3B Public Hearing 2009 0720 - Laserfiche WebLink

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EXPLANATION: a -e) The proposed project will intensify existing land uses at the project sites and permit residential and associated uses that do not currently exist in the project vicinity. The traffic related to the new residents (Site 1) and vehicular traffic generated by the BART parking structure (Site 2) could result in additional regional air emissions. This increase in emissions could contribute to local traffic congestion that may result in "hotspots" of localized air pollutants such as carbon monoxide. Air quality is heavily influenced by climate and topography. During the Summer months, the Pacific high pressure system typically causes a subsidence of warm air that creates frequent Summer atmospheric temperature inversions. Pollutants are subsequently trapped by these inversions near the ground in small volumes of air and help contribute to smog. Mitigation Measure #13: The applicant shall implement measures set forth in the Traffic Impact Analysis Technical Memorandum (as revised February 17, 2009) to improve arterial traffic, including contributing towards mitigation costs through transportation development impact fees or fair -share contributions regarding signalization of San Leandro Blvd. and Parrott Street and the I-880 / Marina Blvd, interchange to offset potential traffic/circulation impacts that could lead to a deterioration of air quality. In addition, the demolition and construction activities involved in the development of the proposed project during the construction phase of the project would emit particulate matter and construction equipment exhausts. Also, during the construction -phase of the project, construction activities could create odors that may disturb any sensitive receptors near the project area. Because of potential airborne dust and particulate matter that may be generated during construction and grading activities, the proposed project may hinder efforts to attain state and federal air quality standards for ozone and small particulate matter, for which the Bay Area is in nonattainment during the construction -phase of the project. Any of these effects would be considered potentially -significant impacts. Mitigation measures appropriate to the proposed project are as follows: Mitigation Measure #14: The applicant shall cooperate with the appropriate regional, state and federal agencies to implement the regional Clean Air Plan and enforce air quality standards in compliance with General Plan Policy 31.01. Mitigation Measure #15: The applicant shall provide residents with on-site bicycle storage lockers to promote alternative, environmentally -friendly methods of transportation such as bicycling to help improve air quality by reducing the necessity of driving and by providing better provisions for bicyclists and pedestrians, in compliance with General Plan Policy 31.02. Mitigation Measure #16: The applicant shall utilize construction and grading practices that minimize airborne dust and particulate matter. Air-quality related concerns were examined in both the San Leandro General Plan EIR (2001) and the Downtown San Leandro Transit -Oriented Development Strategy EIR (2007). Specific policies, actions and mitigation measures were developed as part of the San Leandro General Plan and Downtown San Leandro TOD Strategy to reduce air quality impacts. The San Leandro General Plan, through its Transportation Element promotes the development of properties adjacent to BART stations and along heavily used public transit corridors to maximize transit use. The transportation element addresses the need to work with BART and AC Transit (and to a lesser extent, Caltrans) to enhance transit services for San Leandro residents. Policies and actions include improving AC Transit feeder -bus service to the two BART stations, using smaller buses to allow for broader service coverage, expanding shuttle service to the city's employment districts and shopping areas, coordinating AC Transit and BART schedules, and developing a traffic -signal pre-empt program for buses. Cornerstone at San Leandro Crossings Initial Study 11 March 2009 POTENTIALLY ISSUES POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT LESS THAN NO SIGNIFICANT UNLESS SIGNIFICANT IMPACT SOURCES ISSUES MITIGATION IMPACT INCORPORATED EXPLANATION: a -e) The proposed project will intensify existing land uses at the project sites and permit residential and associated uses that do not currently exist in the project vicinity. The traffic related to the new residents (Site 1) and vehicular traffic generated by the BART parking structure (Site 2) could result in additional regional air emissions. This increase in emissions could contribute to local traffic congestion that may result in "hotspots" of localized air pollutants such as carbon monoxide. Air quality is heavily influenced by climate and topography. During the Summer months, the Pacific high pressure system typically causes a subsidence of warm air that creates frequent Summer atmospheric temperature inversions. Pollutants are subsequently trapped by these inversions near the ground in small volumes of air and help contribute to smog. Mitigation Measure #13: The applicant shall implement measures set forth in the Traffic Impact Analysis Technical Memorandum (as revised February 17, 2009) to improve arterial traffic, including contributing towards mitigation costs through transportation development impact fees or fair -share contributions regarding signalization of San Leandro Blvd. and Parrott Street and the I-880 / Marina Blvd, interchange to offset potential traffic/circulation impacts that could lead to a deterioration of air quality. In addition, the demolition and construction activities involved in the development of the proposed project during the construction phase of the project would emit particulate matter and construction equipment exhausts. Also, during the construction -phase of the project, construction activities could create odors that may disturb any sensitive receptors near the project area. Because of potential airborne dust and particulate matter that may be generated during construction and grading activities, the proposed project may hinder efforts to attain state and federal air quality standards for ozone and small particulate matter, for which the Bay Area is in nonattainment during the construction -phase of the project. Any of these effects would be considered potentially -significant impacts. Mitigation measures appropriate to the proposed project are as follows: Mitigation Measure #14: The applicant shall cooperate with the appropriate regional, state and federal agencies to implement the regional Clean Air Plan and enforce air quality standards in compliance with General Plan Policy 31.01. Mitigation Measure #15: The applicant shall provide residents with on-site bicycle storage lockers to promote alternative, environmentally -friendly methods of transportation such as bicycling to help improve air quality by reducing the necessity of driving and by providing better provisions for bicyclists and pedestrians, in compliance with General Plan Policy 31.02. Mitigation Measure #16: The applicant shall utilize construction and grading practices that minimize airborne dust and particulate matter. Air-quality related concerns were examined in both the San Leandro General Plan EIR (2001) and the Downtown San Leandro Transit -Oriented Development Strategy EIR (2007). Specific policies, actions and mitigation measures were developed as part of the San Leandro General Plan and Downtown San Leandro TOD Strategy to reduce air quality impacts. The San Leandro General Plan, through its Transportation Element promotes the development of properties adjacent to BART stations and along heavily used public transit corridors to maximize transit use. The transportation element addresses the need to work with BART and AC Transit (and to a lesser extent, Caltrans) to enhance transit services for San Leandro residents. Policies and actions include improving AC Transit feeder -bus service to the two BART stations, using smaller buses to allow for broader service coverage, expanding shuttle service to the city's employment districts and shopping areas, coordinating AC Transit and BART schedules, and developing a traffic -signal pre-empt program for buses. Cornerstone at San Leandro Crossings Initial Study 11 March 2009