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HomeMy WebLinkAboutEA 15-03; Poinsettia Community Park; Administrative Permits (ADMIN)('city of Carlsbad Memorandum March 31, 2015 To: Kyle Lancaster, Parks Superintendent From: Pam Drew, Associate Planner"?·'D· 1\,(\ J David de Cordova, Principal Planner'IY"" EA 15-03 -POINSETTIA COMMUNITY PARK Via Re: Thank you for submitting additional information in your memo to Don Neu, City Planner, dated March 26, 2015. Staff reviewed your comments and agree that the proposed multi-use sports arena, expanded playground area and off leash dog park are all consistent with the park uses previously approved in the Poinsettia Community Park Master Plan. No additional discretionary review is required. Furthermore, the proposed uses are within the scope of the prior environmental document and no further environmental documentation is required per CEQA Guideline Sections 15162. Please submit the final site plan to the Planning Division to document the proposed facilities and uses. DD:PD: c: Don Neu, City Planner Liz Ketabian, Park Planning Manager Barbara Kennedy, Park Planner Jason Geldert, Engineering Manager Patrick Vaughan, Engineering Manager Scott Donnell, Senior Planner File Copy Data Entry DMS Community & Economic Development Planning Division 1635 Faraday Avenue I Carlsbad, CA 92008 I 760-602-4600 I 760-602-8560 fax Memorandum March 26, 2015 To: Don Neu, City Planner From: ~ Kyle Lancaster, Parks Superintendent {City of Carlsbad Re: EAlS-01, EAlS-02 & EAlS-03 -Aviara, Pine Ave & Poinsettia Community Parks Per your request, this memo documents our discussion of March 9, 2015, on the master plan updates for Aviara, Pine Avenue and Poinsettia Community Parks. First, thank you for the time to meet, and for your personal review of the planned projects for each of these community parks. We appreciate Planning Division staffs responses to the Early Assessment (EA) applications for the noted projects-i.e., EA15-01, EA15-02 and EA15-03. However, Parks & Recreation Department staff respectfully believes that additional discretionary review and environmental studies are unnecessary, and that the three park projects are in fact consistent with the previous approvals. Responses and clarifications are provided below to address the issues identified in the EA comment memos. We request that you consider the below information and then render revised determinations regarding the appropriate level of review for these three park projects. Public Outreach There has been extensive public participation in the development of these three park projects beginning with the public outreach efforts for the Parks & Recreation Department's needs assessment (approved by the City Council on Dec. 17, 2013) and ending with the City Council's approval of the Master Plan Updates for the Aviara, Pine Avenue and Poinsettia Community Parks on December 9, 2014. These three specific park master plan updates were undertaken based on the needs assessment's recommended short term action item, "Update master plans for future facilities to ensure amenities are consistent with the community vision as identified in the needs assessment." The purpose of the master plan updates process was to ensure that planned (and yet to be realized) facilities and amenities at Aviara, Pine Avenue and Poinsettia Community Parks were consistent with community needs and with the department's long term vision-"to strengthen community connectivity through world class offerings and exceptional customer service." Special emphasis was placed on collecting public input throughout the master plan updates process. A unique crowdsourcing website was created (www.carlsbadparksplan.com) to serve as a central reference and distribution point for all project related information. Additionally, the site provided a user-friendly forum for public input and feedback directly via the homepage and a link to an online survey. The department received more than 100 open responses from Parks & Recreation Department Administration Office 799 Pine Avenue, Suite 200 I Carlsbad, CA 92008 I 760-434-2826 t Mr. Don Neu March 26, 2015 Page 2 the "your parks & recreation input" box on the homepage, and more than 600 online survey responses. Stakeholder interviews and three open public meetings-one for each park- completed the public input process (August through September 2014}. Additionally, opportunities for public participation and comment were provided at two Senior Commission meetings, two Parks & Recreation Commission meetings, and two City Council hearings (September through December 2014}. All of the data collected during the needs assessment and master plan research, and public input process contributed to the master plan updates for Aviara, Pine Avenue and Poinsettia Community Parks. All of these outreach efforts have provided the community with an opportunity to provide input on the specific features in each park. The City Council's approval of the master plan updates (on December 9, 2014} signifies its determination that the future park elements and amenities are consistent with the community's vision and needs. Aviara Community Park-CUP 01-22 The remaining element that was approved for the 2001 Aviara Community Park Master Plan was a 17,768 sf. community center (meeting rooms, multi-function space, and banquet facilities} with a large outdoor event patio area. Based on the recent needs assessment and community's vision, the updated master plan replaces the community center with an outdoor community gathering area, including a small concessions/restroom building. EA 15-01 memo indicated that the outdoor community gathering area (proposed project} would require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP} amendment and a Coastal Development Permit amendment (COP}; and that the proposed project may require further environmental review with regard to noise and lighting impacts on the surrounding residential neighborhoods and open space preserves. We request a finding be made that a Consistency Determination is the appropriate level of review, rather than CUP and COP amendments, for the reasons noted below. The existing CUP conditions of approval (P.C. Reso. No. 5109} for the park addresses noise and lighting as follows: 19. . .. All lighting shall be designed to reflect downward and avoid any impacts on adjacent homes or properties. 23. Exterior activities lights (i.e., field lights and court lights} shall be turned off at 10:00 p.m. with the exception that one bank of lights can remain on until10:10 p.m. for the purposes of safety in exiting the area. 25. Music exterior to the community building is prohibited after 10:00 p.m. 26. Jazz in the Park activities are prohibited at this park. Mr. Don Neu March 26, 2015 Page 3 As noted in Condition No. 25, outdoor music was anticipated to occur with the previously approved community center. The type of uses (picnics, special events, music) associated with the proposed project would be similar to some of the uses associated with the previously approved community center, but will be in smaller scale, accommodating considerably fewer patrons than expected at the previously approved community center (over 400 people). The conceptual plan for the proposed project orients the small stage inward towards the park to further diminish any noise potentially heard by surrounding residents. Lastly, an environmental review prepared for the park determined that normal uses, such as music, sports activities, and special events do not generate sufficient noise to expose people to severe noise levels. The conditions of approval noted above apply to the proposed project as well as the existing park. New lighting around the outdoor community gathering area will be positioned so that light is directed downward and does not spill into the adjacent open space. Additionally, music and lighting will be prohibited after 10:00 p.m. and before 8:00a.m. (i.e., the park's overnight closure period). Because the proposed project will not generate any noise or lighting impacts beyond those previously evaluated, we believe that it is within the scope of the previous Mitigated Negative Declaration. The project construction documents will incorporate the appropriate mitigation measures and Carlsbad HMP adjacency standards to avoid potential indirect impacts to sensitive species and habitats. Pine Avenue Community Park The remaining elements that were approved for the 2003 Pine Ave Community Park Master Plan include a 20,000 sf. multi-purpose community center and garden area. The updated master plan includes an 18,000 sf. multi-purpose, multi-generational community center, a botanical/ornamental garden which now includes the adjacent city-owned parcels, and incorporates a new community garden component. EA 15-02 memo determined that because the community garden was not part of the approved master plan, a CUP amendment would be required. Planning staff also indicated that a parking study would be required for the proposed community center because the parking demand would be greater than the previously approved building and that a Consistency Determination might be required if there are revisions to the previously approved architectural style, material, and color. The city's draft General Plan (pg. 4-21) provides a list of active and passive use amenities generally found in community parks. Community gardens are included under the category of special use facilities that should be located within community parks "if appropriate to the interest and needs of the community in which the park is located". The needs assessment identifies community gardens and botanical/ornamental gardens as two of the top five (ranked 4 and 3, respectively) facility and amenity priorities. One of the key goals of the needs assessment and action plan was to meet the underserved needs of the community. The botanical/ornamental garden was originally part of the Pine Avenue Community Park master Mr. Don Neu March 261 2015 Page 4 plan} and the master plan update reflects the communitls desire for a community garden. The conceptual design of Pine Avenue Community Park's community garden is consistent with that of the Calavera Schoolhouse Community Garden} and appropriate with the interests/comments expressed by the neighbors. Both of these garden uses will serve the community well} ard both will be passive use amenities. Given that these gardens are similar amenities} and that substantial public outreach has already occurred on the parkls master plan update} we believe that a CUP amendment is unnecessary. It is also important to note that the Smerdu Community Garden did not require a CUP. Similarly} the new Calavera Schoolhouse Community Garden at Calavera Hills Community Park did not require a CUP amendment. In the latter easel notices were sent to interested parties and neighbors within a 6001 radius of the park} so that any interests/comments could be taken into account prior to final design and construction of the garden. Further} the Cal avera Schoolhouse Community Garden did not require any additional parking. The proposed community garden at Pine Avenue Community Park is not expected to generate significantly more traffic than the approved Calavera Schoolhouse Community Garden} nor is it expected to create a significant demand for additional parking. Secondly} we believe requiring a parking study for the community center is unnecessary. The proposed multi-purpose} multi-generational community center will actually be 21000 sf. smaller than the previously approved building. The roof-top sports court is on the second floor} bordered by second floor building elements on the south and west sides. The north and east sides would be enclosed by protective fencing. The roof-top sports court is not on the roof of the second story} but rather on the roof of the first story} and will not increase the usable floor area above the total building area of approximately 181000 sf. The total floor area of the proposed community center would be about 10% smaller than that which was previously approved} and the demand for parking would be reduced accordingly (up to an 8-space reduction). Therefore} the parking demands for the community center are already accounted for. Lastly} we anticipate that the architectural style of the community center will be complementary to the Senior Center and the previously approved conceptual building elevations. During the design development phase} consideration will also be given to the guidelines/recommendations for architecture as provided in the Barrio and Village Master Plan. Poinsettia Community Park The 1992 Poinsettia Community Park Master Plan includes several elements which have not yet been constructed. These include a tennis clubhouse} a tournament court} warm up wall} gymnasium/ community center} playground} and an enclosed soccer arena. The updated master plan eliminates the tennis clubhouse and tournament cdurt and replaces the gymnasium/community center with a multi-purpose} multi-generational community center. The community center is not part of the current development proposal and it is understood the center may require a parking study and amendments to the existing discretionary approvals. Mr. Don Neu March 26, 2015 Page 5 The updated master plan also includes a new off-leash dog park which will be located in an underutilized area of the park. The community's desire for a dog park in Poinsettia Park is evident with it being ranked No. 5 in the needs assessment. The proposed project includes the dog park, the multi-use arena field and the playground improvements. EA 15-03 memo notes that because the dog park was never part of the approved master plan, amendments to the CUP and CDP will be required, that a noise study will be required for the dog park, and that further environmental review may be required to address noise impacts (from the dog park) on the surrounding residential area. Although the dog park is a new feature, it is a use that is consistent with an active community park and we believe that the appropriate level of review for this feature is through a Consistency Determination. Planning staff's primary concerns appear to be focused on noise impacts that could result from barking dogs. Use of the dog park will be limited to the normal park operating hours of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Noise associated with normal park use of playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields already occurs in the park and use of the new arena field will create additional noise during park operating hours. Activities in the dog park are not expected to create severe noise levels or to create noise that would be objectionable to the nearest residences, which are over 400 feet away. The previously approved arena field is closer to residential areas than the proposed dog park-which is in a more centralized area of the park. Additionally, the dog park would be located within a topographic "bowl" which may diminish typical noises emanating from a dog park. Although some topographic modifications may be necessary, the Parks & Recreation staff will work with the design firm to ensure that the grading of the bowl is limited to the maximum extent practicable. The proposed project will not generate any noise or lighting impacts beyond those previously evaluated, and we believe that it is within the scope of the previous Conditional Negative Declaration. The project construction documents will incorporate the appropriate mitigation measures and Carlsbad HMP adjacency standards to avoid potential indirect impacts to sensitive species and habitats. Thank you for reconsidering Planning Division staff's preliminary comments on the master plan update projects for these three parks. We hope you will agree that there has already been adequate public outreach and involvement, and that a Consistency Determination is an appropriate level of review for each of these projects. If you need any additional information in this regard, please feel free to contact me, Liz Ketabian, or Barbara Kennedy. c: Glen Van Peski, Community & Economic Development Director Chris Hazeltine, Parks & Recreation Director Dave de Cordova, Principal Planner Liz Ketabian, Parks Planning Manager Barbara Kennedy, Parks Planner Scott Donnell, Senior Planner Pam Drew, Associate Planner Ccityof Carlsbad Memorandum February 26, 2015 To: Barbara Kennedy, Park Planner From: A(5> Pam Drew, Associate Planner Via hLA, David de Cordova, Principal Planner Re: '(~!'""" EA 15-03 -POINSETTIA COMMUNITY PARK Thank you for submitting an Early Assessment to construct additional park facilities, and remove a temporary structure, at Poinsettia Park located at 6651 Hidden Valley Road. The proposed project includes the following: • Construct a 35-by 70-yard multi-use sports arena located at the northwest corner of the park. • Expand the playground area, within the existing grassy area, located just to the north of the proposed off leash dog park. • Construct an off leash dog park in a grassy area near the center of the western side of the park. • Analyze parking needs for the future build-out of the park. • Remove the existing temporary module building and maintenance yard located at the northeast corner of the park. In response to your application, the Planning Division has prepared this comment letter. Please note that the purpose of an Early Assessment is to provide you with direction and comments on the overall concept of your project. Planning: Multi-use sports arena: A multi-use sports arena was previously adopted by the City Council at its meeting on August 11, 1992 (Agenda Bill No. 11,842) for the Poinsettia Park Master Plan (MP). Therefore, per Carlsbad Municipal Code (C.M.c.) 21.42.140.100 b. the proposed multi-use sports arena would not require an amendment to CUP 05-12. Playground area: The playground area for 6 to 9 year olds was previously approved, although at a different location in the park, therefore, it would not require an amendment to CUP 05-12. Off leash dog park: An off leash dog park was never part ofthe approved MP, therefore, the off leash dog park will require an amendment to CUP 05-12. Please submit a noise study with your CUP amendment that will document the anticipated noise levels at the adjacent residential neighborhoods. Community & Economic Development Planning Division 1635 Faraday Avenue I Carlsbad, CA 92008 I 760-602-4600 I 760-602-8560 fax EA 15-03-POINSETTIA COMMUNITY PARK February 26, 2015 Page 2 Furthermore, the CDP issued by the California Coastal Commission on February 16, 1993 (prior to the adoption ofthe city's Local Coastal Program) approved the development of the entire park site in a phased approach. However, the off leash dog park and 80,000 square foot community center was not approved by the CDP; therefore, a CDP issued by the city will be required. Parking study: Since the city has not established standardized parking requirements for public parks please prepare a parking study to determine the required parking spaces for the proposed build-out of the park. As part of this study, consider opportunities to install electric vehicle parking with charging station(s). Permits: • Amendment to CUP 05-12 for the off leash dog park • Coastal Development Permit (CDP) for the off leash dog park Environmental: The Conditional Negative Declaration for the Poinsettia Park was approved by the Planning Commission on October 7, 1992 {Planning Commission Resolution No. 3433). The proposed multi-use sports arena and playground area are within the scope of the prior environmental document and no further environmental documentation is required per CEQA Guidelines Section 15162. However, the proposed off leash dog park may require further environmental review, in particular concerns with noise impacts on the surrounding residential neighborhood. Furthermore, due to the proximity of the sports arena and dog park to the Hardline Preserve Area, construction documents, in addition to incorporating HMP adjacency standards, shall also involve a biological survey and noise attenuation measures to ensure construction during the bird breeding season avoids impact to nesting birds. These measures should be prepared consistent with the requirements of the HMP. Land Development Engineering: The project will require the following documents: • Grading Plans • Geotechnical Report • Hydrology Report • Storm Water Management Plan {SWMP) as necessary If you would like to schedule a meeting to discuss this letter with the commenting departments, please contact staff at the numb.ers listed below. • Planning Division: Pam Drew, Associate Planner, at (760) 602-4644 • Land Development Engineering: Jason Geldert, Engineering Manager, at {760) 602-2758 DO:PD:fn c: Don Neu, City Planner liz Ketablan, Park Planning Manager Jason Geldert, Engineering Manager Patrick Vaughan, Engineering Manager Scott Donnell, Senior Planner File Copy Data Entry DMS