HomeMy WebLinkAboutEQCB Min 1983-08-10
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August 10, 1983
.~ STAFF REPORT
TO: Environmental Quality Control Board
FROM: Principal Planner
SUBJECT: Department of Water and Power Specific Plan
Environmental Impact Report
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Background
In 1973 the City adopted a land use element to the General Plan which called
for the preparation of a specific plan for the 9 ac.DWP site. The zoning
placed on the site was R/C/P; defined as permitting medium density residential
and/or service commercial with a requirement that one-third of the site be
devoted to open space use.
In addition to the C1ty'S action on the site, the Coastal Commission identified
the 9 ac. site for open space within the coastal zone and placed it on the
high priority list of such properties.
The California Coastal Conservancy was created by the Legislature and charged
with a number of duties including developing restoration plans for large
vacant coastal properties on the Coastal Commission's high priority list. Part
of the restoration plan included a financial componant aimed at making a project
self sufficient.
The Coastal Conservancy together with approximately 200 ,citizens developed a
plan for the 9 ac. DWP site which called for 70% open space and 30% development.
The Conservancy Plan was adopted by the Conservancy and Coastal Commission.
The City Council only endorsed the 70% open space and 30% development concept
provided such a project would be self sufficient. When a number of anticipated
funding sources fell through and developers expressed no interest in the project,
activity on the Conservancy Plan stopped.
Recent Actions
In an effort to determine if a 70% open space and 30% development concept was
feasible, the City Council accepted proposals from developers within the 70-30
limitations. Four concepts were presented: 3 hotels and a condominium project.
The City Council changed the zoning of the site to C/P which allows hotels and
commercial uses but requires 70% of the site to be used for a public park.
In order to implement the City's rezoning action, a specific plan was prepared
and adopted by City Council.
E.I.R
In 1979 an EIR was prepared on the Coastal Conservancy Plan. This EIR received
public hearings and was approved.
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Page Two - Department of Water and Power Specific Plan
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Current E.I.R.
With the changes in the project, a modified EIR was prepared on the hotel/park
concept. The City of Seal Beach selected the firm of Ultrasystems, Inc.,
Environmental Consultants, to prepare the environmental impact report in accordance
with CEQA, the State guidelines and adopted City regulations for the implementation
of the California Environmental Quality Act. Notices to this effect and requesting
input_ from all interested jurisdictions and individuals were published and mailed.
The completed draft EIR has received the required 30-day public notice and copies
have been available for public review at the following locations:
MARY WILSON LIBRARY
707 ELECTRIC AVENUE, SEAL BEACH
CITY OF SEAL BEACH PLANNING DEPARTMENT
211 EIGHTH STREET, SEAL BEACH
AUGUST 16, 1983 PUBLIC HEARING
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This public hearing is being conducted in compliance with City and State
requirements for considering environmenta'l impact reports.
The purpose of the public hearing is:
1. To receive additional public testimony on the draft EIR.
2. To make recommendations to the Planning Commission, City Council
and Redevelopment Agency on the completeness of the draft EIR.
3. To recommend any mitigating measures that seem appropriate to
prevent adverse environmental effects which may result from
implementation of the project.
In reviewing the draft report, along with comments received, the Staff has
found that:
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1. The draft, along with comments, are representative of a report
prepared with a sufficient degree of analysis to provide decision-
makers with information to make an intelligent decision which takes
into account environmental issues and consequences.
2. The overall evaluation of the environmental effects of the proposed
project were reasonable.
3. Each significant environmental issue raised was addressed in a
complete and accurate manner.
4. The draft report was developed in accordance with the requirements
of the CEQA, the State Guildelines and the requirements of the City
of Seal Beach.
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Page Three - Department of Water and Power Specific Plan
All comments received to date have been incorporated into the draft EIR and are
hereby made part of the official record.
RecOllll1endations
It is the recommendation that the Board find this EIR and comments pertaining
thereto to be an adequate, accurate and complete report that was compiled in
a good faith effort of full disclosure 'and that the report be certified as a
finaf EIR for this proposed project.
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Charles Antos, Principal Planner