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SAN LEANDRO SHORELINE DEVELOPMENT DRAFT EIR CITY OF SAN LEANDRO AESTHETICS The addition of this structure would block some views of the Marina from this vantage point. Existing trees on the site and architectural features to break up the building mass would visually break up the South Mixed -Use structure from this viewpoint, which would preserve some views of Marina Park. Furthermore, existing long-range views of the San Francisco Bay and Marina Park, which add to the character of the site, would be retained. Viewpoint E represents the view from Mulford Point, looking east toward the Project site. As seen in Figure 4.1-9a, Viewpoint E — Existing View, under existing conditions this vantage is characterized by open water with docked boats. The hills east of San Leandro and Oakland are visible in the background and the existing park on the south side of the Marina is visible on the right side of this viewpoint. With the eventual elimination of the boat slips and thereby the boats in the harbor, as seen in Figure 4.1-9b, Viewpoint E — Photo Simulation, this would increase the amount of open water in the harbor, enhancing the water views and shoreline setting of the site. Although improvements are proposed at both Pescador and Mulford Point, such as a community park and bocce ball courts, the hills in the background would remain visible from these park areas at this viewpoint. The elimination of the boats in the harbor would be a departure from the existing character of the site. As discussed before, the Marina area is envisioned in the San Leandro General Plan as the "crown jewel" of the City's parks system and elimination of the boat slips would allow for additional public recreation opportunities in the form of small boat activities, including kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing. The shoreline and marine -based qualities of the site would be preserved as the sight of boats docked in the harbor would be replaced by the sight of the water itself and individuals recreating in the harbor. Removal of the harbor, resulting from siltation over time, would be in conformance with the San Leandro General Plan and would be a positive effect of the project. Additionally, the dilapidated Marina infrastructure visible on the left side of Figure 4.1-9a would be eliminated, including the removal of rip rap and restoration of the natural shoreline, with implementation of the Project. This would contribute to the orderly developed form of the area, adding to the vibrancy of the site. Viewpoint F represents the view experienced from the existing Horatio's restaurant, looking to the west, onto the Marina. Due to the configuration of the existing boat slips, this view is dominated by docked boats and boat slips. As seen in Figure 4.1-10a, Viewpoint F — Existing View, very little of the westernmost finger of the Marina is visible at this time due to the boats which screen this portion of the Marina from view. The existing San Leandro Yacht Club building is visible on the right side of this picture. As described above, eventual elimination of the boat slips and boats docked in the harbor. Figure 4.1-10b, Viewpoint F — Photo Simulation, shows that with the elimination of the boats and slips, a much more expansive view onto the Marina and San Francisco Bay are allowed for. The hills on the peninsula become more visible and the westernmost portion of the Marina comes into view. The elimination of the boats in the harbor would represent a departure from the existing character of the site, however, this change would result in increased opportunities for public recreation, more expansive views, increased open space, and increased access to the shoreline and harbor basin. Moreover, since the Marina is envisioned as a center for recreation in San Leandro, this change is consistent with the San Leandro General Plan. As demonstrated in the photo simulations, the Project would result in a substantial change in character; however, this change is not adverse. 4.1-24 DECEMBER 2014