3B Public Hearing 2007 0904 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Joint BZA/PC Worksession Minutes Agenda No. 07-12 June 28, 2007 Page 3 of6 Strategy, with attention to the mix of uses, context-sensItIve uses, and an emphasis on smaller-scale infill development (versus wholesale redevelopment). Also, the types of businesses would emphasize the home grown (versus chains), although chains would not be prohibited. The CAC identified 39 opportunity sites on 88 acres, some of which already include established, viable businesses whose property owners plan to continue those uses indefinitely but uses still may change over time. In many cases, because of proximity to transit, these uses could be redeveloped over time to increase transit ridership. It would be up to property owners to decide if and when to develop or redevelop their property. . Supportive densities; the TaD Strategy addresses appropriate intensification as well as appropriate adjacencies. Those areas nearest single-family residences are the most sensitive, and would be protected. The developments adjacent to these residential areas would be the lowest-intensity. Building heights might be a bit higher, but stepped down and appropriate to a residential neighborhood. The next level up, called a "transition mixed-use area," might accommodate 20 to 60 dwelling units per acre, with building height up to 50 feet, along with offices and/or retail establishments. This might be along San Leandro Boulevard near BART. If all sites changed to the highest and best land uses identified by the CAC, the City might add nearly 3,500 dwelling units (2,400 near BART), 718,000 square feet of office space (mostly in the Davis Street/San Leandro Boulevard area) and just over 120,000 square feet of retail space (more than 85% of it downtown). For office and retail space, Ms. Livermore noted, this is very similar to what the General Plan also envisions. She showed several photo simulations to suggest how three areas (East 14th at Davis Street, East 14th at Parrott Street and San Leandro Boulevard near BART) might look in five, 10 and 20 years), incorporating public improvements and private investment. The TOD Strategy implementation process began with presentations of the Public Draft TaD Strategy to the City Council, the Library-Historical Commission, the Senior Commission, several homeowners' associations, downtown businesses, and tonight's presentation to the Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Adjustments. Also on the implementation agenda are similar presentations to the Recreation and Parks Commission and the Chamber of Commerce (July). The TaD Strategy Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) has been released for a 45- day public review period (June 5 through 5 p.m. July 19). The July 12 Planning Commission meeting will include a public hearing on the EIR to take public testimony, which will be recorded and responded to. Public comments may be made in person or in writing (email, fax, letters). The TaD Strategy will have impact on traffic, parking, noise, infrastructure, and schools. Among infrastructure restraints are those relating to sewer, stormwater drainage, landfill, and school capacities. The infill nature of the development envisioned, as well as proximity to transit, should minimize these impacts, especially when considering the use of mitigation measures. Ms. Livermore said that the CAC worked closely with the school district, which revealed some near-term capacity but longer-term problems. School-oriented mitigation measures are in place that could be impiemented once TaD-influenced student-generation rates are known. Proposed Zoning Code and General Plan amendments will go to the Planning Commission and BZA in