ORD 1565 - Laserfiche WebLink

SECTION 5 STA OF OVERBmlNG CONSIDERATIONS CEQA requires the decision maker to balance the benefits of the project against its unavoidable environmental risks in determining whether to approve the project. If the benefits of a project outweigh the unavoidable adverse effects, those effects may be considered "acceptable" (Sta=e CEQA Guidelines Section 15093 [a]). CEQA also requires, however, that where a public agency decision allows the occurrence of significant effects that are identified in the Final EIR that are not at least substantially mitigated, the agency shall support in writing the specific reasons for its action. Such reasons must be based on substantial evidence in the Final EIR or elsewhere in the administrative record (State CEQA Guidelines Section 15093 [b]). The agency's statement is referred to as a "Statement of Overriding Consideration." ., The City of Pleasanton (City) is proposing to approve the Castlewood Heights project and' has prepared and certified an EIR that satisfies the requirements of CEQA. The following adverse cumulative impact of cumulative development in Pleasanton and the region is considered to be significant and unavoidable based on the Draft EIR, Final EIR, and the findings described above: · Severe cumulative traffic congestion on 1-580 and 1-680 (Draft EIR, page 12-2). The City Council finds that the following social, economic and other considerations warrant approval of the project notwithstanding any unavoidable or unmitigated cumulative impact resulting from the project. Social Considerations The City will derive the following specific social benefits from the implementation of the project: · Improve the housing to jobs balance in the Tri-Valley Area, reduce commute index, save commute time and energy expenditures and consequently .improve the quality of family life for those project residents so affected. 31