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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Resolution 7960 (Priority Project Determination)RESOLUTION NO. 7960 RESOLUTION OF THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL GRANTING PRIORITY PROJECT DETERMINATIONS WHEREAS, on October 17, 1988 the San Rafael City Council adopted Resolution No. 7853 establishing the Priority Projects Procedure, to implement General Plan Policies: C-3 Tim of pevelooment of Transportation Jmprovements, C-7 projects in a Circulation Impacted Area and Program C -b Proiect Approval Procedure In Traffic Impacted, Areas to mitigate traffic impacts resulting from new developments by relating the timing of construction of new development to the timing of construction of necessary circulation Improvements associated with said new development and to the maintenance of traffic level of service consistent with General Plan policies: C- 1 Level of Service and C-2 Level of Service D Midpoint; and WHEREAS, the San Rafael Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on Priority Projects Determination (P89-1) on January 24, 31 and February 7, 1989, and considered all reports, recommendations, letters, and testimony; WHEREAS, the San Rafael City Council held a duly noticed public hearing on Priority Projects Determination (P89-1) on March 7, 1989 and considered all reports, recommendations, letters and testimony; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the San Rafael City Council hereby adopts the following findings regarding definitions and criteria for evaluating projects competing for priority determination: 1. As defined by General Plan policy C-7 projects which shall receive priority citywide shall include projects which provide significant amounts of affordable housing, high tax generating uses, or needed neighborhood serving uses as defined below: Affordable Housing Projects consist of projects which provide at least 8% of the units affordable to low income -households and a total of at least 15% of the units affordable to low and moderate income households and as further defined by General Plan policy H-20. High Tax Genera Uses. are rated by annual revenues generated as follows: $0-25,000 = Poor; $25,000-100,000 = Fair; $100,000- 300,000 = Good; and $300,000 + =Excellent. Needed Neiahborhood Servina Uses consist of those neighborhood serving uses identified in a neighborhood plan, the General Plan or through recommendation of the Advisory Committee, the Planning Commission or City Council. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the San Rafael City Council hereby makes the following findings with regard to the use 1 Of "Critical Move Diversion Reserve" and acceptance of a Level of Service condition fourteen critical moves below MID LOS D at the Freitas interchange: 1. The City Council does hereby find that the use of the "Critical Move Diversion Reserve" at the Freltas Interchange during the interim period prior to the completion of the Merrydale Overcrossing and new north bound on-ramp to Highway 101 is justified in that the diversions are not anticipated to return during the interim period prior to the completion of the needed circulation improvements because lanes on Highway 101 will not be restricted or closed during the construction of the project. Furthermore, planned improvements to Highway 101, including construction of a High Occupancy Vehicle Lane from Miller Creek to Highway 37, will increase the capacity of Highway 101 and reduce or eliminate the potential for traffic diversions during this interim period. 2. The City Council does hereby find it would be unlikely that the level of service would drop below MID LOS D because planned development projects either will not have been completed or the buildings will not be fully occupied prior to completion of the Merrydale Overcrossing and Freitas interchange improvements, therefore, full traffic generation is not anticipated. In the event that full traffic generation is achieved, Level of Service MID D would be exceeded by fourteen critical moves which is acceptable as the two projects which would cause MID LOS D to be exceeded provide the highest percentage of affordable units (Northview) or the highest tax revenue generation (Costco) of any of the projects submitted for Priority Determination. Finally, if Level of Service MID D is exceeded it will occur for a period of no more than eight months during which time all projects will be under construction or, occupied and the circulation improvements will be under construction. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the San Rafael City Council hereby finds the use of a portion of the "Critical Move Diversion Reserve" and the "Exempt Project Reserve" warranted at the Bellam interchange based on the following findings: 1. The San Rafael City Council hereby recommends that the 19 critical move 1's and 13 critical move 3's remaining after the granting applications: PPP88-1 a & 1b, The Golden State Projects; PPP88-2, 111 units of Spinnaker on the Bay; PPP88-16, Jim's Food & Liquor; PPP88-5, Honda/Restaurant; and PPP88-9, Orchard Supply Hardware a Priority Determination, should be maintained for exempt projects and possibile diversions reoccurring off of Highway 101 through the Bellam interchange prior to completion of the Bellam interchange improvements because it is not possible to determine the affect of projects which may be approved in other communities and it is not possible to fully assess the total number of projects and/or critical moves necessary for projects which may 2 be granted an "exempt" status as defined by section 2.1 of Priority Projects Procedure established under Resolution No. 7853. 2. The San Rafael City Council hereby notes that should the established reserve, described above, not prove adequate, there are an additional 63 CM1's and 63 CM3's available to the bottom of Level of Service D which will preserve Level of Service as defined by General Plan policy C-2 during the interim period. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the San Rafael City Council hereby grants Priority Determinations based on the following analysis and findings: PPP88-IA GOLQEN STA R (TOYS R USI ANALYSIS: Traffic: The project is within the traffic allocation to the site in that: there are 54 historic trips; there are an additonal 155 trips which the General Plan assigns based on the fact that the site is currently underdeveloped; finally the remaining 101 trips, needed to accommodate the project, are to come from the Redevelopment Agency Trip Reserve of 210 trips. The project would generate 7 CM1'S and 8 CM3's or approximately 8% and 13%, respectively, of the remaining capacity of the Bellam interchange. JAiah Tax Generation: The use qualifies as a priority project in that it would provide approximately $200,000 per year in revenues to the City of San Rafael. The project, in combination with Golden State Retail Center, would generate exceptionally high revenues. Community Benefits: A major benefit, in addition to the financial benefit, is the beautification and improvements that would occur along Francisco Blvd West through the redevelopment and design review processes. FINDINGS: 1. The project qualifies as a high priority project as defined by General Plan policy C-7 in that the described project would generate sales tax revenues of approximately $200,000 annually to the City and inasmuch as revenues in excess of $100,000 are defined as good high tax revenue generating uses. 2. The proposal is granted a Priority Determination based on the following findings: 2a. The project, along with the Golden State Lumber Relocation project would be one of the highest tax generators within the Bellam interchange. 2b. The project will fulfill General Plan 2000 goals and policies in that redevelopment of the lumber yard site will enhance an entryway to the City as required by Land Use policy 24. 2c. The project assists in the improvement of Francisco Blvd West and promotes specialty retail uses and design policies of the Francisco Blvd West area as required by General Plan policies FBW-2, 6, 9 & 24. 3 ANALYSIS: Traffic: The project is consistent with the traffic allocation for the parcel in that there are 30 trips assigned to the parcel by the General Plan and the remaining 24 trips are available from the Redevelopment Agency's trip reserve. High Tax Generation: Currently, Golden State Lumber is the City's second highest single tax revenue generator at approximately $150,000 annually. It is of extreme importance to the City to maintain such uses for it's continued prosperity. Communitv Benefits: Redevelopment of the existing location through the lumber yard's relocation to the industrial sector of the City will enhance the image of the City. FINDINGS: 1. The project qualifies as a high priority project as defined by General Plan policy C-7 in that the described project would retain sales tax revenues of approximately $150,000 annually for the City and inasmuch as revenues in excess of $100,000 are defined as good high tax revenue generating uses. 2. The proposal is granted a Priority Determination based on the following findings: 2a The project, along with Golden State Retail Center, would be one of the highest tax generators per critical move of projects competing within the Bellam interchange. 2b The project will fulfill General Plan 2000 goals and policies in that relocation and redevelopment of the lumber yard site will enhance an entryway to the City as required by Land Use policy 24. 2c The project assists in the improvement of Francisco Blvd West and promotes specialty retail uses and design policies of the Francisco Blvd West area as required by General Plan policies FBW-2, 6, 9 & 24. ANALYSIS: Traffic: The project is consistent with the trip allocation of 241 trips where 337 are available. Phase 1 (111 units) of the project will generate 26 CM1's and 4 CM3's at the Bellam interchange or approximately 28% and 7% of the available capacity to MID LOS D. Housing: Phase I of the project proposes 21% of the 111 units be affordable to low and moderate Income households. This is the highest percentage of affordable units proposed by any project within the Bellam Interchange during the interim period prior to the completion of the needed circulation improvements. Additionally the mix of "For Sale" and "Rental" units provides housing for a range of household incomes. Community Benefits: The projects would provide access and improvements to the City's Shoreline Band Park. 4 FINDINGS: 1. Phase I, 111 units, of the project qualifies as a high priority project as defined by General Plan policies C-7 and H-20 in that the described project would provide 21% of the units affordable to low and moderate income households. 2. Phase I, 111 units, of the project has been granted a Priority Determination based on the following findings: 2a The project has the highest percentage of affordable units of the housing projects submitted within the Bellam interchange and is in compliance with General Plan housing policies in that the project has been planned consistent with traffic, other service capacities and community wide needs; would provide quality affordable housing; would exceed the Below Market Rate quotas required of larger subdivisions and affordable housing projects and provide low income and rental housing. 2b The project fulfills many General Plan policies and goals including completion of the connection of Bellam with Catalina Blvds. as required by General Plan policy ESR -16 and Shoreline Band Park access/improvements, preservation of bay and hillside views and wetlands as required by General Plan policies LU -22, 36, R-261 NE -1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 13,14, ESR -12,13,14, 22, 26 and CB -1, 71 11 and 13 and furthermore, provides onsite recreation facilities as required by policies R-5, 13, 14, ESR -22, 23, and CB -4. PPP88-3 LUCAS RIDGE ESTATES ANALYSIS: Traffic: The project falls within the allowable trips assigned to the parcel by the General Plan 2000. The PM Peak trips from the site would generate 8 CM's or 7% of the remaining capacity of the Lucas Valley/Smith Ranch Interchange. Housing: The project would provide the minimum number of BMR units to be considered a priority project In that it provides 15% affordable housing. Ten percent of the units would be affordable to low income households vs 8% required by General Plan policy H-20. The number of BMR units that would be gained relative to the number of CM's the project will generate is high (1.5 BMR units per CM). Communitv Benefits: The project provides several public benefits most notably the "Reserve" parcel for the needed right-of-way improvements. Furthermore, the project respects the community wide visible hillsides by locating the majority of the residential development below the prominent ridgelines and designating a 68+ acre parcel as open space. FINDING: 1. The project qualifies as a high priority project as defined by General Plan policies C-7 and H-20 in that the described project would provide approximately 15 percent of the units affordable with 10% affordable to low income households. 5 2. The project has been granted a Priority Determination based on the following findings: 2a The project provides 15% of the units affordable, with 10% of the units affordable to low income households. 2b The project Mills many of the goals and policies of the General Plan including preservation of open space (NE -1,2, 5, 13 and 20), and specific area policies for the site NG -11 and 12. 2c The project has a very small traffic capacity demand, approximately 7%, of the remaining capacity of the Lucas Valley/Smith Ranch interchange as compared with other residential projects affecting the interchange. ANALYSIS Traffic: The project is consistent with the traffic allocation for the parcel and leaves adequate allocation for the remainder parcel should it be developed as a light industrial/office complex (117 of 201 to 261 trips). The project would generate 8 CM1's and 17 CM3's or 9% and 28% of the Bellam interchange's capacity, respectively. High Tax__ Generator: The project would generate between $300-371,000 dollars in Hotel Occupancy Tax for the City. Community Benefits: The greatest asset would be the Shoreline Band access and any improvements that would occur as a result of developing the parcel. Additionally, the Hotel would provide new jobs that would be available to neighborhood residents. FINDINGS: 1. The project qualifies as a high priority project as defined by General Plan policy C-7 in that the described project could generate annual sales tax revenues of approximately $300-371,000 if occupancy projections are accurate. Revenues in excess of $300,000 are considered excellent revenue generators. 2. The project has not been granted a Priority Determination based on the following findings: 2a The economic demand for additional hotel rooms in the City of San Rafael has not been documented by market studies or other appropriate analyses. Each of the various development proposals that could be submitted for consideration in the Priority Projects Procedure has its own peculiar economic characteristics that dictate the particular type of data and studies necessary to support individual project applications. For this reason, the Priority Projects Procedure requires that "the applicant shall submit all the information necessary to enable the public to determine. . .the capability of the community to .support the proposal based on. . .impact on the economic base of the community. . ." The hotel market is particularly competitve in the San Rafael area as demonstrated by the high vacancy rates at the Clarion Hotel. The market has been made more competitive - by the Embassy Suites Hotel approved for construction by the City Council in 0 December 1988. Based on these factors, a market study or other equivalent analyses is necessary to determine whether there Is adequate economic demand to support construction and operation of a Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel and whether sales tax revenue projections are accurate. Other projects proposed for the Bellam interchange are more certain in terms of economic viability and revenue projections. The City Council finds that because of this uncertainty it is not appropriate to award Priority Status to the Howard Johnson Hotel Plaza project. 2b The proposed project would use 3.6 acres of a 7.0 acre site on bayfront property. General Plan Policy LU -16 requires preparation by the applicant of a Master Plan for all commercial and industrial sites greater than five acres in size. The Master Plan must be reviewed by the City's Design Review Board and approved by the Planning Commission and City Council at public hearing. The preparation and review of a Master Plan is a protracted process which would take at least 90 days. This project may have significant adverse environmental impacts which will require the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report prior to approval of the Master Plan and other discretionary permits. The project site is on the San Francisco Bay shoreline and adjacent to wetland mitigation ponds. Portions of the building site include a former landfill and a contractor's yard. Construction activity including excavation may temporarily impact the nearby environmentally sensitive wetlands and bayfront habitat through increased noise levels and vibration, disturbance of soil and water, and increased human presence. Excavation may spread hazardous materials from the landfill and contractor equipment yard to surrounding wildlife habitat. Excavation may also cause airborne releases and water contamination that could affect human populations. Permanent adverse impacts may result from the proposed project including alteration of natural drainage, changes in wildlife patterns from increased human presence, increased traffic congestion and visual Impacts. Based on the scope and nature of the project, the environmental sensitivity of the site and the surrounding area, and the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act, an Environmental Impact Report will be required for this project. Preparation, review and adoption of the Environmental Impact Report would take up to fifteen months. The extended planning process that would be needed to approve a Master Plan and adopt an Environmental Impact Report for the project would result in the reservation of a significant number of critical moves at the Bellam interchange for more than one year. The City Council finds it in the public interest to award the limited number of available critical moves to other projects which can begin to operate sooner and 7 provide affordable housing, generate sales tax revenue, or meet neighborhood needs while the Howard Johnson Hotel Plaza project is undergoing the planning process. PPP88-5 SAN RAFAEL HONDA/RESTAUR HI ANALYSIS: Traffic: The proposed development is within the trip allocation (63 trips where 165 are possible). The 63 PM peak trips would generate 14 CM1's and 9 CM3's or 15% of the remaining capacity of the Bellam interchange. (Qualifier: Marin Honda is currently one of the strongest dealerships in Marin County. It is anticipated that Honda would generate in excess of $205,000 annually for the City or approximately $14,640 per CM. The restaurant portion of the project is not a likey revenue generator in that restaurants tend to pull business from one another, and generally do not have revenues which could allow them to qualify as either good or excellent sources of revenue. Community E3enefits: The project would enhance the canal frontage previously dedicated to the City and has been designed to account for a future Right -of -Way take along Francisco Blvd East. FINDINGS: 1. The project qualifies as a high priority project as defined by General Plan policy C-7 in that the described project would generate sales tax revenues of approximately $205,000 annually and inasmuch as revenues in excess of $100,000 are defined as being good high tax revenue generators. 2. The Honda project is granted a Priority Determination based on the following findings: 2a The project is one of the highest tax generators of those projects competing within the Bellam interchange. 2b The project will fufill General Plan 2000 goals and policies as the project has been designed to accommodate the widening of East Francisco Blvd as required by General Plan policy C -8x. 2c The project will provide access to the Canal Area and enhance the canal frontage through the design and site development review as required by Geneal Plan policies ESR -10,1.1,13 & 22 and CB -3,7,8,9,10,11,13,14 &18. ANALYSIS: Traffic: The project is not entirely consistent with the trip allocation for the site in that it would generate 6 additional PM Peak trips based on the proposal for all of the units to be over 1000 s.f in size. However, the project qualifies as an Affordable Housing Project with over 15% of the units affordable to low and moderate income households and, therefore, may qualify for the needed six trip bonus from the 25 trip bonus reserve for affordable housing projects In the N Northgate Area. The most notable traffic impact is on the Freitas Interchange with an impact of 24 CM's or 28% of the interchange's capacity. Housing: The project qualifies as an affordable housing project by providing 19% or a BMR units with at least 3 low and 5 moderate income units. ~ Timina/Phasing: The needed improvement to the Freitas Interchange (the Merrydale Overcrossing Project) is planned for completion within 14-18 months. If an EIR is required for the Northview proposal, interchange improvements will be completed first. If a Negative Declaration is approved for the Northview proposal, project occupancy will coincide with the Merrydale Overcrossing Project construction for 6-8 months. FINDINGS: 1. The project qualifies as a high priority project as defined by General Plan policies C-7 and H-20 In that 19 percent of the proposed units would be affordable to low and moderate income households. 2. Northview is granted a Priority Determination based on the following findings: 2a. The project has the highest percentage of affordable units of any housing project submitted for Priority Processing and has been designed to provide quality affordable housing, exceeds the requirements of Below Market Rate Housing and Affordable Housing Projects and will provide low income housing as required by General Plan policies H-17, 19, 20 & 31, respectively. 2b Additionally, the project timing is such that the Merrydale Overcrossing is anticipated to be completed within 6 to 8 months of completion of the Northview project and Inasmuch as there are several exempt projects which have participated in the Merrydale Assessment district which are not anticipated to generate traffic as construction may not be complete or they may not be fully occupied within this time frame. Furthermore, the use of the 70 critical move diversion reserve will maintain the level of service at the Freitas interchange during the interim period before the completion of the Merrydale Overcrossing and new north bound on-ramp because improvements to highway 101 within the past two years have increased the capacity of the highway and have thereby reduced the diversions from the highway onto the surface streets. PPP88-7 NIDLAtj ANALYSIS Traffic: The project is within the trip allocation for the site (15 where 16 trips are assigned by the General Plan). The project would generate 2 CM1's and 6 CM3's or use 2% and 10% of the Bellam Interchange's capacity, respectively. Qualifier: The project does not qualify as a Priority Project as N identified under General Plan policy C-7. Would develop the last vacant parcel in the Bahia de Rafael Industrial Park. FINDING: 1. The project does not qualify as a high priority project as defined by General Plan policy C-7 in that the described project does not provide affordable housing, would not generate tax revenues within the good or excellent range nor would it provide a needed neighborhood serving use. Ah[ALYS IS Traffic: The project is within the traffic allocation for Phase 1 of the industrial park (320 of the 347-452 trips). The project would generate 4 CMTs and 23 CM3's or approximately 4% and 38% of the Bellam Interchange's capacity, respectively, (excluding the Snyder proposal). The majority of Phase I, of the proposal could proceed with exisiting historical trips to the site. Hiah Tax Generator: The Advisory Committee analyzed the proposal with the assumption that the Auto Center would draw 3 existing dealerships from San Rafael and 3 new dealerships that are not currently in San Rafael. The Committee also assumed that an' existing dealership would improve sales an average of 30% in an Auto Center over an independent location. The Committee estimated that an average auto dealership would net $100,000 dollars in revenue to the City. With these assumptions in mind the Committee determined that approximately $300,000 would be retained in the relocation of existing auto dealerships and approximately $300,000 would be gained from new auto dealerships. Additionally, with the assumption that existing dealerships would gain sales due to the Auto Center environment an additional $90,000 would be generated for a total of approximately $690,000. Revenue generation greatly depends on the auto dealerships that are secured for the auto center. Their annual contribution to the City can be as little as $30,000 to as much as $230,000. Community Benefits: Development of an Auto Center with related improvements would greatly assist the City in retaining and expanding its revenue base. Additionally, access to the Shoreline Band Park and City owned parcel would be achieved. Timing/Phasina: Contingent upon Landfill Closure" approval by the State of California. FINDINGS: 1. The project qualifies as a high priority project as defined by General Plan policy C-7 in that the described project would generate new sales tax revenues in the range rated ""good". 2. The project has not been granted a Priority Determination as the property has development potential because there are 300 historic trips available to Shoreline Industrial Park that could be used 10 to develop an auto center . ANALYSIS Traffic: The project is within the trip allocation only If the Redevelopment Agency grants the additional 45 PM peak trips necessary to allow for this specialty retail development. The Redevelopment Agency has indicated that the clustering of such uses as Golden State Lumber and Orchard Supply Hardware would establish a regional draw to the East San Rafael portion of Andersen Drive. The project would generate 18 CM(1 or3) or use 19% and 33% of the Bellam interchange's capacity, respectively. HW Tax Generator: The project would generate approximately $90,000 in revenues to the City annually. Community Benefits: The project would aid in the establishment of a regional building trades Center that would serve Marin County. EIN131NGS: 1. The project qualifies as a Priority Project in that it would generate revenues of approximately $90,000 annually with anticipated increases in revenues based on performance at other locations within the Bay Area. 2. The project is granted a Priority Determination based on the following findings: 2a. The project has been granted a Priority Determination as a high tax revenue generating use within the category defined as fair. It is anticipated that based on the performance of other such stores within the Bay Area that reveunes will increase to the category defined as good once the business has established itself. 2b The use will serve to provide additional jobs for the neighnorhood and with the relocation of Golden State Lumber aid in the development of a regional building trades center within Marin County. FINDING: 1. The projects are no longer competing for a Priority Determination as a Writ of Mandate has been issued requiring issuance of a building permit for Bayview Business Park. ANALYSIS Traffic: The project is within the trip allocation for the parcel (487 trips where 423-491 are available). The project is the most intensive project proposed in the Bellam interchange area with 75 CMTs and 135 CM3's generated or approximately 80% and 225% of the interchange's 11 capacity, respectively. Critical move generation would not occur until Mid 1992-1993. Housing: The project qualifies for a priority determination in that it provides approximately 16% of the units affordable to low and moderate income households or 36 BMR units with equal distribution to low and moderate income households. Community Benefits: Benefits include connection of Kerner Blvd.; improvements to the shoreline levee and shoreline band park, relocation of the storm drainage pumps; an offer of a 1.1 acre Child Care center parcel and extension of Bellam Blvd. This must, however, be contrasted to the loss of salt marsh habitat for the endangered Salt Marsh Harvest Mouse. FINDINGS: 1. The project qualifies as a high priority project as defined by General Plan policies C-7 and H-20 in that the described project would provide 16 percent of the units affordable to low and moderate income households. 2. The project is not granted a Priority Determination as the project exceeds traffic capacity of CM3 or 225% of the Bellam interchange's capacity. 3. 112,800 s.f. of office does not qualify as a high priority project in that it does not provide affordable housing, would not generate above average taxes nor would it provide a needed neighborhood serving use. 4. Finally, there are several permitting agencies involved which will extend the time necessary for project approval. Other projects which have applied for Priority status could provide significant amounts of affordable housing within the one year. JPPP88-13 SAUSALIJQ MOVING AND STORAGE ANALYSIS Traffic: The project is consistent with the trip allocation for the site (16 trips where 32-42 are available). The project would generate 1 CM1 and 5 CM3's or use 1 % and 8% of the Bellam interchange's capacity, respectively. Qualifier: Staff has not been able to justify the project as a High Priority Project as defined by General Plan policy C-7. FINDING: 1. The project does not qualify as a high priority project as defined by General Plan policy C-7 in that the described project does not provide affordable housing, would generate tax revenues within the poor range, and would not provide a needed neighborhood serving use. 12 P P PS 8-14 REGENCY CENTER 11 ANALYSIS: Traffic: The project is within the PM peak trip allocation assigned to the parcel. This project has the highest CM generation with 78 CM's or 63% of the L/S interchange's capacity. Additionally, the project has an affect on the Freitas interchange of 3 CM's or 3% of the Freitas interchange capacity. Qualifier: The project does not fit well into one of the three qualifier categories because the restaurant is only 10% of the overall project. Staff finds that while the restaurant would serve local offices and residential development, this only represents a small percentage of the total restaurant clientele. For a restaurant of this size to be financially feasible it would have to have regional or at least community -wide patronage. FINDINGS: 1. The project does not qualify as a high priority project as defined by General Plan policy C-7 in that the described project does not provide affordable housing and would generate sales tax revenues defined as poor . 2. The restaurant is not considered as a needed neighborhood serving use. It represents only ten percent of the total project and the remaining office portion has no neighborhood serving benefit. PPP88-15 §IMIjH RANCH PARCEL_z ANALYSIS: Traffic: The project would generate up to 28 CM's or 23% of the Lucas Valley/Smith Ranch interchange capacity. Neiahborhood Serves: The 5,000 s.f of neighborhood retail has been determined to be near the maximum amount of retail the neighborhood could realistically support. The provision of a fire station parcel would allow for future relocation of the Joesph Ct. Fire station to better serve the North San Rafael area thereby providing a major health, safety and general welfare benefit to the North San Rafael Neighborhoods. FINDINGS: 1. The project qualifies as a high priority project as defined by General Plan policy C-7 in that the described project proposes a needed fire station site as described in General Plan policy LU -u which requires the relocation of the Joseph Court Fire Station to a parcel around Smith Ranch Road. Furthermore, there is a need for a neighborhood serving retail center as identified by the General Plan Land Use designation of Retail/Office and as identified by the Advisory Committee and the Planning Commission. 2. The project is recommended as a Priority Project based on the following findings: 13 2a. The fire station site is needed to provide adequate fire protection to development proposed for the North San Rafael area. The relocation of the Joseph Court Fire Station will enhance response time and mutual aide benefits to surrounding neighborhoods and communities because the proposed site would have faster and easier freeway access and will be more centrally located to serve existing development. 2b A neighborhood serving retail center in this location would service the immediate neighborhood residences and businesses eliminating the need for several trips through the interchange thereby improving the interchange capacity and overall circulation system. P P P8 8-16 "'S FOOD AND LIQUOR ANALYSIS Traffic: In order to accommodate this proposal additional trips would need to be allocated from the neighborhood commercial trip reserve. The number of trips would depend on the Council's decision regarding the captured trip argument. It could range from 66 trips (no captured trips) to 26 trips (the applicant's consultant argument). Critical moves for this project were based on the City Traffic Engineer's 40-60% captured trip argument which would generate 4 CMTs and 2 CM3's or use 4% and 3% of the Bellam interchange capacity, respectively. Needed NaLghborhood Service: The draft East San Rafael Neighborhood plan identifies the need for a retail service such' as this. In the interim period, until the interchange improvements are completed, this may provide the only neighborhood shopping facility besides Lee's Market and 7-11 in the area. Additionally, the neighborhood associations and several local residents have expressed their support for this project noting its need in the community. FINDIi QS: 1. The project qualifies as a high priority project as defined by General Plan policy C-7 in that the described project proposes a needed neighborhood serving use for the East San Rafael Community. 2. The proposed 1,680 s.f. expansion (within existing floor space) has been identified as a needed neighborhood serving use as evidenced by petitions received at the Planning Commission and by letters and testimony in support received from neighborhood organizations such as the Canal Community Alliance and local residents describing the shortage of facilities in East San Rafael. ANALYSIS Traffic: The project is within the trip allocation to the parcel (11 trips where 19-25 area available). The project would generate 1 CM1 14 and 2 CM3's or use 1 % and 3% of the Bellam interchange's capacity, respectively. Qualifier: The applicant contends that a restaurant would serve the neighborhood and that there would be a fair amount of sales tax generated through the sale of alcohol. Community Benefits: Shoreline Band improvements and recreational opportunties would be the greatest community benefit. Timing/Phasing: Timing of this project will be tied to the development and environmental review process which involve several permitting agencies. FINDINGS: 1. The project does not qualify as a high priority project as defined by General Plan policy C-7 in that the described project does not provide affordable housing and would generate sales tax revenues that would be considered poor . Furthermore, the restaurant could not be considered a needed neighborhood serving use as there are existing restaurants within the East San Rafael neighborhood. •'. ''. k 9 i, 14 Lk F1 ANALYSIS: Traffic: Sufficient trips exist to allow for the development of the residential units as the project qualifies as an affordable housing project. Additionally, the site has an allocation of trips sufficient to accommodate the project as a full scale hospital was previously proposed for the site and is no longer planned. Surplus trips may be reallocated based upon the size and type of the Medical Facility that would be proposed for the remainder parcel. The project would generate 26 CM's or 21 % of the L/S interchange capacity. Nousinq: The site is identified in the General Plan 2000 as a Housing opportunity site. Furthermore, the project qualifies as an affordable housing project with 15% or 28 BMR units and with 15 units available to low and 13 units available to moderate income households. FINDINGS: 1. The project qualifies as a high priority project as defined by General Plan policies C-7 and H-20 in that the described project would provide a minimum of 15 percent of the units affordable to low and moderate income households. 2. The project is granted a Priority Determination based on the following findings: 2a The project is designed to meet General Plan policies requiring quality affordable housing, innovative housing approaches, affordable housing for low and moderate income households, control on the resale of Below Market Rate Units; and Housing for smaller families. 2b The project site has been identified as a Housing Opportunity area as defined by General Plan policy H-38. 2c The project fulfills General Plan policies and goals including provision of Apartment Recreation (LU -27, R-5,12,13,14,15) , 15 Planned Roadway improvements including completion of Deer Valley Road (C -8d, S-25), Preservation and enhancement of the natural environment including the City owned Wetland parcel APN 155-251-15 as required by General Plan policies NE -1,2,3,4 & 15. PPP88-tJ COSTCO ANALYSIS: Traffic: There are sufficient trips to accommodate the Costco proposal in that: there are 90 existing historical trips to the site; 90 trips allocated to the site by the General Plan In that it is considered to be an underdeveloped site, and 158 trips to be obtained from the Northgate Retail Trip Reserve. In terms of CM's the Costco proposal is the most intensive. Costco would generate 146 Critical Moves or approximately 170% of the Freitas Interchange's capacity to LOS MID D. Furthermore, Costco has an impact on the L/S interchange of 6 CM's or 5% of LIS capacity. The Merrydale Overcrossing is planned to be complete within 14-18 months and that it is anticipated it will take an undetermined amount of time to find a solution to the toxic clean-up issue which may delay construction. High Tax Revenue Generation: The Costco application is the highest tax revenue generator. This operation may take business away from other City merchants but it will also prevent the loss of those shoppers which currently go to other communities to do their shopping. Community Benefits: This project offers two community benefits. First it will provide a location within the community where goods may be purchased at discount. This Is a convenience to city residents and would increase San Rafael's regional draw. Second, the additional tax dollars generated will allow the City to continue to provide needed services to the community Including the possibllty of providing needed circulation improvements. FINDINGS: 1. The project qualifies as a high priority project as defined by General Plan policy C-7 in that the described project would generate sales tax revenues of approximately $450,000 annually which are considered excellent by definition. 2. Costco has been recommended as a Priority Project based on the following findings: 2a. The project has the highest revenue generation of any of the priority projects submitted. 2b. The project timing is such that the Merrydale Overcrossing Project is planned to be completed within 6 to 12 months of completion of the Costco project; there are several exempt projects which have participated in the Merrydale Assessment district which are not anticipated to generate traffic as construction may not be complete or they may not be fully occupied within this time frame. The use of the 70 critical move diversion reserve will maintain the level of service at the Freitas interchange during the interim period before the completion of the Merrydale Overcrossing 16 Project because full traffic generation is not anticipated and capacity of Highway 101 has been increased as there have been several improvements within the past two years which have increased the capacity and have thereby reduced the diversions from the highway onto the surface streets. 2c. There are additional traffic improvement projects (C-8) either underway or planned for the Redwood Frontage road which will maintain Level of Service C, as required by General Plan policy C-1 b, which include signalization of Redwood Highway at Smith Ranch Road, at either Paul or Mitchell Drive and at Professional Center Parkway. Furthermore, a left-hand turn pocket will be required as a condition of approval on south bound Redwood Highway turning into the Costco parking lot. PPP88-2Q Steve Snvder Chevrolet - Shoreline Park ANALYSIS Traffic: The project is within the trip allocation to the parcel (83 trips where 94-122 area available). The project would generate 6 CMTs and18 CM3's or use 6% and 30% of the Bellam interchange's capacity, respectively. High Tax Generator: Snyder Chevrolet qualifies as a high priority project in that it is a known high tax generator for the City. By relocating to an auto center atmosphere it would be anticipated that Synder Chevrolet would increase revenues by at least 30%. Community Benefits: Development of an Auto Center with related improvements would greatly assist the City in retaining and expanding it's revenue base. Additionally, access to the Shoreline Band Park and City owned parcel would be achieved. Timina/Phasing: Contingent upon Landfill Closure approval by the State of California. There has been no written doccumentation from State agencies regarding the approval of closure of the landfill. FINDINGS: 1. The project qualifies as a high priority project as defined by General Plan policy C-7 in that the described project would generate new sales tax revenues which are considered to be good. 2. The project has not been granted a Priority Determination as the property has development potential in that there are 300 historic trips available to Shoreline Industrial Park that could be used to develop an auto center and in that the landfill on which this project has been proposed has not recieved written approval for closure from the state. It is not known when closure will be approved or under what conditions, which makes it uncertain that this project can be constructed. 17 I, JEANNE M. LEONCINI, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, California, HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a Regular meeting of the Council of said City held on the lst __ day ofmay ______1989, by the following vote, to -wit: AYES: Councilmembers : Boro, Breiner, Frugoli & Mayor Mulryan NOES: Councilmembers : Thayer ABSENT: Councilmembers : None J NE M. LEONCI I Clerk of the City of San Rafael 18