HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 1996 0807 CC REG ITEM 10JNegative Declaration
To: Honorable City Council
August 1, 1996
Page 2
Casey Road is proposed to be widened along the south side and
circular driveways will be added onsite to accommodate parent and
bus drop-off of students (no details are provided in the Initial
Study regarding the width of the proposed Casey Road widening).
Additional parking is planned on-site to accommodate staff and
visitors.
DISCUSSION
The following comments should be incorporated into a letter to the
Moorpark Unified School District on the Negative Declaration for
Redevelopment of Casey Road Site to New Elementary School.
Project Description
The Initial Study should describe the City's Specific Plan No. 1
and Specific Plan No. 9 land use designations and the relationship
of the school site to these Specific Plan areas. Given that the
new elementary school is proposed to be located predominantly
within the Specific Plan No. 9 site (on approximately 11 acres of
the 23-acre site), the Initial Study should identify the proposed
subdivision of the Casey Road site and potential future residential
development planned for the balance of the site (approximately 12
acres), including discussion of grading and access proposed for the
entire Specific Plan No. 9 site.
Land Use -Proposed and Existing
Pages 7 and 8 -The City disagrees that traffic created by the
previous site would not be generated by the redeveloped site, since
it would be going from a high school to an elementary school,
eliminating student traffic during peak hours. As discussed below,
the site is not currently being used as a high school. Also,
contrary to the statement in the Negative Declaration, an
elementary school would typically generate traffic during the a.m.
peak hours.
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Negative Declaration
To: Honorable City Council
August 1, 1996
Page 3
Circulation
Pages 8 and 9 -The Initial Study concludes that traffic would be
considerably less in comparison to the traffic produced by the
former high school. The Negative Declaration also assumes that the
students residing in the downtown, Peach Hill, and Mountain Meadows
neighborhoods would be bussed to the new elementary school, to
relieve overcrowding at other existing elementary schools, and that
the planned bussing would eliminate pedestrian traffic and limit
the number of parents dropping off and picking up students.
No specific information has been provided in the Initial Study that
compares the old high school enrollment versus the anticipated
enrollment for the new elementary school. In addition, no
information has been provided regarding trip generation for the old
high school versus the new elementary school. The City is
concerned that the high school use was discontinued years ago, that
Casey Road was not adequate to serve the prior high school use, and
that the traffic has increased considerably on Moorpark Avenue
since discontinuance of the high school use at the Casey Road site.
The Traffic Study should be revised to address estimated trip
generation, existing and projected traffic conditions on Walnut
Canyon Road/Moorpark Avenue, and to identify when a signal would be
warranted at the intersection of Casey Road and Walnut Canyon Road.
The City's opinion is that the District should pay its fair share
of the cost of installing a signal at the Casey Road/Walnut Canyon
Road intersection. The District's pro-rata share would need to be
calculated based on the additional traffic added to the Casey
Road/Walnut Canyon Road intersection.
The old high school site currently has primary access provided by
Casey Road and secondary/emergency access provided by High Street.
Information should be provided in the Negative Declaration/Initial
Study that clarifies the future secondary/emergency access for the
elementary school. Information should also be provided regarding
the ultimate alignment of Casey Road to ensure that the widening
and improvements planned in conjunction with the new elementary
school are consistent with the improvements planned for proposed
Specific Plan No. 1.
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Negative Declaration
To: Honorable City Council
August 1, 1996
Page 4
Initial Study Checklist
Page 4, Light and Glare -The proposed widening of Casey Road
should include the installation of street lights in accordance with
City standards.
Page 5, Transportation/Circulation -See prior comments.
Page 7, Aesthetics -The Initial Study should address the proposed
grading of the slopes on the south side of the site (height and
appearance), and identify how the proposed project design mitigates
potential grading impacts. Contour grading should be required.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Direct staff to prepare a letter to the Moorpark Unified School
District, which addresses City Council and staff comments on the
Negative Declaration and Initial Study.
Attachment: Negative Declaration/Initial Study
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C.
from an existing bus stop at Chaparral Middle Schoo� again eliminating pedestrian
traffic and providing for the safety of the children. Students in the area north of
High Street would continue to be bussed from the Charles Street bus stop and
students in the area south of High Street would be bussed from Flory School.
Students in the Walnut Canyon area could continue to be bussed from Almaguer's
Comer.
ACCESS
Walnut Canyon includes a left tum lane on to Casey Road, a " Right Tum Only"
from Casey Road to Walnut Canyon and a "No Left Tum" on to Walnut Canyon
from Casey Road. The redevelopment project includes the widening of Casey
Road with designated circular driveways within the school parking lot for vehicles
and buses. Parking within the school grounds will be sufficient to allow for all
staff and visitors.
ill. CONCLUSION
Continued housing development in the City of Moorpark has been anticipated by the
Moorpark Unified School District. In an effort to not diminish the quality of education
but rather enhance it the Moorpark Unified School District has created a master plan
which is continually reviewed and updated. This master plan includes statistical
information from companies developing within the City limits thereby generating student
population. The plan includes studies of the number of students in all of the hou� areas
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throughout the City as well as projections of student generation over a five(5) year period. To avoid overcrowding at sites the District has adopted an aggressive plan for development of schools. The redevelopment project is situated on land owned by the District which eliminates the need for purchasing a large parcel of land. The site is already school zoned and transportation routes and stops have already been established. Any increase in traffic will be minimal and controlled by signals. Traffic circulation patterns in the Peach Hill and Mountain Meadows area may be improved with smaller student populations in attendance at these sites. wp60\mmr\initial 15 00029�
Maybe 2.Air. Will the proposal result in:a.Substantial air emissions or deteriorationof ambient air quality?.....x... b.The creation of objectionable odors?.....x...
C.Alteration of air movement, moisture, ortemperature, or any change in climate,either locally or regionally?.....x... 3.Water. Will the proposal result in:a.Changes in currents, or the course ofdirection of water movements, in eithermarine or fresh waters?b.changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns,or the rate and amount of surface runoff?.....x...
C.Alterations to the course or low of floodwaters?d.Change in the amount of surface water inany water body?.....x... e.Discharge into surface waters, or in anyalteration of surface water quality, includingbut not limited to temperature, dissolvedoxygen or turbidity?.....x...
f Alteration of the direction or rate of flow of ground waters? .....x... g.Change in the quantity of ground waters,either through direct additions or with-drawals, or through interception of anaquifer by cuts or excavations?.....x... h.Substantial reduction in the amount ofwater otherwise available for publicwater supplies?.....x... 2 000294
3.i. Exposure of people or property to waterrelated hazards such as flooding or tidal waves? 4.Plant Life. Will the proposal result in:a.Change in the diversity of species, ornumber of any species of plants (includingtrees, shrubs, grass, crops, and aquaticplants)?b.Reduction of the numbers of any unique,rare or endangered species of plants?C.Introduction of new species of plants intoan area, or in a barrier to the normal re-plenishment of existing species?d.Reduction in acreage of any agriculturalcrop?5.Animal Life. Will the proposal result in:a.Change in the diversity of species, or numbersof any species of animals (birds, land animalsincluding reptiles, fish and shellfish, benthicorganisms or insects)?b.Reduction of the numbers of any unique, rareor endangered species of animals?C.Introduction of new species of animals intoan area, or result in a barrier to the migra-tion or movement of animals?d.Deterioration to existing fish or wildlifehabitat?3 Maybe
_x_
_x_
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Maybe 6.Noise. Will the proposal result in:a.Increases in existing noise levels?b.Exposure of people to severe noise levels?_x_ 7.Light and Glare. Will the proposal produce newlight or glare?8.Land Use. Will the proposal result in a substantialalteration of the present or planned land use of anarea?9.Natural Resources. Will the proposal result in:a.Increase in the rate of use of any naturalresources?_x_ 10.Risk of Upset. Will the proposal involve:a.A risk of an explosion or the release ofhazardous substances (including, but notlimited to, oil, pesticides, chemicals orradiation) in the event of an accident orupset conditions?b.Possible interference with an emergencyresponse plan or an emergency evacuationplan?11.Population. Will the proposal alter the location,distribution, density, or growth rate of the humanpopulation of an area?12.Housing. Will the proposal affect existing housing,or create a demand for additional housing?13.Transportation/Circulation. Will the proposal resultm:
a.Generation of substantial additional vehicular _x_ movement?4 000296
13.b. Effects on existing parking facilities, ordemand for new parking? c.Substantial impact upon existing transportationsystems?d.Alterations to present patterns of circulatione.Alterations to waterborne, rail or air traffic?f.Increase in traffic hazards to motor vehicles,bicyclists or pedestrians?14.Public Services. Will the proposal have an effectupon, or result in a need for new or altered governmental services in any of the following areas:a.Fire Protection?b.Police Protection?c.Schools?d.Parks or other recreational facilities?e.Maintenance of public facilities, includingroads?f.Other governmental services?15.Energy. Will the proposal result in:a.Use of substantial amounts of fuel or energy?b.Substantial increase in demand upon existingsources or energy, or require the developmentof new sources of energy?16.Utilities. Will the proposal result in a need fornew systems, or substantial alterations to thefollowing utilities:5
Maybe
_x._
_x._
_x._
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_x._
_x._
_x._
_x._
_x._
_x._
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17.Human Health. Will the proposal result in:a.Creation of any health hu.ard or potentialhealth hu.ard (excluding mental health)?b.Exposure of people to potential healthhu.ards?18.Aesthetics. Will the proposal result in theobstruction of any scenic vista or view open tothe public, or will the proposal result in thecreation of an aesthetically offensive site opento public view?19.Recreation. Will the proposal result in animpact upon the quality or quantity of existingrecreational opportunities?__x_ 20.Cultural Resources.a.Will the proposal result in the alterationof or the destruction of a prehistoric orhistoric archaeological site?b.Will the proposal result in adverse physicalor aesthetic effects to a prehistoric orhistoric building, structure, or object?c.Does the proposal have the potential tocause a physical change which would affectunique ethnic cultural values?d.Will the proposal restrict existing religiousor sacred uses within the potential impactarea?6 Maybe
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ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST NARRATIVE
RedevelQpment of Casey Road Site to New Elemenwy School
II.ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
1.Eanh
a.Redevelopment of this site to accommodate the construction of this project
will in no way alter any geologic substructures nor will it promote or cause
unstable earth conditions.
b.There will displacement and, in some instances, recompaction of soil for
this project.
c.The redevelopment of the site will require grading, cutting and some
alteration of the topography. This redevelopment of the property will
permit modernization of the buildings and landscaping and promote more
efficient use of the present site.
d.The grading noted above will result in changes in the physical features of
the earth; because the redevelopment project site is already a school site
there are no geologic or physical features which are considered to be of
such unique nature as to warrant preservation.
e.As a condition for redevelopment and construction of the project the
successful bidder will be required to take actions to meet or exceed city,
state codes and applicable standards related to erosion control used in the
construction of other projects within the District. These actions include
but are not limited to temporary and permanent berms, hydroseeding or
sodding and the provision of appropriate drainage facilities as well as
retaining walls.
f There will be no changes involving rivers, streams, lake or other such
channels.
g.There will be no exposure of people or property to geologic hazards.
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2.Aira.Based on factors for determination of emissions generated from a school ofthis grade level group and size there will be no deterioration of air quality.During redevelopment and construction of the project the contractor isrequired, under the Special Conditions, section 20, to provide for andmitigate potential detriments to air quality.b.The redevelopment will not create objectionable odors.c.There will be no significant alteration of air movement, moisture ortemperature.3.:waw:a.There will be no change in the direction of water movements.b.As noted above, the project will effectively collect and direct surface runoff to appropriate collection devices.c.The project will not alter the course or flow of flood water.d.There will be an insignificant increase in the surface water flowing intoappropriate structures constructed for that purpose.e.There will be no discharges of dissolved sediment or foreign particles intosurface water.f There may be insignificant changes in the direction or rate of flow ofground waters during the construction period but the rate of flow shouldreturn to normal upon completion of the redevelopment.g.There may be insignificant changes in the quantity of ground watersgenerated by the project during construction but these quantitative changesshould return to nonnal upon completion of the redevelopment.h.There should not be an increase in the amount of public water suppliesnecessary to serve the project as the former high school housed 800students and the elementary school will not be housing greater numbers.1.There will be no exposure of people to floods or tidal waves.2 000302
4.Plant Lifea.There are no known unique, rare or endangered species of plants whichwill be harmed by the redevelopment project as the plants presently on thesite were introduced when the site was originally constructed.b.The plants introduced to the geographic area by the redevelopment projectwill be common varieties used in the landscaping of similar school siteswithin the District. As noted above the landscaping will not have adebilitative effect upon plants indigenous to the area. Because the site isminimally occupied at present the landscaping has not been modemiz.ed norimproved in recent years. Redevelopment would allow for landscapingimprovements in the use of water saving and drought resistant plants aswell as improved water usage.c.The area is presently landscaped and not under cultivation, therefore, doesnot reduce acreage of agricultural yield from the area.5.Animal Lifea.Because the site presently exists and will only be redeveloped there will beno significant change in the diversity or number of any species of animals.b.There are no known unique, rare or endangered species of animals on thepresent site which would be harmed by the redevelopment project.c.No new animals will be introduced to the area by the redevelopmentproject.d.The redevelopment project will not result in the displacement of existingwildlife nor deterioration of an existing wildlife habitat.6.�a.There may be an increase in noise levels in the area during certain hours ofthe day due to normal school activities but these noise levels should notexceed prior noise levels due to normal high school activities. Such noiselevels will not be detrimental to the surrounding areas.b.There will be no exposure to severe noise levels.3 000303
13.Transportation/Circulationa.Although there may be some additional vehicular movement for a shortperiod during the morning hours and afternoon hours the overall effect ofthe redevelopment will be positive. The redevelopment project will resultin decreased traffic at the other three elementary schools thereby balancingthe flow of traffic during arrival and dismissal times of the students. Theprevious high school generated student traffic not only during arrival anddismissal times but during the lunch period, as well as creating a parkingproblem for both students and staff.b.The redevelopment project will create more convenient, more accessibleparking, include areas for parental drop-off7pick-up of students and schoolbus fleet pick-up/drop-off of students.c.There will be no adverse impact upon existing transportation systems as aresult of the redevelopment of this site. The redevelopment site may in factassist in alleviating congestion in the Peach Hill, Mountain Meadows, andCampus Park areas.d.The project will include improved on-site circulation patterns for parentsand school bus fleet.e.No impact to water, rail or air traffic will result from this project.f There will be no significant increases in traffic hazards as a result of the project. The redevelopment project is situated in an area recently improved by Cal Trans - a left tum lane was completed onto Casey Road. Additionally Casey Road is posted "No Left Tum" and "Right Tum Only", eliminating traffic mishaps due to a left tum onto a curved road. Walnut Canyon is posted "No Stopping At Any Time" on both left and right sides, again increasing access and visibility by eliminating parked cars. Students riding bicycles to school will be directed to the signalled crosswalk at the comer of Moorpark Avenue and High Street and proceed along the sidewalk to the school site. 5 000305
14.Public Services
a.An increase in the fire fighting capability of the City of Moorpark will be
dictated by an increase in population. At present the redevelopment site is
within one eighth of a mile of Station 42. Because the site presently exists
it is currently served by the Fire Department.
b.Increases in police patrols or traffic monitoring resulting from the
redevelopment project would be minimal. As noted above because the sitealready houses buildings all governmental services exist.
c.The project is a school.
d.There will be no increased need for recreational facilities as a result of theredevelopment project; the project, by its nature, increases the recreational
facilities available in the City of Moorpark and in particular in the
downtown areas. Further the redevelopment project is adjacent to the
Boys and Girls facility. The redevelopment includes plans for turfed and
paved play areas for basketball and softball.
e.There will be no significant increase in maintenance of public facilities other
than what was standard maintenance of the previous site.
f.Other governmental services, if needed, have been provided by the City ofMoorpark, the local Water District and the County of Ventura in the past.
15.EnetiY
a.There will be no use of substantial amounts of fuel or energy created by
this redevelopment project. The redevelopment includes modernization to
energy efficient sources.
b.There will not be substantial increases in demand upon existing sources of
energy.
16.Utilities
a.The redevelopment project will utilize existing systems with some
alterations to accommodate the placement of the new buildings.
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