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_ • Several intersection improvements and roadway changes were added as a result of adopted Specific Plans, particularly the Vineyard Avenue Corridor Specific Plan and the Bernal Property Specific Plan; and Valley Avenue was realigned through the industrial area; • The Stoneridge Drive Extension was retained; and • The extension of Busch Road and EI Charro Road to Stanley Boulevard were retained from the 1996 General Plan. Ms. Stern displayed several major roadway extensions and intersection modifications. She noted that changes were made that moved the Element more towards sustainability, with greater emphasis on facilitating trips by transit, carpool, bicycle, and walking. In addition, several programs were originally developed as part of the Energy Element and were moved to this Element. She noted that a new section on "Traffic and Parking" was included and discussed atraffic-calming program that was developed in 1998. It also discussed a toolbox of various techniques that could affect traffic calming in the neighborhoods. She stated that a new "Gateway Constraint" concept was included, which stated that some intersections immediately following the interchanges could operate at lower than Level-of-Service (LOS) D. In order to make them comply with LOS D, the street must be widened to such an extent that the visual character of the area would be changed or crosswalks would be eliminated, which would not improve pedestrian convenience. She noted that congestion in those areas would discourage people from getting on and off the freeway; it was hoped that people would stay on the freeway, which would keep the traffic moving more smoothly. Congestion in those areas could lead to less congestion in the downstream intersections, which would help other intersections in the City. Ms. Stern noted that the City has changed how it tlnances traffic improvements since the 1996 General Plan, which relied on many improvements being made by large developers, mainly in the business parks. Since 1996, the City has adopted a traffic impact fee, which made it more equitable in terms of making those improvements and ensuring that people would be equally required to contribute. In addition, some large developments will be required to make specific improvements related to the impacts that they have on specific intersections. Ms. Stern noted that a section on "Sustainable Development" had been added, and the Element included updated definitions on roadway classifications, updated descriptions of existing roadways, and LOS standards. New sections on parking and existing traffic conditions and an updated description of the traffic model were also added. She noted that there were updated sections on: • Proposed regional and local roadway improvements and funding; • Roadway and traffic-calming; • Alternative transportation modes; and • Traffic Demand Management (TDM). Ms. Stern noted that the "Goals and Policies" included a new policy regarding the Stoneridge Drive extension, stating that the EVA for the Staples Ranch development was PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES October 24, 2007 Page 24 of 40