CC Resolution 2009-025RESOLUTION NO. 2009-025
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA, CERTIFYING THAT THE
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT PREPARED FOR THE
VILLA CAPRI PROJECT (SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
06-875, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT 2007-105,
TENTATIVE PARCEL MAP 35088) IS RECOGNIZED AS
ADEQUATE AND COMPLETE; RECOGNIZING THE
OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS TO CERTAIN
SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS; AND,
RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL
EFFECTS WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED, BUT CAN BE
REASONABLY AND SUBSTANTIALLY MITIGATED, IF
THE PROPOSED PROJECT IS IMPLEMENTED.
CASE. NO.: ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT 2006-582
APPLICANT: MAYER VILLA CAPRI, L.P.
WHEREAS, formal applications have been submitted to allow development
on a 25.05 acre site to be generally known as the Villa Capri Commercial Project
(SCH #2007121009) (hereinafter "Villa Capri"); and,
WHEREAS, Villa Capri will consist of a commercial complex on the western
half of the site and a medical office complex and acute care rehabilitation facility on
the eastern half as more particularly described as:
APN'S 609-070-053 AND -054
WHEREAS, an Environmental Impact Report (hereinafter "EIR") has been
prepared and circulated, pursuant to the requirements of the California
Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (hereinafter "CEQA"), as amended; and,
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the State of California and the City of La
Quinta, in accordance with the provisions of the CEQA, as amended (Public
Resources Code, Section 21000 et. seq.), and the State Guidelines for the
implementation of CEQA ("Guidelines"), as amended (14 Cal. Code of Regs.
Sections 15000 et. seq.), that the City shall not approve a project unless there is
no feasible way to lessen or avoid significant effects; meaning all impacts have
been avoided to the extent feasible or substantially lessened and any remaining
unavoidable significant impacts are acceptable based on Guidelines, Section
15093; and,
Resolution No. 2009-025
Environmental Assessment 2006-582
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
Page 2
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the State of California and the City of La
Quinta, in accordance with the provisions of the CEQA, as amended (Public
Resources Code, Section 21000 et. seq.) and the State Guidelines for
implementation of CEQA, as amended (14 Cal. Code of Regs., Sections 15000 et.
seq.) that the City shall balance the benefits of a proposed project against its
unavoidable environmental risks prior to project approval; meaning that if the
benefits of a proposed project outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental
effects, the adverse environmental effects are outweighed by the project benefits
and may be considered acceptable; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of La Quinta has read and considered
all environmental documentation comprising the EIR, has found that the EIR
considers all potentially significant environmental impacts of the proposed project
and is complete and adequate, and fully complies with all requirements of CEQA;
and,
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed and adopted certain overriding
considerations to adverse environmental impacts, and specified CEQA Findings and
Statement of Facts; and,
WHEREAS, prior to action on the project, the City Council has considered all
significant impacts, mitigation measures, and project alternatives identified in the
EIR, and has found that all potentially significant impacts on the project have been
lessened or avoided to the extent feasible; and,
WHEREAS, Guidelines Section 15093(b) requires, where the decision of the
City Council allows the occurrences of significant effects which are identified in the
EIR, but are not mitigated, the City must state in writing the reasons to support its
action based on the EIR and/or other information in the record; and,
WHEREAS, CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines provide that no public
agency shall approve or carry out a project for which an EIR has been completed
and which identifies one or more significant effects of the project unless the public
agency makes written findings for each of the significant effects, accompanied by
a statement of facts supporting each finding.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of La
Quinta does hereby certify the EIR for Villa Capri as adequate and complete.
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Resolution No. 2009-025
Environmental Assessment 2006-582
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
Page 3
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of La Quinta
makes the Statement of Overriding Considerations as shown on attached Exhibit
"A" entitled "Statement of Overriding Considerations," which is incorporated
herein as though set forth at length.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of La Quinta
adopts the CEQA Findings and Statement of Facts as shown on the attached
"Exhibit B" entitled "CEQA Findings and Statement of Facts," which exhibit is
incorporated herein as though set forth at length.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the La Quinta
City Council, held on this 17" day of March, 2009, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Council Member Franklin, Kirk, Sniff, Mayor Pro Tem Henderson
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Adolph
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
Veronica J. tecino, CMC,
City of La Uinta, California
(Seal)
erk
TERRY ""INDERSON, Mayor Pro Tem
City of L Quinta, California
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Resolution No. 2009-025
Environmental Assessment 2006-582
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
Page 4
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
FA4�1--
M. Kaerine JE6.sWn, City Attorney
City of La Quinta, California
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Resolution No. 2009-025
Environmental Assessment 2006-582
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
EXHIBIT "A"
STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS
EXHIBIT "A"
The City of La Quinta ("City") hereby adopts and makes this statement of overriding
considerations concerning the Villa Capri project's unavoidable significant impacts to
explain why project benefits override and outweigh unavoidable impacts. CEQA
requires the decision -making agency to balance the economic, legal, social,
technological or other benefits of a project against its unavoidable environmental risks
when determining whether to approve the project. If the benefits of the project
outweigh the unavoidable adverse effects, those effects may be considered
acceptable. CEQA requires the agency to provide written findings supporting the
specific reasons for considering a project acceptable when significant impacts are
unavoidable. Such reasons must be based on substantial evidence in the EIR or
elsewhere in the administrative record. Those reasons are provided in this Statement
of Overriding Considerations.
The City finds that the project will create substantial economic, legal, social,
technological, or other benefits that will enhance the quality of life for residents,
businesses and visitors, resulting in increased investment within the City of La Quinta.
Each benefit set forth below constitutes an overriding consideration warranting
approval of the project, independent of other benefits, despite each and every
unavoidable impact. The following overriding considerations apply independently to
each unavoidable impact:
1. Adoption of the proposed project will provide the City with a variety of retail,
commercial, and service opportunities, which currently do not exist in proximity
to the Washington Street/Fred Waring intersection.
2. The economic and social benefits of an energy efficient retail, commercial, and
service center will enhance the retail and service experience for costumers and
clients, and attract new businesses to the City, which will promote investment
and create new employment opportunities within the City of La Quinta.
3. The proposed project will generate substantial sales tax revenue for the City of
La Quinta, which will enhance the quality of life for residents.
4. Development of medical offices on the Villa Capri site will provide local and
regional residents with high quality professional services that are conveniently
situated for access locally and regionally.
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Environmental Assessment 2006-582 EXHIBIT "A"
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
5. Development of an in -patient rehabilitation facility on the project site will allow
patients to be located closer to their families, providing a social benefit to these
residents, and reducing the number of miles traveled on the regional roadway
system.
Build out of the Villa Capri project is projected to have a net positive effect on the
City's economy. Major revenue sources will include property tax and sales tax, while
additional revenue sources will be generated from developer impacts fees, building
permits, business licenses, and other development -related fees. The economy of the
project is expected to be self-sustaining at build out, as its annual revenues are
expected to outweigh its annual costs.
The City finds that the specific benefits associated with the proposed project override
and outweigh the project's significant environmental impacts identified in the EIR and
in the record. In making this finding, the City has balanced the benefits of the Villa
Capri project against its unavoidable impacts and has determined that the project's
unavoidable impacts are acceptable in light of these benefits.
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Resolution No. 2009-025
Environmental Assessment 2006-582
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
EXHIBIT "B"
CEQA FINDINGS AND STATEMENT OF FACTS
A. INTRODUCTION
Project Description, Location, and Objectives
EXHIBIT "B"
Project Description
The proposed project is located on 25.05 acres, with a General Plan designation of
Community Commercial and a Zoning designation of Community Commercial. The
project design generally divides the site into two halves, with a supermarket and retail
complex on the western half and a medical office complex and acute care
rehabilitation facility on the eastern half.
The western half of the project consists of a 39,729 square foot supermarket anchor,
a 13,013 square foot drug store, and 51,230 square feet of additional retail space,
parking and landscaping areas on approximately 12.3 acres. Total building square
footage for the retail complex is approximately 104,000 square feet. Structures within
this portion of the project will be single story.
The eastern half of the project site includes a medical complex consisting of five
buildings ranging in size from 15,360 to 44,850 square feet, parking, landscaping
areas and a storm water retention basin on approximately 12.7 acres. Total building
square footage for the office complex is 130,450 square feet. Structures within this
portion of the project will be one and two stories, with the two buildings located
adjacent to Fred Waring Drive being single story, and the three buildings on the
northern portion of the site being two stories. The central building (Building 14) is
proposed to house an acute care rehabilitation facility with a maximum 50 patient
beds, treatment areas, and ancillary facilities. Patients are expected to reside at the
facility for a period of 12 to 15 days.
The project includes two access points on Washington Street, three access points on
Fred Waring Drive, and one access point on Palm Royale Drive.
Project Location
The Villa Capri project site is located on the northeast corner of Fred Waring Drive and
Washington Street, between Washington Street and Palm Royale Drive along the north
side of Fred Waring Drive. Land uses to the north of the project site include an
existing two story office complex along Washington Street, the Colonel Mitchell Paige
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Environmental Assessment 2006-582 EXHIBIT "B"
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
Middle School and two-story multi -family development with frontage on both
Washington Street and Palm Royale Drive. Further to the north, land uses include
developed and undeveloped medium and low density residential lands with commercial
uses along Washington Street.
The Palm Royale Country Club is a medium density residential golf development
located immediately south of the project along Fred Waring Drive. Further to the
south, along the east side of Washington Street, is existing low density residential
development. Development to the east, beyond Palm Royale Drive, includes existing
single family low density residential development. On the west side of Washington
Street, existing commercial office and residential development occurs north of Fred
Waring Drive, while a church complex and the Indian Wells Tennis Garden occur south
of Fred Waring Drive.
Project Objectives
The primary goal of the proposed project is to establish an economically viable retail
and office complex at a major intersection in the City of La Quinta. The project
objectives have been developed on that premise. They are as follows:
1. To provide convenient retail outlets to surrounding residents and place
neighborhood commercial development convenient to the residences it
serves.
2. To provide an office project which includes medical offices to serve area
residents, with professional services located with convenient regional
access.
3. To provide a high quality designed project which serves as a gateway for the
City of La Quinta.
4. To provide an economically successful project with longevity in the
community.
5. To generate sales tax revenues for the City which help it continue to meet
the needs of its residents.
CEQA Requirements
The Villa Capri project constitutes a "project" under the California Environmental
Quality Act of 1970 (CEQA), as amended, and the State Guidelines for the
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Environmental Assessment 2006-582 EXHIBIT "B"
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
implementation of CEQA, as amended. Therefore, the City has prepared an
Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that identifies certain unavoidable significant
effects which may occur as a result of the project, or which may occur on a
cumulative basis in conjunction with the project and other past, present, and
reasonably foreseeable future projects.
CEQA and the State Guidelines require that no public agency approve or carry out a
project for which an EIR has been certified and which identifies one or more significant
environmental effects of the project unless the public agency makes one or more
written findings for each of the significant effects, accompanied by an explanation of
the rationale supporting each finding. The possible findings include the following:
1. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the
project which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental
effects as identified in the EIR.
2. 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.
3. Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations,
including provision of employment opportunity for highly trained workers,
make infeasible the mitigation measures or project alternatives identified
in the EIR.
The City has determined that the EIR is complete and has been prepared in accordance
with CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines. Therefore, the City of La Quinta proposes to
approve the Villa Capri project, and the findings set forth herein.
B. EFFECTS DETERMINED TO HAVE NO IMPACT
The CEQA Guidelines Environmental Checklist Form was used to prepare the Initial
Study, which was reviewed by the City of La Quinta to assure that all required
environmental issues would be addressed in the EIR. It was determined that the
proposed project would have no impact on agricultural resources, land use and
planning, and mineral resources. The following environmental areas of concern will
also result in no impacts:
1. Scenic resources;
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Resolution No. 2009-025
Environmental Assessment 2006-582 EXHIBIT "B"
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
2. Conflict with implementation of the air quality plan;
3. Riparian or sensitive natural habitat;
4. Federally protected wetlands;
5. Migratory wildlife corridors or species;
6. Local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources including an
adopted Habitat Conservation Plan;
7. Historical resources as defined in Section 150645.5;
8. Disturbance of any human remains;
9. Exposure of people or structures to risk of loss, injury or death from the
rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent
Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map, or from a landslide;
10. Expansive soils or soils that are incapable of supporting the use of a septic
tank;
11. Location on a listed hazardous materials site;
12. Safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area, in the
vicinity of a private airstrip;
13. Risk of loss, injury or death from wildland fires;
14. Placing housing or structures within a 100-year flood zone;
15. Exposure to excessive groundborne vibration or noise levels;
16. Exposure to excessive noise levels within 2 miles of an airport;
17. Displacement of a substantial number of people or existing housing,
necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere;
18. Require new or expanded stormwater drainage facilities;
19. Result in a change in air traffic patterns.
C. EFFECTS DETERMINED TO BE LESS THAN SIGNIFICANT
Aesthetic Resources Impacts
To be in compliance with the La Quinta General Plan, the project will be required to
implement enhanced landscaping treatments and limit building height to 22 feet within
150 feet of the rights -of -way for Washington Street and Fred Waring, since these
roadways are designated as Primary Image Corridors in the General Plan, and must
conform to the standards in Section 9.90.050 of the City's Zoning Ordinance.
Palm Royale Drive serves as a buffer between the residential neighborhood to the east
and the proposed commercial center. The inclusion of the proposed landscaping buffer
onsite will protect residences from any potential impacts to visual resources, by
requiring further distance to reduce the blockage potentially created by the buildings
on site. In addition, the project's eastern half is designed with multiple buildings and
wide spacing between buildings, which will allow for view corridors through the site,
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Resolution No. 2009-025
Environmental Assessment 2006-582 EXHIBIT "B"
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
and of the mountains to the west. Impacts to the views of adjacent residences are
expected to be less than significant.
The proposed project will create new sources of light and glare from interior and
exterior lighting sources, windows and other reflective building materials, project -
related vehicular traffic, and lighting associated with parking lots. The nearby
residential neighborhood to the east of the site is protected from light and glare by an
existing 5 foot high sound/privacy wall, which will in certain locations increases to 9
feet. The project proposes the inclusion of landscape buffers along the eastern
perimeter of the project to further reduce potential light and glare impacts to nearby
residences. In addition, the City requires the preparation of lighting plans and
photometric analyses to demonstrate that on -site lighting will be contained within the
proposed project. Impacts to the light and glare are expected to be less than
significant.
The application of City regulations and guidelines for building setbacks, building design
and exterior finishes, landscape, walls and fences, and exterior lighting, are expected
to reduce potentially significant impacts to visual resources to less than significant
levels.
Air Quality Impacts
The proposed project will generate short and long term mobile emissions from
increased motor vehicle activity, stationary source emissions from the operation of
construction equipment, and the consumption of natural gas. The proposed project
will have a less than significant impact on carbon monoxide levels for all stages of
development and operation. Long-term emissions from project operation will have a
less than significant impact to air quality since none of the SCAQMD daily thresholds
are exceeded.
The project is not expected to create or result in any objectionable odors. Therefore,
impacts from objectionable odors will be less than significant.
Biological Impacts
Development of the Villa Capri project will have less than significant impacts on
biological resources, including native wildlife and plant species. The project site does
not contain critical or essential habitat for sensitive biological species and the area has
been disturbed and fragmented by surrounding development. However, since the site
is currently undeveloped and remains vacant, there may be some ruderal nesting and
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Resolution No. 2009-025
Environmental Assessment 2006-582 EXHIBIT "B"
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
foraging habitat for endemic wildlife species. Although build out will result in habitat
loss, the project site does not contain valuable biological resources.
The project will be required to pay mitigation fees designed to implement the
Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP), which will
reduce impacts to biological resources to less than significant levels.
Due to the degraded nature of the site, the lack of sensitive habitat or species on the
project site, and the project's requirement to participate in the CVMSHCP mitigation
fee program, overall impacts associated with biological resources are expected to be
less than significant.
Hazards and Toxic Materials Impacts
The proposed project is not expected to use, store or transport significant amounts of
chemicals, cleaners or other hazardous or toxic materials. However, medical offices,
landscaping, and other retail/commercial land uses may store, use or generate small
amounts of hazardous materials or wastes. Proper use, storage, and transport of such
materials, as regulated by the Fire Department and County Environmental Health
Department, as regulated by the Fire Department and County Environmental Health
Department, will assure that any potential impacts associated with hazardous or toxic
materials are less than significant.
The proposed project is located adjacent to an existing school. The Desert Sands
Unified School District has protocols at each of its facilities for emergency situations
of all types. These protocols are designed to assure that impacts to school children
and staff are less than significant in an emergency situation.
There are no airports or airstrips located in the immediate vicinity of the project site.
The Bermuda Dunes Airport is located two miles north of the site, and the flight
patterns for that private airport do not impact the project site. Therefore, hazardous
and toxic material impacts from airport operations will be less than significant.
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Resolution No. 2009-025
Environmental Assessment 2006-582 EXHIBIT "B"
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
Hydrology and Water Resources Impacts
Hydrology
The City requires that all projects, including the Villa Capri project, manage storm
water on site. The Public Works Department manages the National Pollution Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) program within the City, and will continue to review the
storm water management plan proposed for the Villa Capri site, which consists of a
combination of underground and above ground retention. Drains will convey water to
both the on -site retention basins and the underground storage basins (two are
proposed: one in the western portion of the site, and one in the eastern portion of the
site), where flows will then be percolated into the ground. The project will comply
with the City's standards for surface water management, including the preparation of
an NPDES permit for non -point pollution. In addition, a Storm Water Pollution
Prevention Program (SWPPP) will also be prepared for the project, and will contain
Best Management Practices designed to prevent the pollution of surface waters during
construction and operation. These requirements assure that storm water is not
contaminated by on -site pollutants, silts or debris and that impacts to water resources
as a result of runoff originating onsite are less than significant.
All onsite storm drainage and hydrologic improvements are designed to conform to the
City's master hydrology and storm drain improvement program. Therefore, impacts to
drainage patterns and flood control as a result of site development will be less than
significant.
All onsite development will connect to the existing sewage system, which will
eliminate the potential risk of groundwater contamination associated with the use of
septic tanks and seepage pits.
Water Resources
Although the site is currently vacant and does not utilize domestic water, project
development will generate water demand onsite. Based on calculations for water
consumption for interior and landscaping areas onsite, at build out the project will use
approximately 102.5 acre-feet of water per year, or 8.54 acre-feet per month.
Although the project will result in increased water demand within the City, the
proposed water demand is not expected to have a significant impact on the region's
water supply. The Coachella Valley Water District will provide potable water to the
project site. CVWD anticipates that existing and planned water extraction is sufficient
to meet the water demand that will be generated by this project.
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Resolution No. 2009-025
Environmental Assessment 2006-582 EXHIBIT "B"
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
In order to limit water demand for this development, a number of water conservation
techniques are included in the design. One strategy includes the use of xeriscape
landscaping, which requires the use of water efficient desert plants, boulders, and
other landscaping features that require little or no water. In addition, water conserving
appliances will be incorporated into all buildings, and will include low flush toilets,
water efficient faucets, dishwashers, and other appliances consistent with the City's
water efficiency requirements. Therefore, impacts to water resources as a result of
project development will be less than significant.
Noise Impacts
The development of retail and office commercial structures will not result in sensitive
receptors on site. The development of the acute care rehabilitation facility will place
sensitive receptors on the site, however. Traffic along Washington Street and Fred
Waring Drive has the potential to result in long-term noise impacts on site. At project
build out, within 50 feet of the outermost lane on Washington and Fred Waring,
closest to the project, the noise level will be less than 75 dBA CNEL. The shops
closest to Washington Street would have noise levels of up to 73 dBA CNEL. The
shops closest to Fred Waring would experience noise levels of up to 66 dBA CNEL.
The offices located on Fred Waring would have noise levels of up to 67 dBA CNEL. At
the acute care rehabilitation facility, noise levels will be below the 65 dBA CNEL
General Plan requirement. The City's standard for commercial land uses is that the
exterior noise level cannot exceed 75 dBA CNEL, and that sensitive receptors (the
rehabilitation facility) not experience noise levels above 65 dBA CNEL. Therefore,
noise impacts from traffic along Washington Street and Fred Waring will be less than
significant.
Other noise sources may include landscape maintenance equipment, delivery and
unloading operations, and outdoor mechanical equipment, such as heating, cooling and
ventilation equipment. Noise impacts from these sources are expected to be less than
significant.
Population and Housing Impacts
The proposed project is estimated to generate a demand for about 400 to 450 jobs at
build out. These jobs are expected to be in a variety of sectors, including service, retail
and professional categories. Based on this level of new jobs, the proposed project has
the potential to generate between 200 and 225 new households within the City of La
Quinta. The City has been experiencing household growth in excess of 800
households annually for the first seven years of this decade. Due to the current
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Resolution No. 2009-025
Environmental Assessment 2006-582 EXHIBIT "B"
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
economic conditions this rate is likely to slow. The proposed project will contribute to
the annual population and household growth within the City of La Quinta, but is not
expected to generate additional household growth beyond the established growth rate.
The City currently experiences an imbalance in jobs when compared to housing. The
City has traditionally been primarily a residential community, where residents looked
outside the City's boundaries for employment. The proposed project will provide job
opportunities for existing City residents, who could seek employment at the proposed
project rather than at employment centers located in other cities.
The Villa Capri project will have less than significant impacts to population and
housing.
Public Services and Facilities Impacts
Police and Fire Service Impacts
The proposed project, when combined with other projects in the City, will require
additional services from the police and fire departments, which may include personnel,
equipment, and the expansion of facilities. The County Fire Department and the City
will continue to monitor fire and police services, and provide additional fire protection
services as needed. The proposed project will pay Development Impact Fees, which
include a component for fire and police facilities. Revenues generated by sales and
property tax will be sufficient to address the costs of additional personnel associated
with the proposed project.
The Fire and Sheriff Departments will review the proposed project's site plans to
assure that adequate emergency access, signage, and internal circulation are provided.
Impacts to police and fire protection services are expected to be less than significant.
Solid Waste
Based on solid waste generation rates provided by the California Integrated Waste
Management Board, the proposed project will generate approximately 1,825 pounds of
solid waste per day, or approximately 300 tons per year. The project is not anticipated
to produce unusually high quantities of solid waste or hazardous waste. Adherence to
the City's and Burrtec's requirements will assure that impacts associated with solid
waste are less than significant.
Sanitary Sewer
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Resolution No. 2009-025
Environmental Assessment 2006-582 EXHIBIT "B"
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
Since no current sewer system exists on site, pipes and similar conveyance devices
will need to be installed in order to provide wastewater collection services to individual
buildings on site. CVWD will determine appropriate engineering of the on site sewer
system and facilitate connection to CVWD's existing sewer treatment system in
adjacent streets. CVWD's treatment plant currently has sufficient capacity to
accommodate flows from the project site.
Sewer system connection fees and associated facility fees will be collected, which will
offset costs associated with wastewater reclamation plant expansion resulting from
development of all projects, including the proposed project, as needed. These fees will
assure that impacts associated with sanitary sewer are less than significant.
Schools
In order to compensate for any potential impacts to schools, the project will be
required to pay school fees to the Desert Sands Unified School District to fund the
construction and reconstruction of public schools. Due to the small size of the
commercial project it is reasonable to expect that student generation impacts to
schools as a result of the proposed project will be less than significant.
Libraries
The proposed project has the potential to indirectly generate a demand for 800 to 900
new books and 200 to 225 square feet of additional library space, as a result of new
households which may occur in the City to work at the project site. The project will
pay Development Impact Fees which include Library facilities, and also generate both
property tax and sales tax revenues which will in part be collected by the County.
These tax revenues will serve to offset costs associated with the minor increased
demand for library facilities.
Domestic Water
Projected water demand for the proposed project is estimated at 102.5 acre feet per
year. Water usage and consumption for on -site businesses will be reduced to the
greatest extent practicable through the use of low flush toilets, and other water
conserving technologies. Likewise, water used for landscaping purposes will be
minimized via the use a drought tolerant plants and xeriscape design. Impacts to water
resources will be less than significant.
Electricity and Natural Gas
Development of the proposed project will result in the consumption of 258,179
kilowatt-hours per month and 562,418.8 cubic feet of natural gas per month. The
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Environmental Assessment 2006-582 EXHIBIT "B"
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
utilization of energy -efficient appliances, lighting fixtures, and mechanical equipment
will minimize energy and natural gas consumption. Impacts to energy and natural gas
consumption will be less than significant.
Telephone, Cable and Medical Services
Build out will also increase the demand for telephone, cable television, and medical
services and infrastructure. Impacts to these services as a result of project
development will be less than significant particularly as the project will result in
additional medical services available in the community.
Recreational Resources Impacts
The proposed commercial development project is subject to taxes and fees that
contribute to the City's General Fund and may be used for the maintenance of public
facilities, such as parks and trails. The proposed project is not expected to result, even
indirectly, in substantial population growth or associated impacts to recreational
resources. Therefore, impacts to recreational resources will be less than significant.
Transportation and Traffic Impacts
Grading and construction operations will result in temporary increases to vehicle
worker trips and truck deliveries. Due to the limited size of the project, impacts from
these sources will be less than significant.
Upon build out of the proposed project, increased traffic is expected. The project will
not directly significantly impact the roadway segments analyzed on Adams Street,
Hovley Lane, Miles Avenue, Highway 111 or Avenue 48. The improvements
associated with the proposed project will improve levels of service on Fred Waring,
east of Washington Street; and on Fred Waring west of Palm Royale. On other
segments of Fred Waring Drive, the addition of project traffic will result in levels of
service changes from LOS C to LOS D east of Palm Royale, west of Adams Street,
and east of Adams Street. Although the LOS level will change, LOS D is acceptable,
and impacts on this roadway will therefore be less than significant. On Fred Waring
Drive, the proposed project will significantly impact three of the eight roadway
segments analyzed, but will contribute less than 2% to these impacts. The City will
require the payment of Developer Impact Fees, which will reduce the project's impacts
to less than significant levels.
Upon build out of the proposed project, addition of project traffic will not significantly
impact the intersections analyzed. The addition of project traffic will result in changes
11
Resolution No. 2009-025
Environmental Assessment 2006-582 EXHIBIT "B"
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
in level of service at three intersections, but all these levels of service will remain
within acceptable levels as identified in the General Plan.
The fire station serving the proposed project is located within one mile of the project
site, and the levels of service on Fred Waring are not expected to fall below level of
service D west of Adams Street. Therefore, impacts associated with emergency
access are expected to be less than significant.
The project is designed to provide adequate parking facilities onsite to meet the
demand generated by land uses at project build out. Therefore, there will be sufficient
parking facilities onsite and impacts to parking will be less than significant.
The project will not result in any changes to air traffic patterns and impacts to air
traffic will be less than significant during all phases of project development and
operation.
D. EFFECTS MITIGATABLE TO A LEVEL OF INSIGNIFICANCE
Air Quality Impacts
The proposed project will result in potentially significant impacts associated with
fugitive dust during the grading process. Mitigation measures included in the EIR will
reduce these impacts to less than significant levels. These mitigation measures include
the limitation of the area to be graded, and the implementation of dust control
measures through the City's required Dust Management Plan.
During the construction process, emissions associated with construction vehicles,
architectural coatings and asphalt paving will exceed SCAQMD thresholds. The
impacts associated with the construction vehicles and asphalt paving can be reduced
to less than significant levels through the mitigation measures included in the EIR,
particular that mitigation measure which prohibits the overlap of construction,
architectural coating and asphalt paving activities.
The proposed project will generate Greenhouse Gas emissions during the construction
and operation phases of development. Mitigation measures are included in the EIR
which reduce these emissions to less than significant levels. These mitigation
measures include the use of alternative energy and conservation programs, the use of
LEED or other Green Building techniques, and the use of energy efficient construction
materials to a level greater than the requirements of Title 24 of the Building Code.
Findings:
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Resolution No. 2009-025
Environmental Assessment 2006-582
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
EXHIBIT "B"
1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or incorporated
into the project which will mitigate these impacts to less than significant
levels, including:
a. Promote and facilitate alternative energy and conservation programs such
as district energy, landfill gas co -generation, water conservation, heat
recovery systems, street lighting and employee energy efficiency
programs.
b. Utilize sustainable building practice such as Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building standards for building
construction to the greatest extent possible.
c. Unless determined to be an unreasonable hardship by the City Planning
Director, all structures shall exceed the minimum standards set forth in
the 2007 California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) by 20%. If it is
determined by the Planning Director that compliance with this measure
creates an unreasonable hardship, the measure may be reduced to the
highest level determined feasible by the Planning Director but in no case
shall it be reduced below the minimum standard set forth by the
California Energy Code in effect at the time of building permit submittal.
d. No more than 6.25 acres of the project site shall be actively graded in
any one day.
e. Grading activities shall be completed prior to the initiation of construction
activities. No overlap of the two activities shall occur.
f. Grading and development permits shall be reviewed and conditioned to
require the provision of all reasonably available methods and technologies
to assure the minimal emission of pollutants (see Table III-5 in the EIR).
The City of La Quinta shall approve grading plans and recommend the use
of emission reduction technologies as appropriate prior to initiation of
grading.
g. As part of the City's grading permit process, the applicant shall submit a
dust control plan as required by SCAQMD in compliance with Rule 403
(Fugitive Dust). Mitigation measures to be implemented through this plan
shall include, but not be limited to, the use of water trucks and temporary
irrigation systems, post -grading soil stabilization, phased asphalt paving,
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Resolution No. 2009-025
Environmental Assessment 2006-582
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
EXHIBIT "B"
as well as other measures which will effectively limit fugitive dust
emissions resulting from construction or other site disturbance (see Table
111-6 in the EIR).
h. Project developers and the City shall work to promote and encourage
future employees and shoppers to use ride sharing opportunities and
public transit to access the site.
To reduce PM10 and PM2.5 emissions, the developer and contractor shall
implement the following control measures:
• chemically stabilize soil where activity will cease for at least four
consecutive days;
• pave on -site construction access driveways that extend at least 120
feet from roadway into the construction site and clean driveways and
roadways at the end of each working day as needed;
• chemically stabilize unpaved roads that carry 20 vehicle trips per day
or more;
• plant tree windbreaks utilizing non-invasive species on the windward
perimeter of construction projects, where feasible;
• all construction grading operations and earth moving operations shall
cease when winds exceed 25 miles per hour or during first and second
stage ozone episodes;
• maximum equipment and vehicle speed on unpaved roads shall be less
than 15 mph;
• water site and equipment morning and evening and during all earth -
moving operations;
• spread soil binders on site, unpaved roads, and parking areas; and
• operate street -sweepers on paved roads adjacent to site.
j. To minimize construction equipment emissions, the developer and
contractors shall implement the following:
• wash off trucks and vehicles leaving the site;
• require trucks to maintain two feet of freeboard;
• cover loaded trucks with tarpaulins;
• properly tune and maintain construction equipment;
• use low sulfur fuel for construction equipment;
• all access areas shall remain free of dust; and
• the use of low emission building materials such as pre -primed and
sanded wood molding, wall boards, and trim products shall be
considered;
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Resolution No. 2009-025
Environmental Assessment 2006-582
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
EXHIBIT "B"
k. To reduce construction -related traffic congestion, the developer and
contractors shall implement the following:
• configure construction parking to minimize traffic interference;
• provide a flag person to ensure safety at construction sites, as
necessary;
• schedule operations affecting roadways for off-peak hours, as
practical;
• use emission control devices on gasoline and diesel powered
equipment;
• prohibit idling and other unnecessary operation of equipment; and
• minimize traffic flow interference by providing advance public notice
of rerouting.
To minimize operational source emissions, the developer shall:
• install low -polluting and high -efficiency appliances;
• install energy -efficient parking lot lighting;
• landscape with native and other appropriate drought -resistant species
to reduce water consumption and to provide passive solar shading.
m. To minimize building energy requirements, the developer shall implement
all of the following:
• assure the thermal integrity of buildings and reduce the thermal load
with automated time clocks or occupant sensors;
• use efficient window glazing, wall insulation and ventilation methods;
• install Energy Star rated heating and other appliances, such as water
heaters, cooking equipment, refrigerators, furnaces and boiler units;
• incorporate appropriate passive solar design, including solar heaters,
and solar water heaters, to the greatest extent feasible;
• use devices that minimize the combustion of fossil fuels;
• capture waste heat and re-employ this heat, where feasible.
Cultural Resources Impacts
The project site is not known to harbor any archaeological or historic resources.
Further, the site is located in an area of La Quinta considered to have soils too
young to support paleontological resources. There is a possibility that
archaeological resources occur on the site below ground. The destruction of
these resources represents a potentially significant impact, and requires
mitigation.
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Resolution No. 2009-025
Environmental Assessment 2006-582
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
EXHIBIT "B"
The EIR includes mitigation measures for the monitoring of all trenching, grading and
excavation by a qualified archaeologist; the proper analysis and curation of any
identified materials; and the submittal of a report to the Community Development
Department detailing monitoring activities. These mitigation measures will assure that
onsite cultural resources are protected. The implementation of these mitigation
measures will reduce impacts associated with cultural resources to less than
significant levels.
Findings:
1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or incorporated
into the project which will mitigate these impacts to less than significant
levels, including:
a. The site shall be monitored during on- and off -site trenching and rough
grading by qualified archaeological monitors, including a Native -American.
Proof of retention of monitors shall be given to the City prior to issuance
of the first earth -moving or clearing permit. The monitor shall be
empowered to temporarily halt or divert equipment to allow for City
notification and analysis.
b. The final report on the monitoring shall be submitted to the Community
Development Department prior to the issuance of a Certificate of
Occupancy for the project.
c. Collected archaeological resources shall be properly packaged for long
term curation, in polyethylene self -seal bags, vials, or film cans as
appropriate, all within acid -free, standard size, comprehensively labeled
archive boxes and delivered to the City prior to issuance of first
Certificate of Occupancy for the property. Materials shall be accompanied
by descriptive catalogue, field notes and records, primary research data,
and the original graphics.
d. The conditions of approval recommended by the La Quinta Historic
Preservation Commission on December 6, 2007 shall be included in the
submitted Phase I historical/archaeological report prior to issuance of the
first permit requiring monitoring.
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Resolution No. 2009-025
Environmental Assessment 2006-582 EXHIBIT "B"
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
e. If prehistoric or historic resources are discovered during monitoring or the
subsequent construction phase, the Community Development Department
shall be notified immediately.
Geology and Soils Impacts
Although the project site does not contain any known active or potentially active
faults, it is located in close proximity to the San Andreas and San Jacinto Fault Zones,
and has the potential to be impacted by strong seismic groundshaking. Through the
City's review process, the project will be subject to measures set forth in the most
recent California Building Code and the seismic design parameters of the Structural
Engineers' Association of California, which have been adopted by the City and provide
stringent building code requirements for seismically active areas.
Given the composition of on -site soils, strong ground motions or saturation could
induce differential settlement, thereby resulting in damage to structures and
foundations. Proper construction techniques, including over excavation and soil
compaction, will reduce potential impacts associated with soil settlement to less than
significant levels.
The property is located in an area subject to high winds and soils on -site are
considered highly erodible. Acquisition of a grading permit, which includes a soil
erosion prevention plan, will assure that blowing dust and sand during grading
operations is minimized through adequate watering, soil stabilization treatment, and
other approved measures. This will assure that impacts of soil erosion from high wind
events are reduced to less than significant levels.
Findings:
1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or incorporated
into the project which will mitigate these impacts to less than significant
levels, including:
a. All structural design shall be in accordance with the most recent edition
of the Building Code, including California amendments and the seismic
design parameters of the Structural Engineer's Association of California.
b. During site grading, all existing vegetation and debris shall be removed
from areas that are to receive compacted fill. Any trees to be removed
shall have a minimum of 95% of the root systems extracted. Man-made
objects shall be over excavated and exported from the site. Removal of
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Resolution No. 2009-025
Environmental Assessment 2006-582 EXHIBIT "B"
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
unsuitable materials may require excavation to depths ranging from 2 to
4 feet or more below the existing site grade.
c. All fill soil, whether excavated on -site or imported, shall be approved by
the project soils engineer prior to placement as compaction fill. All fill soil
shall be free from vegetation, organic material, cobbles and boulders
greater than 6 inches in diameter, and other debris. Approved soil shall
be placed in horizontal lifts of appropriate thickness as prescribed by the
soils engineer and watered or aerated as necessary to obtain near -
optimum moisture content.
d. Fill materials shall be completely and uniformly compacted to not less
than 90% of the laboratory maximum density as determined by ASTM
test method D-1557-78. The soils engineer shall observe the placement
of fill and take sufficient tests to verify the moisture content, uniformity,
and degree of compaction obtained. In -place soil density should be
determined by the sand -cone method, in accordance with ASTM Test
Method D-1556-64 (74), or equivalent test method acceptable as
approved by the City Building and Safety Department.
e. Finish cut slopes generally shall not be inclined steeper than 2:1
(horizontal to vertical). All cut slopes must be inspected during grading
to provide additional recommendations for safe construction.
f. Finish fill slopes shall not be included steeper than 2:1 (horizontal to
vertical). Fill slope surfaces shall be compacted to 90% of the laboratory
maximum density by either over -filling and cutting back to expose a
compacted core or by approved mechanical methods.
g. Retaining walls shall be constructed to adopted building code standards
and inspected by the City building inspector. An adequate sub -drain
system shall be constructed behind and at the base of all retaining walls
to allow for adequate drainage and to prevent excessive hydrostatic
pressure.
h. For the support of one and two-story structures, foundations systems
that utilize continuous footings or isolated pad footings shall be used.
i. Positive site drainage shall be established during finish grading. Finish lot
grading shall include a minimum positive gradient of 2% away from
W.
Resolution No. 2009-025
Environmental Assessment 2006-582 EXHIBIT "B"
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
structures for a minimum distance of three (3) feet and a minimum
gradient of 1 % to the street or other approved drainage course.
j. Utility trench excavations in slope areas or within the zone of influence of
structures shall be properly backfilled in accordance with the following:
i. Pipes shall be bedded with a minimum of 6 inches of pea gravel or
approved granular soil. Similar material shall be used to provide a
cover of at least 1 foot over the pipe. This backfill shall then be
uniformly compacted by mechanical means or jetted to a firm and
unyielding condition.
ii. Remaining backfill may be fine-grained soil. It shall be placed in lifts
not exceeding 6 inches in thickness or as determined appropriate,
watered or aerated to near optimum moisture content, and
mechanically compacted to a minimum of 90% of the laboratory
maximum density.
iii. Pipes in trenches within 5 feet of the top of slopes or on the face of
slopes shall be bedded and backfilled with pea gravel or approved
granular soils as described above. The remainder of the trench backfill
shall comprise typical on -site fill soil mechanically compacted as
described in item 12.b.
Noise Impacts
Construction noise will result in short-term, but occasionally intrusive impacts. The
noise study prepared for the project estimated that the worst -case noise level
generated by combinations of construction equipment would be 91 dBA at a distance
of 50 feet. Construction noise lessens with distance, with an approximate 6 dBA
reduction in noise levels with each doubling of distance from the noise source. The
closest residences are located about 100 feet from the project site, to the east.
Construction activities on the project site would result in short term noise levels of 85
dBA at these residences. Noise levels at the middle school to the north, and the
residences to the south would be expected to be approximately 79 dBA. Finally, noise
levels at the church building located on the west side of Washington Street,
southwest of the project site, could reach 73 dBA.
Mitigation measures are included in the EIR to reduce construction impacts to less
than significant levels. These include: a requirement that all construction equipment
operating on the project site be fitted with well -maintained, functional mufflers to limit
noise emissions; a requirement to place stationary equipment as far from the school
and residences as possible; and, to the greatest extent feasible, staging areas shall be
located away from nearby existing residences and the school.
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Resolution No. 2009-025
Environmental Assessment 2006-582
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
Findings:
EXHIBIT "B"
1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or incorporated
into the project which will mitigate these impacts to less than significant
levels, including:
a. The project contractors shall equip all construction equipment, fixed or
mobile, with properly operating and maintained mufflers consistent with
the manufacturer's standards.
b. The project contractor shall place all stationary construction equipment so
that emitted noise is directed away from sensitive receptors.
c. The project contractor shall located equipment staging in areas that will
create the greatest distance between construction -related noise sources
and sensitive receptors.
d. All construction activities shall be limited to those hours prescribed in the
Municipal Code, with the exception of emergencies.
Transportation and Traffic Impacts
The proposed project will contribute to the incremental increase of traffic on
surrounding roadways. The impacts have the potential to be significant at the
intersection of Palm Royale and Fred Waring. However, the EIR includes mitigation
measures which will require the striping of a southbound left turn lane, and
participation on a fair share basis in the installation of a traffic signal at this
intersection. These mitigation measures will reduce impacts at this intersection to less
than significant levels.
Impacts associated with access to the project site have the potential to be significant,
insofar as the proposed project requires the inclusion of deceleration lanes on Fred
Waring Drive and Washington Street. The EIR includes mitigation measures requiring
these lanes at specified lengths, so as to assure safe ingress into the project site.
These mitigation measures will reduce impacts associated with design features to less
than significant levels.
Findings:
20
Resolution No. 2009-025
Environmental Assessment 2006-582 EXHIBIT "B"
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
1. Changes, alterations, and other measures have been made in or incorporated
into the project which will mitigate these impacts to less than significant
levels, including:
a. A raised median shall be provided on Washington Street, for the entire
length of the project boundary, which allows left turns into Access B, but
prohibits left turns out of Access B, or left turns from Calle las Brisas,
consistent with Figure 6-1 of the traffic impact analysis. The median shall
include a left turn bay at Access B of at least 150 feet in length.
b. The existing northbound left turn bay on Washington Street at the
intersection of Calle Las Brisas will be removed, and replaced with a
raised median, and extended southbound left turn lane queuing length to
450 feet, consistent with the recommendations of the traffic impact
analysis.
c. A raised median shall be provided on Fred Waring Drive, for the entire
length of the project boundary, which allows left turns into Access D, but
prohibits left turns out of Access D, consistent with Figure 6-1 of the
traffic impact analysis. The median shall include a left turn bay at Access
D of 175 feet in length.
d. A minimum 248 foot long deceleration lane shall be installed on -site at
Access B.
e. A minimum 175 foot long deceleration lane shall be installed on -site at
Access C.
f. A minimum 100 foot long painted northbound left turn bay shall be
provided on Palm Royale Drive at Rome Drive.
g. A minimum 100 foot long painted southbound left turn bay shall be
provided on Palm Royale Drive at Rome Drive.
h. A painted southbound left turn deceleration lane shall be provided on
Palm Royale Drive at Fred Waring Drive.
i. The applicant shall contribute his fair share to the installation of a traffic
signal at Palm Royale Drive and Fred Waring Drive, including the provision
of east -west left turn phasing and signal interconnection, consistent with
Table 7-4 of the traffic impact analysis.
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Resolution No. 2009-025
Environmental Assessment 2006-582
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
EXHIBIT "B"
j. The applicant shall contribute his fair share to improvements to the
intersections of Washington Street and Hovley; Washington Street and
Fred Waring; Adams Street and Fred Waring; and Washington Street and
Miles, consistent with Table 7-4 of the traffic impact analysis.
k. The proposed project shall dedicate appropriate right of way and improve
Washington Street, Fred Waring Drive and Palm Royale Drive to their
ultimate half width, including curb, gutter, sidewalk and landscaped
parkway, along the entire frontage of these roadways on the project site.
E. SIGNIFICANT UNAVOIDABLE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Air Quality Impacts
The proposed project will generate significant impacts to air quality during the grading
and construction phase of the project as a result of mobile emissions from motor
vehicle activity, stationary source emissions from the operation of grading equipment,
and off-gasing from architectural coatings.
During site grading, one threshold criteria pollutant, nitrogen oxide, is expected to
exceed the SCAQMD threshold by 70.56 pounds per day. For the building and
construction phase of the project, two threshold criteria pollutants, nitrogen oxide and
reactive organic gases, will exceed the SCAQMD threshold by 21.04 and 210.27
pounds per day, respectively.
Findings:
1. The City of La Quinta hereby finds that impacts from nitrogen oxide and
reactive organic gas emissions constitute a significant unavoidable impact to air
quality. Even with the implementation of mitigation measures, air quality
impacts associated with nitrogen oxides will exceed SCAQMD thresholds during
grading; and emissions associated with reactive organic gases will exceed
thresholds during the architectural coating phase of construction. All reasonable
and feasible mitigation measures that can substantially reduce impacts have
been included in the EIR. No other feasible mitigation measures are available to
further reduce emissions from grading and construction activities. The City of La
Quinta finds that the remaining unavoidable significant effects are acceptable
based on the inclusion of mitigation, the short duration of the impacts, the
overall inability to mitigate the impacts despite inclusion of mitigation, the
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Resolution No. 2009-025
Environmental Assessment 2006-582
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
EXHIBIT "B"
benefits associated with the proposed project, objectives established for the
proposed project, and specific overriding considerations described in the
Statement of Overriding Considerations.
Transportation and Traffic Impacts
The project would generate 8,130 adjusted total trips at build out of the Villa Capri
project, with 469 of these occurring in the morning peak hour, and 832 occurring in
the evening peak hour. A number of mitigation measures are included to reduce
impacts associated with the proposed project. However, in 2010 and 2020 impacts
associated with the proposed project, in conjunction with the existing traffic volumes
and anticipated future traffic volumes from other projects, will result in unmitigatable
impacts to area roadway segments and intersections. These impacts are due to the
inability of the project or the City to widen affected roadways to the necessary widths
required to accommodate traffic levels.
Roadway segments along Washington Street have been identified as exceeding
average daily traffic (ADT) capacities with and without project development by 2010.
The project will reduce the level of service from E to F at three segments:
1. south of Avenue of the States,
2. north and south of Fred Waring, and
3. north of Miles Avenue.
By 2020, the proposed project will reduce level of service on that segment of
Washington Street north of Avenue of the States from E to F as a result of project
development. By 2020 all other segments along Washington Street would exceed
acceptable LOS regardless of project development.
The project will result in significant and unavoidable impacts to 16 and 17 of the 18
roadway segments for 2010 and 2020, respectively, since ADT increases by more
than 100 trips on these segments that operate below an acceptable LOS.
Without the implementation of mitigation measures, the proposed project will have
significant impacts on the following intersections upon project build out, in 2010:
1. Washington Street at Hovley Lane
2. Washington Street at Fred Waring Drive
3. Palm Royale Drive at Fred Waring Drive
4. Adams Street at Fred Waring Drive
5. Washington Street at Miles Avenue
6. Washington Street at Highway 111
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Resolution No. 2009-025
Environmental Assessment 2006-582
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Adopted: March 17, 2009
7. Washington Street at Avenue 48
EXHIBIT "B"
Improvements required of the project at the intersections of Washington Street and
Fred Waring Drive, and at the intersection of Palm Royale Drive and Fred Waring Drive,
will reduce the impacts to less than significant levels. However, improvements at the
other five listed intersections are infeasible, and impacts will remain significant.
Findings:
1. The City of la Quinta hereby finds that the Villa Capri project will result in
significant and unavoidable impacts to traffic volumes, which will adversely
affect level of service for area roadways. The following mitigation measures
would be required, but have been determined to be infeasible:
a. Add a second northbound left turn lane at Washington Street and Hovley
Lane.
b. Change the existing westbound right turn lane into a shared through/right
lane at Adams Street and Fred Waring Drive.
c. Add a second southbound left turn lane at Washington Street and Miles
Avenue.
d. Add a third northbound left turn lane and third southbound left turn lane
at Washington Street and Highway 1 1 1.
e. Add a second southbound left turn lane at Washington Street and Avenue
48.
No feasible mitigation measures are available to mitigate this impact, insofar
as right of way is not controlled by any of the affected jurisdictions;
structures and project improvements have been constructed; and the cities
of La Quinta, Palm Desert and Indian Wells have no capital improvement
plans in place to acquire right of way or provide improvements. Further,
these impacts will result with or without the proposed project, and are a
result of anticipated growth in traffic volumes from the existing volumes,
anticipated future growth, anticipated future projects and the proposed
project.
The City of La Quinta finds that these unavoidable significant impacts are
acceptable based on the overall inability to mitigate the impacts despite
inclusion of mitigation, the benefits associated with the proposed project,
objectives established for the proposed project, and specific overriding
considerations described in the Statement of Overriding Considerations.
24
Resolution No. 2009-025
Environmental Assessment 2006-582 EXHIBIT "B"
Mayer Villa Capri, L.P,
Adopted: March 17, 2009
2. The City of La Quinta hereby finds that the improvements required to
maintain General Plan designated levels of service have been determined to
be infeasible. Roadway widening to 8 lanes by 2010 on Washington Street,
from Hovley Lane to Avenue 48, on Fred Waring west of Washington, and
on Highway 1 1 1 east of Washington would be required, with or without the
proposed project, to maintain acceptable levels of service on these
roadways. In addition, roadway widening to 10 lanes by 2020 on
Washington Street, south of Avenue 48, would be required, with or without
the proposed project, to maintain acceptable levels of service on this
roadway. No feasible mitigation measures are available to mitigate this
impact, insofar as right of ways have not been secured by any of the
affected jurisdictions, and structures and other improvements occur all along
these roadways; and the cities of La Quinta, Palm Desert and Indian Wells
have no capital improvement plans in place to acquire right of way or
provide improvements. The City of La Quinta finds that the unavoidable
significant impacts are acceptable based on the overall inability to mitigate
the impacts despite inclusion of mitigation, the benefits associated with the
proposed project, objectives established for the proposed project, and
specific overriding considerations described in the Statement of Overriding
Considerations.
3. The City of La Quinta hereby finds that most of the identified impacts are
associated with projected growth in background traffic through the 2020
period. Most significant environmental effects that can be feasibly avoided
have been reduced by virtue of mitigation measures in the EIR. The
remaining unavoidable significant effects are acceptable when balanced
against the facts set forth in the Statement of Overriding Considerations. In
addition, impacts to transportation and traffic from the proposed project are
considered significant only on a cumulative basis in association with other
projects occurring on a local and regional scale. The City of La Quinta finds
that the unavoidable significant impacts are acceptable based on the overall
inability to mitigate the impacts despite inclusion of mitigation, the
cumulative nature of the impacts, the benefits associated with the proposed
project, objectives established for the proposed project, and specific
overriding considerations described in the Statement of Overriding
Considerations.
25