CC Resolution 1995-038^#H III
RESOLUTION 95-38
A RESOLUTION OF TEE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LA QUINTA,
CALIFORNIA, CERTIFYING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
PREPARED FOR SPECIFIC PLAN 94-026 AS BEING ADEQUATE AND
COMPLETE; RECOGNIZING THE OVEUIDING CONSIDERATIONS TO
CERTAIN ADVERSE IMPACTS; AND RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANT
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED, BUT WHICH
CAN BE REASONABLY MITIGATED, IF THE PROPOSED PROJECT IS
IMPLEMENTED
SPECIFIC PLAN 94-026- THAVERTINE
CERTIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission Dr the City of La Quinta, California, did, on the 2BUi
day of March, 1995, continued to the 11th day of April, 1995, hold a duly noticed Public Hearing to
consider the request of TRAVERTINE CORPORATION for approval of a Specific Plan to allow
construction of 2,300 resort homes, two golf courses, resort hotel, and commercial development on
909.2 acres, more particularly described as:
BOUNDED ON THE NORTH BY 60TH AVENUE; 64TH AVENUE TO
THE SOUTH; MADISON STREET TO THE EAST; JEFFERSON STREET
TO THE WEST
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of La Quinta, California, did, on the 2"d day of
May, 1995, and the 6th day of June, 1995, hold a duly-noticed Publlc Hearings to consider the request
of Travertine Corporation and the recommendation of the Planiling Comn*sion for certification of the
Environmental Impact Report prepared for Specific Plan 94-026; and,
WHEREAS, Travertine Corporation has proposed a Specific Plan on 909.2 acres,
consisting of 2,300 resort dwelling units on 481.2 acres, 382.9 acres of golf course, 27.2 acres of resort
hotei, 10 acres of commercial, and related uses; and,
WHEREAS, an Environmental Impact Report ereinafter EIR") has been prepared and
circulated, pursuant to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970; and,
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the State of California and the City of La Quinta, in
accordance with the provisions of California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 1ereinafter CEQA), as
amended Public Resources Code, Section 21000 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 remalning unavoidable significant impacts
are acceptable based on CEQA, Section 15093; and,
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Resolution 95.38
WHEREAS, it is the poilcy of the State of California and the City or La Quinta, in
accordance with tile provisions of CEQA, as amended Piibllc Resources Code, Section 21000 et seq.), and
the State Guidelines for implementation of CEOA, as amended Caiifornia Administrative Code, Section
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 may be
considered acceptable; and,
WHEREAS, tile City Council of the City of La Quinta has read and considered all
environmental documentation comprising tile EIR, has found that tile EIR considers all potentially
significant environmental inipacts of tile proposed project, is complete and adequate, and fully
compiles with all requirements of CE(LA, the State Guidelines for implementation; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed and considered certain overriding
considerations to adverse impacts, tile CEQA Findings and Statements 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 tile EIR, has found that all
potentially significant impacts on the project have been lessened or avoided to the extent feasible;
and,
WHEREAS, Section 15093(b) requires, where the City Council allows the occurrences of
significant effects which are identified in the FEIR but are not adequately mitigated, the City must
state in writing the reasons to support its action based on the FEIR andlor other information in the
record; and,
WHEREAS, CEQA and tile State CEQA Guideilnes provide that no publlc 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 publlc 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,
California, does hereby certify the FEIR for Specific Plan 94-026 as adequate and complete.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of La Quinta, California, in
addition to findings made in the body of the Final EIR, finds that the Statement of Overriding
Considerations as shown on attached Exhibit A'1 entitled Statement of Overriding Considerations'1
are necessary, and is incorporated herein as though set forth at length.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of La Odinta, California,
adopts the CEQA Fmdings and Statement of Facts as shown on attached Exhibit B" entitled CEQA
Findings and Statement of Fact", which is incorporated herein as though set forth at length.
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ResoluUon *38
F APPRDVED and ADOITED at a regular meethig of the La Quhita city Council held on tills
Gthdayofjune, 1995.
AYES: Council Members Bangerter, Cathcart, Sniff, Mayor Pena
NOES: None
ABSENT: Council Member Perkins
ABSTAIN: None
JDHNP N May
city of La Quinta, Callfornia
*
city of La Quinta, California
APPROVED AS TO FORMAT:
DAWN HONEYWELL, City Attorney
City of La QUIIIta, California
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EXKIBIT A"
STATEMENT DF OVEUIflIN* CONSIDERATIONS
1. Implementation of the project will lndirecuy result in the elimination of the negative impacts
associated with vacant property in favor of a quality housing development.
2. The proposed project Is necessary to enhance the quality of life in the project area sought as
essential and beneficial in attracting new residents, business, and visitors to La Quinta, and
generally promoting increased investment and retnrn on property values.
3. Impacts identified as significant from project implementation are generally associated with
normal growth, progress, and prosperity.
4. The project will be instrumental in causing new are a*wide public facilities to be constructed,
which will benefit both existing development and other future adjacent development.
5. Specific plan project implementation will ultimately create new jobs for facillties construction,
future development construction, the provision of publlc services for a larger population base,
and to staff new business and operations associated with the specific plan.
6. Improvements to local roadways will occur that will increase vehicular efficiency and local
access.
7. The City's economic base will be enhanced through revenues derived from increased sales,
taxes, business licenses, and.other fees, taxes, and exactions from new development.
8. The proposed project is more restrictive in its development density than what would have been
permitted when the project site was under County jurisdiction.
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Resolution No. 95-38
Travertine
EIKIBIT B*
CE(*A FiNDINGS AND STATEMENT OF FACTS
M**ND
The California Environmental *uallty Act CEOA) and the State CEOA Guidelines Guidelines)
promulgated pursuant thereto provide: No public agency shall approve or carry out a project for
which an environmental impact report has been completed and which identifies one or more
significant effects of the project unless the public agency makes one or more of the following written
findings for each of the significant effects, accompanied by a Statement of Facts supporting each
finding. The possible findings are:
1. Changes or alterations have been required in, or Incorporated into, the project which mitigate
or avoid the signific ant environmental effects as identified in the Final EIR.
2. Such changes or alterations are witllln 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, social, or other considerations make infeasible the mitigation measures
or project alternatives identified In the Final EIR Section 15091) of the Guidelines*
Because the proposed Specific Plan 94-028 constitutes a project under CEOA and the Guidelines, the City
Council of the City of La Quinta has required an Environmental Impact Report EIR* This EIR has
identified certaln significant effects which may occur as a result of the project, or on a cumulative
basis in conjunction with is project and other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable futlire
projects. Further, the City Council recommends approval of this project and, after deternlinlng that
the EIR is complete and has been prepared In accordance with CEOA and the Guidelines, the fin*gs
set forth herein are made:
EFFECTS DETERMINED TO BE INSIGNIFICANT
Through preparation of the Initial Study *nvironmental Checklist form), the City identified that
implementation of the project would not have any significant adverse impacts on the following:
HumanHealth: The project proposes the development of residential units a resort hotel and
open space recreation.
F
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EXHIBIT 1C*1
SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS WHICH CANNOT BE AVOIDED IF THE PROJECT IS IMPLEMENTED
IAND USE:
The Travertine property currently is designated as Low Density Residential in the La Quinta
General Plan. The Travertine Specific Plan will require a change in land use designations for
various portions of the project site in order to permit the development of residential units, a
resort hotel, golf courses, and accessory corn inercial. The following designations are proposed:
Low Density Residential, Neighborhood Commercial, Tourist Commercial, and Golf Course
Open Space. A General Plan Amendment will be required in order to redesignate to the proposed
land uses. It can be anticipated that development of this project will influence the present pattern
of land use in the City of La Quinta.
Findings:
1. The proposed project is not consistent with the existing General Plan Land Use
designation of Low Density Residential or R-1 zoning designation for the commercial uses.
2. The required general plan amendment will mitigate General Plan inconsistencies.
3. The conversion of open space areas to urban uses will remain significant.
4. The unavoidable significant effect is acceptable when balanced against the facts set forth
on the Statement of Overriding Considerations, giving weight to the remaining
unavoidable significant effect.
MR OUALITY:
The primary impacts to air quality associated with project implementation will occur from
vehicular-related emissions. Indirect impacts will occur from stationary sources, including
increased electrical demand requiring combustion in power plants. The project air quality
analysis indicates that the thresholds for N02 and PMlO will be exceeded during the
construction phases of the Travertine Specific Plan and is therefore significant.
Findings:
1. Mitigation measures have been required for the project which will partially mitigate to
the extent feasible the significant impact.
2. The project will have significant long-term impacts to CO, ROC, and N02 emissions.
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Resolution No. 95-38
3. The remaining unavoidable significant effect is acceptable when balanced against facts set
forth in the Statement of Overriding Considerations, giving weight to the remaining
unavoidable significant effect.
WATER RESOURCES:
The total water demand for the Travertine project would be approximately 12,000,000 gallons
per day at full buildout. This project, together with other closely related past, present, and fliture
projects in the Coachella Valley, will result in reductions in the existing underground water
supply which is currently in a state of overdraft, and will require further dependence on out-of-
state water supplies. The impacts to the water supply within the Coachella Valley are considered
cumulatively significant.
Findings:
1. The proposed project will result in cumulative water impacts on the Coachella Valley.
2. Cumulative impacts remain significant due to the Coachella Valley's dry climate,
exhaustible water supply, and increased dependency on imported water.
3. Potentially significant site disturbance impacts remain due to the unknown off site well
and reservoir locations required by the proposed project.
4. The remaining unavoidable significant effect is acceptable when balanced against facts set
forth in the Statement of Overriding Considerations, giving weight to the remaining
unavoidable significant effect.
BIOLOGY:
The Travertine project would eliminate a portion of the population of a sensitive plant, the
California barrel cactus, which was found on the rocky plains and slopes on the site. This species
is listed by the USFWS as a Category 2 species. Other sensitive plants that could be impacted are
the triple ribbed milk vetch and the Cove's cassia. These are considered significant impacts. The
project would remove essentially all existing biological resources from at least half of the
nonagricultural portion of the site. The project would remove approximately 300 acres of natural
desert habitat, which will be a direct and cumulative significant impact.
The Travertine project would eliminate habitat for on-site wildlife species which are not
considered sensitive species. However, this elimination is considered a significant impact. Habitat
for sensitive birds found on the project site would be eliminated. These are the prairie falcon,
black-tailed gnatchatcher, and the loggerhead shrike. These impacts are considered significant.
Approximately 200 acres of formerly occupied desert tortoise habitat would be removed. This is
considered a significant impact. The southeast area of the Travertine site is occupied habitat of
the round-tailed ground squirrel, and coincides with the approximate location of part of the
planned target golf course. The taking of round-tailed ground squirrel habitat is considered
significant.
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Findings:
1. The taking of sensitive plants is reduced by mitigation measures, but remains significant
after mitigation due to the permanent removal of some sensitive plants.
2. The loss of natural habitat within the Coachella Valley remains unavoidable.
3. Impacts to the prairie falcon, blacktailed guateatcher, and loggerhead shrike habitats is
lessened with implementation of the Habitat Conservation Plan, but remains significant
after mitigation.
4. Impacts to the Palm Springs Round-tailed Ground Squirrels is lessened, butremains
significant after mitigation.
5. The taking of sensitive plants is reduced by mitigation but remain significant after
mitigation.
6. The loss of natural habitat on-site is considered a significant and unavoidable impact.
7. Impacts to sensitive wildlife species present on-site have been reduced but remain
significant after mitigation.
8. Impacts to sensitive bat species can be lessened by implementation of the Habitat
Conservation Plan but remains significant after mitigation.
9. The incremental loss of habitat remains cumulatively significant and unavoidable.
10. The incremental loss of Sonoran Creosote Bush Scrub, Desert dry woodland plant and
animal communities within the Coachella Valley is considered cumulatively significant
and unavoidable.
11. The Travertine project specific and cumulative related impacts have been reduce to the
extent feasible, however, these impacts remain significant.
12. The remaining unavoidable significant effect is acceptable when balanced against facts set
forth in the Statement of Overriding Considerations, giving weight to the remaining
unavoidable significant effect.
AESTHETICS:
The existing viewsheds from the Travertine project on-site and off-site) will be significantly
altered as a considerable amount of open space views will be altered with buildings, landscaped
areas, and lighting due to implementation of the project. The Martinez Rock Slide which provides
a significant scenic vista will be impacted.
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Resolution No. 95-38
The proposed project in conjunction with other proposed projects will result in a cumulatively
significant impact related to increased light and glare and a decrease in the existing open space
view opportunities.
Findings:
1. The Travertine project specific and cumulative impacts have been reduced to the extent
feasible, however, these impacts remain significant.
2. The remaining unavoidable significant effect is acceptable when balanced against facts set
forth in the Statement of Overriding Considerations, giving weight to the remaining
unavoidable significant effect.
POPULATION. HOUSING AND EMPLOYMENT:
The Travertine project will result in a direct population increase of approximately 6,555
residents on-site. This project is not consistent with the population projections contained within
the City of La Quinta General Plan Buildout analyses and is considered a significant impact. The
project will increase the concentration of population in an area that is currently vacant open
space, resulting in a significant impact. However, the development of these residential units will
aid the City of La Quinta in meeting the goal established in the Housing Element of insuring the
provision of adequate housing, including a range of housing types and costs for all existing and
future residents of La Quinta. The project will result in population, housing, and employment
and is not consistent with the City of La Quinta General Plan or SCAG's projections.
Findings:
1. Project specific and cumulative population, housing, and employment impacts are
considered significant and growth inducing.
2. The remaining unavoidable significant effect is acceptable when balanced against facts set
forth in the Statement of Overriding Considerations, giving weight to the remaining
unavoidable significant effect.
PUBLIC SERVICES AND UTILITIES:
Schools:
The Travertine project will have a significant impact upon the local schools. Students generated
by the proposed project will add to the existing and anticipated overcrowded conditions at the
schools that will serve the site. Additional travel-related costs will be incurred by the Coachella
Valley Unified School District as a result of the increased traveling time and mileage associated
with the project development.
Cumulative impacts upon school facilities will result due to the existing state of overcrowding and
the future increase of students generated by this and other projects.
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^#HFindings:
1. Mitigation measures have been provided to reduce impacts to the extent feasible.
2. Project specific and cumulative impacts remain significant.
3. The remaining unavoidable significant effect is acceptable when balanced against facts set
forth in the Statement of Overriding Considerations, giving weight to the remaining
unavoidable significant effect.
Electricitv:
Implementation of the Travertine project will result in an increased demand for electricity
services. This project in conjunction with other projects will result in a significant cumulative
impact in electricity services.
Findings:
1. Mitigation measures have been incorporated into the proposed project which will mitigate
the project specific impacts to a levels of insignificance, however, the cumulative impacts
remain significant on a growth inducing level.
2. The remaining unavoidable significant effect is acceptable when balanced against facts in
the Statement of Overriding Considerations, giving weight to the remaining unavoidable
significant effect.
Gas:
Implementation of the Travertine project will result in an increased demand for gas services. This
is a significant impact.
The Travertine project will have a significant cumulative impact on a growth inducing level.
Findings:
1. Mitigation measures have been incorporated into this proposed project, which will
partially mitigate to the extent feasible this significant impact.
2. Cumulative impacts remain significant on a growth inducing level.
3. The remaining unavoidable significant effect is acceptable when balanced against facts set
forth in the Statement of Overriding Considerations, giving weight to the remaining
unavoidable significant effect.
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^#HResolution No. 95-38
Solid Waste:
The Travertine project will represent a significant increase in solid waste. This project in
conjunction with other projects will pose a cumulatively significant impact.
Findings:
1. Mitigation measures have been incorporated into the proposed project that will partially
mitigate to the extent possible this significant impact.
2. Cumulative impacts remain significant.
3. The remaining unavoidable significant effect is acceptable when balanced against facts set
forth in the Statement of Overriding Considerations, giving weight to the remaining
unavoidable significant effect.
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EXHIBIT tiDit
FINDINGS AND FACTS IN SUPPORT OF FINDINGS FDR SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF THE
PROJECT EFFECTS DETERMINED TO BE MITIGABLE TO A LEVEL OF INSIGNIFICANCE
TRAFFIC AND CIRCULATION:
The Traverttne Specific Plan is elpected to be built out by the year 2020. The following intersections
under General Plan buildout conditions requrre signalization to Improve the Level of Service *OS), with
or without the Travertine SpecIfic Plan. The ultimate development of the dwelling units, resort hotel,
commercial, and open space uses in the project will generate a significant increase in local and
regional traffic volumes.
Findings:
1. Mitigation measures will be made a part of the project approval which
will mitigate this impact to a level of insignificance.
2. The proposed project specific and cumulative traffic related impacts are
mitigated to a less than significant level.
NOISE:
The proposed Travertine project will result in potentially audible noise increases at the following
linlls:
Madison SLINorth of Airport Blvd.
Madison St.INorth of Avenue 58
Avenue 54IWest of Madison St.
Avenue 58IWest of Madison St.
This project will experience cumulatively significant audible noise increases at the following
intersections:
Avenue 62 east and west of Madison St.
Madison Street north and south of Avenue 62
Monroe Street from the project site to Avenue 58
The following roadway links will experience potentially audible noise increase:
Monroe StreeUNorth of Avenue 50
Avenue S4fWest of Madison Street
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Resolution No. 95-3e
m'dlngs:
I. Mitigation measures will be Incorporated Into the project approvals that
will mitigate these impacts to a less than signific ant level.
WATER RESOURCES:
The proposed Travertine project would generate approximately 710,632 gallons per day gpd) or
wastewater effluent at bulld out, which would be sent via the proposed system to the Mid-Valley
Reclamation NanL This would Increase the daily treatment demand from 2.5 mgd to 3.2 mgd. The
Coachella Valley Water fllstrlct has Indicated that they have the capacity of servicIng the site.
However, sewer service impacts remain significant sInce the project is bringing sewer service Into an
area that does not have existing facilities. Mitigation measures have been required for the project that
will reduce these impacts to a level less than significant.
Findings::
1. Project specific water and sewer imp acts are mitigated to a less than
significant level
SOILSIGEOLO(;YISEISMIC:
The Travertine Specific Plan proposes to construct on rubble land * Rock outcrop *O), and Carrizo
Stoney sand CcC). These soils are not considered suitable for homesites. The nature of these soils are
not conducive to homesites or golf courses because the granitic rock and boulders In these areas
would subject people to potentially hazardous rockfall conditions. Soils erosion impacts from
development within these areas are considered significant and adverse if not mitigated properly.
This project would develop single-family residences, a resort hotel, and two goir courses within
Groundshaklng Zone Ill. These land uses are considered normal and low risk land uses and are
provisionally suitable. However, the entire development would be subject to potential seismic-related
Impacts.
The project site may be subject to erosion due to active upllft of regional faults, relatively soft rock
units, sparse vegetation, and seasonal rainf* Sides could occur from adjacent existing formations
such as the Martinez Side onto the project site.
F'ndings:
1. There is potential hazards from high wind erosion, seismic events, and
landsllde activity to the project,
2. Mitigation measures and project changes will be incorporated Into the
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project in order to mitigate these hazards to a level that is less than
significant.
HYDROLOGY:
The Travertine Specific Plan proposes a drainage plan to cIrcumvent the impacts associated with
storniwater flows. Tills project in conjunction with other past, present, and foreseeable flituro projects
will not impact downstream receiving waters. Mitigation measures will be required for the project that
will reduce impacts associated with hydrologic issues to a level that is less than significant.
Findings::
I. There is a potential for the project to be impacted by the historical
flows of stormwater runoff.
2. Mitigation measures will be required for tllis project that will mitigate
these Impacts to a level that is less than significant.
BIOLOGY:
The Travertine project would eliinlnate habitat for wildlife species on*site. Potential indirect impacts
to the bighorn sheep which may frequent the hills overlooking the project site to the west and south
are considered significant. However, the project will be required to ensure that a habitat management
plan for the bighorn sheep is prepared and Implemented. Elements of this management plan will
include but are not Limited to: designating a buffer area separating the developed area from the toe
of the slope; usage of sound walls; restrictions on outdoor lighting; usage of nonrefiective sudaces;
leash laws for pets; and education of property owners. Tills plan shall be prepared by a biologist
expert in the study of the biglioni sheep and reviewed by the California Departinent of lish and Game,
prior to issuance of a grading permit. Tills plan will serve as mitigation that will lower the impact to
a level that is less than significant.
The Travertine project will remove approilmately 20fl acres of formerly occupied desert tortoise
habitat, this Is a significant Impact. The appilcant will be required to comply with the CDFG
requirements.
Ilindings:
1. The proposed project will have indirect impacts on the bighorn sheep that m a y
frequent the hllls overlooking the project site to the west and south.
2. These impacts will be mitigated to a less than significant level.
3. The proposed project will Impact former habitat of the Desert Tortoise.
4. ThIs impact will be mitigated to a level of insignificance.
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Resolution No. 95-38
5. The proposed project has the potential to significanily impact the bluelliie stream
course on-site due to construction activities.
6. Impacts to the bluellne stream course can be mitigated to a less than
significant level.
JULTURAL RESOURCES:
Cultural resources were round on the Travertine project site. These resources consist or prehistoric
archaeological sites and isolates. An archaeological survey and study was conducted on the project
site to locate and determine the significance of the sites. The analysis determined that the
archaeological sites are less than significant according to state criteria for such determinations.
Findings:
1. Prehistoric archaeological resources were located and assessed on the *
Specific Plan site.
2. These cultural resources were determined not to be significant according to state
criteriL
RECREATION:
* The Travertine project would generate approximately 8,555 persons based on 2.85 persons per
househol* Although the project provides for significant recreational opportunities on-site, the project
would increase the utilization of off-site parks and recreational facillties. This is considered a
significant impact. Mitigation measures will be required to reduce this impact to an insignificant
level.
Findings:
1. The proposed project will have impacts upon the park and recreation racmties
of the City.
2. This impact will be reduced through the required mitigation measures to a level that
is less than significant.
USK OF UPSET:
The Travertine project may expose people to contaminated soils on-site, hazardous substances, etc.,
due to the 229 acres of actively cultivated vineyards and malntenance areas. Impacts related to the
risk or upset are project specific. Mitigation will be required prior to issuance of grading permits that
will assess and remediate any actual contaminatioL
Findings:
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1. The proposed project may pose a risk or e'posure to contaminated soils as
a result of cultivation activities on the project site.
2. This potential impact will be mitigated by the requirement for an assessment and
appropriate remediation of any and all contaminated soils prior to issuance of a
grading permit, which will reduce the impact to a less than significant leveL
PUBLIC SERVICES AND UTILITIES:
Law Enforcement:
Additional staff and service personnel will need to be increased as a result of the Travektine SpecIfic
Plan. It is estimated that six additional officers will be required with the development of the project
site. Consultation with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department during site planning and design of
tract maps will be required to provide any needed mitigation to this impact.
Findings:
1. The proposed project will impact the existing level of law enforcement
necessitating an increase in law enforcement personnel.
2. This impact will be mitigated by consultation with the Riverside County Shuiff's
Department to provide the required level of service resulting in a leestlian
significant impact.
l'ire Protection:
The Riverside County Irre Department has estimated that the Travertine Specific Plan will require one
fire defense faclilty, one pumper staffed with a minimum of two persons, and a truck company staffed
with a minimum of three persons. This is a significant impact. This project in conjunction with other
proposed projects will ultimately affect fire protection services. Mitigation measures will be required
to lessen the Impact to fire protection services.
Findings:
1. The proposed project will result in significant impacts to fire protection sereiCeL
2. These impacts will be mitigated through payment of a fire mitigation fees *IIu(1y
of La Quinta and the Riverside County Ilire Department, and tirrough
compilance with fire protection development requirements.
Medical Services:
The proposed specific plan will impact the existing hospital and medical center facillties. The
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development of this project and others will result in a need for additional medical services, however,
the medical raclilties affected, continually forecast and anticipate growth in the area to ensure
services commensurate with need.
Findings:
1. The proposed project will impact the existing medical facIlities.
2. No mitigation is proposed as these facIlities anticipate growth in their fadl(ies
to provide services commensurate with the projected Deed.
Electricity:
The proposed Travertine Specific Plan will result in an increased demand for electricity services. The
project-specific impacts related to the electrical needs of the Travertine project will be mitigated to
a less than significant level through the requirement ror expansion of the on-site and off-site electric
lines and substations during project development stage. The developer will be required to pay all costs
associated with the e*enslon of such lines and substations.
Findings:
1. The proposed project will result in an increased demand for electrical services
and facIlities both on-site and off-site.
2- This increased demand for electrical services will be met by the developer *-
project development stage, which will reduce impacts to a level that is less than
significant.
Gas:
Implementation of the Travertine Specific Plan will result in an increased demand for gas services.
This is considered a significant impact. The project will contribute to a cumulative impact on a
growth inducing leveL Mitigation will consist of the developer paying for all required expansion of gas
service to the project from the existing lines. The project specific impacts will be mitigated to a less
than significant level.
Findings:
1. The proposed project will impact eiisting gas service and result in
significant growth inducing impacts.
2. The project-specific impacts will be mitigated to a level that is less than
significant.
Cable Service:
The Travertine project will result in an Increased demand for cable television services on the
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project-specific leveL Necessary eipansion of the an-site and off-site cable lines will be idenUfied
during the development plaiining s*e. The developer will coordinate the installation of cable
services with the local cable company.
Findings:
1. The proposed project will result in an increased demand for cable serei*
a. Mitigation measures will be required that will mitigate the project-specific a n d
cumulative impacts related to the provision of cable service to a less t h a n
significant leveL
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Resolution No. 95-38
EXHIBIT E"
FINDINGS CONCERNING ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION:
Prior to recommending adoption or SpecInc Plan 94*O26, the City Council has considered all of the
alternatives presented in the Draft Eli and FlIlal Eli and finds that the alternatives other than the
preferred alternative are inreasible based on econonlic, environmental, and other considerations as set
forth below.
InfeasibWtv of the No Prol oct Alternative*
Implementation of this alternative assumes that the project site would remain in its current land use as
vineyards and open space. This alternative would avoid the impacts associated with all of the issue areas
assessed by the Eli. Although the No Project Alternative is the environmentally superior alternative to
the extent that only the natural environment is considered, it would also mean that the project's
objectives would not be achieved and the 2,300 housing units would not be built. This would reduce the
futrre housing supply in the City of La Quinta. Based on these considerations, the City Council finds that
Alternative I is infeasible.
lnfeasibilltv of Alternative 2
Alternative 2 would propose development of the project site utilizing the current General Plan land use
designations of Low Density Residential LOR) 2 to 4 dwelling units per acre), and Open Space 05) 1
dwelling unit per 10 acres). Of the 909 acres, 861 acres are currentiy designated as LDR with the
remalning acres designated OS. This alternative would result in a dwelling unit density of 2.0 d.u.Iacre
being assumed for the LDL Alternative 2 would only include residential units that were consistent with
the General Plan designations. A decrease in the number of units from Z300 to approximately 1,727 units
would result. This unit reduction might result in and increase in the preservation of existing biological
habitat and open space resources. Implementation of Alternative 2 would result in fewer environmental
impacts to land use, traffic and circulation, noise, air quality, water and wastewater resources, biology,
recreation and PoPulationlhousingjempi0y*0** There will be simllar environmental impacts to
soilslgeologylseismic, hydrology/stormwat** runoff, aesthetic and cultural resources, risk of upset and
public services and utilities. Although Alternative 2 is considered environmentally superior to the
proposed Traver*hie Specific Plan project in that it reduces impacts to eight different environmental
issues, 3 of the 8 reduced impacts will still remain significant after mitigation. The applicant's
residential objectives would only partially be achieved with approximately 1800 dwelling units, and no
recreational objectives would be achieved. Based on these considerations, the City Council finds that
Alternative 2is infeasible.
Infeasibilltv of Alternative 3
Alternative 3 for the Travertine site will provide higher density areas in which greater affordable housing
opportunities will be provided in the La Quinta areL The clustering of dwelling units will partially
mitigate impacts to biologically sensitive areas of the Palm Springs Round.talled Ground Squirrel in the
eastern portion of the project site, while increasing the bighorn sheep setback in the southern portion
of the property. mgher densities in these areas of the site will allow clustering to preserve more desert
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scrub habitat with the proposed project. Implementation of Mternative 3 would result in fewer
environmental Impacts to traffic and circulation, noise, air quaiity, water and wastewater resources,
biology, recreation and populationlhousinglemployment. This alternative will have similar environmental
Impacts to land use, cultural resources, geologylsoilslseismlc, aestheticslvisual, hydrologylstorinwater
runoff, risk of upset, and publlc services and utilltles. This alternative is considered environmentally
superior to the proposed project in that it reduces impacts to seven different environmental issues.
However, 4 of the 7 reduced Impacts would stili remain significant after mitigation. Development of
alternative 3 wlll clustered and win transfer dwelling units from environmentally sensitive habitat.
Mfordable housing opportutities will be made available for the city of La Quinta. This alternative meets
most of the recreational and housing objectives of the appilcant, however, it does not meet all of the
objectives. Based on these considerations, the City Council finds that Mternative 315 infeasible.
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