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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS: Potentially Significant Potentially Unless Less than Significant Mitigation Significant • Impact Incorporated Impact No Impact • • I. AESTHETICS. Would the project: a. Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? X Comment: There are no designated scenic vistas or scenic resources on or adjacent to the project area. Accordingly,the proposed project would have no impact on scenic resources nor damage scenic resources within a state scenic highway. b. Substantially damage scenic resources,including,but not limited to,trees, X rock outcroppings,and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? Comment: The proposed development is proposed for land that is currently vacant and includes limited trees,no rock outcroppings and no historic buildings. It is not located within a state scenic highway and therefore,would not be a substantial adverse effect on scenic resources. c. Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and X its surroundings? Comment: The proposed development is located in a relatively flat area of downtown San Leandro in an area that has been zoned by the City for the type of buildings proposed. The surrounding area includes industrial and commercial uses and is located adjacent to the Downtown San Leandro BART Station. The visual setting is characterized by one-and two- story commercial office and light industrial buildings. The project site has been previously graded and disturbed and is presently a vacant lot surrounded by a commercial office building to the north, industrial uses to the south,light industrial to the west and the San Leandro BART Station and associated parking lots to the east. There is limited natural landscaping in the project vicinity. A small cluster of mature trees occurs along the easterly and westerly edges of the project site along Alvarado Streets and Martinez Streets. There is limited ornamental landscaping in the form of mature trees surrounding adjacent buildings and in adjacent parking lots. The project site is visible from San Leandro Boulevard on the east, as well as from surrounding roadways and adjacent development. Distant views to and from the project site are limited due the flat topography and the presence of existing development. However, the East Bay Hills are visible from some areas of the project site beyond the BART Station. The project site would be visible to BART riders as they pass the project site from the BART trains leaving and entering the San Leandro BART Station. While the proposed project will change the visual character and quality of the project site, which is currently vacant and currently surrounded by low-rise, light industrial and commercial buildings, the change in character is not considered a significant impact. d. Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely X affect day or nighttime views in the area? Comment: Existing lighting at the project site is non-existent,since it is currently vacant. Surrounding light sources are characterized by low-intensity security and safety lighting along walkways,within the adjacent BART parking lots,and at building entrances. The proposed project will include lighting plans to address nighttime and security lighting,however,the new buildings may Involve lighting designs or construction materials that could increase potential light and glare impacts for neighboring uses and motorists. The Applicant will be required to design street,site and other exterior lighting to reduce glare on adjacent properties by using techniques such as automatic shut off controls and glare shields and by '. appropriately orienting and positioning fixtures at a height consistent with the intended use.Therefore,the development will not create a source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area. • • II. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES. In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model(1997)prepared by the California Department of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. Would the project: • • 4 •