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Pleasanton Gateway- Environmental Checklist 1. AESTHETICS/VIEWS Environmental Setting The Pleasanton Gateway proposal will introduce a commercial /office development including the construction of seven, four -story office buildings on a flat, vacant flat site in the Bernal Property Specific Plan. The surrounding uses include a variety of office and commercial uses, apartments, small -lot single family homes, City parks and sports fields, and the 1 -680 freeway corridor. The immediate views into the site are from these uses and from City streets including Bernal Avenue and Valley Avenue. With the future development of the public trails on the City park property adjoining the south side of the proposed development, park users will have a direct view into the developed site. The properties on the east side of Valley Avenue south of Bernal Avenue have a view of the Pleasanton Ridge looking across Valley Avenue and the 1 -680 freeway. Pleasanton Ridge rises from the valley floor to an approximate elevation of 1,264 feet (NGVD) and provides a backdrop for the site and for the City. From 1 -680 southbound, the Pleasanton Gateway property is first visible form the 1- 680 /Bernal Avenue overpass. At its highest point, the 1 -680 bridge over Bernal Avenue is approximately 20 feet above the average project grade. From 1 -680 southbound, the site is first visible from the southerly approach of the freeway bridge looking across the freeway's northbound travel lanes. Frorn 1 -680 northbound, the site is first visible from the I- 680 /Union Pacific Railroad overpass as the freeway descends from this high point to the level freeway grade adjoining the site. A clear, unobstructed view of the site is provided along the entire length of the 1 -680 freeway where it is adjacent to the site including the 1- 680 /Bernal Avenue exit ramp. Standards of Significance For purposes of this environmental document, an impact is considered significant if the proposed project would: • Substantially alter or degrade the existing visual character or quality of the project site; • Have a substantial effect on a scenic resource; or, • Substantially increase light or glare in the project site or vicinity, which would adversely affect day or nighttime views. Less Than Significant Potentially Impact With Less Than Significant. Mitigation Significant No Issues _ Impact Incorporated Impact Impact Aesthetics Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? r X C� Page 17 of 52 Pleasanton Gateway Initial Study August 2, 2010