RES 09265 - Laserfiche WebLink

The No Project Alternative is also infeasible because it is inconsistent with the objectives of the proposed project, which include, among others, guiding the development of the Staples Ranch site with a mix of economically beneficial uses, retaining existing auto sales businesses within the City, providing senior continuing care amenities, and providing community recreational facilities. Existing Specific Plan Alternative Description Under the Existing Specific Plan Alternative, the land uses that were approved as part of the 1989 Stoneridge Drive Specific Plan (1989 Specific Plan) for the Project Area would be developed. Of the 124 acres that comprise the Staples Ranch site, 1.5 acres that lie within the City of Pleasanton would remain zoned as PUD-Medium Density Residential, but this area would be developed with a portion of the community park. No residential units would be constructed under this alternative. The remaining 122.5 acres of undeveloped land in unincorporated Alameda County would be annexed into the City. The land use designations for this area, according to the 1989 Specific Plan, include Service Commercial and Light Industrial, Retail and Service Commercial, and Community Park. This alternative differs from the proposed project in that it would not include the senior continuing care community, it does not specify the development of an auto mall, and does not include the joint neighborhood park/storm water detention facility. Finding: Infeasible As indicated in the EIR, the environmental impacts of the Existing Specific Plan Alternative would have slightly greater impacts than the proposed project. This alternative would result in substantially more traffic than projected for the proposed project and cause additional significant impacts not identified for the proposed project. In particular: Air: This alternative would result in considerably more vehicular trips than the proposed project (roughly twice as much), and exceed the BAAQMD thresholds for criteria air pollutants. The resultant emissions would be a significant and unavoidable air quality impact, with air emissions substantially greater than predicted for the proposed project. Hazards: Because the Existing Specific Plan Alternative would have the potential to accommodate more retail, service commercial, and light industrial uses, which typically involve greater amounts of hazardous materials and waste, than the proposed project, there may be a slightly greater potential for an accidental release of hazardous materials. Nevertheless, this greater potential for accidental releases would be mitigable following the same procedures, protocols, and regulations that were identified for the proposed project. Stoneridge Drive Specific Plan Amendment and Staples Ranch Project Environmental Impact Report Findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations Page 5 of 47