Silverlakes Equestrian Sports Park Draft Environmental Impact Report

Transcription

1 Silverlakes Equestrian Sports Park Draft Environmental Impact Report Aesthetics Aesthetics Introduction This section describes the existing aesthetic setting and potential effects from project implementation on the site and its surrounding area. Aesthetics, as addressed in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), refers to visual impacts or adverse changes, including scenic resources, scenic vistas, changes in visual character, and lighting or glare. Aesthetics analysis (or visual resource analysis) is a process that logically assesses visible change and anticipates viewer response to change Existing Conditions The Proposed Project site is located in the northern portion of the City of Norco, at the south end of the Chino Basin. From the project area, the Santa Ana Mountains and Cleveland National Forest are visible to the south, and the San Gabriel Mountains and the San Bernardino Mountains are visible to the north and northeast, respectively. The Chino Hills are also visible to the west and southwest, depending on the viewer s specific location. A bluff approximately feet in height is located along the south side of the Santa Ana River south of the site, which provides views of the Project site and surrounding lands to the northeast, north, and northwest; an additional bluff is located along the northern boundary and provides views of the Project site. The tallest vantage point in the general vicinity of the Project site is a knoll about 989 feet in elevation located approximately 1.1 mile south of the site (southwest of Sixth Street and Hamner Avenue). The Silverlakes site is visible from surrounding residences to the west, north, and south-southwest along the Santa Ana River bluff that faces south. Scenic Vistas The Proposed Project area is predominantly flat and near the Santa Ana River. The Santa Ana River, which generally serves as the southeastern and southern boundary of the Proposed Project site, is the area's most prominent natural feature with its large, lush riparian habitat area. Located along the eastern and southern boundary of the Proposed Project, the Santa Ana River represents a significant watershed, recreational, habitat and visual resource. This portion of the river is just upriver from the Prado Basin, a habitat area of statewide significance. The massive 2,650-square mile Santa Ana River Watershed is the focus of extensive habitat conservation and restoration efforts by state and federal government agencies. While the Prado Basin itself is not immediately visible from the Project site, the Santa Ana River runs immediately south of the site and is visible from east to southwest as it flows toward the Prado Basin. Several mountain ranges are visible from the Project area, including the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, the San Bernardino Mountains to the northeast, and the Chino Hills to the west. These views are also visible from the I-15 Freeway, which is adjacent to the Project site to the east. The Project site is briefly visible to travelers going north on the I-15 Freeway, but visible for a longer period (with an easier angle of the view) to travelers heading south on the freeway. At normal freeway speed, the Michael Brandman Associates H:\Client\3399-City of Norco\ _Sec04-01 Aesthetics.doc

2 Aesthetics Silverlakes Equestrian Sports Park Draft Environmental Impact Report Project site would be visible for about ten seconds, with longer visibility occurring during rush hour traffic. There is an improved flood control drainage channel that runs along the east side of the Project site between the site and the freeway, which does not provide any scenic resources since it is fully improved (i.e., concrete-lined) along the length of the site. The Proposed Project area and the surrounding Norco area are historically known for agriculture, especially the many dairies that previously covered the nearby Chino Basin to the west and north. The dairies have been slowly relocating for ten years or more, and been slowly replaced by suburban development, mainly housing. This portion of western Riverside County is known as the Eastvale area and has experienced considerable growth in the last ten years. Scenic Resources The project site is not currently within a designated scenic corridor, nor is it considered a scenic resource. However, the site does have substantial views of regional mountains, the Santa Ana River and its southern bluff, and nearby agricultural fields. At present, there are no facilities within the Project area eligible for designation as a scenic route under the California Scenic Highway Program (i.e. the I-15 Freeway or state highways). Visual Character Views from the project site are very important, and in a way represent a visually significant community resource. The Proposed Project site is visible to residential housing along the entire north and northwest border of the site as well as south and southeast of the site. At present, the current views of the project site are either disturbed vacant land or views of multiple trees, with few structures, none of which are considered historic. Exhibit 4.1-1through 4.1-2e shows various views from the project site. Light or Glare Light sources are defined by their output rating in lumens. The lumen is the most common measure of light output. As lamps and fixtures age, become weathered and deteriorate, their lumen output decreases. Illuminance, or the amount of light transmitted upon a certain area, is measured in terms of foot-candles (which is equal to one lumen per square foot). The higher the foot-candle level, the brighter the illuminated area. There are two different forms of glare, discomfort glare and disability glare. Discomfort glare is psychological in nature and typically causes eye aversion. Disability glare reduces visual ability and results in reduced visual performance and visibility. Both discomfort glare and disability glare can be potentially dangerous. Analysis of potential light and glare impacts considers the following: Michael Brandman Associates H:\Client\3399-City of Norco\ _Sec04-01 Aesthetics.doc

3 Silverlakes Equestrian Sports Park Draft Environmental Impact Report Aesthetics Artificial Sky Glow: The brightening of the night sky attributable to human-created sources of light. Light Pollution: Light pollution is the upward and outward distribution of light. The light is emitted either directly from fixtures or from reflection off the ground or other surfaces. Glare: Light that causes visual discomfort or disability, or a loss of visual performance. Spill Light: Light from an installation that falls outside of the boundaries of the property on which the installation is sited. Light Trespass: Spill light that because of quantitative, directional, or type of light causes annoyance, discomfort, or loss in visual performance and visibility. Luminaire (light fixture): A complete lighting unit consisting of one or more electric lamps, the lamp holder, reflector, lens, diffuser, ballast, and/or other components, and accessories. Shielding: - Fully shielded - A luminaire emitting no light above the horizontal plan. - Shielded - A luminaire emitting less than 2 percent of its light above the horizontal plane. - Partly shielded - A luminaire emitting less than 10 percent of its light above the horizontal plane. - Unshielded - A luminaire emitting light in any direction. Luminance: The amount of light emitted in a given direction from a surface by the light source or by reflection from a surface. Luminance is measured in candela per square meter. The neighborhoods bordering the Project site to the west and north contain urban intensity residential uses, which produce moderate levels of light (e.g., streetlights, interior and security lights on buildings, nearby shopping centers, etc.). The homes fronting on the Project site are mainly two story buildings that have glass windows, which have the potential to produce glare. The perimeter roads and Hamner Avenue have streetlights, which allow for vehicular and pedestrian movement in and around the Proposed Project area. In general, nighttime light levels in the area are typical of suburban areas given its urban setting and grid system of lighted roads. Light levels within the Proposed Project site are much lower than surrounding areas due to its large amount of open space (i.e., weedy vacant land), as well as dilapidated structures and landscaping which are not lighted to urban levels. Various views of the site and surrounding area are provided in Exhibit 4.1-2, Site Photographs, while Exhibit 3-2, Project Aerial Photo, provides an aerial photograph of the Project site and surrounding area. Michael Brandman Associates H:\Client\3399-City of Norco\ _Sec04-01 Aesthetics.doc

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5 Schleisman Road!5 (!4 (!6 (!7 ( (3!2! (!1 (!8 ( 7th Street (! 1 Photo Location Project Boundary NORTH Source: Google Earth Pro. 1, Michael Brandman Associates / _Photo_Index.mxd 0 1,000 Feet Exhibit Photo Index Map CITY OF NORCO SILVERLAKES EQUESTRIAN SPORTS PARK ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

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7 Photograph 1: Looking east from the project site at the drainage channel. Photograph 2: Looking southeast from the project site at dried lake bed. Source: Michael Brandman Associates, Michael Brandman Associates /2008 Site_Photos_a.mxd Exhibit 4.1-2a Site Photographs 1 and 2 CITY OF NORCO SILVERLAKES EQUESTRIAN SPORTS PARK ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

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9 Photograph 3: Looking northeast from the project site at the main building. Photograph 4: Looking northeast from the project site at residential development. Source: Michael Brandman Associates, Michael Brandman Associates /2008 Site_Photos_3&4.mxd Exhibit 4.1-2b Site Photographs 3 and 4 CITY OF NORCO SILVERLAKES EQUESTRIAN SPORTS PARK ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

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11 Photograph 5: Looking south from the project site at the surrounding hills. Photograph 6: Looking south from the project site. Source: Michael Brandman Associates, Michael Brandman Associates /2008 Site_Photos_5&6.mxd Exhibit 4.1-2c Site Photographs 5 and 6 CITY OF NORCO SILVERLAKES EQUESTRIAN SPORTS PARK ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

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13 Photograph 7: Looking southwest from the project site at the residential development. Photograph 8: Looking south from the project site at private farm Source: Michael Brandman Associates, Michael Brandman Associates /2008 Site_Photos_7&8.mxd Exhibit 4.1-2d Site Photographs 7 and 8 CITY OF NORCO SILVERLAKES EQUESTRIAN SPORTS PARK ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

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15 Photograph 9: Looking northeast at the project site from the nearby hill. NORTH Source: MBA 2008 Michael Brandman Associates /2008 _Site Photograph 9.mxd Exhibit 4.1-2e Site Photograph 9 CITY OF NORCO SILVERLAKES EQUESTRIAN SPORTS PARK ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

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17 Silverlakes Equestrian Sports Park Draft Environmental Impact Report Aesthetics Regulatory Framework State The State Scenic Highway System is a list of highways, consists of mainly state highways that have been designated by the Caltrans as scenic highways. The California State Legislature, primarily through Section 263 of the Streets and Highways Code, makes highways eligible for designation as a scenic highway. Currently the Proposed Project site is not located next to a State Scenic Highway. City of Norco General Plan The City of Norco General Plan does not address the potential and existing scenic routes in the City s study area Thresholds of Significance According to the CEQA Guidelines Appendix G Environmental Checklist, to determine whether impacts to aesthetic resources are significant environmental effects, the following questions are analyzed and evaluated: a.) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? b.) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway? c.) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? d.) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? Project Impact Analysis and Mitigation Measures This section discusses potential aesthetic resources impacts associated with the development of the project. Mitigation measures are provided where appropriate. Scenic Vistas Impact AES-1 Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? [CEQA Aesthetic Threshold 1(a)] Impact Analysis Development of the Proposed Project will change direct views of the site. Although the site contains features that could be considered visually pleasing (i.e. trees and vegetated open space), it is not identified as a scenic vista, nor does it contain unique features (e.g., rock outcroppings) other than the Santa Ana River to the east and south. Additionally, the Proposed Project is located in an area of diverse land uses, such as residential located immediately to the north and west, a public facility (the I-15 Freeway) directly to the east, and open space directly to the east of the project site. Michael Brandman Associates H:\Client\3399-City of Norco\ _Sec04-01 Aesthetics.doc

18 Aesthetics Silverlakes Equestrian Sports Park Draft Environmental Impact Report The Proposed Project would introduce a number of recreational facilities onto the site, including equestrian turf sports fields, horse rinks, trails, a lake, etc. While these represent improved uses, they will create a generally soft appearance to the site relative to suburban type land uses (e.g., residences, shopping centers). Views from the residential units immediately west of the site, across Hamner Avenue, and immediately north of the site, east of Hamner Avenue (e.g., Kern River Drive, etc.), will have the most direct changes to views. The present view is of a vacant and weedy property. With the introduction of sports fields, equestrian facility s, landscaping, signage, etc., this view will change dramatically. During events at the Proposed site, more traffic will also be visible along Hamner Avenue. Although further from the site where areas are at a higher elevation than the Project site, residents in the homes along the south bluff of the Santa Ana River, both west of Hamner Avenue (e.g., Pali Road, etc.) and east of Hamner Avenue (e.g., Old Hamner Road, River Drive, etc.) may have more extensive daytime views of the Proposed Project site where views are not obstructed by landscaping or buildings. For an analysis of nighttime views related to lighting, see Section AES-4. While the appearance of the site will fundamentally change, the changes are not necessarily considered significantly adverse due to the nature and appearance of the planned facilities. The site is currently planned and zoned for park/open space use, and signs have been placed on the site in the past to acknowledge future use (S. King, personal communication, July 2008). The proposed recreational facilities would be consistent with the long-term planned use (and appearance) of the site. Therefore, the Proposed Project would have less than significant impacts on scenic vistas. The Proposed Project will eventually include an electronic message sign along the I-15 Freeway near the northeast corner of the Project site. In addition, the County will eventually be constructing a new freeway interchange for the realignment and extension of Schliesman Road just north of the Project site. These improvements will affect the visual character of the northeastern portion of the site and areas offsite to the north and east, because the freeway is the dominant visual characteristic of this area, and the freeway interchange has been planed for a number of years. Therefore, these changes are not expected to be significantly adverse relative to scenic vistas. Level of Significance Before Mitigation Less than significant impact. Mitigation Measures No mitigation is required. Level of Significance After Mitigation Less than significant impact Michael Brandman Associates H:\Client\3399-City of Norco\ _Sec04-01 Aesthetics.doc

19 Silverlakes Equestrian Sports Park Draft Environmental Impact Report Aesthetics Scenic Resources Impact AES -2 Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic building within a state scenic highway? [CEQA Aesthetic Threshold 1(b).] Impact Analysis Current views of the site are either disturbed vacant land or stands of trees with few structures, none of which are considered historic. The project will remove existing dilapidated structures (except for the existing ranch house), and create a recreational complex in a mixed use area dominated by rural residential lots and open space. The Proposed Project will maintain as many of the mature and healthy trees as possible. No existing structures or facilities on the site are eligible for designation as a scenic resource. The Project is not located near an Official State Scenic Highway. The nearest eligible State Scenic Highway is approximately five (5) miles west of State Highway 91 and five (5) miles south of the I- 15 Freeway. Therefore, the Proposed Project will not have an impact on an official State Scenic Highway. In addition, the Project proposes to construct an electronic message sign approximately 150 feet from the I-15 Freeway. The section of the I-15 Freeway that is adjacent to the Proposed Project is designated as a State Landscaped Freeway. According to Caltrans, a Classified State Landscaped Freeway is a section of freeway with landscaping that meets the criteria of its outdoor advertising regulations. Regulations are used to control the use of outdoor advertising displays. However, the Proposed Project is not subject to regulations under the State Landscape Freeway (Byron Strout (Caltrans), September 30, 2008). Therefore, the Project will have a less than significant impact in this regard. Level of Significance Before Mitigation Less than significant impact. Mitigation Measures No mitigation is required. Level of Significance After Mitigation Less than significant impact. Visual Character Impact AES-3 Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? [CEQA Aesthetic Threshold 1(c)] Impact Analysis Current views of the site are of disturbed, vacant land, dilapidated structures, etc., which are not considered particularly aesthetic or attractive other than the overall impression of open space. Michael Brandman Associates H:\Client\3399-City of Norco\ _Sec04-01 Aesthetics.doc

20 Aesthetics Silverlakes Equestrian Sports Park Draft Environmental Impact Report Implementation of the Proposed Project will convert the site to a recreational complex, and views onto and from the site will change substantially. The project will remove existing dilapidated structures while maintaining as many of the mature and healthy trees as possible, and install various recreational facilities (e.g., sports fields, equestrian rings, etc.) in an area dominated by rural residential and open space (other than views of the freeway to the east). Construction of the project will create short-term impacts in the form of isolated views of the site from heavy construction equipment and machinery preparing the land (i.e. grading), and eventually the construction of the recreational complex. Alteration of the landscape by grading and clearing will change the existing topography into a series of pads intended for recreational uses. Dust could also obscure or interfere with views of the area during grading, although fugitive dust will settle and disperse quickly after the end of construction. However, water trucks will traverse the site throughout the day to minimize fugitive dust. Furthermore, the Proposed Project will be consistent with the current planned use (parkland) and zoning (open space) of the property. While the Project represents a fundamental change in views, this change is not considered adverse or a substantial degradation due to the anticipated appearance of the improvements (i.e. turf athletic fields, equestrian rings, stable buildings, RV camping, etc.). These types of facilities are consistent with Norco s image and culture of equestrian and rural agricultural use. Therefore, the aesthetic impacts of the Proposed Project on the visual character of the area are expected to be less than significant. For a discussion of lighting impacts and landscaping mitigation, see Section AES-4. Level of Significance Before Mitigation Less than significant impact. Mitigation Measures No mitigation is needed. Level of Significance After Mitigation Less than significant impact. Light or Glare Impact AES-4 Create a new source of substantial light or glare, which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area? [CEQA Aesthetic Threshold 1(d)] Impact Analysis Removal of dilapidated structures and dump piles from the site, and replacing them with the proposed recreational complex could be considered a positive impact. However, these uses will change views of the area and introduce new sources of light and glare. The proposed recreational complex would result in a new light source for the area during night hours. Lighting for the fields, and outdoor uses Michael Brandman Associates H:\Client\3399-City of Norco\ _Sec04-01 Aesthetics.doc

21 Silverlakes Equestrian Sports Park Draft Environmental Impact Report Aesthetics would be necessary to illuminate the evening and night skies. The project will produce long-term aesthetic impacts on the site that will substantially change the visual and aesthetic character of the area, transforming the existing terrain into a recreational complex. However, any development project, even if it were more rural in design, would change the views of the site, and add substantial new sources of light and glare. This lighting is a potential source of glare and sky glow if not properly designed, especially given that much of it will be portable to be able to light different activity areas depending on the planned activity (e.g., night soccer tournament, night equestrian show, community carnival, etc.). In addition, the Project proposes to construct an electronic message sign oriented towards the I-15 Freeway in the northeast portion of the site. It should be noted that the City staff and the project planning team discussed this issue at length, and modified the land plan to preclude lighting the five (5) soccer fields at the north end of the site (designated Fields 24 to 28 in Exhibit 3-4b). However, based on the planned use of a portable lighting system and the current low ambient lighting levels, it is reasonable to conclude that potential lighting impacts of the Proposed Project are potentially significant. Level of Significance Before Mitigation Potentially significant impact. Mitigation Measures MM AES-4a MM AES-4b The Project developer shall develop a Lighting Management Plan (LMP) for approval of the City to minimize light intrusion into neighborhoods to the west and north of the Project site. A major restriction to be incorporated into the LMP will be to preclude or at least minimize any lights directed to the west or north anywhere on the site. Any lights oriented in those directions shall be elevated and directed down to the greatest extent feasible to minimize visual hot spots or glare during nighttime events. The LMP will include City contact numbers for local residents to contact City officials if lighting systems do not comply with the restrictions outlined in the LMP. Failure of users/uses to adhere to the requirements of the LMP will be cause for revocation of their use permit(s) and/or cancellation of their event. All event lighting (i.e. exclusive of building and/or walkway security lighting) shall be the highest state of the art equipment in terms of light cutoff and control (i.e. tunable ). The operator of the facility shall strive to install and locate lighting to minimize spillover onto existing residential areas to the greatest extent feasible. MM AES-4c The Project site plan will be modified to indicate, and the Lighting Management Plan (LMP - see MM AES-4a) will preclude lighting Fields #1 and #3. This will reduce potential lighting impacts to residences immediately across Hamner Avenue. In this Michael Brandman Associates H:\Client\3399-City of Norco\ _Sec04-01 Aesthetics.doc

22 Aesthetics Silverlakes Equestrian Sports Park Draft Environmental Impact Report area, only Fields #2 and #4 may be lighted. Fields #5 through #11 may be lighted since they are not adjacent to existing residences along Hamner Avenue. MM AES-4d As part of the Project landscaping plan, the City shall provide massed plantings of trees of various types along the west and north boundaries of the site, exclusive of the existing nursery site, to help reduce potential spillover of light and soften views onto the site from adjacent residential areas. Level of Significance After Mitigation Less than significant impact Michael Brandman Associates H:\Client\3399-City of Norco\ _Sec04-01 Aesthetics.doc

23 Silverlakes Equestrian Sports Park Draft Environmental Impact Report Aesthetics Authors: The table of contents below is for authors and editors to use. To refresh, place your cursor in the table of contents area and press F Aesthetics Introduction Existing Conditions Regulatory Framework Thresholds of Significance Project Impact Analysis and Mitigation Measures Error! No table of figures entries found. Exhibit 4.1-1: Photo Index Map Exhibit 4.1-2a: Site Photographs Exhibit 4.1-2b: Site Photographs Exhibit 4.1-2c: Site Photographs Exhibit 4.1-2d: Site Photographs Exhibit 4.1-2e: Site Photographs Michael Brandman Associates H:\Client\3399-City of Norco\ _Sec04-01 Aesthetics.doc

24 Aesthetics Silverlakes Equestrian Sports Park Draft Environmental Impact Report Bibliography: Please record your references as you draft your section. Author's Name. Year. Report Title. Author's Name. Year. Report Title. Author's Name. Year. Report Title. Author's Name. Year. Report Title. General Instructions We use an author date system within the narrative of the text and a similar format for recording the entry in the references. Web resources In the narrative: (Delano Union School District 2006) In the bibliography: Website name. Year. The web address you visited. The date you accessed the site. For example: Delano Union School District Website Accessed April 23, Personal communications In the narrative: (Sayers, pers. comm.) In the bibliography: Contact s last name, first name. Title, firm or company. Personal communication: form of pers comm ( , telephone, fax, etc.). Date of communication. For example: Sayers, Dorothy. Managing Editor, Bloomsbury Industries. Personal communication: . April 23, Reports in the narrative: (A J Environmental, Inc. 2005) In the bibliography: Firm s name as author; if person, last name, initials only. Year published. Title of Report. Month day published (if known.) For example: A J Environmental, Inc City of Bakersfield Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Bakersfield OHV Park, Kern County, California, August Michael Brandman Associates H:\Client\3399-City of Norco\ _Sec04-01 Aesthetics.doc