HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-03-19; Parks & Recreation Commission; 390-5; Cannon Road Mitigation PlanPARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION - AGENDA BILL
AB# 5RO-S"
MTG.
DEPT.
03/19/90
ENG.
TITLE-CANNON ROAD
MITIGATION PLAN
DEPT. HD.^t
CITY ATTY
CITY MGR.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Approve in concept further pursuit of Cannon Road Mitigation Plan Alternative 3
and request further study of the Macario Park Concept Plan.
ITEM EXPLANATION:
Problem Statement
The Engineering staff recently completed the Environmental Impact Report and has
received Coastal Permits for the construction of Cannon Road from its current
terminus east of Interstate 5 to El Camino Real. This segment of highway will
complete an important circulation linkage and provide access to Macario and HUB
Parks.
The Cannon Road project is required to bridge wet land and riparian area where it
crosses Macario Canyon. The approved project contains a 450 foot multi-span
bridge estimated to cost $3.5 million. This bridge does not span the entire riparian
area. Construction of bridge abutments will involve filling over 0.8 acres of willow
scrub and 0.1 acre of marsh directly beneath the bridge.
The California Coastal Commission requires a 3:1 replacement mitigation for
wetland fill impacts and a 2:1 replacement mitigation for the impacts related to
shading created by the bridge.
The mitigation plan requires that 4.8 acres of wetlands area be restored or created.
Plans are currently being developed to landscape 0.9 acres under the bridge as
partial mitigation for the shading impacts and mitigation of 3.9 acres would be
constructed along Macario Creek.
The original mitigation proposal included in the E.I.R and permit application
proposed a centralized mitigation area within previously fanned areas west of
Macario Creek as shown in Alternative 1 attached. In reviewing this alternative the
Parks and Recreation staff has repeatedly expressed concern that this plan will
compromise the future development of Macario Park.
In an attempt to alleviate these concerns, staff has been working with Environmental
Consultants in an attempt to develop an adequate mitigation proposal which would
least impact the currently approved park concept plan.
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PAGE TWO OF AB#
Alternatives Analysis
In reviewing the situation, five alternatives have been identified:
* Alternative 1 - Approval of the existing mitigation plan.
* Alternative 2 - Revegetation in Macario Canyon while minimizing conflicts with
the preliminary park plan; however, it would result in the displacement of an
existing pistol range.
* Alternative 3 - Revegetation in Macario Canyon without displacing the pistol
range.
4 Alternative 4 - Construction of a longer bridge.
4 Alternative 5 - Off-site mitigation.
Alternative 1 - This plan utilizes area which is indicated for channel relocation under
the current park concept plan. This plan has been generally accepted by the Coastal
Commission and was recommended as a part of the Cannon Road environmental
process and is preferred by our Environmental Consultant.
Alternative 2 - Breaks mitigation into two areas at either end of the park. This plan
minimizes impact on the park plan but requires relocation of the Police pistol range.
Under this plan one soccer field would require relocation.
Alternative 3 - Is similar to Alternative 2 but avoids removing the pistol ranges. This
option requires relocation of an additional soccer field and further revision to the
concept plan.
Alternative 4 - Would lengthen the Cannon Road bridge to eliminate fill impacts. This
would reduce acreage requirements from 3.9 acres to 1.2 acres. This could be
accomplished in close proximity to the bridge. This option would minimize park
impacts at a cost of $1.5 to $2.0 million.
This option was rejected under environmental review as too costly. These moneys if
committed would be better spent acquiring additional land better suited to sports field
development.
Alternative 5 - Would acquire additional mitigation lands outside of Macario Park.
This approach was rejected as unacceptable to resource agencies.
057
PAGE THREE OF AB#
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
In reviewing the issues involved with mitigation within Macario Park, it has become
apparent that the currently approved concept plan will likely involve substantial
relocation of sensitive riparian habitat, which could involve up to 24 acres of
mitigation. Mitigation levels of this magnitude could not be developed within the
park.
It may be extremely difficult to obtain permits from resource agencies to accomplish
development of the canyon floor into active recreational facilities. These difficulties
will likely increase with time as urbanization of the upstream water shed increases
irrigation flows which will nourish additional riparian and wetland habitat.
In order to further assess viability of the proposed park concept plan and to retain
maximum flexibility, it would be advisable to further pursue environmental analysis
of the current concept plan.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Commission approve the Alternative 3 mitigation plan for
presentation to the permit agencies and request that Council budget appropriate funds
for further development and environmental studies of the Macario Park concept Plan.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Initial park planning and supple mental environmental studies could approach
$200,000 of Public Facilities Fee Fund.
EXHIBITS:
1. Parks Concept Plan.
2. Alternative Plan 1.
3. Alternative Plan 2.
4. Alternative Plan 3.
058
EXHIBIT 1
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EXHIBIT 2
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EXHIBIT 4