3B Public Hearing 2007 0904 - Laserfiche WebLink

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residential development or high density mixed-use development with office space west of the BART station and at the north end of Alvarado Street all could impact views from adjacent development and surrounding streets. Along East 14th Street, more dense building coverage and higher density housing could obstruct views of the hills and other horizon elements. In general, the appearance ofthe TOD Strategy area would change from a mix of high and low density development to a more uniform pattern of multi-story mixed-use buildings resulting in a more urbanized area. The Strategy does not represent an actual project involving physical development, but rather proposes regulatory changes to encourage future development within the TOD Strategy Area. The TOD Strategy incorporates various General Plan policies and mitigation measures, as set forth in Table 2-1, Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures, on Page 2-5 of the DEIR to reduce potential aesthetic impacts to a less-than-significant level. Air Quality The DEIR discusses how implementation of the TOD Strategy would create potential local and regional air quality impacts. As stated on Page 4.2-1 of the DEIR, the TOD Strategy would be required to comply with a regulatory framework that includes Federal and California Clean Air Acts that establish standards for six criteria pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), ozone, nitrogen dioxide (N02), inhalable particulate matter (PMlO and PM2.s), sulfur dioxide, and lead. Additionally, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) regulates air quality in the San Leandro area. San Leandro is part of a region-wide non-attainment area, in which ambient levels exceed the respective State or federal air quality standard for ground-level ozone, PM2.5 and PMlO. As stated in Table 2-1, Summary of Impacts and Mitigation Measures, on Page 2-5 of the DEIR, the TOD Strategy incorporates General Plan policies and Mitigation measures to reduce potential air quality impacts to a less-than-significant level. However, implementation of the Strategy, in combination with other projects occurring in the City of San Leandro, could result in a significant, cumulative air quality impact. While the City's existing policies and certain recommended actions in the Strategy, such as Actions FI-F5 in the Strategy Implementation Matrix, would reduce the cumulative amount of greenhouse gases created as a result of the Strategy and other projects, the City's adherence to the strategies set forth in the EP A Climate Action Team's Report would be necessary to reduce potential cumulative impacts to a less-than-significant level. Implementation ofthe Strategy, in combination with other projects occurring in the City of San Leandro could impede the attainment of applicable air quality standards. Despite the inclusion of adherence to applicable General Plan policies, the Strategy would contribute to cumulative emissions that would result in a significant and unavoidable impact on the attainment of applicable air quality standards. A Statement of Overriding Considerations will be required prior to City Council adoption. Biological Resources Implementation of the TOD Strategy could impact existing biological resources, including animal and plant species and vegetation communities, including special-status species and sensitive communities that may occur within the TOD Strategy area. Due to the heavily urbanized nature of the TOD Strategy area, no endangered, rare or threatened species are known to exist within its boundaries. The DEIR determined that development occurring under the TOD Strategy could result in impacts to the Alameda Song Sparrow, which is a California State