Reso 2015-125 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

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