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Pleasanton Gateway— Environmental Checklist b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but I I P1 I I Xi not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or 1 ] X] quality of the site and its surroundings? d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare, Li I I X] which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? Discussion a) The visual effects of the development of this property were evaluated in the Bernal Property Specific Plan Final Environmental Impact Report and PUD development plan approval for the eight, four -story office development and incorporated extensive landscaping along the project perimeter street frontages. The proposed project matches the perimeter landscape areas of the previous plan and will include substantial perimeter arid interior landscape treatments to buffer and "soften" the appearance of buildings and parking to public parks and streets and to adjoining developments. Unlike the previous development plan that placed large parking areas adjoining 1- 680 and Bernal Avenue, the proposed buildings of the retail portion are directly adjacent to these street frontages thereby screening the parking areas from view. Where there are limited parking areas and drive- through lanes adjoining public streets, they will be hidden by a combination of berms and landscaping. The proposed office buildings have been moved closer to the 1 -680 freeway corridor to strengthen the buildings' presence to the freeway. All loading areas and drive through lanes that face the I- 680 /Bernal Avenue exit ramp, Bernal Avenue, or that face the first Valley Avenue driveway will be buffered /screened by a combination of low -level screen walls and landscaping. The future project/park interface will be designed to "feather" and blend their landscape areas together in addition to integrating the respective trail systems. The view of Pleasanton ridge will be that of a backdrop to the office /commercial buildings. Therefore, this would be a less- than - significant - .impact. b -c) The project site is relatively flat terrain covered in native grasses for erosion and dust control and is devoid of any existing trees or structures. It is not a designated scenic resource. Therefore, this would be considered no- impact. d) Building and exterior site lighting will be designed and controlled to be low wattage and luminosity so as not to add to "night sky pollution ". Where feasible, LED lighting shall be used. As an energy conservation /green building measure, the interior building lighting will be controlled by timers so that the buildings will be "dark" at night. Building and Landscaping up- lighting will be prohibited. The types Page 18 of 52 Pleasanton Gateway Initial Study August 2, 2010