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SAN LEANDRO SHORELINE DEVELOPMENT DRAFT EIR <br />CITY OF SAN LEANDRO <br />AESTHETICS <br />2. Substantially degrade the view from a scenic highway, including, but not limited to, trees, rock <br />outcroppings, and historic buildings. <br />3. Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings. <br />4. Expose people on- or off-site to substantial light or glare, which would adversely affect day or <br />nighttime views in the area. <br />4.1.3 IMPACT DISCUSSION <br />This section discusses the impacts of the Project on aesthetic resources. <br />AES -1 The Project would not have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic <br />vista. <br />The Project would have a significant environmental impact if it would result in a substantial adverse effect <br />on a scenic vista. Views from the Project site are limited due to the Project site's relatively flat topography <br />and, as a result, far -field views are generally obscured by existing vegetation and structures. However, as <br />described above, the San Leandro General Plan identifies a Significant View from the Project site looking <br />to the west, towards the San Francisco Bay. Construction of the Project would result in changes to this <br />view. <br />The significant view as identified by the San Leandro General Plan is shown above in Figure 4.1-1. As <br />shown, the near -field view is dominated by views of boats in the harbor. Mid -to -far -field views include <br />views to the horizon including Mulford Point, San Francisco Bay, and the ridgeline of the Santa Cruz <br />Mountains on the San Francisco Peninsula on clear days. <br />Photo simulations of the Project are shown below in Figures 4.1-5a through 4.1-12b. The near -field views <br />would be substantially altered by the removal of the existing marina. This change would remove views of <br />boats, docks and other marine -related activities. Existing marina views would be replaced by views of an <br />open expanse of water that would include natural shorelines and public amenities. Although the subject <br />matter of the view would change as a result of the Project, the Project would not result in a substantial <br />adverse effect on near -field views. <br />The mid- to far -field views would also be altered by the Project due to the inclusion of two restaurants <br />and the 200 -room hotel on Mulford Point. The addition of these Project components would partially <br />obstruct views of the horizon and of the ridgeline of the Santa Cruz Mountains on the San Francisco <br />Peninsula. However, as shown below in Figures 4.1-11a and 4.1-12a, the existing views of the horizon are <br />already partially obstructed by boat masts in the harbor and existing vegetation on Mulford Point. <br />Although the inclusion of new structures on Mulford Point would alter the mid -to -far -field view, the <br />Significant View would not be adversely affected because components of the view (Mulford Point, San <br />Francisco Bay, and the Santa Cruz Mountains, etc.) would still be visible, and the views would not be <br />substantially different. The Project also provides multiple opportunities where mid- to far -field views <br />would be available, such as the public promenade, and pedestrian lookouts, which would maximize public <br />views, along with shoreline access. <br />PLACEWORKS 4.1-11 <br />