PC 03/11/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Wayne Rasmussen stated that the purpose of this public hearing is to give the public the opportunity to request that staff and City consultants address any additional issues which are not included in the Draft EIR. A response to all comments will then be prepared as a part of the Final EIR. Mr. Rasmussen was prepared to present a slide show on the Happy Valley Specific Plan; however, due to the late hour, Chair Cooper suggested that the public hearing be opened. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Roger Smith, 6344 Alisal Street, stated that he feels there are inadequacies in the land use section relating to residential development and that it is not consistent with the General Plan with regard to the Spotorno flat area density. He also suggested that more information be obtained relating to trade-offs of land for development property. With regard to Section F of Chapter 3 regarding the sewer, he noted that the possibility for an alternative sewer main alignment connecting Alisal Street to Happy Valley Road is not addressed by the EIR, and he thinks it should be if it will be cheaper. He further stated that tiger salamanders have been observed in the area during the last 12 months. In addition, he suggested that a study of light pollution be done and mitigation measures be addressed. He further stated that the EIR does not adequately comply with the General Plan by focusing on the preservation of the area's rural character. Craig Champion, 777 California Avenue, Palo Alto, reported that he represents SummerHill Homes, which has development rights for part of the Spotorno Ranch. He will be providing a letter to the Commission addressing his and Mr. Spotorno's comments regarding the Specific Plan and the EIR. He noted that they have a number of concerns with the Specific Plan, especially with the cost sharing of the Bypass Road. In addition, he reported that studies do not support that the Verona Fault goes through the Spotorno property. He also stated that the wetlands along Alisal Road were artificially created and there is no evidence of habitat in that area. Janet Linfoot, 6300 Alisal Street, stated that she is puzzled about Mr. Champion's comment that the Verona Fault does not cross through Spotorno Ranch. She noted that a neighbor (Bill Howell) who is an expert has also given the opinion that the Verona Fault crossed through the Spotorno property. She does not agree that the Alisal Street drainage has anything to do with the wetlands because it is hundreds of yards from Alisal Street and at a different elevation. She also confirmed that a number of neighbors, including herself, have observed tiger salamanders in the area, both recently and long ago. She noted that they have been keeping documentation of their sightings. Planning Commission Page 17 March 11, 1998