SR 05:165 - Laserfiche WebLink

narrowed the alternatives from seven down to two newly defined "Options" (Options 1 and 2) for further staff analysis and presentation on June 21, 2005. The purpose of the upcoming meeting is for the Council to receive public comment and to provide direction with regard to the following items that are discussed in greater detail later in this report: · Site Plan Options 1 and 2 · Site planning of areas west of the freeway and east of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks · Phase II Specific Plan design philosophy Perhaps equally as important as the Council direction regarding the Preferred Phase II Specific Plan and the Community Park Master Plan, the Council will be asked in the near future to identify additional alternatives it would like addressed in the upcoming Bernal Environmental Impact Report (EIR), e.g., potential Cultural Arts Center locations, possible inclusion/exclusion of the ACE Train Station, etc. In this way, all alternatives of importance to the community and outside agencies can be kept alive for potential inclusion in the final plans regardless of whether they are initially included in the Preferred Plans. This is particularly important because until the EIR analysis of the various alternatives is completed, fully informed decisions cannot be made with regard to the potentially key environmental impacts such as traffic, noise, lighting, security, safety, etc. The current step in the Bernal planning process is to conclude this summer with the completion of the Draft Phase II Specific Plan update and Community Park Master Plan by staff and the Council providing direction for staff to proceed with the preparation of the appropriate environmental documents and formal public hearing process. During the public review that will follow, the updated plans will first be subject to review and comments by various City commissions. This will be followed by formal public hearings on the draft plans and environmental documents by the Planning Commission and Council. Following Council approval, either the Specific Plan or the land use component of it will be subject to ratification by a vote of the citizens. The Community Park Master Plan is not subject to the mandatory citizens' vote. INITIATIVE TO SAVE OUR COMMUNITY PARK In considering the options for the Bernal Property, it is important to keep in mind the 2004 "Initiative to Save Our Community Park" (Attachment 4). The effect of this Initiative was to add the following policy to the Bernal Phase I Specific Plan: SR 05:165 Page 3