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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/02/1997, 3 - HEARING OF PUBLIC TESTIMONY AND POTENTIALLY TAKING ACTION REGARDING THE CAL POLY PARKING GARAGE council ° ;°= _9/,I" j acEnaa Repoizt °®N..bw C I TY OF SAN LU 13 O B I S P o FROM: John Dunn,City Administrative Offi� SUBJECT: Hearing of Public Testimony and Potentially Taking Action Regarding the Cal Poly Parking Garage CAO RECOMMENDATION That the City Council, after hearing testimony, decide whether it would be appropriate to take a position. DISCUSSION At the November 4'b City Council meeting, the City Council heard a request from a representative of the Alta Vista Neighborhood Association, who asked that the matter of the Cal Poly Parking Garage be placed on the agenda of November 18th. However, due to the full schedule on that date, the Council placed the matter on the December 2'City Council agenda. The Council asked that this matter be placed on the agenda to hear comments of the neighbors and others regarding this proposed project; the City Council did not ask for the preparation of a full staff report. Therefore, this memo will not deal with the substantive aspects of the parking structure project itself, as that subject has been dealt with in the Cal Poly Parking Structure EIR and other Cal Poly documents. The City's historical role in this project was participating in and approval of the Development and subsequent Operating Agreements for the Performing Arts Center as follows: The three-party Development Agreement was approved by the City Council and executed by former Mayor Ron Dunin on December 5, 1989 and, in part, states in Section 6.01,"University shall develop a parking management program providing the public access to campus parking facilities for events scheduled at the Performing Arts Center." The follow-up Operating Agreement was approved by the City Council and executed by former Mayor Peg Pinard on July 22, 1993, and states in Section 7.01, " Parking Manuement Program. University shall develop a parking management program providing public access to campus parking facilities for events scheduled at the Center. The University agrees that providing adequate, though nonexclusive parking is a part of its responsibility." The City's position was essentially one of following upon the City-commissioned Halle, Goodhue, Haisley & Barker Feasibility Study of 1985, which rejected a downtown location for the Performing Arts Center, in part, because it would have been near impossible to build sufficient adjacent parking to support the Center, and which recommended a three-party partnership in order to have the combined capacity to build the Center. The City's interest has consistently been that the Performing Arts Center was being built for the benefit of the community and its citizens and that 3� Council Agenda Report-Cal Poly Parking Garage Page 2 the Center should be accessible and convenient to its users. The City has never been asked to be a partner in the parking garage, though adjacent parking is normally a part of Center development, as Cal Poly had stated that they would assume responsibility for Center parking. The City has never been asked by Cal Poly to take a position on this project, probably based on the recognition that the project is a Cal Poly project and the California State University system does not need any other approvals for this project. The City has no authority or jurisdiction in this area, except as are available to all members of the public. The City recently received an invitation to comment on the EIR, similar to other agencies and individuals, which was presented by staff members of the Community Development Department at the "Community Forum" sponsored by Cal Poly on October 15, 1997. Essentially three questions have been raised by the Alta Vista Neighborhood Association : (1) whether the garage is needed at all, (2)if the garage is to be built in an area generally nearby the Performing Arts Center, shouldn't it be along Grand Avenue rather than on the down bill "tennis court" site, and (3) shouldn't the parking garage be placed somewhere else on campus to handle other Cal Poly parking needs. In this issue there are at least several perspectives: 1. Neighborhood 2. Cal Poly' 3. City—(a)Determine City's long-term public good; (b)Political jurisdiction for and supporter of City's neighborhoods; (c)Partner in and financial contributor to the Performing Arts Center 4. Performing Arts Center(operations staff 5. Foundation for the Performing Arts Center(past and future fundraising responsibility) The proposed Cal Poly Parking Structure has been identified by some as the "Performing Arts Center Parking Garage." From Cal Poly's perspective, it is a true multi-purpose parking structure as it will serve these users: Daytime 1. Students, faculty, staff and visiting public 2. Recreation Center(to a limited degree) Nighttime 1. Recreation Center 2. Mott Gym 3. Performing Arts Center (Above three are the major nighttime users-two below are lesser users) 4. Cal Poly Theater 5. Chumash Auditorium Cal Poly has been asked to provide a listing of the proposed mitigation measures to reduce the impact of the parking structure on the adjacent neighborhood. This will be provided to the City Council and be made available to the public. 3.2 Council Agenda Report-Cal Poly Parking Garage Page 3 It is important to emphasize the city's role in regard to this matter. It is one of appealing to a sister public agency and of asking them for their consideration of our viewpoint. No inference should be made that the City has had or will have any legal authority in relation to the ultimate decision to proceed;that is the sole province of the California State University system(State of California). By analogy,if we had received a letter from Cal Poly on the Marsh/Chorro garage project,we certainly would have considered it, as we did all other letters and oral testimony,but the final decision would still have to be that of the City Council. There is a general perception by City staff of the following: 1. The successful operation of the Performing Arts Center is related to the availability of nearby and convenient parking, and there have been complaints — particularly by the elderly, handicapped and musicians with instruments to carry— about the distance they must park from the Center. 2. There is growth pressure on most, if not all, campuses of the CSU system; Cal Poly is expected to have an enrollment growth in the years ahead. 3. This particular part of the Cal Poly campus is in high demand and heavily impacted by parking because of student-faculty-staff-public parking needs and the adjacency of student housing, Recreation Center, Mott Gym, Performing Arts Center, Cal Poly Theater and Chumash Auditorium. 4. The City, in the operation of SLO Transit, and Cal Poly, in underwriting Cal Poly transit fares, have created a system with almost 60% Cal Poly ridership. The transit system is perhaps the single largest factor in mitigating against an even greater traffic impact on SLO streets and parking impact on the Cal Poly campus and nearby areas. Both the City and Cal Poly have recently given a great deal of attention to the matter of retaining previous and mutually- beneficial service levels. 5. The City has consistently taken the position over the years that Cal Poly should do what it can to reduce single-occupant cars from arriving on campus, and to encourage "alternative transportation" measures of improved transit service, bike paths, pedestrian routes, and transportation-demand-management measures. 6. If a parking structure is to be built in this general area,it is to the City's and the neighborhood's advantage to reduce the height as much as possible,to reduce visual,noise and lighting impacts on surrounding areas. Attached is a copy of the surnmary of the Cal Poly Parking Structure EIR and other documents that relate to this issue. 3 -3 Council Agenda Report-Cal Poly Parldng Garage Page 4 Outions Available to the Council 1. Take a position against the garage,or its proposed location. 2. Take a position for the garage,and its proposed location. 3. Take the position that this is a Cal Poly project, and that the City has appropriately offered comments and input during the EIR process. 4. Continue the matter and(a)request additional analysis/information from Cal Poly or City staff; and/or (b) instruct City staff to review the EIR for potential additional mitigation measures which should be applied to the project (though, presumably, the two parties to the Settlement Agreement — Cal Poly and the Alta Vista Neighborhood Association — have thoroughly explored this area). 3-jL 2.0 SUMMARY This section has been prepared in accordance with the State CEOA Guidelines, and is divided into two components. The first summarizes the characteristics of the proposed project, and summarizes any areas of controversy known-to the lead agency (California State University). The second section identifies the environmental impacts, mitigation measures, and residual impacts associated with the implementation of the project and cumulative development. 2.1 PROJECT SYNOPSIS 2.1.1 Project Proponent The California State University Office of the Chancellor 400 Golden Shore Long Beach, California 90802-4275 2.1.2 Project Description The project involves the construction of a parking structure for the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) campus. The structure would be four levels in height, with a capacity for 936 vehicles, and would be connected to the Performing Arts Center by a pedestrian bridge. Construction of the parking structure would eliminate existing surface parking areas and tennis courts. Up to 150 parking spaces may be lost due to the construction of the parking structure, resulting in a potential net increase of 786 additional parking spaces. 2.1.3 Location The project site is located in the southerly portion of the campus, at the southwest corner of the intersection of Tahoe Road and Pacheco Way. Primary access to the parking 1 structure would be provided from Grand Avenue to the east. A secondary egress to Pacheco Way would also be provided. Emergency access to the structure would be available from the intersection of Hathway Avenue and Longview Lane to the.southwest. The site is north of and adjoining the City of San Luis Obispo, in San Luis Obispo County. Regional access is provided by U.S. Highway 101, south of the campus, and State Route 1, west of the campus. The Grand Avenue and California Street interchanges provide the primary access to the campus from U.S. Highway 101. CMND&%IO J*04CTMALRLYwMKPCCR%VWDM3-SEC}OALY 2-1 2.0 Summary 2.2 AREAS OF CONTROVERSY KNOWN TO THE LEAD AGENCY Public controversy concerning the proposed parking structure has been in evidence since j the public review period for the ISINM. The principal areas of controversy relate to the proximity of the parking structure to residences to the south and southwest of the project site and associated traffic, noise and visual effects; access to the parking structure; and the elimination of . existing tennis courts. 2.3 ISSUES TO BE RESOLVED Cal Poly must determine whether to approve the development of the parking structure as currently designed and at the proposed on-campus location. 2.4 SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS, MITIGATION MEASURES AND ALTERNATIVES The summary included in Table 2-1 identifies four types of potential project impacts that are associated with the proposed project. They are described as follows: • Significant, Unavoidable, Adverse Impacts (Class I). These are impacts for which "specific economic, social or other considerations make infeasible the mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the Final EIR." If Cal Poly t decides to approve the project, a Statement of Overriding Considerations must be adopted for any identified significant, unavoidable adverse impacts, as required by the State CEOA Guidelines, Section 15093(b). • Significant but Mitigable Impacts (Class II). These are significant impacts that can be feasibly mitigated to less than significant levels. State CEOA Guidelines Section 15091(a)(1) requires that "findings" be made indicating that changes or alterations have been required in the project to avoid or substantially lessen these impacts. • Impacts Found Not to be Significant (Class Ell). These are impacts that have been found to be adverse, but less than significant. • Beneficial Impacts (Class IV). These impacts are considered environmentally beneficial. The table is organized in the order of level of impact, assuming implementation of mitigation (i.e., significant, unavoidable, adverse impacts are discussed first, and so on). 2.0 Summary Mitigation measures, residual impacts (impacts that remain after the recommended mitigation measures have been implemented) and cumulative impacts are also described in the impact summary. 2.5 ALTERNATIVES This EIR examines the following three alternatives to the proposed project and compares the impacts of each to those of the project. • No Project; • Grand Avenue Location Alternative, and • Dormitory Location Alternative. a - i C+wwwortawto,ernrxro�nr�nw+�mamooa�+sEero sw 2-3 3-7 2.0 Summary i i Table 2-1. Summary of Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures Cal Poly Parking Structure I EIR • Residual .:: Impact Siemficince t Mrtrgaion impact. After Mitigatio n< 5.1 Land Use/Recreation LII-1 (Parking Availability). The Class IV No mitigation measures are required. Class IV proposed parking structure would meet a portion of the existing and fitture parking space demand in the project area, and provide accessible parking for existing recreational and performing arts uses. Towards these ends, such impacts would be beneficial(Class IV). LU-2 (Tennis Courts). Although the Class III No mitigation measures are required. Class III parking structure would eliminate approximately six tennis courts, four tennis courts located to the west of the structure would remain, and f additional tennis courts are proposed Il to be constructed in the future. Recreational impacts are considered less than significant(Class III). t LU-3 (Campus Alaster Plan). The Class III No mitigation measures are required. Class III proposed parking structure is consistent with Cal Poly's Master I Plan, the guiding instrument for development on the Cal Poly campus. Impacts are therefore considered less r than significant(Class III). It LU4 (Neighborhood Impacts). The Class II Please refer to the following Mitigation Measures,fully Class III proposed parking structure may be discussed in the air quality, noise, and visual resources 1 disruptive to residents near the section of the EIR: project site, including those in the Air Quality(AQ-1(a),AQ-1(b),AQ-2(a)) A Alta Vista neighborhood and the 1 campus dormitories. Neighborhood- 0 Noise(N-t(a through g)) related noise and visual impacts are potentially significant, but mitigable • Visual Resources(VR-2(a),VR-3(a),VR-3(b)) I (Class II). t C'*MfW onavaOJEersYxroXnvARKUI FrMIR%DW%3-See:rive 2-4 3-p _ . 2.0 Summary Table 2-1. -(Continued) Residual Impact S.tenificance` ` Mitigation: Impact' -..... After. Mtngahod: 5.2 Geologic Hazards GEO-1 (Seismicity). In a major Class 11 GEO-1(a). Regulatory Compliance. Compliance with Class III earthquake on the Los Osos or San the Uniform Building Code,Health and Safety Code,the Andreas, ground accelerations of County Seismic Safety Element, and other applicable O.150a to 0.7g may occur, which ordinances would generally reduce geologic risks to less would cause significant adverse than significant levels. These requirements include the impacts at the site. Implementation of preparation of soils engineering and geological state and local regulations discussed engineering investigations prior to development. The above would reduce potential impacts to investigation will provide mitigation for development. a less than significant level. This is considered significant, but mitigable GEO-1(b). Geotechnical Recommendations. (Class 11). Construction of the parking structure shall incorporate the recommendations of the Geotechnical Investigation Parking Structure I(October 1994),including provisions regarding clearing and striping, general grading, preparation of paved areas, structural fill, excavating conditions, foundations, pier foundations, retaining walls, pavement design, underground facilities construction, slab-on-grade construction, and surface/subsurface drainage. GEO-2 (Ground Rapture). Mapped Class III No mitigation measures are required. Class III faults are located more than 2,500 feet from the project site. This is considered a less than significant impact(Class III). GEO-3 (Liquefaction). There is Class III No mitigation measures are required. Class III currently no evidence of conditions that would lead to significant liquefaction. Implementation of recommendations contained within geologic investigations would reduce potential impacts associated with liquefaction to a less than significant level. This is considered a potentially significant, but mitigable, impact(Class II). w wm�saecaoa�. 2-5 3-7 2.0 Summary Table 2-1. (Continued) ResuduaL;> Impact ImpactSignificance, Mtngatu° After n Mittgahon; GE04 (Landslide Potential). The Class III No mitigation measures are required. Class III proposed pig structure is located to the west of landslide deposits that f have been trapped to the east of the building area; however, improvements appurtenant to the structure, such as site grading and access roads, could encroach on the mapped landslide area. This is considered a less than significant impact(Class III). GEO-5(Slope Stability). The project Class III No mitigation measures are required. Cly III is expected to involve appurtenant construction of graded slopes for the driveway and access to Grand Avenue. This is considered to be a F less than significant impact (Class 11 III). GEO-6 (landslide Potential: Grad Class II GEO-6(a). Site-Specific Geotechnical Investigation. Class M Avenue Site). As a result of the In addition to compliance with codes and regulations, presence of an existing landslide at additional study is needed to evaluate the landslide the alternative site, the potential for conditions at the Grand Avenue site, as discussed for landsliding to impact the Grand Impact GEO-6. The studies are needed to estimate the r Avenue site for the parking structure factor of safety of the existing landslide for existing 1 exists. This is considered a static and earthquake loading conditions,and to evaluate significant impact to structures within what impacts the alternative site improvements may the mapped boundaries of the have out the stability of the landslide. The study will 1 landslide(Class II). specify mitigation measures for any site improvements that are needed to satisfy slope stability requirements for the landslide. 5.3 Traffic and Circulation TC-1 (Project-Generated Tragic). Class III No mitigation measures are required. Cly III Project-generated traffic would not result in the reduction of the existing roadway levels of service to below LOS D. Consequently, impacts are considered less Bran significant (Class I >U)• TC-2 (Intersections). project- Class III No mitigation measures are required. Cly M generated traffic would not degrade the operation of any study area intersection to below its current peak hour level of service. Consequently, impacts are considered less than significant(Class III). CIMDANOROIPltOJEefSCALPOL""KWAMEIR%EIRWEIRl1uEC2-O.SJ 2-6 2.0 Summary Table 2-1. (Continued) Residual Impact Significance Mitivation Impact. . After. Mitigation: TC-3 (Parking Structure Operation) Class.0 TC-3(a). Traffic Management Plan. In anticipation of Class III Operation of the proposed parking event related congestion at the parking structure, the structure would result in a matdmum University shall develop traffic management strategies surge of 842 vehicles departing in the for the structure as part of their Event Parking Traffic one hour following an evening event Management Plan. These strategies would include on the Cal Poly campus. Based on assignment of traffic control personnel to the structure to the design capacity at the structure's facilitate traffic flow in and out of the facility before and exit (800 vehicles per hour), some after events are held. A parking fee collection plan will short-term congestion within the also need to be developed for the structure for the structure may be anticipated events. The plan should also consider the use of one or following evening events. This is both inbound lanes as egress lanes following events at considered a significant but mitigable the Performing Arts Center. impact(Class 11). TC4 (Additional Parking). The Class IV No mitigation measures are required. Class IV proposed structure would add a net 786 parking spaces to the Cal Poly campus (a 936-space facility, minus 150 spaces removed from Lot GI). This would help replace some of the parking (about 1,000 spaces) that have been eliminated in the past ten years due to on-campus development. The addition of new parking is considered a beneficial (Class IV) impact to the campus-wide inventory, and would help meet growing demand. �9 cwvnrwvnavnaeermruvo�nr ww.u�e meimoe eusta.sw+ 2-7 2.0 Summary Table 2-1. (Continued) Residual.' . �Pa� Srenrfacance Mitigation Impact '. ..:After ..; Mitigation' TC-5 (Vehicle/Pedestrian Conflicts). Class II TC-5(a). Crosswalk Markings and Signage. Class III The proposed project would increase Roadways surrounding the parking structure will have the possibility of conflicts between appropriate cross%alk markings and signage to facilitate pedestrians, bicycles, and the safe passage of pedestrians to and from the parking automobiles. This would result in a structure and other on-campus destinations. Such potentially significant but tnitigable cross%alk markings and signage will be approved by the (Class 11)impact Director of Public Safety and Parking Administrator. Where hazardous conditions exist (such as where sight distances are shortened because of curves in the road or high vegetation) earning signage indicating that a crosswalk is ahead shall be installed at a safe before the crosswalk. if necessary based upon final project design, and as determined appropriate by the Director of Public Safety, stop signs will be installed as appropriate to ensure safe passage of pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular traffic. TC-5(b). Pedestrian Overpass. The parking structure design will include provisions for pedestrian access between the parking structure and surrounding uses. The design would include an overpass to the Performing Arts Center. TC-5(c). Interior Signage and Safety Markings. The parking structure will include clearly visible signage directing vehicular traffic and pedestrian traffic to appropriate travel lanes and exits. Pedestrian accessways shall be designated in die parking structure by striping or other method approved by the University Parking Administrator. TC-6 (Cunndative. Roadways). Class III No mitigation measures are required. Class M t Cumulative traffic increases would not result in the reduction of the I existing roadway levels of service to below LOS D. Consequently, impacts are considered less than significant(Class III). TC-7 (Cumulative. Intersections). Class III No mitigation measures are required. Class M Cumulative traffic would not degrade the operation of any study area intersection to below its current peak hour level of service. Consequently, impacts are considered less dims significant(Class 111). cavnwwamwan:erseVuav~"GMR R=R%ti«n.V-a 2-8 r 2.0 Summary Table 2-1. (Continued) Residual. Impact Srgmfcance Impact Mtttgation After.:— Mitigation (E .. .:.. TC-8 lenrenta School Pedestrian Class lII No mitigation measures are required. Class III Conflict). Increased traffic on Grand Avenue could affect pedestrian safety at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Slack Stmt,which is adjacent to an elementary school. Such impacts would be less than significant(Class M)- 5.4 Air Quality AQ-1 (Construction). Construction of Class I AQ-1(a). Equipment Emission Control Measures. Class I the proposed project would result in The applicant shall use heavy equipment certified to the emission of air pollutants meet the 1996 Federal NO. standard of 6.9 grams per exceeding the APCD significance brake horsepower hour. At a minimum, one tracked thresholds for NO. and Mo. This tractor or one scraper used on the project site shall be impact cannot be mitigated to a level certified to meet this Federal standard. Certified heavy of less than significant;therefore,it is equipment shall be used as the primary equipment and considered Class I, significant and noncertified equipment(such as a second scraper) shall unavoidable. be used only to supplement certified equipment when multiple units are required. These requirements are equivalent to CBACT and shall be noted on the grading plan and listed in the contractor and subcontractor contracts. 2-9 3-�3 2.0 Summary Table 2-1. (Continued) jby ual Sngnnficance Mhhgatuon:' act tionAQ-IM. Dust Control Measures. Dust gconstruction activities shall be kept to a minimimplementation of the following measures. During clearing,grading. earth moving,or transportation of cut or fill materi trucks or sprinkler systems are to be used to prevent dust from leaving the site and to create a crust after each days activities cease; • During construction, umter trucks or sprinkler systems shall be used to keep all areas of vehicle movement damp enough to prevent dust from leaving the site. At a minimum, this would include wetting doh%n such areas in the morning and after work is completed for tate day and whenever wind exceeds IS miles per hour, • Stockpiled earth material shall be sprayed as needed to minimize dust generation. • During construction, the amount of disturbed area ..-shall be minimized, and onsite vehicle speeds should be reduced to IS mph or less; • Exposed ground areas that are planned to be reworked at dates more than one month after initial grading should be sown with afast-gemtinating native grass seed and watered until vegetation is established; • After clearing,grading,earth moving, or excavation is completed, (lie entire area of disturbed soil shall be treated inunediately by catering or revegetating or spreading soil binders to minimize dust generation until the area is paved or otherwise developed so that dust generation will not occur, • Grading and scraping operations shall be suspended Mien wind speeds exceed 20 mph (one hour averagey,, All roadways, driveways, and sidewalks associated with [ construction activities should be paved as soon as possible. In addition, building and other pads shall be laid as soon as possible after grading unless seeding or soil binders are used. 1 c+hroJWORowea,Eers+uUvor.vweww,oWZmoEixusEC*O.sw 2-10 r 2.0 Summary Table 2-1.-(Continued) Residual Impact Significance Mitigation Impact e NLhgatioM AQ-2 (Vehicle Emissions). The Class I AQ-2(a). Parking Payment Options. Prepayment of Class I concentration of vehicle exhaust parking fees could be considered to prevent vehicle emissions within the proposed queuing when leaving, which would reduce vehicle parking structure would result in the startup emissions within the parking structure and exceedance of the State ]-hour CO associated ambient CO concentrations. Parking fees standard at adjacent athletic could be collected through long-term or special event facilities. This impact cannot be passes. mitigated to a level of less than significant-,-,therefore, it is considered Class I,significant and unavoidable. AQ-3 (Cumulative). Emissions Class I All feasible mitigation measures have been Class I associated with the cumulative recommended to reduce project impacts; no additional projects would exceed the APCD measures are available to further mitigate cumulative significance thresholds. This impact impacts. cannot be mitigated to a level of less than significant; therefore, it is considered Class I, significant and unavoidable. 1 _ . 1 1 1 e.AMANweownorccrSCAUMM,�,P,usKW40MR%3, w 2-11 r 2.0 Summary Table 2-1. (Continued) . RestduaL Impact S.tgmfcante .: Mitigation: lmpai A e ft.:r Mtttgation .: 5.5 Noise N-1 (Construction). Construction Class II N-1(a). Equipment Maintenance. All construction Class M would create high noise levels that equipment should be in proper operating condition and affect onsite campus land uses fitted with factory standard silencing features. surrounding the project site, and would significantly affect the N-1(b). Haul Routes. Dirt hauling routes should be dormitories and private residential oriented a%say from property boundaries which abut land uses along Grand Avenue, Slack existing sensitive land uses. The primary route onto the Street,Longview Lane, and Hathway site shall be from Grand Avenue to Slack Street; not Avenue. Because construction noise Longview Lane or Hathway Avenue. would only occur over a short time N-I(c). Vehicle Staging Location. Stockpiling and period, such impacts are considered significant but mitigable(Class II). Vehicle staging areas should be located as far as practical from occupied structures. N-1(d). Minimize Noise Exposure Periods. When reasonable, the noisiest construction operations should be arranged to occur together in the construction program to avoid continuing periods of greater annoyance. N-1(c). Temporary Noise Barriers. Temporary portable noise barriers should be erected between sensitive structures and construction areas during those activities that utilize high noise generating equipment during those time periods in which sensitive structures would be affected. These temporary barriers could i reduce noise levels by approximately 3 to 5 dBA dependent upon the materials used for such a feature. Non-noise generating construction activities, such as interior painting,would not be subject to this restriction. N-1(f). Construction Hours. Project construction activities that generate noise in excess of 60 dB at the project site boundary shall be limited to the hours of 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. N-1(g). Pile Driver Use. if possible, the use of pile drivers shall be minimized at the construction of the parking structure. Alternative techniques that produce less noise, such as drilled or bored piles, shall be considered. 1 1 C.t1NWWMDVRWECTV4AU XYWARKQIG1EMIRIDEIR%34EQ-0-%M 2-12 t 2.0 Summary I Table 2-1. (Continued) 1 Residual Impact: Significance. Mitigrtion Impact After 1 Mitigation. . N-2 (Structure Operation). Noise Class III No mitigation measures are required. Class III resulting from general operation of the parking structure itself would not be discernible to nearby residents. Car alums and horns would be audible,but would not produce noise volumes substantially different than what currently exists. Potential impacts are considered to be less than rr7esi�dents, iicant(Class III). (Traffic). Traffic noise resulting Class III No mitigation measures are required. Class III use of the parking structure not be discernible to local and would incrementally existing noise levels along Grand Avenue, Slack Street, Hathway Avenue and Longview Lane. This is considered less than significant(Class III)impact. N-I (Cumulative). Cumulative noise Class 11 N4(a). Non-Squeal Paring Materials Paving Class III impacts caused by traffic increases on finishes that reduce the potential for noise from fire Grand Avenue and California squealing shall be used Mthin the structure and on Boulevard would result in significatu external ingress and egress approaches. A slightly but mitigable(Class II)impacts. rough finish that offers traction will reduce the potential for fire squealing 5.6 Visual Resources F,pr (Cautructiwr). During site Class LIIFinclude Good Housekeeping Plan. Prior to issuance Class III ration and construction periods, or construction permits for the proposed d land, construction equipment, 1 Poly shall prepare and submit a construction ials, and the access road and od housekeeping plan." The plan shall parking structure in various phases of ch information as designation of onsite completion would be clearly visible or materials and equipment storage, schedule from Grand Avenue, Slack Street, for debris removal,and proposed screening mechanisms. Pacheco Road, Tahoe Road, the Hathway Avenue/Longview Lane intersection, surrounding exterior areas, and nearby recreational and residential Uses. Because construction-related impacts would be short term in nature, they are considered adverse, but less than significant(Class III). CWVWA%VR PMECTSr-WM"ARKMORlFWE1NL}SEQ-0." 2-133 -3-17 2.0 Summary Table 2-1. (Continued) ___...._ ... .........._ _ .... ......... ..... . . Residual Impact Sugriificance Mitigation ImpactAftcr Mitigation. VR-2 ((Light and Glare). The Class 11 VR-2(a). Interior Lighting. All interior lighting Class III proposed development would associated %with the proposed parking structure shall be introduce additional light and glare directed internally %%ith lamp "cutoff shields." No within an already developed portion unobstructed beam of light shall be directed toward lot of the Cal Poly campus,which would land uses outside the structure and shall not interfere be visible to motorists on nearby with vehicular traffic out any portion of any street. streets and surrounding land uses. Examples of specifications for minimizing light and Light and glare impacts are glare include the following. considered significa t but mitigable All lights mast be shielded to avoid glare and light (Class II). spill-over onto adjacent areas and onto public right- of-way areas-, • Landscape illumination should be done %ith low level,unobtrusive fixtures; • Parking structure lighting shall be designed to provide the minimum safe lighting levels. Per IES standards, this is 6 foot-candles (fc) maintained throughout internal to the structure, and I fc minimum on the roof-, • The use of rellective materials on the exterior of all structures shall be minimized; • Internal lightwells %will be provided to maximize the amount of natural light; • No sheanvalls will be included on the interior or exterior of the structure that could block natural light; • Light fixtures will include a vertical component to create an even distribution of light; • Solid mils shall be included around the perimeter to block light spillage from headlights on cars within the structure;and • All roof light fixtures shall be located on the interior columns to keep light from spilling out on to adjacent areas, and will include "cut-oil" shields. VR-3 (Structure Aesthetics). The Class U VR-3(a). Architectural Design. The. structure's Class III proposed parking structure would be design must be approved by the Cal Poly administration highly visible to residents in the and CSU Chancellor's office, so as to ensure unity with nearby dormitories and the Alta Vista the natural and architectural character of the neighborhood. Potential impacts to surrounding area. The design of the structure must be existing viewsheds are potentially such that ridgetop views are preserved from surrounding signiJPcant but mitigable(Class II). residential areas.' w oRiEPtOort%ssr_ca.han+ 2-14 2.0 Summary Table 2-1. (Contin tied) Reatdual Impact $'igntficance Mitigation Impact After, ... Mitigation :i ® VR-3(b). Landscape Design. The following principles shall be followed in landscape design associated with the proposed project: • Existing healthy vegetation near or on the site shall be incorporated into project design as feasible; • Planting areas must be incorporated into the project design to soften the effect of building and paving; however, landscaping shall not encourage hiding places adjacent to the structure that could pose a security risk; • Landscaping shall be included to minimize views of the structure from nearby residential areas, but should not be so high as to block ridgetop views; • The types of plants used for screening purposes shall be chosen based on their ability to achieve this purpose within two years of planting; otherwise, such plants shall be supplemented by temporary architectural features such as screen fences or an arbor,and — 0 Landscape materials shall be chosen to minimize maintenance and water use. 5.7 Public Safety PS-1 (Criminal Activities). A Class Il PS-1(a). Interior Lighting Standards. Interior Class pig structure, by its nature, can lighting within the structure shall meet the standards of increase criminal activities in an the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America. area This is considered significant Such standards emphasize the need for uniform lighting but mitigable (Class II) impact throughout the structure, not just on the driving aisles. Design and operational features can These standards may be found in the IES Lighting reduce this to a less than significant Handbook,Reference Volume. level. PS-1(b). Interior Stairway Location. The two stairways that would be located at the interior of the parking structure must be open, with good visibility from other areas of the facility. There should be no enclosed areas that could be used as hiding places for potential criminals. PS-1(c). Interior Color Scheme. The concrete on the interior shall be stained or painted a light color to maximum the reflectivity of interior lighting. PS-I(d). Design for Potential ]tooth Attendant. The design of the structure should allow the possibility that a ticket booth attendant could be added at the entrance to the structure. However,construction of such a booth is r not required at this time. e .•onowea,eers�xvo�w�nnw+�e�mooausea�s�. 2-15 2.0 Summary Table 2-1.- (Continued) Residual Impact Stsniticance Mitigation Impact After. Mitigation PS-1(e). Interior Signage. Large, readable signs and graphics shall be placed to help orient patrons and allow [Item to move more quickly in and out of the facility. Signs that state the facility is under surveillance shall also be included in the structure. PS-1(0 Active Security Measures. The structure shall be patrolled by a security guard, particularly during the evening viten campus events are occurring. Closed circuit cameras are recommended. At a mittimutt, the structure shall be designed to accommodate closed circuit cameras for future installation. PS-2 (Asbestos). The severity of Class II PS-2(a) Asbestos Removal Procedures. The Class III asbestos hazards is a function of following procedures shall be implemented in whether the materials used in the tennis courts contain asbestos, conjunction with the removal of asbestos from the 6 proximity to nearby residents, and tennis courts slated for demolition: prevailing wind direction. The surface materials were found to 1) The County of San Luis Obispo Air Pollution contain asbestos. Consequently, Control District shall be notified of findings potential hazards are considered contained in the report, included in its entirety significant, but mitigable(Class II). in Appendix 5.7 of this EIR. Notification regarding the presence and location of ACMs identified by this survey to be present shall be made in conformance with California Health and Safety Code Section 25915 et, seq. (Asbestos Notification Act—Connelly Bill); 2) A licensed asbestos contractor shall properly remove playing surface material before demolition of the tennis courts, 3) Proper health and safety measures shall be implemented to protect the campus population and surrounding community (including air monitoring) during asbestos abatement activities,and 4) Proper disposal of the asbestos-containing materials at a pre-approved landfill shall be conducted. ewm«waowawECTsxwuvavueo .o.sLU 2-16 3-�0 ONLY 0 1�4 4 o y o sAntMs oBis co I t OFFICE OF THE CITY COUNCIL 4l S 0 990 Palm Street■San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-3249■8051781.7119■ FAX 805/781-7109 October 3, 1997 Mr. Charles L. Senn, Chairman Planning Commission City of San Luis Obispo Subject: Cal Poly Parking Structure-EIR Review Dear Charley: Thank you for your correspondence of October 1, 1997, relative to the Planning Commission's suggestion regarding the City Council accepting public comments on the Cal Poly Parking Struchrre EIR. First, Cal Poly has established a Public Forum to discuss this matter,which.is scheduled for October 14'b at 7:00 p.m. at the Monday. Club. Secondly,the City staff has been previously asked to review the document and to speak to the City's primary concerns at the Public Forum. Thirdly, and most importantly, Cal Poly is the lead agency in both the Parking Garage project and the preparation and the certification of the EIR. It is important that all comments on this project, whether by-the City government or neighborhood organizations or interested individuals, be delivered directly to Cal Poly,both in writing and at their scheduled Public Forum. While the City has heard from representatives of several organizations and individuals,the real situation is that Cal Poly has the sole legal authority in this area. The City's perspective is advisory only to the University, and our creation of a second hearing might confuse citizens and could be perceived as detracting from or diluting Cal Poly's authority and responsibility on these matters. I urge the Commission,neighbors,RQN, and other citizens to express your views at the planned Cal Poly Forum on the 14t°. Thank you for writing and expressing your perspective to the Council. Sincerely, All S e Mayor Cc: City Council City Administrative Officer Community Development Director ® The City of San Luis Obispo is committed to Include the disabled in all of its services,programs and activities. Telecommunications Device for the Deal(805)781-7410 lid ^. Jy—JJ! Editorials B4. Tuesday, September 10, 1996 San Luis Obispo Courly.Tel wrr Tr.bune We re all in. this. ��� - : • together Nearby residents'of C dRoly.have won their case fair and square against the university.'s p]an'to build an$8 million parking structure.over tennis courts on the campus.- 1~aced.with`a courtorder,the Cal Poly. adininistratiori riow.must either push ahead with a survey on traffic,a- The issue:. . • Pollution and other factors, Dispute.over or abandon the project and'• ' find'other areas on campus Poly parking: . for increased parking space. . structure':. We continue to believe: location 'that the tennis court site:is Preferable to building a Our view. parking facility on the: Opponents' `=: :..mam parking lot bordering . Grand Avenue. rhould setfle::. Also,we don't'see how di erences increased tragic can be. ff avoided regardless gardless of where y new campus parking is created.The simple fact.is that students drive cars.Additional parking; is needed.not only to accommodate Cal Poly.'s:growing enrollment but to serve the new Performing Arts Center,which is part . and parcel of the-University.. It seems to us a larger issue is involved here,and that is•the nature ofthe relationship between the'university and its neighbors. This relationshiis strained:Both sides . ought to admit as mu'-ch"-and get on with the,' business of making peace. . The;case.has..been.made.time`and agxiii. as.to'the vital-importance of Cal Poly to the economic aii palsanbat 801ntaswnlay fZ£-TOb£6 d0 USI80 sin-1 IS 066 yp'odslgp sm3 ueg OdSISO 131111NHSWlVd J0 A.L.I0 OC'ON uuuad NNf1Q NHOP UW pldd a6eisod s-n Ctu, _ £S00£0£XPORT ` .19OJd-uoN V 1 1 tLJ California Polytechnic State University Vol.52,No.8 Dateline San Luis Obispo,CA 93407 October 29, 1997 WEDNESDAY,OCTOBER 29 •Health-Wellness Fair. Immu- nizations and health education, : ASI approves fees UU 220, 11 am THURSDAY,OCTOBER 30 for complex, UU a 1° •Speaker: William Morris,"Co- The ASI Board of Directors has voted � lumbia University and the Bio- �� by a large majority to extend student sup- sphere 2 Center: Biosphere and a port of the proposed sports complex and in- Focus on Past,Present and Fu- p crease the quarterly fee for operation of the ture,"Fisher Science 286, 11 am. UU and Rec Sports programs. •Women's Soccer: BYU,Sta- O �' A$7-per-quarter fee for the sports com- dium,7 pm. (S) Garage plex, which was approved in 1996,will be FRIDAY,OCTOBER 31 g extended from 15 to 30 years,and increase •Men's Soccer. BYU,Stadium, the students' stake in the complex to$4.9 7 pm. (S) million. Current plans for the project, SATURDAY,NOVEMBER 1 y .� T� which is expected to break ground in the •Artists' Reception: Multi-Cul- �� 04 spring, includes baseball and softball stadi- tural Center,4 pm. ums along with six lighted multi-use fields •Day of the Dead Celebration: for intramural sports.sports clubs,and open Rec Center,6:30 pm. recreation for all students. •Comedy: Carol Burnett,Cohan Garage Location — The diagram shows At the same meeting, student leaders Center,8 pm.(S) where Cal Poly proposes to build the park- UU student ar to increase the quarterly voted u SUNDAY,NOVEMBER 2 ing structure. The short street with the cir- feed $18, beginning terly Of that •Women's Soccer: San Jose cular loop is the proposed connection front amount, $6(as required by CSU policies) -Men's taSoccer: St.Mar 's,Sta- Grand Avenue. For e t answer to the "Why will go directly to financial aid programs. Y there. question, see the Hot Topic of the The hi her fees will be used to cover in- dium,5:30 pm. ($) Week on page 3 inside. g •Music Polyphonic Concert, creasing operating costs for both the UU Cohan Center Pavilion,3 pm. (S) and the Rec Sports programs, beginning in MONDAY,NOVEMBER 3 1999. *Speaker, Bruce Epler,"Geo- The last UU operational fee increase graphic Imaging—Tools for Busi- Policies in place to deal was in January 1989. ness and Science,"Staff Diningwithalleged misconduct The ASI board delayed voting on these Room, noon. measures for three weeks to consult more •Speaker:Christie Johnson Cof- In compliance with federal regulations, widely with student councils in each col- fin,"Making Places for Scientists Cal Poly has policies and procedures in lege and to debate and analyze the issues (and Other People),"Business place for addressing incidents of scientific fully. Rotunda,7:30 pm. fraud and misconduct. For the past several years, the fees col- TUESDAY,NOVEMBER 4 The policies are contained in the docu- lected for the UU and Rec Sports have not •FIDO Brown-Bag Lunch Se- ment"Policies and Procedures for the Han- been sufficient to cover their operating ries: Distinguished Teachers dling of Allegations of Scientific Fraud and costs,and reserve funds have had to be Panel with Len Davidman, Serious Misconduct," which has been re- used to avoid deficits.Without the fee in- UCIE;Al Landwehr,English; viewed and approved by the Office of Re- crease, it was predicted the reserve funds Bob Thompson,Agribusiness; search Integrity of the U.S.Department of would be depleted in three ears. moderated by Don Maas,UCTE, P Y Health and Human Services. Some of the factors contributing to Staff Dining Room,noon. g •Leadership Program: "The The document defines scientific fraud higher operating costs include enrollment Assertive Leader"by Jean and misconduct and lays out the procedures growth, higher minimum wages, inflation, DeCosta,UU 216,noon. to be followed when an official allegation needed UU building repairs and upgrades. •Play: London's Aquila Theatre of misconduct has been made. and higher technology expenses to in- Company in'The Birds"by Copies of the policy are available from crease productivity. Aristophanes.Cohan Center, the Research and Graduate Programs, 8 pm. (S) Grants Development, and the Foundation Sponsored Programs offices, all in the Mathematics and Home Economics Build- ing. For a copy,call ext.6-1508 or e-mail (Continued on page 4) cbrooksh(@calpoly.edu). 3-23 CAL POLY REPORT October 29,1997 ftV 3 - HOT TOPIC Of THE WEEK Tickets on sale for build the parking where the tennis carts are' `The Imaginary Invalid' Why 1���6��s Tickets are on sale for Moliere's Why is the parking garage proposed tion.Leaving aside the cost to engineer '"Che Imaginary Invalid," the Theatre to be built on the tennis-court site?The a structure in those conditions, the cost and Dance Department's opening pro- question came up at a recent public fo- of excavating the area, which includes duction for the 1997-98 theater season. rum and in news accounts. Facilities both dirt and rock, would be immense. The play will have six performances Planning Director Bob Kitamura gives So why not build up along Grand in the Theatre,Nov. 13-15 and 20-22. these answers: Avenue,then? Is the view really that Directed by Department Chair Al Wasn't the structure originally important? Schnupp,The Imaginary Invalid"is a supposed to be built along Grand Av- Aside from the impact a tall structure farce about a man with a million imagi- enue,across from Yosemite Hall? on Grand would have on students living nary ills who hopes to marry his daugh- No.Original studies looked at many in the residence halls as well as Alta ter off to a doctor in order to save factors and identified the large,general Vista residents, the university strives to money on medical bills. area west of Grand as the area where create an attractive campus.An analysis Tickets are$8 for the public and$7 parking was needed and feasible.The done several years ago proposed a land- for students and senior citizens. studies analyzed several specific sites, scaped corridor along Grand, leading up including Grand Avenue,but there was to the Performing Arts Center and its never a specific plan to build along plaza. A structure on Grand would for- Grand itself.The fust specific architec- ever preclude that possibility and give P I E C E Of M I N D tural plan located the garage on the ten- the campus a crowded,urban feeling the nis-court site. administration would like to avoid. Dear Editor: Why was the present site chosen? ' ' ' ' When I read the article about Kristy Among many reasons,the three most We will address other campus questions Pena, it brought up for me something important are the geology, the cost,and You might have about the garage. Send that has been bothering me since I came the view.The geological conditions un- Your questions to the Cal Poly Report, on campus two years ago.It may also der the Grand Avenue parking lots Communications Office, Heron Hall; bother others,so I thought I'd let you would make it very difficult—thus very fax 6-6533;or e-mail polynews@ know. expensive—to put the structure even polymail. If you'd like your questions or Often people's names here on cam- one level underground there. comments to appear in the Report, tell pus that contain the Spanish letter"fi" In reviewing the potential visual im- us and we'll print them in our "Piece of are spelled with an English"n."Al- pact,the university had to consider the Mind"section. though it is usually accepted casually, it effect on the residence halls,Vista Grande, is technically incorrect.In the Spanish performing arts patrons,and visitors alphabet there is a letter"n' and a letter coming into the campus's main entrance "a."People with the"t5"in their names as well as the effect on the Alta Vista please rep lace prefer to have it spelled with the correct neighborhood. Because high costs would Spanish letter. require Cal Poly to build up,not down, old logos with new Thanks for listening to my little pet along Grand,the university's position is A reminder:Cal Poly has modified gripe.You folks do an excellent job that the current site has the least visual its logo,and the new form should re- with the weekly Cal Poly Report. impact on almost everyone involved, in- place the old one as soon as practicable. Maybe my suggestion can help make it cluding Alta Vista neighborhood residents. The new logo has a bar under the even better. What are those costlygeologic con- words"Cal Poly"—as shown on the Gwen Chavarria g back of this Cal Poly Report. The old Human Resources next to Grand built the Cohan Center loo had a thin line under the words and neat to Grand without undue geologi- g (Editors' Note:We appreciate your cal problems or cost Why not dig the an even thinner line above. bringing this to our attention and,when garage into the ground,save the view, The new logo also has a version that possible,will strive to include tildes and and make the neighbors happy? includes San Luis Obispo between the other symbols used with non-English The Cohan Center didn't raise the 'Val Poly"and the bar for instances names and words. iMuchas gracias!) same questions.It wasn't built under- when you need to avoid confusion with .Piece o Mind"is or our letters ground.The problem alongGrand is the Pomona campus. f f Y Supplies of material with the old in- about campus issues. Questions, ezpla- that the area is the boron,or"toe,"of si is may be used u but should not be nations compliments, complaints—we an ancient landslide.Building on top of reprinted.Please review your Web sites, want them all. Keep them brief, but keep an old landslide isn't a hazard because forms and other material to be sure the them coming. Or we'll start nagging. the material has stabilized over centu- old logo isn't surviving in some forgot- Include name, department,and phone ries.But when you cut into it,especially ten comer of our often cluttered world. number. Mail to the Communications at the toe,you're-compromising its sta- Office, Heron Hall;fax to 6-6533; bility and creating a dangerous situa- Questions. Call the Communica- e-mail to of news@ 1 mail. tions Office at ext.6-1511. P Y Po Y 3 2Y CAL POLY REPORT Page 6 November 12,1997 WOE Of MIND Parking Structure even begun.In fact,the geological stud- Thank you for providing a forum for Dear Editor: ies were not completed until March discussing issues that impact the lives There are several issues raised in the 1997. Prior to the geological study, the of the students, staff and faculty of the interview with Robert Kitamura,direr- assertion was that the soil on the G-1 lot university and the residents of the com- tor of facilities planning, that appeared was hard bedrock and, therefore, expen- munity of San Luis Obispo. in the Oct. 29 issue of Cal Poly Report sive and difficult to move. After the Marlin D. Vix,President that cannot be left unchallenged. geological study was completed it was Alta Vista Neighborhood Association Kitamura's response of"No"to the found that the soil is actually the"toe" Professor, Agribusiness Department question, "Wasn't the (parking) struc- of an ancient landslide.On this land- (Editors'note:In the previous Re- tutre originally supposed to be built slide area Cal Poly has built the dorms, port article, the full quote about visual along Grand Avenue,across from Vista Grande restaurant, and the Per- impact was, "Because high costs would Yosemite Hall?"is perplexing. One of forming Arts Center. Now, the soil is require Cal Poly to build up, not down, the requirements of the California Envi- found in many places to be potentially along Grand, the university's position is ronmental Quality Act is the identifica- unstable and too soft.This Goldilocks that the current site has the least visual tion and examination of alternatives to approach to explaining the soil condi- impact on almost everyone involved in- the proposed project.The Parking tion,('it's too hard—no, it's too soft)is cluding Alta Vista neighborhood resi- Structure Draft Environmental Impact inconsistent with the actual geological dents.") Report notes that, `"The site chosen for studies and chronology of events. Also, the alternative location is the one oriel_ the statement that the Cohan Center did Kudos pgly(my underlining)proposed by Cal not encounter problems that it Dear Editor: Poly to be located entirely on a portion wasn't built underground is inaccurate. The new format of the Cal Poly Re- of Lot G-1.The structure would have In fact, the Cohan Center did encounter port suits me just fine. The front page three levels and extend from the former excavation problems and is built, in Dateline is so conveniently located and location of Tahoe Road to the first en- Part, underground. easy to read. Also,I think the Wednes- trance to lot G-1."A complete copy of Kitamura also failed to mention that day distribution will result in a more the original Warnecke-DMJM design the proposed "landscaped corridor along timely readership. for the parking structure is available in Grand, leading up to the Performing Jane Brechler the Facilities Planning office of Arts Center and its plaza"calls for the Speech Communication Kitamura. elimination of all surface parking along . • • • Numerous additional sources attest Grand. If the university proceeds with to the intention of Cal Poly to locate the this plan,there will be a loss of over Sports Complex parking structure on the G-1 lot.Cal 1,400 existing surface parking spaces to Dear Editor: P g be replaced by the 936-space parking I guess I have been naive,but I did Poly consistently presented the idea of not realize that the Cal Poly Report was P the parking structure being located on garage. What is the justification of los- that site,and the public accepted that ing 500 parking spaces for$8.032 mil- such a propaganda vehicle for the ad- that was where it would be.The public lion? ministration. I refer to Dan Howard- was not informed of the change to the The Alta Vista neighbors of Cal Poly Greene's"Special Report on the Sports tennis court site until Aril, 1996. Inci- do not share Kitamura's opinion that Complex" in the Nov. 5 issue. P "the current site has the least visual im- I believe that most of us in the Col- triggeredlege Agriculture unpleasant by a misleading legal notice in Part on almost everyone involved, in- g g � P the Telegram Tribune,that ultimate) cluding Alta Vista neighborhood resi- memory of the"planning"for this facil- g y dents,"and we question if the patrons of ity to quietly fade away,but the revisionist led to the lawsuit brought the Alta the performing ACenter will share history of the planning for this project Vista Neighborhood Association that re- Arts as put forward b the spokesperson for suited in Cal Polyagreeing tb conduct this opinion either.The view from our P Y g an environmental impact review. neighborhood will be of a 311,000- the administration requires a response. implication of the statement that Furthermore,Kitamura stated that square-foot, three-level, utilitarian con- The im P one of the reasons the tennis court site Rete box of arguable aesthetic and at- "When the College of Agriculture Land was chosen was because, "Tile geologi- chitectural merit.The view from the Use Committee objected in the spring of cal conditions under the Grand Avenue Plaza level of the Performing Arts Cen- 1995 ... is false.That committee had parking lots would make it very difficult ter to the south and west to the morros been objecting,and.(had been) ignored, —thus veryexpensive—to put the struc- and the city of San Luis Obispo will be since 1990 or 1991,and it was not until turP P of the cars and light poles on the roof of we took the issue to the Academic Sen- The even one level underground there.' ate in the spring of 1995 and of their The decision to relocate the parking the parking structure. Is this what the P g g structure to the tennis court site was Patrons of the Performing Arts Center support that the administration became made before the geological study was are expecting? cooperative. (Continued on page 7) 3� RQN News AM 111 Fm7-r EIR Verifies PAC RQN Volunteers Parking Garage Fears work with Police by Doreen Case by George Brand An $8 million parking garage for Cal Poly's Performing Arts Center would be an envi- The RON board has requested an ronmental disaster,according to a 250-page Environmental Impact Report. article about the police log work that That was the message brought by Marlin Vix, president of the Alta Vista Neighborhood LaVene Storni, Geri Bedell, new volun- Association when he spoke to the RON annual dinner meeting October 26. teer, and I engage in each week. This He added that a consultant for the university has concluded,with the possible exception of began a couple of years ago when Chief traffic,"the environment in our neighborhood would be worse off, in fact much worse off." Gardiner asked me to continue the noise if the structure is allowed. disturbance research I had started in Vix said that when residents neighboring Cal Poly first saw the plans for the parking regard to our Police Relations Committee garage and its location 18 months ago,"fear and uncertainty"was the reaction. meetings. "All those things we imagined and feared in the past have now been verified"by the EIR, Henry Case made up log forms to he told his audience of about 70. record addresses,description of incidents, "Mitigation measures offered by the university are basically Band-Aids and ultimately names of those at addresses receiving ineffective in our view,"he said. a Disturbance Advisory Card (DAC) Mx said the proposed structure would provide 936 parking spaces at a cost of about or Citation, whether a Patty Premise, $10,000 each. He contended that a university master plan calls for the removal of the officers called, names of responding parking lots on Grand Avenue from the entrance to Cal Poly to the Performing Arts Center party, etc. Each sheet has space for and replacing them with a green belt. incidents and every week several sh. This, he said, would result in a net loss of 500 parking spaces after the parking garage are filled out for mostly R-1 neighbor- is built. hoods.This does not include the"unable "The Alta Vista Neighborhood Association doesn't understand the logic of building a to locate" calls (UTL) or situations parking structure resulting in the loss of 500 spaces at a cost of$8 million" without concrete information. In the summer of 1996 AVNA successfully sued the university in an effort to have a A check is then made to see which of complete EIR prepared. those addresses has had a DAC or citation in the previous 60 days.Those are noted continued on page 2 and turned into Lt.Joe Hazouri as backup for his work and to get offenders put on the Premise list. ldeally, the offending residence should receive a citation on the General Meeting Announcement continued on page 3 Date: Thursday, December 4, 1997 Time: 7:30 p.m. IN THIS ISSUIE Place: Wesley Fellowship Hall of United Methodist Church EIR Verifies PAC 1515 Fredericks Street • San Luis Obispo Parking Garage Fears Pages 1-2 Drive to rear of property...Wesley Fellowship Hall is light RQN Volunteers Work with Police Page 1&3 yellow two story building next to parking lot. General Meeting Announcement Page 1 Program: The City's Role in the Preservation of AU Neighborhoods Board of Directors Pa A panel discussion.by Mayor Alan Settle, Councilwoman, New Members Page Kathy Smith, CAO John Dunn. Janet Kourakis, Moderator. MembershipApplicarion Page LLAn excellent opportunity to air neighborhood problems and to seek possible solutions from city administration. Thanks for die Dinner Meeting Page 4 „ PAGE 2 RQN NEWS : EIR-continued from page I _..e suit was filed after Cal Poly "We didn't think we had much of a Board of refused an Alta Vista request for a chance in court,” Vix said, adding when Directors-Officers complete EIR. the judge ruled in the neighbors'favor, it "They said `no' because they had to was"one of the more memorable days of Larry Batcheldor Monterey Heights press on or lose funding. The funding is my life." still there - maybe the urgency of the Following the judge's decision Zimmer Doreen Case Alta Vista project was overstated,"said Vix. told Vix that the "arrogance and lack of Vit explained that the association first preparation" of the university's attorney Carol Winger Mont. Hts. attempted to enlist the help of the worked in favor of the neighborhood San Luis Obispo City Council in getting association. Beverly Green Alta Vista the EIR. Vix said an issue still to be resolved is He described the process as "disap- whether it is appropriate to use student, pointing". staff and faculty funds to build the Members-at-Large "I don't know why the city didn't $8 million garage to provide parking for support us when it became necessary for patrons of the Performing Arts Center. Elinor Bonin Foothill/Ramona us to file a lawsuit against the university, "We feel that students, staff and said Vix,a Cal Poly agriculture professor. faculty at Poly should determine if this is Lee Burkett Laguna Lake The city gave no explanation for its how they want their money spent on a lack of support, he said parking structure being built without Dotty Conner Alta Vista When AVNA decided to go to court, consideration of their needs and without John Enos Cuesta Highlands the association tried unsuccessfully to their input. Do students, staff and faculty hire a San Luis Obispo attorney. want a parking structure for someone Janet Kourakis Southwood "Several in San Luis Obispo declined else's benefit or for their own benefit?" to represent us either because they were Vix said he now hopes the City Ray Nordquist Ferrini Heights ir••^tved with the Performing Arts Center Council will recognize the parking / were hoping to get business with structure is an environmental disaster for Carla Saunders Bishop Peak the university either now or in the future," the neighborhood. he said. "We won our lawsuit without them,but LaVeme Storni Johnson The association engaged Jana Zimmer, we desperately need them now". a Santa Barbara attorney, who "repre- "If there is one shred of commitment to Mendi Stubson Park View sented us brilliantly," Vix said, adding neighborhood preservation, even a tiny that she had valuable assistance from sense of responsibility to putting the lives If you have any questions or neighborhood residents, some of whom and welfare of people first and foremost, were"amazing sleuths". hopefully the council will come to our problems please call one of us. The lawsuit was financed by residents defense,"he said. donations ranging from $5 to$2,000. --ter• . , to Dominic Perello (and Christine) in his continuing recovery after a w fall from his roof while "overseeing" some work more than two n months ago.After some time in the hospital,he is home in a body cast while vertabrae are mending. Our 5uuer& C D to Marianne Lefebvre in the passing of husband, Ray,on November 2. Ray was an early supporter of RQN. 7 • 00 405 �,,fACorral.+#5 AVE . Sk- L. 5 O6i5pv CAI34c,I MEETING 913ENDA DATEIC Z ITEM # 3 7 �Cli.�i f'»4�o✓ v�G�r �C If /n �&--ade � � c•Oeu S/��ca��� OTTORNEY W 06tERKIORIG O PUu Cl MG95M 0 REC DIR 0 UTIL DIR p_ 0 PERS DIR � Dcccmbcr2, 1997 MEETING AGENDA ALM. DATE i� ITEM # 3 Tu: John Dunn .N LUIS OBISPO RanRegier From: Sandi sigttrtivan SYMPHONY rc: Council Meeting on Cal Poly/PAC Parking structure Yesterday I received a memo from Myra Reslop asking for Symphony support of the parking structure and encouraging attendance at the Council meeting. 1 foxed the memo to all of our board members who have fames. The Board has not formulated an official "Symphony position"on the parking structure, w whether you'd want my personal opinion(colored by my position with the Symphony)is dubious and not necessarily helpful to moving forward with the structure. The saying goes"u little knowledge is a dangerous thing". well,I have a little knowledge. Last season I had one complaint from one patron who was unable to find handicapped parking of a Symphony concert. Ron handled that complaint beautifully and it's done. in this season the"problem"focuses on the parking charge of 12,announced late and with no perceived improvements in parking.After our hisay fit and gracious meetings with Cal Poly parking officials I haven't heard another word from patrons or musicians. If I were to attend tonight's meeting I would say that the Symphony as a PAC client would prefer covered walkways to the PAC for the weather protection of our mueicium and patrons. We would also prefer improved lighting and increased sense of safety in the parking lot. Finally,we want to maintain easy access and egress. I would want to encourage environmentally sound,fiscally responsible and community responsive decision making. If all that can be done without spending 18 million and tearing up PO BOX 6S8 I Grand Avenue AGAIN.I'd be in favor of it. But looking at alternatives is not what's before the Council tonight. A pasuionate cry for SAN LUIS OBISPO the dire need of the parking structure(painfully colored by"the use or lose it"strings of state spending)is what parking structure proponents need.and I'm not personally prepared to do than. CALIFORNIA 93406 K stowing my little bit of knowledge.if you want me to attend tonight,call and leave a message and I'll be there. Work: 543 1533 Yonne: 544 2507. otherwise I plan to attend PH 805.5433533 the vision Unida graduation at the Furum at 6:60PM. FX 805.7813534 STAt F051.05YMFt IONY.COM Limon GICAO 0 FIRE CH:--,: ErMORNEY O.PW DIR TI Ir PURPwt OF TI it CA6ERKIORIG 0 POLICE CHF ;AN I un ueur6 JN MPI IaN. ❑MGMT 0 REC DIR n Io sunCIRI M+0Lrrru+esu, 13a 0 pU7711LDIR l CIMMVNI I T IMIHE$TiA, O l3 PB18 DIR IU MjjTER RMPHUNIL ANt- CHAMtrR Mu)IC EDUCATION.ArrD TO CONIwvU It TO THF Cuts VP L NIT Ef.0NUMIC vITAIM CV II Ir curt Rif I I.3n1 OCR' 1 00 ' d ANOHdWA50 '1S IN kAhad December I997 MEETING AGENDA DATE ITEM #- Tu: John Dunn N LUIS OBISPO RonRegier )YMPHONY From: Sandi sigurdson re: Council Meeting on Cal Poly/PAC Parking structure Yeatcrday I received a memo from Myra Heslop asking for Symphony support of the parking suucture and encouraging attendance at the Council meeting. I faxed the memo to all of our board members who have faxes. The Board has not formulated an official "Symphony position"on the parking structure, sn whether ynu'd want my Personal opinion(colored by my position with the Symphony)is dubious and not necers-krily helpful to moving forward with the structure. The saying goes"a little knowledge is a dangerous thing". Well,I have a little knowledge. Last season I had one complaint from one patron who was unable to find handicapped parking at a Symphony concert. Ron handled that complaint beautifully and it's done. in this season the"prnblcm"focaaes on the parking charge of$2.announced late and with no perceived improvements in parldng.ARer our hisay fit and gracious meetings with Cal Poly parking officials I haven't heard another word from patrons or musicians. If I were to anend tonight's meeting I would may that the Symphony as a PAC client would prefer covered walkways to the PAC for the weather protection of our musicium and patrons. We would also prefer improved lighting and increased sense of safety in the parking lot. Finally,we want to maintain easy access and egress. I would want to encourage environmentally sound,fiscally responsible and community responsive decision making, If all that can be done without spending S8 million and tearing up PO BOX 6$8 Grund Avenue AGAIN.I'd be in favor of it. But looking at alternatives is not what's before the Council tonight. A passionate cry for SAN LUIS OBISPO the dire need of the parking structure(painfully colored by"the use or lose it"strings of state spending)is what parking structure proponents need,and I'm not personally prepared to do that. CALIFORNIA 93406 Knowing my little bit of knowledge.if you want me to attend tonight,call and leave a message and I'll be there. Work: 547 15.1.1 Iinme: 544 2SO7, Otherwise 1 plan to attend PH 905.5133533 the vision Unida graduation at the Furum at 6:OOPM. FX 005.7813534 STAF!`QS L05YMP1 IONY.COM EMACI E ❑FIRE CHf_r DPW DIR nlr Pusrvx or TI of O POLICE CHF .AN rIT Uri II-0 JIMPI um. ❑REC DIR n loiunOst nl.6l!*�roNolno O UTTIILpDIR C OMMVNI IT LACMESTin•. 0 rGp DIR u mXTER TYMI'MUNR ANr, i MBrR MVOIC EDVC&TION.AND TO CCM I NPV I t TO THF cut I1jVAL IVJD 1f014UMIC WrAI ITY CII 11Ir CENT CAI I OA)i CO&IMUN IT' 100 ' d A 0HdWAS0 1S W0 id ME DATE /z z �'u"SDA ,� ��NDATION FOR THE ITEM # 1TWORMING ARTS CENTER p ❑t5D DIR ❑FIN DIR fpp ❑FIRE CHIEF DIR November 29, 1997 LERKIORIG QPOLICE CHF ❑M�T AM ❑REC DIR 1/� D UT1L DIR Members of the City Council p- ❑PERS DIR City of San Luis Obispo 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Dear Mayor Settle and Members of the City Council: I write to urge your support of the new Garage proposed for the Performing Arts Center of San Luis Obispo on the Cal Poly campus. Only the fact that I will be on a plane for England -- to see my ailing 91 year-old mother-in-law— prevents me from being at the meeting in person. I feel that, in my position as Executive Director of the Foundation for the Performing Arts Center, I must speak out on behalf of our many supporters (over 2,000) whose generous gifts made possible construction of the Center, and whose continuing support helps underwrite the operations of the Center. The expectation was always that, once the Center was completed, there would be adequate safe parking near the Center. While parking lot on Grand Avenue meets the needs of staff and students during the daytime, it is inadequate for our patrons at night, and presents many dangers. Many of those attending performances at the Center are older citizens whose physical agility and visual acuity are diminished. To walk several hundred yards in a dark parking lot, that is unmarked, dimly lit, and lacks both a drop-off and pick-up area, presents many hazards. Accidents have already occurred. More accidents may occur if the proposed structure is not built. I urge you most strongly,therefore, to support the construction of the proposed parking garage for the Performing Arts Center: it is critically needed. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, r Myr,4 B. Heslop Executive Director RECEIVED DEC 0 2 1997 P.O. Box 1137 San Luis Obispo SLO CI';y COUNCIL California,93406 805/541-5401 Fax 805/781-3484 MEETING AGENDA 3 DATE��q 71TEM # C POLY CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY SAN Luis OBISPO, CA 93407 JOURNALISM DEPARTMENT (805) 756.2508 December 2, 1997 Mayor Settle and Members of Council : I want to lend my support to those public-spirited citizens and officials of Cal Poly who have come out in favor of the parking structure planned for Cal Poly over the tennis courts. It seems to me the time has come to bring this debate to an end and allow the university to go ahead with a much needed facility. The location has been amply justified, especially in view of the fact that the Cal Poly administration has taken all reasonable steps possible to satisfy the demands of the opponents. The parking structure will benefit the community as well as the university, and I hope the dissidents, with all due respect to their concerns, will come to that conclusion. The enclosed document should be of considerable help, I trust, in helping the mayor and council decide to vote in favor of the plan. . Respectfully yours, i r4*4�e Herb Kamm Lecturer Journalism Department D'.RDim IR D E IFI.IRC MOUGE CHFnLDI RECEIVED TIL DlR� ULL 02 1997 SLO CITY COUNCIL THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY CAL POLY REPORT Page October 29,1997 HOT T'DA(C' Of :THE:`WEEIC ` , : Tlcketson sale for ` 'The Imaginary Invalid' Why build the parking garage where the tm&axwb are? Tickets are on sale for Moliere's Why is the parking garage proposed tion.Leaving aside the cost to engineer "The Imaginary Invalid," the Theatre to be built on the tennis-court site?The a structure in those conditions,the cost and Dance Department's opening pro- question came up at a recent public fo- of excavating the area,which includes duction for the 1997-98 theater season. rum and in news accounts. Facilities both dirt and rock,would be immense. The play will have six performances Planning Director Bob Kitamura gives So why not build up along Grand in the Theatre,Nov. and 20-22. these answers: Avenue,then?Is the view really that Directed " Departmeentnt C Chair Al Schnu `"fhe Ima in Invalid"is a Wasn't the structure originally important?Grand farce about a man with a million imagi- supposed to be built along Gnd Av- Aside from the impact a tall structure nary ills who hopes to marry his daugh- enue,across from Yosemite Hall? on Grand would have on students living ter off to a doctor in order to save No. Original studies looked at many in the residence halls as well as Alta money on medical bills. factors and identified the large,general Vista residents,the university strives to Thickets are$8 for the public and$7 area west of Grand as the area where create an attractive campus. An analysis for students and senior citizens. parking was needed and feasible.The done several years ago proposed a land- studies analyzed several specific sites, scaped corridor along Grand,leading up including Grand Avenue,but there was to the Performing Arts Center and its never a specific plan to build along plaza. A structure on Grand would for- Grand itself.The First specific architec- ever preclude that possibility and give tural plan located the garage on the ten- the campus a crowded,urban feeling the nis-court site. administration would like to avoid. Dear Editor: • . • • When I read the article about Kristy Why was the present site chosen? We will address other campus questions Pena,it brought up for me something Among many reasons,the three most you might have about the garage. Send that has been bothering me since I came important are the geology, the cost,and your questions to the Cal Poly Report, on campus two years ago.It may also the view.The geological conditions un- Communications Office, Heron Hall, bother others,so I thought I'd let you der the Grand Avenue parking lots fax 6-6533;or e-mail polynews@ know. would make to put it very difhe ficult —thus even ry polymail. If you'd like your questions or Often people's names here on cam- comments to appear in the Report, tell pus that contain the Spanish letter"W' one level underground there. us and we'll print them in our "Piece of are spelled with an English"n:'Al- In reviewing the potential visual im- Mind„ section. though it is usually accepted casually, it pact,the university had to consider the is technically incorrect.In the Spanish effect on the residence halls,Vista Grande, alphabet there is a letter"n"and a letter performing arts patrons,and visitors "11."People with the"N'in their names coming into the campus's main entrance prefer to have it spelled with the correct as well as the effect on the Alta Vista Please replace Spanish letter. neighborhood.Because high costs would old logos with neW Thanks for listening to my little pet require Cal Poly to build up,not down, You folks do an excellent job along Grand,the university's position is lo reminder: Cal Poly has modified withgript that the current site has the least visual its logo,and the new form should re- with the weekly Cal Poly Report. impact c almost everyone involved, l place the old one as soon as practicable. Maybe my suggestion can help make it eluding Alta Vista neighborhood residents The new logo has a bar under the even better. words"Cal Poly"—as shown on the Gwen Chavarria What are those costly geologic con- back of this Cal Poly Report. The old Human Resources ditions?We built the Cohan Center logo had a thin line under the words and (Editors' Note: We appreciate your next to Grand without undue geologi- an even thinner line above. bringing this to our attention and,when cal problems or cost.Why not dig the The new logo also has a version that possible,will strive to include tildes and garage into the ground,save the view, includes"San Luis Obispo"between the other symbols used with non-English and make the neighbors happy'. "Cal Poly"and the bar for instances names and words. i Muchas gracias!) The Cohan Center didn't raise the when you need to avoid confusion with same questions.It wasn't built under- the Pomona campus. "Piece of Mind"is for your letters ground.The problem along Grand is Supplies of material with the old in- about campus issues. Questions, expla- that the area is the bottom,or"toe,"of signia may be used up but should not be nations compliments, complaints—we -,an ancient landslide-Building on top of reprinted. Please review your Web sites; want them alL Keep them brief, but keep an old landslide isn't a hazard because forms and other material to be sure the them coming. Or we'll start nagging. the material has stabilized over centu- old logo isn't surviving in some forgot- Include name, department, and phone ries.But when you cut into it,especially ten comer of our often cluttered world. number. Mail to the Communications at the toe,you're compromising its sta- Questions? Call the Communica- Office, Heron Hall;fax to 6-6533; bility and creating a dangerous situa- tions Office at ext.6-1511. e-mail to polynews@polymail. '! e MEETING AGENDA '� ®`3 Alta Vista Neighborhood Association DATE ITEM ! P.O. Box 5412 San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 L%� o cbD DI3 December 1, 1997 ❑PIN D'1:i❑FIRE CFQ-PW DIR ❑POLICE CHF City Council O REC DIR City of San Luis Obispo p p�UTIL D R990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Dear Council Members: The Alta Vista Neighborhood Association (AVNA) requests the support and participation of the City Council in preventing the construction of the Performing Arts Center parking structure on the tennis court site at Cal Poly. Specifically, AVNA requests that the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo, as a partner with Cal Poly State University in the development and operation of the Performing Arts Center, write a letter to President Warren Baker, with copies to the Board of Trustees of the California State University, Chancellor Barry Munitz and Chancellor-elect Charles B. Reed supporting AVNA's position of opposing building the garage on the tennis court site. Additionally, AVNA requests that this letter be included in the Draft Environmental Impact Report(DEIR) and be written in time to meet the December 8, 1997 deadline for public comment. AVNA hopes that the City Council, operating within their jurisdiction as a partner in the Performing Arts Center and in their capacity as representatives and protectors of city neighborhoods, will choose to write a letter supporting AVNA's opposition to the site of the parking structure for the following reasons: 1. The DEIR has determined that the parking structure will have significant detrimental impacts on the environment. Table 7-1 from the DEIR(See Attached) confirms that in every environmental category reviewed by the University's consultants, with the exception of traffic circulation, the Alta Vista neighborhood will be significantly and negatively impacted. 2. The parking structure, as it is presently envisaged, is vastly different from the structure that was originally considered when the partnership agreement between the City of San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly, and the Foundation for the Performing Arts Center was created. Originally, the proposed parking garage was adjacent to the Performing Arts Center and was architecturally consistent with the PAC. The plaza of the Performing Arts Center presently provides a breathtaking view of the morros and the City of San Luis Obispo, but if the parking garage were built, the view from the plaza would be of a parking garage roof housing approximately 230 cars, stairwells and elevator towers RECEIVED DEC 0 1 1997 SLO CITY COUNCIL . and numerous tall light poles. The original design was created with a sense of aesthetic compatibility with the PAC and the surrounding vistas of San Luis Obispo. What is now being considered for the tennis court site is an environmentally insensitive, utilitarian, concrete box that violates the very essence of what the PAC architect, Alberto Bertoldi, accomplished in his design of the PAC. 3. The parking garage on the tennis court site originally called for two entrances and exits. One of the entrances and exits has now been eliminated. The remaining entrance/exit will now have to service as many as 800 vehicles per event at the PAC. The DEIR confirms that untimely delays and excessive amounts of CO (carbon monoxide) inhalation upon entering and exiting the parking structure will occur. One must question the advisability of subjecting patrons of the PAC to such inconveniences and health risks when more than adequate surface parking already exists. Furthermore, regular patrons of the PAC may choose to not attend subsequent performances due to these risks and inconveniences, thus jeopardizing the City's financial responsibility in the operation of the PAC. 4. The DEIR for the parking structure does not consider the impacts of other projects proposed by Cal Poly along Grand Avenue from the entrance of the University at Slack and Grand up to the Performing Arts Center. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires that projects should not be segmented and that environmental considerations do not become submerged by chopping a large project into many smaller ones. When more than one project in an area is being considered, in this case the construction of a 936 car parking structure and the subsequent removal of 1400 surface parking spaces resulting in a reduction of approximately 500 spaces, an obvious failure to comply with the"segmentation" rule has occurred. AVNA requests that the City of San Luis Obispo, as a partner in the operation of the PAC, request that Cal Poly expand the DEIR to consider the impacts of such a drastic change. AVNA is grateful to you, the members of the City Council of San Luis Obispo, for considering this request to oppose the location of the proposed parking struFlure for the Performing Arts Center. We trust that the information presentahere for yopr consideration accurately assesses the reasons for AVNA's deeply held concern that the construction of the parking structure at Cal Poly would be an irreversible mistake. Yours truly, ffa4k- 1 4 Marlin D. Vix, President Alta Vista Neighborhood Association Table 7-1. Comparison of Alternatives to the Proposed Project Pro os tl.:.,.,_ Grand A. »:: Issue:''Arca:`r''.' ;z<; :;:';: ..,...�.::::.....::: •;. ..:, ..: :.:..:..::. _ q.` :.''..... .........:.:.; ... " :I.">:::' >>:':::>:Pro cct. ::3 : ''.r:Lo'catiori',':;'! ';';::`. 'I ocition: .. ::Alternative,.,.,. Land Use/Recreation 3 3 2 1 Geologic Resources 2 4 5 1 Traffic and Circulation 3 3 4 4 Air Quality 4 4 4 1 Noise 2 2 2 1 Visual Resources 4 4 4 1 Public Safety 3 3 4 1 Overall 3.0 3.3 3.6 1.4 Ratings are shown on a scale of 1 to 5,midi 1 being minimal impacts,and 5 being substantial impacts. MEETING AGENDA 0-COUNCIL Q_=DIR CAL POLY REPORT DATA �97ITEM # -� MCI. 0 FFIRE CHIEF DIR ar rroRNEY Page 2 CMERKFORIQ aUTMLm er ,1997 14 at J.a 13 NECE Of MIIV V Parking Garage the Alta Vista neighborhood and the Policies Dear Editor: campus. Had we but world enough and The residents of the Alta Vista These environmental concerns may time, verbosity, dear reader, were neighborhood to the south of the not move you to unconditionally sup- no crime. university are painfully aware of the port the Alta Vista position,especially But in the interests of space and exasperating parking problems that ex- if you are reading this after having just fairness, we're setting policies for ist on the Cal Poly campus.They, too, spent 30 minutes looking for a parking Cal Poly Report's letters-to-the- live with these problems every day. place and having parked in a remote editor column, "Piece of Mind" Many Alta Vista residents are cur- area of campus because the ideal spot starting next week: rent faculty,staff and students,just like you coveted was not available. • First,tell us if you don't like you. Others have lived adjacent to the There are several other issues,how- these policies. campus for more than 40 years, are ever, that may directly impact you: • We usually won't publish letters now in their eighties, and have retired • Is the tennis court site for a parking that repeat old information and from Cal Poly after decades of service structure where you want to park?The opinions. to the university.These residents are money to build the parking structure is • Unless we have good reasons, not uncaring, insensitive outsiders. your money: it came from parking fees we won't print one writer's mis- They are your teachers, your col- paid by the students,staff and faculty sives more than once every couple leagues,your neighbors and your of the CSU.These funds did not come of months. We want to encourage a friends. from the state legislature, i.e., the tax- wide range of correspondents. They want nothing more than to see payers of the state of California. • Brevity is the soul of wit. Don't the parking shortage problem resolved, Shouldn't the site of a parking garage be Brevity is Letters should be but they also fervently believe that be for your convenience and use and be half0 words long unless we be- building a parking structure on the ten- not for the primary benefit of the pa- come convinced they shouldn't. nis courts is an inappropriate and envi- trons of the Performing Arts Center. ronmentally devastating solution to the After all,you paid for it; they did not. • Letters should address campus problem. The reasons for their opposi- • Will the construction of a parking .policies and practices; we won't tion to the parking structure are: garage on the south side of campus publish personal attacks. • Air pollution will increase-at times magically make available that parking • We'll edit letters to conform by up to 50 percent in excess of space you prize so dearly on the north with journalistic style and;-when California's CO (carbon monoxide) end of campus? needed,to make them shorter. standards. • If a parking structure were built, re- We'll talk to writers before their • Traffic will increase significantly as gardless of its location, parking fees letters appear if we plan to alter commuters attempt to avoid congestion would go up$6 per quarter.Wouldn't them substantially. Alter the let- at the entrance to a garage on Grand you question the fairness of a practice ters,that is. Avenue by seeking shortcuts through which uses your money to build a park- * We'II tell writers when we refuse the Alta Vista neighborhood. ing structure and then raises your park- to print their letters because they • Crime may increase. ing fees,even if you continue to use a are in bad taste.The letters, that is. • Noise from various sources—car surface parking lot? • When a letter cries out for an alarms, squealing tires,horns—will in- • Will an increase in parking spaces official response, we'll find some- crease. send a signal to those who currently one to reply and publish the two • Glare from the parking structure ride the bus, ride their bikes,car pool or pieces side-by-side. lights and car lights cannot be walk, to start driving their cars to • We want readers to get balanced mitigated adequately. school?Will the short-term benefit of information.We'll solicit adminis- • Views will be impaired. increased parking spaces ultimately tration answers to questions on • Already limited athletic facilities have only negligible impact as more university policies and practices. will be eliminated. people begin driving to school believ- We'll ask Academic Senate leaders • And yes,property values will more ing that it will now be easier to find a to reply to questions about that or- than likely go down. parking space? ganization, ASI leaders to tackle Their concerns are no longer merely To merely point out the problems questions about that student group, unfounded fears; they are now substan- without offering potential remedies deans to respond to questions tiated by data contained in the Parking would be inappropriate and irrespon- about their colleges, etc. Structure Draft Environmental Impact sible. The following suggestions are You may fire when you are Report issued on Oct. 20.The parking meant to be a starting point for discus- ready,Gridley. structure, without any doubt, will create sion and not intended to be the deftni- -The Editors enormous environmental problems for tive list of options. (Continued on page 3) CAL POLY REPORT November 19.1997 Page 3 . . MORE PIECE Of MIND (Cont.from page 2) Dear Editor: merit, who has been in charge of the Cal Poly could: I have reviewed Dr. Vix's remarks Sheep Unit for many years,said studies • Devote an appropriate amount of about the proposed parking structure showed that contaminants did not come money to upgrade the G-1 lot to make written on behalf of some of the resi- from the sheep operation. it more user-friendly and attractive for dents of the Alta Vista neighborhood, Cal Poly has not been cited for pol- patrons of the Performing Arts Center. and I will make sure that the adminis- lution, which is considered "normal" in Improving existing landscaping, light. tration also considers what he has said. a watershed containing farm and live- Improving and signage, constructing covered The proposed parking structure's de- stock enterprises, Kitamura said. walkways, and providing a shuttle tram sign and landscaping plus thoughtful Nevertheless, the university will traffic control will, I believe, mitigate continue to work with the College of system may individually and collet- any negative impact this new building Agriculture and other groups to further Lively be beneficial. would have on the campus and commu- mitigate ecological concerns. including • Schedule events in the PAC, Mott nity. any that may be connected to the new Gym,and the Recreation Center so that Also,while parking is often tight Sports Complex. there is only an occassional overlap of throughout the entire core campus dur- events, thus reducing evening parking Dan Howard-Greene shortages. ing peak hours of operation, auniver- Executive Assistant to the President space sity study has determined that additional • Offersh prime parking locations to spaces are critically needed in the those with two or more riders per car. • Offer discount parking fees to those southern half the campus. with two or more riders per car. The new parking structure will alle- viate some frustrating parking prob- e Provide a tram system to take com- lems; however, the university will Exhibits muters to the inner perimeter of campus continue to seek alternatives such as • University Art Gallery: Thai Vi- from the outlying surface parking lots. ride sharing, subsidized busing,and sions I, through Dec.4. • Continue the bus subsidy. new parking lot and roadway configu- • UU Galerie "The Shape of Things," • Construct a parking structure for rations to help us meet present and fu- two-dimensional mixed media by dorm residents and leave surface park- ture parking needs. Charlene Vidito Knowlton and sculp- ing for the commuters since many of ture b Ken Bortolazzo, through Dec.5. the dorm residents do not use their cars Bob Kitamura y g on a daily basis. Director of Facilities Planning • Construct a parking structure on the H-2 parking lot across from the library, a site that is central to the greatest num- ber of classrooms, labs and offices and with access from both Grand and High- Sheep Unit Thanksgiving changes land avenues. Dear Editor: Repot deadline I stated in the Cal Pole Report two The time for public review of the weeks ago that the Sheep Unit near the Because of the upcoming holiday Draft Environmental Impact Report proposed Sports Complex will be reloand the approaching quarter break, we ends Dec. 8. If you have concerns cated to make way for the new recre- are changing the deadline schedule for about the parking structure,please con- the Cal Poly Report.The deadline to " ation fields,and the unit would have tact Robert Kitamura,director of facili- submit articles for the Wednesday, ties planning. been moved anyway because of polluDec. 3, edition of the Cal Poly Report Solutions to Cal Poly's parking tion problems.' is noon,Tuesday, Nov.25. The statement contains an inaccu- problems,other than building a parking racy I would like to correct. The final fall quarter issue will be structure on the tennis courts,can be The university will be better served out Wednesday, Dec. 10. Articles for found in ways that are more advanta- as the campus core expands if the that issue need to be submitted by 10 am geous to the needs of the campus com- Thursday, Dec. 4. munity and not detrimental to the envi- Sheep Unit is relocated, an action ap- The Cal Poly Report is not pub- provcd by the College of Agriculture ronment and the neighbors to the southlished during quarter break. and the faculty assigned to the unit. of campus.It is hoped that the univer- We will resume publishing on As for pollution, Regional Water sity will take a courageous and boldQuality Control Board studies found Wednesday with the first winter quarter first step in finding the correct solutioncontamination in Brizzolara Creek from issue on Jan.7. Please submit items for to the parking structure dilemma. that issue by 10 am Tuesday, Dec. 30. agricultural and livestock operations, Marlin D.Vix, professor according to Bob Kitamura,director of Items can be e-mailed to polynews@ Agribusiness Department facilities planning. However, Rob polymail, faxed to 6-6533,or mailed to Rutherford, Animal Science Depart- the Communications Office,Heron Hall. For more information call cxi.6-1511. 11/25/97 17:02 W805 756 7560 CPSU-SLO: VFA&F WIUU1 rEb3CJrERYJORIQ mft DIR MEETING AGENDA p FIN DIR DATE ITEM # p FIRE CHIEF p,pW DIR ❑POLICE CHF P�T Vp REO DIR .IL./Ilp UTIL DIR p PERS DIR CAiuonrtu POLYC@CHMC STATF,UNIVUSirx SAN I-= Otslspo, CA 93407 ADm=Ta.&noN 6t FWANCE DIVISION (805) 756.2171 Fax: (805) 756-7560 November 25, 1997 post-it°Fax Note 7671 Date I �°ga,► p To /1 !1 From F CoJDePL C R co L V Ph Phone# i # San Luis Obispo City Council Fax R Faic 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Dear Mayor Settle and Members of the City Council: Prior business commitments preclude my attendance at the December 2, 1997 meeting of the City Council at which time, I understand, the City Council will be considering Alta Vista Neighborhood Association objections to the parking structure on the Cal Poly campus. I would like to use this means to share with the City leadership both the rationale for the University proceeding with the parking structure and the efforts taken to date to address neighborhood and campus concerns. It should be noted that the structure is one of several steps in the master planting process of the University to address long term circulation and parking concerns. The current land use diagram calls for structures at the primary entry points to the campus in the vicinity of Grand Avenue, California Boulevard, and Highland Drive. Without adequate parking, the campus has experienced frequent situations where individuals seeking a parking space have had to circle the campus for at times up to 20 or 30 minutes, thereby only adding to parking problems and the potential for air pollution. In fact, the campus has suffered a net loss of parking spaces-since 1990. The site near Grand Avenue was given priority because of the disproportionate loss of spaces in the southern half of campus and concentration of high density uses in the southeast quadrant of the campus; these include the Cal Poly Theatre, Chumash Auditorium in the University Union Building, Mott Gymnasium, the Performing Arts Center, and the Recreational Sports complex. The campus has followed a rigorous process in selecting a location for the proposed parking structure. The specific site location and design were deemed the preferred one for geological, financial, and aesthetic reasons. The alternative placement of the facility on surface parking immediately south of the Performing Arts Center would elevate the structure in such a manner that it would be visible as far away as some 17,/25/97 17:02 '2805 756 7560 CPSU-SLO: VP,1&F points on Highway 101. In addition, the geology of that site would place the structure at the toe of an ancient landslide which if disturbed could, in fact, trigger unpredictable and potentially undesirable geological consequences. This site also presents financial challenges, in that in order to minimize the aesthetic disadvantages that come with the height of the facility, a substantial cut in earth would have to be made adding to the cost. Early in the process when the negative declaration was publicly noticed, the Alta Vista Neighborhood Association pointed out their concern that the wording of public notice lacked adequacy in description of the site. This prompted legal action by that body, as well as a number of discussions with the University. Even prior to a legal settlement, the University had acceded to nearly all of the provisions proposed in the legal settlement including specific environmental mitigations involving traffic, landscaping, and lighting. Credit is due to the Alta Vista Neighborhood Association for expressing concerns that helped define and refine these mitigations. As with most any project, not all issues can be resolved to the satisfaction of all parties, but we feel that the University has clearly and aggressively made modifications to the facility design and in the development of traffic management that will result in traffic emptying onto Grand Avenue in much the same volume and manner that is currently experienced at event dismissal time from existing surface parking onto Grand Avenue_ Further, the University has agreed to closure of Pacheco Way as an egress point, except for very limited and predefined circumstances involving residence hall move-in and emergencies. The University also has agreed to limiting egress from the parking structure onto Hathway Avenue only for bona fide emergency purposes and the deletion of a planned surface parking lot in this area. The landscape plan also takes into consideration efforts to soften the effects of the building and paving in response to neighborhood aesthetic concerns. In summary, it is important to recognize the extraordinary efforts to which the University has gone in attempting to respond to a multiplicity of concerns from a variety of sources. The structure as planned is 400 feet from the closest residence. We have sought input from, responded to, and in many cases implemented measures that are sensitive to the concerns of community members as well as on-campus constituencies. We have gone far beyond legal requirements in conducting forums to solicit and act upon input; and, as a consequence, we feel that we have acted most responsibly. We understand that not all parties can or will be satisfied with any solution to the challenges we face in addressing the parking needs of the campus. At the same time, the University continues its commitment to being among the most responsible entities in the county in encouraging alternative means of transportation, thereby minimizing the need for on-campus parking. 11/25/87 17:03 $805 756 7560 CPSU-SLO: VPAB:F 10003 Enclosed with this letter is a partial listing of the mitigation measures taken to date, as well as a previously published list of questions and answers related to the proposed structure. We remain committed to our responsibility to the community and are confident that the efforts taken to date relative to this construction project have been consistent with that spirit of responsibility. In my absence, Vicki Stover, Associate Vice President for Administration, will be available for further comment at your meeting. Sincerely, Frank Lebens Vice President for Administration & Finance Enclosure cc: W. Baker R. Kitamura V. Stover 1 /25/97 17:03 $805 756 7560 CPSU-SLO: VPA&F Wa00 A.� ENCLOSURE 1 MITIGATION MEASURES - CAL POLY PARXING STRUCTURE 11/25/97 1. Trustees agree to prepare an "Environmental Impact Report" 2. Noise Control: Primary haul route onto construction site shall be from Grand Avenue to Slack Street; not Longview Lane or Rathway Avenue. Stockpiling and vehicle staging areas to be as far as practical from occupied structures. Minimize noise exposure periods. Construction Hours: Project construction activities that generate noise in excess of 60 dB at the project site shall be limited to the hours of 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Non-squeal paving materials will be used at the interior driving surfaces of the parking structure to reduce the potential for tire squealing. 3. Air Quality, Equipment Emission Control Measures: Heavy construction equipment certified to meet the 1996 Federal NO, standard. The primary tractor and scraper shall meet Federal standards. 4. Dust Control Measures: During grading, each day water truck or sprinkler system to wet down site, whenever wind speed exceeds 15 miles per hour wet down dust prone areas. Grading and scraping operations shall be suspended when one hour average wind speed exceeds 20 mph_ 5. Interior Signage and Safety Markings: Clear visible aignage. 6. Crosswalk Markings and Signage: Provisions for pedestrian access between parking structure and surrounding uses. The design would include an overpass to the Performing Arce Center. 7. Visual Resources: Good mousekeeping Plan shall include the on-site locations for materials and equipment storage, schedule for debris removal, and proposed screening mechanisms. a. Interior Lighting: To be directed internally with lamp cut-off" shields. 9_ Exterior Lighting: Landscape illumination shall use low level, unobtrusive fixtures. 10. Landscape Design: Planting areas must be incorporated into the project design to soften the effect of the building and paving, landscaping shall not encourage hiding places adjacent to the structure that could pose a security risk. 11. Elimination of the planned 159 space parking lot addition at Lot G-2 in accordance with the Alta Vista Neighborhood Association Agreement. 12 Non vehicular ingress/egress from the parking structure onto Rathway or Longview, except for emergency use. 13. No through traffic from Pacheco way, except during fall quarter move-in and emergency use. 14. No additional parking (surface or structural) other than the Project resulting from the current EIR process will be built in the immediate area bounded by Longview, Slack, and Pacheco Avenue for a period of 5 years. 15. Traffic Management Plan: Reduce congestion as part of the Event Parking Traffic Management Plan. Traffic control personnel to facilitate traffic flow before and after events. Establish a parking fee collection plan. 16. See item 3.5.3 Alta Vista Neighborhood Association Agreement page 3-15 of the Draft Environmental Impact Report revised October 1997 for additional agreements. 1 r •11/25/97 17:04 $805 756 7560 CPSU-SLO: VPA&F wiU05 ENCLOSURE 2 General Information - Cal Poly Parking Structure What's happening with the parking garage? The Draft Environmental Impact report is being reviewed by the public. After the public comments are received the Engineers and Architects will update the Construction Documents. Is the legal problem solved? The Environmental Impact Report is being prepared as required and the agreement with the Alta vista Neighborhood Association is included in the EIR. Are the neighbors happy, and is it now full steam ahead? There are people that support the project and others that disapprove. Cal Poly is proceeding with the project one step at a time based on the information developed during the EIR process. What's the next step? The Environmental Impact Report is expected to be certified in January. When will construction start? Construction is scheduled to begin in April of 1998. When will it be ready? The Project is scheduled for completion in March of 1999. will we lose parking during construction? During construction up to 150 parking spaces may be temporarily lost. How many spaces will we gain when it's done? The parking structure's capacity is 936 vehicles, this would provide 786 additional parking spaces for students, visitors, staff, fatuity and public events. What will it look like? The parking structure is a three-story facility with four levels of parking. The stzueture will be reinforced concrete. The majority of the exterior walls will be open, this reduces the mass, improves security, and saves money by reducing lighting and utility costs. Landscaping will be incorporated into the project that compliments the building without blocking ridge top views. Will it be safe in an earthquake? The parking structure will be constructed in full compliance with the uniform Building Code, Health and safety Code, and all seismic safety requirements. where will cars enter and exit? Car will enter and exit the parking structure from Grand Avenue. Will it be just for the PAC? The parking structure will be used by students, visitors, staff, faculty, and for special events at the Performing Arts Center and other campus activities. What's happening to the tennis courts? Six tennis courts would be removed during construction. will new courts be ready before we lose the existing ones? The four existing tennis courts located on the west side of the parking structure would remain. Three new tennis will be added adjacent to the existing tennis courts. Three of the new tennis courts are scheduled to be built during the construction phase of the parking structure or when funds axe available. Is the Alternate Site for the parking structure at Grand Avenue on lose fill or rock? The Geotechnical Engineers report indicates that both loose fill and hard to very hard rock materials were encountered at the landslide deposit located at the Alternate Site, requiring blasting and/or hammering to assist in rock excavation. 11/25/97 17:04 V805 756 7560 CPSU-SLO: VPA&F WIE00= Article from Cal Poly Report 10/29/97 why build the parking garage where the tennis courts are? Why is the parking garage proposed to be built on the tennis-court site? The question came up at a recen� public forum and in news accounts. Facilities Planning Director Bob Kitamura gives these answers: Wasn't the structure originally supposed to be built along Grand Avenue, across from Yosemite Hall? No. original studies looked at many factors and identified the large, general area west of Grand as the area where parking was needed and feasible. The studies analyzed several specific sites, including Grand Avenue, but there was never a specific plan to build along Grand itself. The first specific architectural plan located the garage on the tennis-court site. Why was the present site chosen? Among many reasons, the three most important are the geology, the cost, and the view. The geological conditions under the Grand Avenue parking lots would make it very difficult-thus very expensive-to put the structure even one level underground there. In reviewing the potential visual impact, the university had to consider the effect on the residence halls, Vista Grande, performing arts patrons, and visitors coming into the campus's main entrance as well as the effect on the Alta Vista neighborhood. Because high costs would require Cal Poly to build up, not down, along Grand, the university's position is that the current site has the least visual impact on almost everyone involved, including Alta Vista neighborhood residents_ What are those costly geologic conditions? We built the Cohan Center next to Grand without undue geological problems or cost. Why not dig the garage into the ground, save the view, and make the neighbors happy? The Cohan Center didn't raise the same questions. It wasn't built underground. The problem along Grand is that the area is the bottom, or "toe," of an ancient landslide. Building on top of an old landslide isn't a hazard because the material has stabilized over centuries. But when you cut into it, especially at the coe, you're compromising its stability and creating a dangerous situation. Leaving aside the cost to engineer a structure in those conditions, the cost of excavating the area, which includes both dirt and rock, would be immense. So why not 'build up along Grand Avenue, then? Is the view really that important? Aside from the impact a call structure on Grand would have on students living in the residence halls as well as Alta Vista residents, the university strives to create an attractive campus. An analysis done several years ago proposed a landscaped corridor along Grand, leading up to the Performing Arts Center and its plaza. A structure on Grand would forever preclude that possibility and give the campus a crowded, urban feeling the administration would like to avoid. 1 * _1, CALPOLY r�EETlo�c AGENDA DATEITEM # CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY SANLuis Omrc, CA 93407 ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE DIVISION (805) 756-2171 FAX: (805) 756-7560 November 25, 1997 9 -01 tD rna p.P4�DIR ORIG ❑POLICE CRF ❑REC DIR ❑UTIL DIR 13 PERS DIR San Luis Obispo City Council 990 Palm Street San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Dear Mayor Settle and Members of the City Council: Prior business commitments preclude my attendance at the December 2, 1997 meeting of the City Council at which time, I understand, the City Council will be considering Alta Vista Neighborhood Association objections to the parking structure on the Cal Poly campus. I would like to use this means to share with the City leadership both the rationale for the University proceeding with the parking structure and the efforts taken to date to address neighborhood and campus concerns. It should be noted that the structure is one of several steps in the master planning process of the University to address long term circulation and parking concerns. The current land use diagram calls for structures at the primary entry points to the campus in the vicinity of Grand Avenue, California Boulevard, and Highland Drive. Without adequate parking, the campus has experienced frequent situations where individuals seeking a parking space have had to circle the campus for at times up to 20 or 30 minutes, thereby only adding to parking problems and the potential for air pollution. In fact, the campus has suffered a net loss of parking spaces since 1990. The site near Grand Avenue was given priority because of the disproportionate loss of spaces in'the southern half of campus and concentration of high density uses in the southeast quadrant of the campus; these include the Cal Poly Theatre, Chumash Auditorium in the University Union Building, Mott Gymnasium, the Performing Arts Center, and the Recreational Sports complex. The campus has followed a rigorous process in selecting a location for the proposed parking structure. The specific site location and design were deemed the preferred one for geological, financial, and aesthetic reasons. The alternative placement of the facility on surface parking immediately south of the Performing Arts Center would elevate the structure in such a manner that it would be visible as far away as some RECEIVED DEC 0 1 1997 THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY SLO C711 nOUNCIL . points on Highway 101. In addition, the geology of that site would place the structure at the toe of an ancient landslide which if disturbed could, in fact, trigger unpredictable and potentially undesirable geological consequences. This site also presents financial challenges, in that in order to minimize the aesthetic disadvantages that come with the height of the facility, a substantial cut in earth would have to be made adding to the cost. Early in the process when the negative declaration was publicly noticed, the Alta Vista Neighborhood Association pointed out their concern that the wording of public notice lacked adequacy in description of the site. This prompted legal action by that body, as well as a number of discussions with the University. Even prior to a legal settlement, the University had acceded to nearly all of the provisions proposed in the legal settlement including specific environmental mitigations involving traffic, landscaping, and lighting. Credit is due to the Alta Vista Neighborhood Association for expressing concerns that helped define and refine these mitigations. As with most any project, not all issues can be resolved to the satisfaction of all parties, but we feel that the University has clearly and aggressively made modifications to the facility design and in the development of traffic management that will result in traffic emptying onto Grand Avenue in much the same volume and manner that is currently experienced at event dismissal time from existing surface parking onto Grand Avenue. Further, the University has agreed to closure of Pacheco Way as an egress point, except for very limited and predefined circumstances involving residence hall move-in and emergencies. The University also has agreed to limiting egress from the parking structure onto Hathway Avenue only for bona fide emergency purposes and the deletion of a planned surface parking lot in this area. The landscape plan also takes into consideration efforts to soften the effects of the building and paving in response to neighborhood aesthetic concerns. In summary, it is important to recognize the extraordinary efforts to which the University has gone in attempting to respond to a multiplicity of concerns from a variety of sources. The structure as planned is 400 feet from the closest residence. We have sought input from, responded to, and in many cases implemented measures that are sensitive to the concerns of community members as well as on-campus constituencies. We have gone far beyond legal requirements in conducting forums to solicit and act upon input; and, as a consequence, we feel that we have acted most responsibly. We understand that not all parties can or will be satisfied with any solution to the challenges we face in addressing the parking needs of the campus. At the same time, the University continues its commitment to being among the most responsible entities in the county in encouraging alternative means of transportation, thereby minimizing the need for on-campus parking. Enclosed with this letter is a partial listing of the mitigation measures taken to date, as well as a previously published list of questions and answers related to the proposed structure. We remain committed to our responsibility to the community and are confident that the efforts taken to date relative to this construction project have been consistent with that spirit of responsibility. In my absence, Vicki Stover, Associate Vice President for Administration, will be available for further comment at your meeting. Sincerely, Frank Lebens Vice President for Administration & Finance Enclosure cc: W. Baker R. Kitamura V. Stover ENCLOSURE 1 MITIGATION MEASURES - CAL POLY PARKING STRUCTURE 11/25/97 1. Trustees agree to prepare an "Environmental Impact Report" 2. Noise Control: Primary haul route onto construction site shall be from Grand Avenue to Slack Street; not Longview Lane or Hathway Avenue. Stockpiling and vehicle staging areas to be as far as practical from occupied structures. Minimize noise exposure periods. Construction Hours: Project construction activities that generate noise in excess of 60 dB at the project site shall be limited to the hours of 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Non-squeal paving materials will be used at the interior driving surfaces of the parking structure to reduce the potential for tire squealing. 3. Air Quality, Equipment Emission Control Measures: Heavy construction equipment certified to meet the 1996 Federal NO, standard. The primary tractor and scraper shall meet Federal standards. 4. Dust Control Measures: During grading, each day water truck or sprinkler system to wet down site, whenever wind speed exceeds 15 miles per hour wet down dust prone areas. Grading and scraping operations shall be suspended when one hour average wind speed exceeds 20 mph. 5. Interior Signage and Safety Markings: Clear visible signage. 6. Crosswalk Markings and Signage: Provisions for pedestrian access between parking structure and surrounding uses. The design would include an overpass to the Performing Arts Center. 7. visual Resources': Good Housekeeping Plan shall include the on-site locations for materials and equipment storage, schedule for debris removal, and proposed screening mechanisms. s. Interior Lighting: To be directed internally with lamp "cut-off" shields. 9. Exterior Lighting: Landscape illumination shall use low level, unobtrusive fixtures. 10. Landscape Design; Planting areas must be incorporated into the project design to soften the effect of the building and paving, landscaping shall not encourage hiding places adjacent to the structure that could pose a security risk. 11. Elimination of the planned 159 space parking lot addition at Lot G-2 in accordance with the Alta Vista Neighborhood Association Agreement. 12 Non vehicular ingress/egress from the parking structure onto Hathway or Longview, except for emergency use. 13. No through traffic from Pacheco Way, except during fall quarter move-in and emergency use. 14. No additional parking (surface or structural) other than the Project resulting from the current EIR process will be built in the immediate area bounded by Longview, Slack, and Pacheco Avenue for a period of 5 years. 15. Traffic Management Plan: Reduce congestion as part of the Event Parking Traffic Management Plan. Traffic control personnel to facilitate traffic flow before and after events. Establish a parking fee collection plan. 16. See item 3.5.3 Alta Vista Neighborhood Association Agreement page 3-15 of the Draft Environmental Impact Report revised October 1997 for additional agreements. 1 N� ENCLOSURE Z General Information - Cal Poly Parking Structure What's happening with the parking garage? The Draft Environmental Impact report is being reviewed by the public. After the public comments are received the Engineers and Architects will update the Construction Documents. Is the legal problem solved? The Environmental Impact Report is being prepared as required and the agreement with the Alta vista Neighborhood Association is included in the EIR. Are the neighbors happy, and is it now full steam ahead? There are people that support the project and others that disapprove. Cal Poly is proceeding with the project one step at a time based on the information developed during the EIR process. What's the next step? The Environmental Impact Report is expected to be certified in January. When will construction start? Construction is scheduled to begin in April of 1998. When will it be ready? The Project is scheduled for completion in March of 1999. Will we lose parking during construction? During construction up to 150 parking spaces may be temporarily lost. How many spaces will we gain when it's done? The parking structure's capacity is 936 vehicles, this would provide 786 additional parking spaces for students, visitors, staff, faculty and public events. What will it look like? The parking structure is a three-story facility with four levels of parking. The structure will be reinforced concrete. The majority of the exterior walls will be open, this reduces the mass, improves security, and saves money by reducing lighting and utility costs. Landscaping will be incorporated into the project that compliments the building without blocking ridge top views. Will it be safe in an earthquake? The parking structure will be constructed in full compliance with the Uniform Building Code, Health and Safety Code, and all seismic safety requirements. Where will cars enter and exit? Car will enter and exit the parking structure from Grand Avenue. Will it be just for the PAC? The parking structure will be used by students, visitors, staff, faculty, and for special events at the Performing Arts Center and other campus activities. What's happening to the tennis courts? Six tennis courts would be removed during construction. Will new courts be ready before we lose the existing ones? The four existing tennis courts located on the west side of the parking structure would remain. Three new tennis will be added adjacent to the existing tennis courts. Three of the new tennis courts are , scheduled to be built during the construction phase of the parking structure or when funds are available. Is the Alternate Site for the parking structure at Grand Avenue on lose fill or rock? The Geotechnical Engineers report indicates that both loose fill and hard to very hard rock materials were encountered at the landslide deposit located at the Alternate Site, requiring blasting and/or hammering to assist in rock excavation. 1 Article from Cal Poly Report 10/29/97 Why build the parking garage where the tennis courts are? Why is the parking garage proposed to be built on the tennis-court site? The question came up at a recent public forum and in news accounts. Facilities Planning Director Bob Kitamura gives these answers: Wasn't the structure originally supposed to be built along Grand Avenue, across from Yosemite Hall? No. Original studies looked at many factors and identified the large, general area west of Grand as the area where parking was needed and feasible. The studies analyzed several specific sites, including Grand Avenue, but there was never a specific plan to build along Grand itself. The first specific architectural plan located the garage on the tennis-court site. Why was the present site chosen? Among many reasons, the three most important are the geology, the cost, and the view. The geological conditions under the Grand Avenue parking lots would make it very difficult-thus very expensive-to put the structure even one level underground there. In reviewing the potential visual impact, the university had to consider the effect on the residence halls, Vista Grande, performing arts patrons, and visitors coming into the campus's main entrance as well as the effect on the Alta Vista neighborhood. Because high costs would require Cal Poly to build up, not down, along Grand, the university's position is that the current site has the least visual impact on almost everyone involved, including Alta Vista neighborhood residents. What are those costly geologic conditions? We built the Cohan Center next to Grand without undue geological problems or cost. Why not dig the garage into the ground, save the view, and make the neighbors happy? The Cohan Center didn't raise the same questions. It wasn't built underground. The problem along Grand is that the area is the bottom, or "toe," of an ancient landslide. Building on top of an old landslide isn't a hazard because the material has stabilized over centuries. But when you cut into it, especially at the toe, you're compromising its stability and creating a dangerous situation. Leaving aside the cost to engineer a structure in those conditions, the cost of excavating the area, which includes both dirt and rock, would be immense. So why not build up along Grand Avenue, then? Is the view really that important? Aside from the impact a tall structure on Grand would have on students living in the residence halls as well as Alta Vista residents, the university strives to create an attractive campus. An analysis done several years ago proposed a landscaped corridor along Grand, leading up to the Performing Arts Center and its plaza. A structure on Grand would forever preclude that possibility and give the campus a crowded, urban feeling the administration would like to avoid. 1 MrglNG AN= 3 . ITEM # 219 Albert Drive November 28, 1997 San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 544-7004 Frol ❑tVD DIR Allen Settle, Mayor o FIN D•R ❑FIRE CHI2; Bill Roalman, Dave Romero, Kathy Smith &Dodie Williams ORNEY arpfDfR Members of the San Luis Obispo City Council RK/ORfa ❑POLICE CHF ❑REC DIR O UTIL D1R Re: Support for Performing Arts Center Parking Structure ❑PERS DIR Dear Mayor Settle and Members of the City Council: We reside at 219 Albert Drive in the Alta Vista neighborhood near the Performing Arts Center- close enough to easily walk to performances. We favor the construction of a parking structure to serve the Performing Arts Center and other on- campus functions. We perceive that the mitigation measures for the"tennis court" location offer reasonable protection of our neighborhood. Our neighborhood is by far more adversely impacted by the absence of adequate parking for the Performing Arts Center and other on-campus functions than it will be impacted by the parking structure. A group calling themselves"Alta Vista Neighborhood Association"claims to represent our neighborhood. Their claims to represent us are illegitimate. Their opposition to the building of a parking structure at the"tennis court" location -and in reality anywhere, certainly do not represent our interests or priorities. We have spoken with our immediate neighbors, and have found not even one of them in accord with the position advocated by"Alta Vista Neighborhood Association." "Alta Vista Neighborhood Association" is a minority group formed to oppose the construction of a parking structure which is required to serve the Performing Arts Centers, and which additionally will serve other on-campus functions. Their opposition to the"tennis count" location is the immediate tactic in their fundamental opposition to the construction of any parking structure to serve the Performing Arts Center. When "Alta Vista Neighborhood Association" advocates positions to the City Council, please request evidence of its membership. Please evaluate the legitimacy of its claim to represent the Alta Vista neighborhood. Ask their spokesperson(s) if residents in the neighborhood are opposed to their positions and their claims to represent the neighborhood -we have expressed our objections to Professor Vix, its President. Sincerely yours, Dougla§'R. & Betty Pierce Novembes2e hand-delivered°Ala Vis a Neighboihoodgesocia ion"le es RECEIVED D t C 0 1 1997 SLO CITY COUNCIL November 28, 1997 Dear Friends and Neighbors, On Tuesday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m., the City Council is meeting at the City Hall to consider supporting AVNA's objections to the tennis court location of the parking structure for the Performing Arts Center. AVNA has reason to believe that the City Council may be willing to support AVNA's position that the parking structure creates environmental conditions that cannot be adequately mitigated. It is important that there is a large turnout for this meeting in order to show the depth of AVNA's commitment to stopping this project. AVNA is third on the agenda so plan to arrive early. If you need a ride to the meeting, please call Cindy Vix at 544- 7428 or Sherry Lewis at 544-8346. Yours truly, Alta Vista Neighborhood Association Marlin D. Vix, President Don Woollard, Vice President Sherry Lewis, Secretary - Treasurer MEETING / /,,,, AGENDA DATE J= =�L ITEM # 3 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT Parking Structure I California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo R UEC 0 2 1991 SLO CITY COUNCIL August 1997 �O'VCI` j �AC�O revised October 1997 E]Imwo NV E�KlORIO o�anlr SCH Number 95051007 0 -- 1 1 THE CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR 400 GOLDEN SHORE LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA 90802-4275 . • L 3.0 Project Description 3.5.3 Alta Vista Neighborhood Association Agreement IM As part of the agreement with the Alta Vista Neiph'-orhood Association, Cal Poly (by the Board of Trugtees) agreed to several measures that N\ill reduce impacts to the surrounding area. These measures are set forth below and incorporated into the project description. 1) TRUSTEES will agree to implement the follov.in_ mitigation measures as outlined by TRUSTEE Staff at a community meeting held on June 10. 1996, at the Albert B. Smith Alumni and Conference Center as pan or the development of any parking structure that may be built to serve the Performin., .Arts Center. The TRUSTEES shall not be obligated to implement these mitiga7. on measures unless the parking structure built at the conclusion of the EIR proce_s is located within 300 yards of Hathway. Slack, or Longview Avenues. a) Elimination of the planned 159-space parkir:g lot addition at Lot G-2. b) No vehicular ingress/egress from the pa"'ing structure onto Hathway or Longview, except for emergency use. "Emer_ency" in this section and section (c) below, shall be defined to be "an occurrence involving a clear and imminent danger demanding action to pre%ent or mitigate loss of. or damage to, life, health. property. or essential public ser. ices." . am c) Into through traffic from Pacheco Way exceo: during fall quarter move-in for the resident halls.. spring quarter Open House, and for emergency use (as defined in section b) above). d) During major events on campus, special signage and traffic control measures will be in place. This includes directing traffic toward Grand Avenue, Highland Avenue; and California Boulevard campus exits. e) Landscaping is planned to enhance the aesthetics of the parking structure. 2) No additional parking (surface or structural) other than the Project resulting from the current EIR process will be built in the immediate aria bounded by Longview, Slack, and Pacheco Avenues for a period of 5 years. The university will provide advance notice to the residents in the area of any parking project to be constructed after this 5- year period. In order to ensure that such a notice is properly received, AVNA shall provide the Cal Poly Office of Vice President for :administration and Finance with the name and address of the person who shall receive notice of the University's intention to construct a parking project in the location bn�.nided by Longview, Slack, and Pacheco Avenues. The provisions. of this para�rach shall not apply to situations where the University re-stripes a parking lot resultin_ in an increase or decrease in parking spaces. I3-SEC3-o.DES 3-15 December 1 , 1997 RECEIVED City Council 990 Palm Street Ute 0 L 1997 San Luis Obispo , CA 93405 SLO CITY COUNCIL Dear Council Members : As a property Owner at 1R8 Hathway Street I am writing In suprort of the proposed Cal Poly PAC parking structure as recently revised with design and mitigation features. I 'm sure you know there is a critical need for additional parking spaces at the university especially in the southern half of the campus. For many years residents of the Alta Vista neighborhood have complained about students parking in their streets instead of on campus due in part to a lack of adequate parking spaces on campus. Now with environmental impacts significantly reduced , it is time to move ahead with this facility for the benefit of the campus community , the patrons of the performing arts center and the Alta Vista neia.hborhood. Placing the facility at the tennis court area makes much more sense and would be more esthetically pleasing than the original site which would have been in full view of patrons and custo- mers of the PAC and Vista Grande Restaurant as well as a greater portion of the adjoining neighborhood. As a Floor Captain at the Performing Arts Center I have, heard many complaints about parking problems encountered by patrons who have attended concerts and other events this past year. The most serious concerns are voiced by senior citizens who have difficulty in walking many many blocks from their cars to the center sometimes in inclement weather. While the nronosed multi-story parking facility will alleviate some of the frustrating parkinsg problems at. Cal Poly , I understand the university will continue to pursue other alternatives such as ride sharing , subsidized busing , additional parking lots , etc. to help meet present and future parking needs. Please file this letter as part of the record in support of the proposed Cal Poly PAC Parking Facility. I am also sending a copy to the university for the record in support of the Draft EIR. Thank you for your consideration. 0 CODOIR Sincerely , ew o FIN DM �4,,� U CT AN= CHIEF Larry Voss � EY �O� LRI O POLICE CHF 61.1 Al-H i l Tar i ve p 8 .TEAM p REC DIR San Luis Obispo O UTIL DIR P itamura , Director of Facilities Planning gal Poly State University