RES 06035 - Laserfiche WebLink

Chapter 4 Environmental Setting, Impacts, and Mitigation Measures A. Aesthetics and Visual Resources removed trees (e.g" along Bernal Avenue) to be replaced as necessary nearby "to maintain the important visual character that they currently provide": . Rock outcroppings on the site, to the minimal extent they may exist, are either part of the Knoll formation or part of the Arroyo de la Laguna corridor, both of which would be preserved as part of the Plan; and . There are no historic buildings in the Phase II Plan area, Therefore, it is concluded that the projects would not have an adverse effect on scenic resou rces, (3) Effect on Existing Visual Character or Quality of the Site The visual quality of the site would be changed by the future individual projects, which is the intention of the Plans and the deliberate result of many ofthe Plan policies. Major elements of this planning direction include: . Establishment of linear bands of wooded areas throughout the site, reflecting plant community types generally native to the sub-region; . Creation of berms and mounds to provide a more natural appearing topography (Conservation and Environmental Mitigation Element, Visual Resources Policy 2, p, 52); and . Visual subordination of structures to the natural environment. Accomplishment of Plan objectives would enhance, rather than diminish, the existing visual quality of the site. Therefore, it is concluded that the future projects would not have an adverse effect on visual character, (4) Light and/or Glare Effects Development under the Specific Plan would create new sources of nighttime lighting, Such lighting would be similar to the type of lighting found throughout much of the City of Pleasanton, It is expected that the lighting proposed will generally be consistent and compatible with the nighttime lighting currently seen in the vicinity of the Plan area, As noted above, the Plan calls for "the view of outdoor lighting fixtures from lighted sports fields, parking lots, and buildings [to] be screened and lighting [to] be directed downward." When the sports fields are in use at night, the associated lighting would be noticeable from nearby locations including places along 1-680, Bernal Avenue, Valley Avenue, and the extension of Pleasanton Avenue, as well as from areas within the residential development beginning roughly 800 feet to the west of the sports fields, The "Grand Meadow" area of the Bernal Property that is proposed as part of the Specific Plan project will separate the residences and roadways from the sports field area, Initially, the proposed sports field lighting would be somewhat noticeable from places along the roadways and from some of the residences, However, over time, as the numerous trees proposed in and around the Grand Meadow mature, direct views toward the sports field lights from these locations will generally be screened by intervening vegetation. 45