RES 06035 - Laserfiche WebLink

Draft Environmental Impact Report Bernal Property Phase II Specific Plan Aside from the fact that the phase II site represents only part of the land area addressed by the Phase I EIR, the visual environ- ment for Phase II planning is different because the development context has changed with the construction of residential uses planned as part of Phase I. These residential areas are shown in Figure 10. The only signifi- cant component of the Phase I building program that remains unbuilt is the commercial/ office use designated for the northwest corner of the Central Area on the land lying between Valley Avenue and 1-680 at Bernal Avenue. In addition, two key Phase II sub-areas (4 and 8) have been developed in the uses specified in the Phase I plan: a new (relocated) fire station on Bernal Avenue near Valley Avenue (sub- area 4) and Hearst Elementary School in the Eastern Area (sub- area 8). These additions to the urban fabric of the central portion of Pleasanton serve to underscore the open character of the remaining Phase II sites, Other open space in central Pleasanton has remained open because of a functional relationship with a key primary use; for example, the playfields at Pleasanton Middle School and the "orchard" parking area at the Fairgrounds, . Bernal Gateway The Specific Plan area adjoins a major "gateway" to Pleasanton: Bernal Avenue. The visual quality of that thoroughfare along the Central Area remains an important visual feature of the site context, The quality of that corridor is enhanced by the scenic trees (sycamores and walnuts) that align Bernal Avenue on both sides and in the median strip, . Views from the Site An important viewpoint is the 80-foot-high Knoll, from which a 360-degree view of the Livermore-Amador Valley and the hills to west, south, and east, and Mt. Diablo to the north, is available, From the flatter valley floor, views toward the hills also remain an important aesthetic value, Across Bernal Avenue, a portion of the fronting Alameda County Fairgrounds presents the appear- ance of an orchard of widely-spaced trees, This unpaved area is used for parking when needed during Fairgrounds activities, . Views through the Site The site's low elevation and flat topography allow views through and beyond the site from many viewpoints, including viewpoints immediately adjacent to the site along Bernal Avenue and along 1-680). Distant views of the upland hills that define the Liver- more-Amador Valley are visible from all these points, except where blocked by vegetation or from points immediately adja- cent to Phase I buildings, 32