HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-096 - Certifying the Environmental Impact Report for the Grand Avenue Street Widening ProjectRESOLUTION NO. 2002-096
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
SANTA ANA CERTIFYING THE ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT REPORT FOR THE GRAND AVENUE STREET
WIDENING PROJECT, APPROVING A MITIGATION
MONITORING PROGRAM, AND ADOPTING CERTAIN
FACTS, FINDINGS AND A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING
CONSIDERATIONS
kdo: 11/12/02
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ANA AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City Council of the City of Santa Ana hereby finds, determines
and declares as follows:
For over four years, the City has considered a project to widen the
segment of Grand Avenue between Seventeenth Street on the north and
First Street on the south, to the General Plan Circulation Element
designation of Major Arterial.
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In May of 1998, a Notice of Preparation was prepared, submitted to
interested persons, responsible and trustee agencies, and filed with
the County Recorder regarding this proposed project.
The City conducted a scoping meeting for the proposed Grand
Avenue Widening Project on June 3, 1998. The City received the
public comments as well as numerous wdtten responses during the
Notice of Preparation public review pedod from various public
agencies.
As a result of this input, the City prepared a Draft EIR
(Environmental Impact Report) for this proposed project, which was
submitted for public comment to all responsible agencies, the State
Clearinghouse, neighboring communities and districts,
neighborhoods in the vicinity and the requesting public.
All comments to the Draft EIR were considered and responded to in
the proposed Final EIR (which includes the Draft EIR and errata).
A proposed mitigation monitoring plan has been prepared and was
included in the EIR, as has 15 pages of certain facts, findings and
statements, which are attached to this Resolution.
Resolution No. 2002-096
Page 1 of 19
At its regular meeting of September 23, 2002, the Planning Commission of
the City of Santa Ana, following a duly noticed public hearing, by a vote of
6:0 (Richardson absent) recommended to the City Council adopt this Final
EIR, the mitigation monitoring plan, and certain facts, findings and
statements.
The City Council has fully considered this matter, and all public testimony,
at a duly noticed public hearing held at its regularly scheduled meeting of
November 18, 2002.
All documents pertaining to this project, including the Final EIR which
includes the mitigation monitoring plan, the 15 pages of certain facts,
findings and statements, the Request for Council Action, and the record of
proceedings are incorporated herein by this reference as though fully set
forth.
Section 2. The City Council has reviewed and considered the information
contained in the Final EIR prepared with respect to this Project. The City Council has,
as a result of its consideration of the record as a whole and the evidence presented at
the headngs on this matter, determined that, as required pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") and the State CEQ^ Guidelines, the Final EIR
meets all requirement of CEQA, including but limited to: finding that the Final EIR
adequately addresses the impacts of the project; that it identifies and through the
mitigation monitoring plan imposes all feasible mitigation measures which will reduce all
of the significant environmental impacts of the Project to a level of insignificance, except
those unavoidable impacts described more specifically in the statement of overriding
considerations; discusses a reasonable range of alternatives to the Project; identifies
the environmentally superior alternative; and based upon all of which and the record as
a whole the Council chooses to approve the Project. The City Council hereby certifies
and approves the Final EIR, the mitigation monitoring plan, the facts, findings and
Statement of Overriding Considerations attached to this Resolution, and directs that a
Notice of Determination be prepared and filed with the County Clerk of the County of
Orange in the manner required by law.
Section 3. Pursuant to Title XlV, California Code of Regulations ("CCR")
§ 735.5(c)(1), the City Council has determined that, after considering the record as a
whole, there is no evidence that the proposed project will have the potential for any
adverse effect on wildlife resources or the ecological habitat upon which wildlife resources
depend. The proposed project exists in an urban environment ~;haracterized by paved
concrete, roadways, surrounding buildings and human activity. Therefore, pursuant to Fish
and Game Code § 711.2 and Title XIV, CCR § 735.5, the payment of Fish and Game
Department filing fees is not required in conjunction with this project.
Section 4. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption by
the City Council, and the Clerk of the Council shall attest to and certify the vote adopting
this Resolution.
Resolution No. 2002-096
Page 2 of 19
ADOPTED this 18th day of November, 2002.
Miguel A. Pulido %, \
Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Joseph W. Fletcher, City Attorney
Kyle~/~dette- - v
DeputV' City Attorney
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
NOT PRESENT:
Councilmembers:
Councilmembers:
Councilmembers:
Councilmembers:
Alvarez. Bist. Chdstv. McGuioan. Solorio (5~
None (0)
None (0)
Franklin. Pulido i=)
CERTIFICATION OF ATTESTATION AND ORIGINALITY
I, PATRICIA E. HEALY, Clerk of Council, do hereby attest to and certify the attached
Resolution No. 2002-096 to be the original resolution adopted by the City Council of the
City of Santa Ana on November 18. 2002.
Date:
Resolution No. 2002-096
Page 3 of 19
FINDINGS AND FACTS IN SUPPORT OF FINDINGS FOR
POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
OF THE PROPOSED GRAND AVENUE WIDENING PROJECT
INTRODUCTION
Consistent with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
and Section 15091 of the CEQA Guidelines, the City of Santa Ana has provided
documentation that addresses the potentially significant adverse impacts associated
with the proposed Grand Avenue widening project. As explained in Section 2.0
(Impacts Found Not to be Significant Based on the Initial Study) in the Environmental
Impact Report (EIR), many parameters were screened out during the scoping process
and found not to experience significant impacts as a result of the proposed widening
project. Therefore, those parameters were not analyzed in the EIR. These findings and
facts pertain to the topics analyzed in the EIR which are: Land Use and Planning,
Population and Housing, Air Quality, Transportation, Noise, Cultural Resources and
Cumulative Impacts.
Potentially significant adverse impacts of a project can be divided into two categories:
Potentially significant adverse impacts which can be mitigated to below a level of
significance, based on implementation of identified project features, project
mitigation measures and/or City of Santa Ana standard conditions of approval.
Potentially significant adverse impacts which can be partially mitigated, but not to
below a level of significance. As described later in these findings, the proposed
Grand Avenue widening project will result in some significant adverse impacts which
cannot be mitigated to below a level of significance.
For each potentially significant adverse impact of the proposed Grand Avenue widening
project, one of the following findings must be made, including the provision of facts
supporting each finding:
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project
which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified
in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR).
Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of
another public agency and not the agency making the finding. Such changes have
been adopted by such other agency or can and should be adopted by such other
agency.
Specific economic, legal, social, technological or other considerations, including
provision of employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the
mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the Final EIR.
Resolution No. 2002-096
Page 4 of 19
Grand Avenue Widening Findings and Facts in Support of Findings
Focused Environmental Impact Report
POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED GRAND
AVENUE WIDENING PROJECT WHICH CANNOT BE MITIGATED TO BELOW A
LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Potentially significant adverse impacts of the proposed Grand Avenue widening project
which cannot be mitigated to below a level of significance are described in this Section.
The City of Santa Ana City Council finds that these potentially significant adverse
impacts of the proposed project would not be mitigated to below a level of significance,
after implementation of the noted mitigation measures. A Statement of Overriding
Considerations has been prepared to address these unavoidable significant adverse
impacts of the proposed project,
IMPACTS RELATED TO LAND USE
Potentially Sianificant Impact Related to DisruDtion of an Established Community
As described in detail in Section 3.2 (Land Use and Planning) in the Draft EIR, the
proposed Grand Avenue widening project will result in adverse impacts as a result of
the removal of existing residential uses and the physical disruption of the established
community on both sides of Grand Avenue.
Finding Related to Disruption of an Established Community
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the proposed Grand
Avenue widening project which avoid or substantially lessen the significant
environmental effect as identified in the EIR.
Facts in SUDDOI'[ of the Findin(~ Related to Disruption of an Established Community
Implementation of mitigation measures LP-2 to LP-5, below, will substantially lessen the
adverse impacts of the Grand Avenue widening project related to disruption of the
established community. However, these measures will not reduce this significant
adverse impact of the proposed project to below a level of significance.
LP-2
Consistent with the requirements of eminent domain law and the Uniform
Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, the City
of Santa Ana shall pay all owners of real estate including land, buildings and
improvements the fair market value for property taken, either in whole or in part, for
the widening of the project segment of Grand Avenue. Fair market value shall be
determined through appraisal of the affected property.
LP-3
Consistent with the requirements of eminent domain law and the Uniform
Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, the City
of Santa Ana shall assist displaced businesses in finding alternative locations,
either within or outside the City limits, as appropriate. Displaced businesses are
also eligible for reimbursement of certain relocation costs, including the
Resolution No. 2002-096
Page 5 of 19
replacement of business stationary or telephone connection fees, and moving
costs. In addition, business specific impacts such as those pertaining to the loss of
fixed equipment shall be evaluated and compensated on a case by case basis.
LP--4
The City of Santa Ana has several programs available to assist small businesses.
All City or City-assisted programs offering such financial assistance shall be offered
to quali~ing businesses displaced by the project.
LP-5
Consistent with the requirements of eminent domain law and the Uniform
Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, the City
of Santa Ana shall assist displaced residents in finding altemative locations, either
within or outside the City limits, as appropriate. Displaced residents are also
eligible for the reimbursement of certain relocation costs, including moving costs.
Level of Siqnifi~ance of Impacts Related to Disruption of an Established Community
After Mitigation
The adverse impacts of the proposed Grand Avenue widening project related to
disruption of an established community cannot be mitigated to below a level of
significance.
IMPACTS RELATED TO POPULATION AND HOUSING
Potentially Significant Impact Related to the Cumulative Loss of Housing
As described in detail in Sections 3.3 (Population and Housing) and 6.2.4 (Cumulative
Impacts Related to Population and Housing) in the Draft EIR, the proposed Grand
Avenue widening project will contribute to a cumulative loss of residential units in the
City which cannot be mitigated to below a level of significance.
Finding Related to the Cumulative Loss of Housina
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the proposed Grand
Avenue widening project which avoid or substantially lessen the significant
environmental effect as identified in the EIR.
Facts in Support of the Finding Related to the Cumulative Loss of Housina
Implementation of mitigation measures LP-2 and LP-5, provided eadier, will
substantially lessen the adverse impacts of the Grand Avenue widening project related
to the acquisition of residential property and the displacement of residents on Grand
Avenue. However, these mitigation measures will not reduce the cumulative significant
adverse impact related to the loss of housing in the City to below a level of significance.
Level of Siqnificance of ImDact Related to the Cumulative Loss of Housing After
Mitigation
Resolution No. 2002-096
Page 6 of 19
Grand ~4venue Widening Findings and Facts in Support of Findings
Focused Environmental Impact Report
Section 6.2.4 in the Draft EIR describes a number of City programs related to the
preservation, renovation and provision of housing throughout the City. However, even
with implementation of those programs and mitigation measures LP-2 and LP-5, above,
the contribution of the Grand Avenue widening project to a cumulative significant
adverse impact related to the loss of housing in the City cannot be mitigated to below a
level of significance.
IMPACTS RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
Potentially Sionificant Impact Related to Substanderd Level of Service at Grand Avenue
and Santa Ana Boulevard
As described in detail in Section 3.5 (Transportation) in the Draft EIR, Altematives 1 and
2 would result in a substandard level of service (LOS) at the Santa Ana
Boulevard/Interstate 5 (I-5) high occupancy vehicle (HOV) ramps intersection during the
PM peak hour in 2020. This is a significant adverse impact of the proposed Grand Avenue
widening.
Findin(~ Related to Substandard Level of Service at Grand Avenue and Santa Ana
Boulevard
Specific economic, legal, social, technological or other considerations, including
provision of employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the
mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the Final EIR.
Facts in SuPPort of the Findin(] Related to Substandard Level of Service at Grand
Avenue and Santa Ana Boulevard
The Traffic Study recommended the retention of the dual right turn lane with overlap
phasing to mitigate the impact of the proposed Grand Avenue widening project at the
intersection with Santa Ana Boulevard. However, due to the constraints of the I-5 bridge
over Grand Avenue, there is not enough right-of-way to provide three through lanes and
dual right turn lanes. The City analyzed both options and concluded that more congestion
would be created upstream by reducing the number of through lanes from three to two.
Additionally, one of the defined objectives for this project is to provide three through lanes
in each direction on Grand Avenue which is consistent with the General Plan Circulation
Element and the County Master Plan of Arterial Highways. Therefore, the City has opted
to have a shared/through right turn configuration from southbound Grand Avenue to
westbound Santa Ana Boulevard at the second turn lane. The LOS at this intersection
remains substandard during the P.M. peak hour, however is slightly improved by this
configuration. This is a significant adverse impact of the Grand Avenue widening project
that cannot feasibly be mitigated to below a level of significance.
Level of Significance of Impact Related to Substandard Level of Service at Grand
Avenue and Santa Ana Boulevard After Miti(~ation
Resolution No. 2002-096
Page 7 of 19
The significant adverse impact of the proposed Grand Avenue widening project related
to the substandard LOS in 2020 at Grand Avenue and Santa Ana Boulevard cannot be
mitigated to below a level of significance.
IMPACTS RELATED TO NOISE
Potentially Significant ImPact Related to Short Term Noise Impacts Durino Construction
As described in detail in Section 3.6 (Noise) in the Draft EIR, during construction of the
proposed Grand Avenue widening project, noise levels would exceed the applicable
City standards.
Finding Related to Short Term Noise ImDacts Durina Construction
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the proposed Grand
Avenue widening project which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental
effect as identified in the EIR.
Facts in SUDDOrt of the Finding Related to Short Term Noise impacts Durin(~
Construction
Implementation of mitigation measure N-l, below, will substantially lessen the short
term adverse noise impacts during construction of the Grand Avenue widening project,
but will not reduce this potentially significant adverse impact to below a level of
significance.
N-1
The project specifications shall require project contractors to implement the
following during all site preparation, grading and construction:
All site preparation, grading and construction activities shall be limited to
between the hours of 7 AM and 7 PM Mondays through Fddays, and between 8
AM and 6 PM on Saturdays. No site preparation, grading or construction shall
be allowed on Sundays or federal holidays.
The operation of construction equipment which generates substantial noise
levels or levels noticeably above general construction noise shall be limited to
between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM, to the extent feasible.
All construction equipment shall be propedy muffled, operated consistent with
the manufacturers' specifications and maintained in good working order to
reduce equipment related noise generation.
· Temporary noise barders shall be installed and used adjacent to sensitive land
uses dudng pedods when the loudest construction activities are occurring.
Resolution No. 2002-096
Page 8 of 19
Grand ~lvenue Widening Findings and Facts in Support of Findings
Focused Environmental Impact Report
· All construction activities shall comply with applicable State and local
construction noise regulations.
Level of Sionificance of Impact Related to Short Term Noise Impacts Durinq
Construction After Mitioation
The short term noise impacts during construction of the Grand Avenue widening project
cannot be mitigated to below a level of significance.
IMPACTS RELATED TO CULTURAL RESOURCES
Potentially Significant ImDact Related to Impacts to 702 and 714 North Grand Avenue
As described in detail in Section 3.7 (Cultural Resources) in the Draft EIR, the proposed
Grand Avenue widening project will require the acquisition and removal of residences at
702 and 714 North Grand Avenue which appear to be eligible for listing on the Santa
Ana Register of Historic Property.
Finding Related to Impacts to 702 and 714 North Grand Avenue
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the proposed Grand
Avenue widening project which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental
effect as identified in the EIR.
Facts in Support of the Findina Related to Impacts to 702 and 714 North Grand Avenue
Implementation of mitigation measure CR-1, below, will substantially lessen the adverse
impact of the Grand Avenue widening project related to the acquisition and removal of
the residences at 702 and 714 North Grand Avenue, but will not reduce this potentially
significant adverse impact to below a level of significance.
CR-7
During final design, the City will refine the design of the selected alternative to
avoid acquisition of the residential structures at 702 and 714 North Grand
Avenue, if feasible. In the event that the design of the selected alternative
cannot avoid the acquisition of these properties, the City shall offer the
residences for sale and relocation to another parcel. If relocation is not feasible,
the City shall prepare photo and text documentation of these structures prior to
removal of the structures, in a report consistent with Historic American Buildings
Survey (HABS) standards. That report shall document the significance and
physical condition of the buildings proposed for demolition with photographs,
written data and text, as follows:
A. A brief written historic and descriptive report in narrative format, including an
architectural data form.
Resolution No. 2002-096
Page 9 of 19
B. A site plan on 8" x 11" paper shows the location of the building. This site plan -
shall include a photo-key.
C. A sketch floor plan on 8" x 11" paper shall accompany each amhitectural data
form.
Large format (4" x 5" or larger negative size) photographs in accordance with
the HABS guidelines. Views shall include several contextual views, all
exterior elevations, detailed views of significant exterior architectural features
and interior views of significant historical architectural features or spaces (if
any).
E. Field photographs (35mm) based on the HABS guidelines. Views as detailed
in large format photographs.
F. The report shall include copies or prints of any available original plans and
historic photographs.
G. Archivally stable reproductions of any available significant historic
construction drawings and photographs.
H. Archival copies of the documentation shall be submitted to the City of Santa
Ana.
Level of Significance of Impact Related to ImDacts to 702 and 714 North Grand Avenue
After Mitigation
The significant adverse impacts of the Grand Avenue widening related to the removal of
the residences at 702 and 714 North Grand Avenue cannot be mitigated to below a
level of significance.
POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED GRAND
AVENUE WIDENING MITIGATED TO BELOW A LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE
Potentially significant adverse impacts of the proposed Grand Avenue widening project
which can be mitigated to below a level of significance are described in this Section.
The City of Santa Ana City Council finds that these potentially significant adverse
impacts of the proposed project would be mitigated to below a level of significance, after
implementation of the noted mitigation measures.
IMPACTS RELATED TO LAND USE
Potentially Significant Impact Related to Ac(~uisition of Residential and Commercial
Property
Resolution No. 2002-096
Page 10 of 19
Grand~4venue Widening Findings and Facts in Support of Findings
Focused Environmental Impact Report
As described in detail in Section 3.2 (Land Use and Planning) in the Draft EIR, the
proposed Grand Avenue widening project will require the acquisition of residential and
commemial property under both Alternatives 1 and 2. Table 3.2-1 in the Draft EIR
summarizes the anticipated property takes for Alternatives 1 and 2 by parcel along both
sides of Grand Avenue.
Findino Related to Acouisition of Residential and Commercial Property
Changes or alterations have been raquirad in, or incorporated into, the proposed Grand
Avenue widening project which avoid or substantially lessen the significant
environmental effect as identified in the EIR.
Fects in SUDDOrt of the Findino Related to Acouisition of Residential and Commercial
Property
Implementation of mitigation measures LP-2 to LP-5, provided earlier, will substantially
lessen the adverse impacts of the Grand Avenue widening project related to the
acquisition of residential and commercial property, and will reduce these potentially
significant adverse impacts to below a level of significance.
Level of Significance of Impact Related to Acouisition of Residential and Commercial
Property After Mitioation
The adverse impacts of the proposed Grand Avenue widening project related to the
acquisition of residential and commercial property will be mitigated to below a level of
significance.
Potentially Significant impact Related to Consistency with the City's Master Plan of
Bikeways and Policy 3.3 in the General Plan Circulation Element
As described in detail in Section 3.2 (Land Use and Planning) in the Draft EIR,
Alternative 1 for the proposed Grand Avenue widening project will be inconsistent with
the City of Santa Ana Master Plan of Bikeways and Policy 3.3 in the General Plan
Circulation Element because this Alternative does not include a bike lane on the project
segment of Grand Avenue.
Alternative 2 includes a bike lane and, therefora, does not result in an adverse impact
related to consistency with the Master Plan of Bikeways and the General Plan.
Findino Related to Consistency with the City's Master Plan of Bikeways and Policy 3.3
in the General Plan Circulation Element
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the proposed Grand
Avenue widening project which avoid or substantially lessen the significant
environmental effect as identified in the EIR.
Resolution No. 2002-096
Page 11 of 19
Facts in SUDDOrt of the Findin(3 Related to Consistency with the City's Master Plan of
Bikewavs and Policv 3.3 in the General Plan Circulation Element
Implementation of mitigation measure LP-1, below, will substantially lessen the adverse
impact of Alternative 1 related to consistency with the Master Plan of Bikeways and the
General Plan, and will reduce this potentially significant adverse impact to below a level
of significance.
LP-1
The City shall revise the Bikeway Master Plan to delete the on street bike lanes on
this segment of Grand Avenue consistent with the final design of Alternative 1. The
City shall also noti~ OCTA to delete the Class II bike lanes on this segment of
Grand Avenue in the Commuter Bikeways Strategic Plan. The deletion of the
bikeway from the City's General Plan Bikeway Master Plan, would make the
General Plan consistent with the planning for Grand Avenue along this segment.
Level of Significance of Impact Related to Consistency with the City's Master Plan of
Bikeways and Policy 3.3 in the General Plan Circulation Element After Mitioation
The adverse impacts of Altemative 1 related to consistency with the Master Plan of
Bikeways and the General Plan will be mitigated to below a level of significance.
IMPACTS RELATED TO POPULATION AND HOUSING
Potentially Sioniflcant Impact Related to Ac~3uisition of Residential Property
As described in detail in Section 3.3 (Population and Housing) in the Draft EIR, the
proposed Grand Avenue widening project will require the acquisition of residential
property, the displacement of residents and the removal of housing under both
Alternatives 1 and 2. Table 3.3-1 in the Draft EIR summarizes the anticipated number
of residential units removed and residents displaced under Alternatives 1 and 2.
Findino Related to Ac(3uisition of Residential Property
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the proposed Grand
Avenue widening project which avoid or substantially lessen the significant
environmental effect as identified in the EIR.
Facts in Support of the Finding Related to Acouisition of Residential Prooertv
Implementation of mitigation measures LP-2 and LP-5, provided eadier, will
substantially lessen the adverse impacts of the Grand Avenue widening project related
to the acquisition of residential property and the displacement of residents, and will
reduce these potentially significant adverse impacts to below a level of significance.
Level of Sionificance of Imeact Related to Acouisition of Residential ProDertv After
Mitigation
Resolution No, 2002-096
Page 12 of 19
Grand Avenue Widening Findings and Facts in Support of Findings
Focused Environmental Impact Report
The adveree impacts of the proposed Grend Avenue widening project related to the
acquisition of residential property will be mitigated to below a level of significance.
IMPACTS RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
Potentially Siqniflcant Impact Related to Temporary Traffic Impacts During Construction
As described in detail in Section 3.5 (Transportation) in the Draft EIR, the preposed
Grand Avenue widening project will result in temporary impacts during construction
related to access to adjacent businesses and residences.
Findina Related to Temoorerv Treffic Imoacts Durina Construction
Changes or alteretions have been required in, or incorporated into, the proposed Grend
Avenue widening project which avoid or substantially lessen the significant
environmental effect as identified in the EIR.
Facts in Support of the Finding Related to Temporerv Traffic Impacts During
Construction
Implementation of mitigation measures T-l, T-2 and T-3, below, will substantially lessen
the short term adveree impacts related to access during construction of the Grand
Avenue widening project, and will reduce these potentially significant adverse impacts
to below a level of significance.
T-1
Prior to initiating construction on the selected widening alternative for each
construction phase and segment of Grand Avenue, the City of Santa Ana will
ensure that the project contractor prepares traffic detour plans and construction
truck access routes for that phase of project construction. The plans will previde
details to ensure access to existing developments along the project roadway
segments and provide traffic control in the project area(s) during construction
activities for each construction phase. The City of Santa Ana will work with local
businesses affected by the road widening project to ensure that the businesses
will be able to operate while road widening construction activities are underway.
The City of Santa Ana will review and approve the contractor's detour plans and
truck access routes.
T-2
Pdor to commencing construction for individual segments of Grand Avenue, the
City of Santa Ana Public Works Agency and the project contractor will meet with
representatives from businesses on each project segment to identify individual
business access needs during construction. The defined access routes and
entries to individual sites will be cleady shown on all construction plans.
Resolution No. 2002-096
Page 13 of 19
The City of Santa Ana will provide signs that indicate the project construction limits,
access routes, altemative routes, detour routes and entdes to individual business
sites for each project segment and phase.
Level of Significance of Impact Related to TemDorarv Traffic Impacts Durina
Construction After Mitigation
The temporary adverse access impacts during construction of the proposed Grand
Avenue widening project will be mitigated to below a level of significance.
IMPACTS RELATED TO NOISE
Potentially Sionificant Imoact Related to Lone Term Noise Impacts on Sensitive Uses
As described in detail in Section 3.6 (Noise) in the Draft EIR, the operation of the
proposed Grand Avenue widening project in the long term will result in adverse noise
impacts on adjacent sensitive land uses.
Findino Related to Lone Term Noise Impacts on Sensitive Uses
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the proposed Grand
Avenue widening project which avoid or substantially lessen the significant
environmental effect as identified in the EIR.
Facts in Support of the Finding Related to Lon(] Term Noise ImDacts on Sensitive Uses
Implementation of mitigation measure N-2, below, will substantially lessen the long term
adverse impacts during operation of the Grand Avenue widening project, and will
reduce these potentially significant adverse impacts to within City standards and,
therefore, to below a level of significance.
N-2
The City of Santa Ana shall incorporate 5.5 foot high noise barder walls as
specified in the noise technical report in the design of the selected alternative for
the widening of Grand Avenue, based on the potentially impacted properties listed
in Tables 3.6-10 (Alternative 1) and 3.6-11 (Altemative 2) in this EIR. These noise
barders shall be shown in the project specifications and shall be constructed
concurrently with the construction of the widening on Grand Avenue.
Level of Sionificance of Imoact Related to Lone Term Noise ImDacts on Sensitive Uses
After Mitigation
The long term adverse impacts during operation of the Grand Avenue widening project
will be mitigated to within the City's standards and, therefore, to below a level of
significance.
IMPACTS RELATED TO CULTURAL RESOURCES
Resolution No, 2002-096
Page 14 of 19
Grand Avenue Widening Findings and Facts in Support of Findings
Focused Environmental Impact Report
Potentially Si(~nificant Impact Related to ImDacts on Buried Cultural Resoumes
As described in detail in Section 3.7 (Cultural Resoumes) in the Draft EIR, construction
of the proposed Grand Avenue widening project could result in adverse impacts on
previously unknown, buried archeological and/or historical resources.
Findin(~ Related to Impacts on Buried Cultural Resources
Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the proposed Grand
Avenue widening project which avoid or substantially lessen the significant
environmental effect as identified in the EIR.
Facts in SuDoort of the Findino Related to Impacts on Buried Cultural Resources
Implementation of mitigation measures CR-1 to CR-6, below, will substantially lessen
the adverse impacts of construction of the Grand Avenue widening project on buried
cultural resources, and will reduce these potentially significant adverse impacts below a
level of significance.
CR-1
The project specifications shall require the project contractor to have an Orange
County Certified Archaeologist present at the pre-grading meeting to discuss
cultural resources monitoring, artifact collecting and safety procedures. At that
meeting, the archaeologist will review the construction plans and schedule.
CR-2
The project specifications shall require the project contractor to retain an Orange
County Certified Archaeologist to conduct part-time monitoring during grading
activities to observe and retrieve any buried artifacts that may be uncovered.
CR-3
The project specifications shall indicate that, if human remains are found during site
preparation, grading or excavation, the Native Amedcan Graves Protection Act
Guidelines and State law require that construction personnel:
Immediately halt work in the immediate area.
Leave the remains in place.
Contact the City of Santa Ana Project Manager and the Orange County
Coroner.
Until a representative of the Coroner's office reviews the remains in the field, they
must not be removed. If the Coroner determines the remains are prehistoric, the
Coroner will contact the Native American Heritage Commission and the most likely
descendent from the Native American community will be informed. The final
deposition of the remains must be coordinated between representatives of the
property owner and the most likely descendent.
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CR-4 -
The project specifications shall indicate that if prehistoric artifacts or buried deposits
are uncovered during grading, the Orange County Certified Archaeologist shall
temporarily halt construction activities in the immediate area until the Archaeologist
can evaluate the significance of the find. Implementation of a recovery program
would follow, if the remains are determined to be potentially eligible for the
California Register.
CR-5
At the conclusion of the cultural resources monitoring, the recovered artifacts shall
be propedy collected with photographs, field notes and locations plotted on a USGS
7.5' topographic quadrangle. Artifacts will be identified, catalogued and stabilized
for curation. Recovered artifacts shall be offered, on a first right-of-refusal basis, to
a repository with a retrievable collection system and an educational and research
interest in the materials. For example, the Anthropology Museum at California
State University, Fullerton would be an appropriate repository to receive any
artifacts collected in the Grand Avenue project area.
CR-6
At the conclusion of the cultural resources monitoring, a final monitoring report,
including an itemized inventory of collected artifacts and pertinent field data, shall
be prepared and sent to the City of Santa Ana. Copies of this report will also be
sent to the South Central Coastal Information Center at the University of Califomia,
Los Angeles.
Level of Sionificance of Imoact Related to Buried Cultural Resources After Mitiqation
The potential adverse impacts of the Grand Avenue widening project on buried cultural
resources will be mitigated to below a level of significance based.
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Grand Avenue Widening Focused Environmental Impact Report
Statement of Overriding Considerations
STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS
FOR THE PROPOSED GRAND AVENUE WIDENING PROJECT
INTRODUCTION
The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires a public agency to balance the
benefits of a proposed project against its unavoidable adverse environmental impacts in
determining whether to approve the project.
Section 15093 of the CEQA Guidelines provides:
(a)
CEQA requires the decision-making agency to balance, as applicable, the economic,
legal, social, technological or other benefits of a proposed project against its
unavoidable environmental dsks when determining whether to approve the project. If
the specific economic, legal, social, technological or other benefits of a proposed
project outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental effects, the adverse
environmental effects may be considered acceptable.
(b)
Where the decision of the public agency allows the occurrence of significant effects
which are identified in the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) but are not
avoided or substantially lessened, the agency shall state in writing the specific
reasons to support its actions based on the Final EIR and/or other information in the
record. This statement may be necessary if the agency also makes a finding under
Section 15091 (a)(2) or (a)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines.
SIGNIFICANT ADVERSE IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED GRAND AVENUE
WIDENING PROJECT
As discussed in the Findinos and Facts in SuDDOrt of Findinas for Potentially Significant
Adverse Environmental Impacts of the Proposed Grand Avenue Widening Project, this
project will result in significant adverse impacts which cannot be mitigated to below a
level of significance. These impacts are inherent to the implementation of this project
and cannot feasibly be mitigated to below a level of significance. Neither of the project
alternatives provides further abatement of these unavoidable adverse impacts,
compared to the other build alternative. Only the No Project Alternative avoids these
significant adverse impacts. The EIR identified the following impacts as unavoidable
significant adverse impacts of the proposed Grand Avenue widening project:
· Adverse impacts as a result of the removal of existing uses and the physical
disruption of the established community on both sides of Grand Avenue.
Resolution No. 2002-096
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· Contribution to a cumulative loss of residential units in the City.
· Substandard level of service (LOS) at the Santa Ana Boulevard/Interstate 5 (I-5)
high occupancy vehicle (HOV) ramps intersection during the PM peak hour in 2020.
· During construction of the proposed Grand Avenue widening project, short term
noise levels would exceed the applicable City standards.
Acquisition and removal of residences at 702 and 714 North Grand Avenue
which appear to be eligible for listing on the Santa Ana Register of Historic
Property.
BENEFITS OF THE PROPOSED GRAND AVENUE WIDENING PROJECT
Although there are mitigation measures which reduce these significant unavoidable
adverse impacts, as described in the Findin(]s and Facts and in the EIR for the
proposed widening project, these impacts cannot be mitigated to below a level of
significance. Alternatives 1 and 2 would result in similar unavoidable adverse impacts.
Alternative street widening projects, under which other streets in the City of Santa Ana
would be widened instead of Grand Avenue, would also be expected to result in similar
unavoidable adverse impacts.
As required by Sections 21081(a)(3) of CEQA and Section 15093 of the CEQA
Guidelines, the City of Santa Ana must document those specific considerations and
benefits of the proposed project to support findings that either additional mitigation or
alternatives are infeasible and that the significant unavoidable adverse impacts of the
proposed project are acceptable in light of these benefits. These benefits will be taken
into consideration by the City of Santa Ana prior to the approval of the proposed project
by the City Council.
CONSISTENCY WITH THE MASTER PLAN OF ARTERIAL HIGHWAYS
The proposed project will improve Grand Avenue between Seventeenth Street on the
north and First Street on the south as specified in the City of Santa Ana General Plan
Circulation Element and the Orange County Master Plan of Artedal Highways (MPAH)
designations of Major Artedal for this road segment. The Circulation Element and the
MPAH were developed and adopted by the City and the Orange County Transportation
Authority (OCTA), respectively, based on coordinated planning of transportation
infrastructure and land development in the City and the County. Incomplete development
of the General Plan Circulation Element and the MPAH, if Grand Avenue is not improved,
would result in transportation infrastructure insufficient to support existing and planned
development in the City and this part of the County. Implementation of the proposed
Grand Avenue widening project will ensure that the City's Circulation and Land Use
Elements are implemented consistent with each other and other Elements of the General
Plan.
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Grand Avenue Widening Focused Environmental Impact Report
Statement of Overriding Considerations
IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW ON GRAND AVENUE
As documented in the Traffic Study for the proposed project and in the EIR, the project
segment of Grand Avenue is forecasted to experience poor LOSs without the proposed
project. The proposed widening of Grand Avenue will improve the fiow of traffic on this
segment of Grand Avenue in the City of Santa Ana, consistent with forecasted traffic
demand. Travelers on Grand Avenue, intersecting cross streets and parallel routes will
benefit from the improved operating conditions on the project segment of Grand Avenue.
PROVISION OF BIKE LANES
Alternative 2 includes bike lanes on the project segment of Grand Avenue, consistent with
the adopted City of Santa Ana Bikeway Master Plan and the Orange County Master Plan
of Bikeways. Bicyclists will benefit directly by the provision of this facility.
Alternative 1 does not include bike lanes and, therefore, this benefit would not occur if
Alternative 1 is selected for implementation.
CONSISTENCY OF ROAD CROSS SECTIONS
The proposed Grand Avenue widening would provide a cross section on the project
segment of Grand Avenue compatible with the existing cross sections on Grand Avenue
north and south of the project segment. Consistency of road cress sections on Major
Arterials is important for maintaining smooth traffic flows and ensuring that traffic volumes
are propedy accommodated on each segment of the read.
CONSISTENCY OF CROSS SECTIONS AT LOCAL INTERSECTIONS
The proposed Grand Avenue widening would provide a cross section on the project
segment of Grand Avenue compatible with the existing cress sections at several local
intersections with Grand Avenue and the recent improvements on I-5. Consistency of
road cross sections on Major Arterials is important for maintaining smooth traffic flows and
ensuring that traffic volumes are prepedy accommodated on each segment of the read.
Resolution No, 2002-096
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