HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/19/1996, C-4 - MARSH STREET GARAGE EXPANSION ENVIORNMENTAL REVIEW council
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
FROM: Mike McCluskey, Director of Public Worlg vr/"
Prepared By: Keith Opalewski, Parking Manager[Z,/
SUBJECT: Marsh Street Garage Expansion Environmental Review
CAO RECONEMUgDATION:
Approve the specifications for the Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Focused Environmental
Impact Report (EIR) for the Marsh Street Garage expansion and direct staff to solicit bids and
authorize the CAO to award the contract to the most responsible contractor within the engineer's
estimate.
DISCUSSION:
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), all development projects
are subject to environmental determination for adverse impacts. The expansion of the Marsh
Street Parking Garage falls under this guideline. As a result of this mandate, the Community
Development Department has recently completed an initial environmental review of the proposed
garage expansion project and has determined that the project may have a significant effect on
the environment, and has directed staff to complete a Focused EIR for the garage expansion.
Workscope
Since the project is an expansion of an existing parking facility, the workscope for the EIR will
focus on the area that have the most potential for adverse impacts. These focus areas will
include land use and traffic circulation, air quality, aesthetics and cultural resources, and
cumulative impacts of the project. Highlights of the study parameters for each component is as
follows:
* Land use/Traffic Circulation--Evaluate the project's consistency with General Plan
specifically focussing on the objectives of the Circulation Element with regards to service
levels and average daily trips.
* Air quality—Quantify expected emissions from mobile sources and suggest mitigation
measures.
* Aesthetics/Cultural Resources—Evaluate the visual impacts of the project and conduct
evaluation of archaeological resources consistent with adopted City policies.
* Alternatives/Cumulative Impacts—Consider a reduced project that responds to identified
issues and the cumulative effects of the overall project.
Council Agenda Report-MSS Environmental Review
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Other components such as biology and geology were not considered to be significant by the
Community Development Department since the project is an expansion of an existing parking
garage and the proposed site for the elongated garage is over existing surface parking.
CONCURRENCES:
The BIA Parking Subcommittee and BIA Board both support the need for an environmental
report as a necessary step in order to expand the garage structure.
FISCAL VVIPACT:
Funding for preliminary work on the Marsh Street garage expansion was approved by City
Council in January of 1996. Specifically, $710,000 was allocated in the 95-97 Capital
Improvement Plan to address appraisal and property negotiations ($30,000), environmental
review and architectural and design services ($280,000), as well as land acquisition ($400,000)
for this expansion project.
Based upon the suggested workscope of the EIR, the estimate for this report should not exceed
$50,000, and in all likelihood, should be well below this amount. However, given the concerns
by the community for a sound project addressing key environmental issues these funds will be
well spent.
ALTERNATIVES:
There is no viable alternative since all projects must comply with the CEQA process.
Notice Requesting Proposals is available in the Council Office for review.
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