within 12,500 square feet of space. However, in 2008 Santa Monica College hired
childcare facility specialists to develop program and initial design studies for a grant application
to the State Chancellor's Office (which was -later withdrawn). Their work, based on current State
standards, called for a building of 16,000 square feet rather than the 12,500 square feet originally
proposed. Therefore, the ECEC is proposed to be increased by 3,500 square feet for a total of
16,000 square feet of space. However, student enrollment would remain at 100 students as was
originally analyzed and approved.
The building location of the ECEC would also be slightly modified from the originally analyzed
configuration. As currently proposed, the ECEC parking lot would not be developed and the
ECEC would be located along Civic Center Drive across from the Civic Center Parking Structure.
The front entrance of the building would be oriented on Civic Center Drive. The building would
be set back at least 15 feet from both Fourth Street and Civic Center Drive allowing sufficient
space to create a sidewalk and planting area along these streets.
The screening hedge that was originally proposed around the perimeter of the parking lot was
intended to shield adverse views of the parking lot from along Fourth Street and the Civic
Center. In addition, the landscaped setback of 30 feet along Civic Center Drive was intended
to buffer the ECEC from the Courthouse. With the change in modification to the ECEC location
and elimination of the ECEC parking lot, the originally proposed screening hedge along Fourth
Street and Civic Center Drive as well as the landscaped setback of 30 feet along Civic Center
Drive would no longer be necessary to visually shield the ECEC.
As previously stated, the ECEC parking lot that was originally proposed would no longer be
developed. A vehicular drop-off/short term parking area that would provide between 5 and 15
parking spaces would be located along the northern side of the ECEC accessed from Civic
Center Drive. No access or egress will be permitted from Fourth Street. Parking for employees
and visitors to the ECEC shall be provided in the Civic Center Parking Structure and other shared
parking facilities within the Civic Center.
The ECEC would not exceed 25 feet in height as originally analyzed. Fenced and secured
outdoor play space would be oriented towards the future Civic Auditorium open space areas
and would be increased to a minimum of 10,000 square feet rather than the originally proposed
7,500 square feet.
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May 2011
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ANALYSIS OF THE REVISED PLAN
The following discussion analyzes the environmental impacts of the proposed
modifications/Revised Plan:
AESTHETICS
The EIR analyzed potential aesthetic impacts related to the CCSP project and determined that
such impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
The proposed removal of the Main Street Circle would transfer a significant portion of the open
space from the circle to the more pedestrian accessible corners of the intersecting streets
allowing for a minor increase in usable open space, and. would retain the landscaped area in
front of the RAND building, adjacent to Main Street. Furthermore, the axial relationship through
the Civic Center can be maintained with appropriate landscape design. Therefore, the visual
character of this area would not be substantially changed from that analyzed in the EIR.
The ECEC is currently proposed to be located along Civic Center Drive across from the Civic
Center Parking Structure. The front entrance of the building would be oriented on Civic Center
Drive. The ECEC would be set back at least 15 feet from both Fourth Street and Civic Center
Drive frontages by a dimension sufficient to create a sidewalk and planting area of at least 15
feet along these streets. In addition, the building mass of the ECEC would increase slightly from
72,500 square feet (as analyzed in the EIR) to 16,000 square feet. These modifications in building
placement and increase in building massing are minor and would not materially affect the visual
character or quality of the area nor affect views. Furthermore, as previously noted, the
screening hedge that was originally proposed around the perimeter of the parking lot was
intended to shield adverse views of the parking lot from along Fourth Street and the Civic
Center. In addition, the landscaped setback of 30 feet along Civic Center Drive was intended
to buffer the ECEC from the Courthouse. With the change in modification in the ECEC building
placement and elimination of the ECEC parking lot, the originally proposed screening hedge
along Fourth Street and Civic Center Drive as well as the landscaped setback of 30 feet along
Civic Center Drive would no longer be required to visually shield the ECEC. The visual and
functional character of the overall CCSP will not be adversely altered with the proposed
modifications.
Overall, the proposed modifications under the Revised Plan would not result in visual character
or view impacts that would be notably different from that analyzed in the EIR. In addition, the
Revised Plan would not add new sources of light/glare that were not previously contemplated in
the original project. All mitigation measures recommended for the previously proposed CCSP
project would apply. Aesthetic impacts associated with the Revised Plan would remain less than
significant with mitigation and would be within the envelope of impacts analyzed in the EIR.
AIR QUALITY
The EIR analyzed potential air quality (operational) impacts related to the CCSP project and
determined that significant and unavoidable air quality impacts related to ROG, NOx and CO
emissions would occur.
Removal of the previously proposed Main Street Circle from the CCSP project would not result in
an increase in operational emissions sources (e.g., increase in vehicular trips, new stationary
generators). In addition, the moderate increase in the ECEC building area would not result in an
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May 2011
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increase in student enrollment. Therefore, vehicular trips would remain the same as that
analyzed in the EIR.
The proposed modifications for the Revised Plan would not result in air pollutant or CO impacts
that would be different from that analyzed in the EIR. All mitigation measures recommended for
the previously proposed CCSP would apply. Air quality impacts associated with the Revised Plan
would remain significant and unavoidable and would be within the envelope of impacts
analyzed in the EIR.
CONSTRUCTION EFFECTS
The EIR analyzed potential construction impacts related to the CCSP project and determined
that construction traffic, noise, solid waste, and water quality would be less than significant or
less than significant with mitigation. However, construction air quality impacts would be
significant and unavoidable for NOx and ROC emissions.
The removal of the Main Street circle would have a negligible effect on the nature of
construction activities. The increase in the square footage of the ECEC would result in a minor
increase in construction activities. While construction duration for the ECEC may be slightly
longer than previously analyzed, the peak daily construction activities (which are used for
measuring significance of air quality, noise, and traffic impacts) would be similar as was
analyzed in the EIR. Therefore, construction effects would not be greater.
The proposed modifications under the Revised Plan would not result in construction effects that
would be substantially different from that analyzed in the EIR. All mitigation measures
recommended for the previously proposed CCSP would apply. Construction impacts
associated with the Revised Plan would remain significant and unavoidable for air quality and
would be within the envelope of impacts analyzed in the EIR.
CULTURAL RESOURCES"
The EIR analyzed potential cultural resources impacts related to the CCSP project. Specifically,
impacts to historic resources were determined to be significant and unavoidable and/or less
than significant with mitigation depending on the historic resource considered (e.g., Sears
building, McClure Tunnel, Civic Auditorium, City Hall, Moreton Bay Fig). In addition, impacts
related to buried cultural resources would be less than significant with mitigation.
Under the Revised Plan, the Main Street Circle would no longer be constructed and the ECEC
building would be slightly increased in size and relocated from what-was originally proposed.
These modifications would not have d physical impact on any of the historic resources in the
CCSP area and would not result in compatibility issues related to the character of the historic
resources. Therefore, the proposed modifications would not result in new historic impacts.
Furthermore, the proposed modifications would not result in changes with regard to the area
and depth of grading such that buried cultural resources could be impacted further.
The proposed modifications under the Revised Plan would not result in cultural resource impacts
that would be substantially different from that analyzed in the EIR. All mitigation measures
recommended for the previously approved CCSP would apply. Cultural resource impacts
associated with the Revised Plan would remain less than significant with mitigation and would be
within the envelope of impacts analyzed in the EIR.
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GEOLOGY AND SOILS
The EIR analyzed potential geology/soils impacts related to the CCSP project and determined
that impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
Geology/soil impacts are site specific in nature and are based on the underlying soil conditions
and geology setting rather than the development proposed. Thus, the removal of the Main
Street Circle and the minor modifications for the ECEC (including a slight increase in building
area and relocation of building) would not change the geology/soils conditions of the CCSP
area.
The proposed modifications under the Revised Plan would not result in geology/soils impacts
that would be substantially different from that analyzed in the EIR. All mitigation measures
recommended for the previously approved CCSP proposal would apply. Geology/soils impacts
associated with the Revised Plan would remain less than significant with mitigation and would be
within the envelope of impacts analyzed in the EIR..
HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
The EIR analyzed potential hazards/hazardous materials impacts related to the project and
determined that impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
The revised plan involves removal of the Main Street Circle from the CCSP project and minor
modifications to the ECEC, including an increase in the building area to from 12,500 to16,000
square feet and relocation of the building. These modifications would not introduce new
hazards/hazardous materials in the CCSP area and would not result in the exposure of additional
people to hazards/hazardous materials. The overall type of land uses and development areas
are ultimately unchanged and similar to previously approved CCSP.
The proposed modifications under the Revised Plan would not result in hazards/hazardous
materials impacts that would be substantially different from that analyzed in the EIR. All
mitigation measures recommended for the previously approved CCSP would apply.
Hazards/hazardous materials impacts associated with the Revised Plan would remain less than
significant with mitigation and would be within the envelope of impacts analyzed in the EIR.
HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY
The EIR analyzed potential hydrology and water quality impacts related to the project and
determined that impacts would be less than significant with mitigation.
The removal of the Main Street circle from the CCSP project would have a negligible effect on
hydrology and water quality since the amount of impervious surface for this area would not
notably change. The increase in the square footage of the ECEC would result in a minor
increase in building footprint. However, this increase in building footprint would be offset by the
removal of the ECEC parking lot from the CCSP project. Therefore, surface water runoff in the
ECEC area would be similar to what was analyzed in the EIR.
The proposed modifications under the Revised Plan would not result in hydrology and water
quality impacts that would be substantially different from that analyzed in the EIR. The City of
Santa Monica's Urban Runoff Pollution Control Ordinance and all mitigation measures
recommended for the previously approved CCSP would apply. Hydrology and water quality
g® Addendum to theCi vic Center Specific Plan EZR
May 2011
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associated with the Revised Plan would remain less than significant with mitigation and would be
within the envelope of impacts analyzed in the EIR.
LAND USE AND PLANNING
The EIR analyzed potential land use impacts related to the project and determined that impacts
would be less than significant and/or less than significant after mitigation.
The Revised Plarr involves the elimination of the Main Street Circle from the Civic Center Specific
Plan. The EIR concluded that the amended CCSP would be generally consistent with the intent
of the General Plan and with the Civic Center (CC) and Downtown Commercial (C3) zoning
districts; the current proposal to not develop the Main Street Circle would not alter this
conclusion as the Circle represents a minor portion of planned Civic Center open space.
In addition, the modifications to the ECEC would not represent a significant change in the land
use program for the CCSP. While building area would increase slightly for the ECEC, the total
student enrollment for the ECEC would remain the same as that originally analyzed (i.e. 100
students). Therefore, no new land use impacts would occur.
The proposed modifications under the Revised Plan would not result in land use impacts that
would be substantially different from that analyzed in the EIR. All mitigation measures
recommended for the previously approved CCSP would apply. Land use impacts associated
with the Revised Plan would remain less than significant and/or less than significant with
mitigation and would be within the envelope of impacts analyzed in the EIR.
NOISE
The EIR analyzed potential noise (operational) impacts related to the project and determined
that impacts would be less than significant after mitigation.
Removing the Main Street Circle from the CCSP would not result in an increase in operational
noise sources (e.g., increase in vehicular trips, new stationary generators) from the previously
approved CCSP. In addition, the expansion of the ECEC from 12,500 to 16,000 square feet would
not change the student enrollment from what was analyzed in the EIR (100 students). Therefore,
vehicular trips would remain the same as that analyzed in the EIR, and noise levels would be the
same.
The proposed modifications under the Revised Plan would not result in noise impacts that would
be different from that analyzed in the EIR. All mitigation measures recommended for the
previously approved CCSP would apply. Noise impacts associated with the Revised Plan would
remain less than significant with mitigation and would be within the envelope of impacts
analyzed in the EIR.
POPULATION AND HOUSING
The EIR analyzed potential population and housing impacts related to the project and
determined that impacts would be less than significant.
The proposed removal of the Main Street Circle from the CCSP project and the increase in
building area for the ECEC would not result in additional housing or residential population.
Furthermore, while the building area for the proposed ECEC would increase, the student
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enrollment would remain at 100 students as was previously approved. Therefore, population
impacts would not change.
The proposed modifications under the Revised Plan would not result in population/housing
impacts that would be different from that analyzed in the EIR. Population and housing impacts
associated with the Revised Plan would remain less than significant and would be within the
envelope of impacts analyzed in the EIR.
PUBLIC SERVICES
The EIR analyzed potential public services impacts related to the project and determined that
impacts would be less than significant.
The proposed removal of the Main Street Circle from the CCSP project and the minor increase in
building area for the ECEC would not result in additional residential or daytime population
above what was analyzed in the EIR. The proposed removal of the Main Street Circle represents
a modification in the project design and not a change in the amount of development that
could increase public services demand. While the building area for the proposed ECEC would
increase, the student enrollment would remain at 100 students as was previously approved.
Therefore, demand for public services and impacts would not change.
The proposed modifications under the Revised Plan would not result in public services impacts
that would be different from that analyzed in the EIR. Public services impacts associated with the
Revised Plan would remain less than significant and would be within the envelope of impacts
analyzed in the EIR.
SHADOWS
The EIR analyzed potential shadow impacts related to the project and determined that impacts
would be less than significant.
The proposed removal of the Main Street Circle from the CCSP project and the minor
modifications for the ECEC would not result in additional shadow effects above what was
analyzed in the EIR. The proposed removal of the Main Street Circle represents a modification in
the circulation of the project. While the building area for the proposed ECEC would increase,
the height of the ECEC would be 25 feet as was previously approved. In addition, the slight
change in location for the ECEC building would not result in shadowing effects on additional
sensitive receptors. Therefore, shadow impacts would not change.
The proposed modifications under the Revised Plan would not result in shadow impacts that
would be different from that analyzed in the EIR. Shadow impacts associated with the Revised
Plan would remain less than significant and would be within the envelope of impacts analyzed in
the EIR.
TRANSPORTATION AND CIRCULATION
The removal of the Main Street Circle from the CCSP project does represent new construction or
the expansion of an existing use which would generate increased traffic or additional trips over
what was analyzed in the EIR. Although the traffic circle was originally described in the EIR as a
traffic calming device, there are other elements that have been included since the approval of
the CCSP to calm traffic on Main Street, such as the landscaped medians and staggered
crosswalks north of Olympic Drive and at Vicente Terrace, as well as Class II bike lanes that have
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been introduced on both the east and west side of the street. If developed as planned, a stop
sign will be placed where Civic Center Drive intersects Main Street-the area where the Circle
was planned to be constructed. The forecast traffic volumes presented in the Transportation and
Circulation Study for the CCSP show AM and PM weekday volumes along Main Street that are
relatively imbalanced, which is considered less-than optimal for traffic circle operations.
Forecast traffic volumes from Civic Center Drive are very low (between approximately 25 and 30
vehicles during the AM and PM peak hours, respectively), and the intersection is forecast to
operate at LOS C during both AM and PM peak hours with a maximum delay of the 16.8
seconds per vehicles for vehicles turning from Civic Center Drive during the AM peak hour.
Therefore, removal of the Main Street Circle would not alter the traffic conclusions in the EIR.
The minor modifications to the ECEC also would not result in the generation of increased traffic
or additional trips over what was analyzed in the EIR. While the building area of the ECEC would
be increased from 72,500 square feet to 16,000 square feet, the number of students that the
facility would accommodate would remain the same at 100 students. Therefore, the number of
vehicular trips for the ECEC (which are calculated based on the number of students rather than
square footage) would remain the same as analyzed in the EIR. In addition, vehicular access to
the ECEC's short term parking/loading area would be provided from Civic Center Drive. No
access would be provided from Fourth Street. This access scheme is consistent with the original
access scheme which provided for vehicular parking lot access from Civic Center Drive.
The ECEC parking lot that was originally proposed would not be developed under the Revised
Plan. Parking for employees and visitors to the ECEC would be provided in the Civic Center
Parking Structure and other shared parking facilities within the Civic Center. These parking
facilities have adequate capacity to accommodate the parking demand of the ECEC.
Therefore, the proposed modifications to the ECEC would not result in additional parking
shortage impacts.
The proposed modifications under the Revised Plan would not result in traffic and parking
impacts that. would be different from that analyzed in the EIR. Traffic and parking impacts
associated with the Revised Plan would remain less than significant and would be within the
envelope of impacts analyzed in the EIR.
UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS
The EIR analyzed potential utilities and infrastructure impacts related to the project and
determined that impacts would be less than significant and/or less than significant with
mitigation.
The proposed removal of the Main Street Circle from the CCSP project and the minor increase in
building area for the ECEC would not result in additional residential or daytime population
above what was analyzed in the EIR. The proposed removal of the Main Street Circle represents
a modification in the project design and not a change in the amount of development that
could increase utilities demand. While the building area for the proposed ECEC would increase,
the student enrollment would remain at 100 students as was previously approved. Therefore,
demand for utilities and impacts would not change.
The proposed modifications under the Revised Plan would not result in utilities impacts that
would be different from that analyzed in the EIR. Utilities impacts associated with the Revised
Plan would remain less than significant/less than significant with mitigation and would be within
the envelope of impacts analyzed in the EIR.
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MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
The revised project would not substantially change the analysis presented in the EIR or
mandatory findings of significance that were adopted for the previously approved CCSP.
CONCLUSION
As demonstrated in this Addendum, the proposed modifications are minor adjustments to the
previously approved Civic Center Specific Plan which would not generate new significant
environmental impacts or increase the severity of impacts identified in the 2005 Civic Center
Specific Plan EIR.
p®_ Addendum to the Civic Center Specific PIan.EIR
May 2011
......_M Page 15 of 15
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Draft Resolution to Amend the CCSP to
Eliminate the Main Street Traffic Circle
13
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Draft Resolution to Amend the CCSP to
Modify Provisions for the Early Childhood
Center
14
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Reference Resolution Nos.
10580 (CCS) and 10581
(ccs)