COASTAL CONSERVANCY. Staff Recommendation June 16, 2005 LOS ANGELES HARBOR AREA PUBLIC ACCESS AND URBAN WATERFRONT PLAN: IMPLEMENTATION

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1 COASTAL CONSERVANCY Staff Recommendation June 16, 2005 LOS ANGELES HARBOR AREA PUBLIC ACCESS AND URBAN WATERFRONT PLAN: IMPLEMENTATION File No Project Managers: Marc Beyeler and David Hayes RECOMMENDED ACTION: Disbursement of up to $1,800,000 to the Los Angeles Harbor/Watts Economic Development Corporation for implementation of specific elements of the Los Angeles Harbor Area Public Access and Urban Waterfront Plan and adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for this Plan. LOCATION: Harbor Area communities of Los Angeles, including the communities of San Pedro, Wilmington, and Harbor City, surrounding the Port of Los Angeles (Exhibit 1) PROGRAM CATEGORIES: Public Access and Urban Waterfronts EXHIBITS Exhibit 1: Project Location and Site Map Exhibit 2: Los Angeles Harbor Area Public Access and Urban Waterfront Plan documents: Summary Report and Coastal Trail Analysis (reports enclosed) Exhibit 3: Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration Exhibit 4: Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program Exhibit 5: Letters of Support RESOLUTION AND FINDINGS: Staff recommends that the State Coastal Conservancy adopt the following Resolution pursuant to Sections and Sections et seq. of the Public Resources Code: The State Coastal Conservancy hereby authorizes the disbursement of an amount not to exceed one million eight hundred thousand dollars ($1,800,000) to the Los Angeles Harbor/Watts Economic Development Corporation ( EDC ) for implementation of

2 LOS ANGELES HARBOR AREA specific elements of the Los Angeles Harbor Area Public Access and Urban Waterfront Plan; approves the Mitigated Negative Declaration, attached to the accompanying staff recommendation as Exhibit 3; and further adopts the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Plan, attached to the accompanying staff recommendation as Exhibit 4, subject to the following conditions: 1. Prior to the disbursement of Conservancy funds to the EDC, the EDC shall: a. Submit for the review and written approval of the Executive Officer of the Conservancy a work plan, budget and schedule for the implementation project elements; a signing plan acknowledging the Conservancy s funding; the names and qualifications of any contractors to be employed to carry out the work plan; and evidence that all necessary permits and approvals for the project have been obtained; and b. Enter into an agreement with the Conservancy sufficient to protect the public interest in any improvement or development constructed as part of this proposed project in accordance with the requirements of Public Resources Code Section 31116(c) and to assure public access and to qualify the EDC with limited tort immunity under California Government Code Sections 831.2, 831.4, 831.7, and The EDC shall erect and maintain a sign which acknowledges Conservancy funding on the project sites. 3. The EDC shall operate and maintain the project site(s) for a period of not less than 20 years. Staff further recommends that the Conservancy adopt the following findings: Based on the accompanying staff report and attached exhibits, the State Coastal Conservancy hereby finds that: 1. The proposed project is consistent with the purposes and criteria in Chapters 7 and 9 of Division 21 of the Public Resources Code (Sections and et seq.) regarding the restoration of urban waterfront areas and the creation of a system of public accessways to and along the coast; and 2. The proposed project is consistent with the Project Selection Criteria and Guidelines adopted by the Conservancy on January 24, The project serves greater than local need. 4. The project, as mitigated, avoids, reduces, or mitigates the possible effect of the project to a level of insignificance. 5. There is no substantial evidence that the project, as revised, may have a significant effect on the environment. 2

3 LOS ANGELES HARBOR AREA 6. The Mitigated Negative Declaration, attached to the accompanying staff recommendation as Exhibit 3, reflects the Conservancy s independent judgment and analysis. 7. On the basis of substantial evidence, the Conservancy has rebutted the presumption of adverse effect contained in California Code of Regulations Section 753.5(d) regarding the potential for adverse effect on wildlife resources as defined under California Fish and Game Code Section The Los Angeles Harbor-Watts Economic Development Corporation is a nonprofit organization existing under provisions of U.S. Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) whose purposes are consistent with Division 21 of the Public Resources Code. PROJECT SUMMARY: Conservancy staff is recommending approval of funds to the Los Angeles Harbor Watts Economic Development Corporation ( EDC ) to implement specific elements of Los Angeles Harbor Area Public Access and Urban Waterfront Plan ( Plan ). Staff is also recommending approval of the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Plan. The EDC and Coastal Conservancy have developed an overall Public Access and Urban Waterfront Plan for the Los Angeles Harbor Area, including an analysis of the linkages between the communities of San Pedro, Wilmington, and Harbor City and the waterfront areas of the Port of Los Angeles. The EDC will implement specific elements of the Plan, including improvements to the Coastal Trail and final plans and specifications and initial improvements for a select number of community gateways, linking the communities of San Pedro, Wilmington, and Harbor City and the waterfront areas of the Port of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Harbor Area communities of San Pedro, Wilmington, and Harbor City are located adjacent to the Port of Los Angeles, within the City of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Harbor Area waterfront and shoreline areas are one of southern California s last underdeveloped visitor-commercial and recreational waterfronts. The EDC has been working jointly with the Port of Los Angeles to increase public access to the San Pedro waterfront and to create stronger visitor linkages between downtown San Pedro and the Port of Los Angeles. This public access planning effort has generated enormous enthusiasm on the part of everyone seeking closer physical and economic connections between the harbor area communities and the Port waterfront. The proposed project focuses on several major Los Angeles Harbor Area waterfront areas including the Wilmington and San Pedro areas. An important goal of the Plan was to identify linkages between the waterfront and shorelines areas of each of these adjacent communities. The Plan elements for Wilmington are to expand the East Wilmington Greenbelt, and identify and develop linkages with the Avalon corridor, the B Street, and the Banning s Landing waterfront area. The East Wilmington Greenbelt is a former rail right-of-way 3

4 LOS ANGELES HARBOR AREA donated by the Southern Pacific Railroad to the City of Los Angeles in To date, only half of the Greenbelt has been improved for public access. The proposed initial implementation project Plan would develop final project plans and specifications to complete the Greenbelt, and initiate land acquisition for regional coastal trail and related park improvements. The Plan elements for San Pedro focus on improving and connecting a series of fragmented public areas with the Los Angeles Harbor from the Point Fermin Coast to the Vincent Thomas Bridge and north along Gaffey Street to Machado Lake and Harbor Regional Park. The San Pedro linkages connect important natural canyons, including Bandini and Peck Park, to adjacent waterfront areas, linking storm drain and flood control corridors, rights-of-way along roads and freeways, and existing unimproved parcels of public land and neglected parks. The Plan links these fragmented natural and public open space areas into a cohesive network of natural areas, improved parks, and public access trails and parkways. Access from the waterfront to community destinations, such as Waterfront Gateway, will provide key linkage to the coastal trail from inland communities. The Plan identifies several needed improvements to the California Coastal Trail, including interpretive viewpoints, designated rest areas with visitor amenities, and other design elements that reflect the statewide nature of the coastal trail. Site Description: The residential communities of the Los Angeles Harbor Area, including San Pedro and Wilmington, are located adjacent to the Port of Los Angeles, within the City of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles Harbor Area is one of southern California s last underdeveloped visitor-commercial and recreational waterfronts. The Los Angeles Harbor area incorporates a portion of San Pedro Bay, extending from Point Fermin to the Los Angeles River (Exhibit 3-Summary Report and Coastal Trail Analysis). Project History: For the past five years, residents in the harbor area have been working with representatives of the City and Port of Los Angeles to develop new community plans for increased physical and economic connections between the Port of Los Angeles and the adjacent communities of San Pedro and Wilmington. Previous Conservancy financial support of the Port of Los Angeles and the EDC in 2001 resulted in the design for a continuous public access and pedestrian boardwalk along the San Pedro waterfront fronting on the Port of Los Angeles. In 2002, a community task force and the Harbor Commission of the Port of Los Angeles approved the Conservancyfunded Promenade Plan. The Port of Los Angeles is now in the initial phase of Promenade development, working with community representatives. The Promenade is intended as a pedestrian oriented walkway and path along the nearly five-mile long waterfront in San Pedro. The San Pedro Nade would pass wharves and docks, public boat marinas, the Cruise Ship Terminal, and the Cabrillo Aquarium and Museum, and terminate at Point Fermin Park, which offers some of the best ocean views in the Harbor area. Planning for and designing a new public access promenade linking the Port and San Pedro become a catalyst for community waterfront planning efforts in the Los Angeles Harbor Area. 4

5 LOS ANGELES HARBOR AREA In June 2003, the Coastal Conservancy approved planning funds to the EDC to complete an overall Los Angeles Harbor Area Public Access and Urban Waterfront Plan. The completed Plan is contained in the Coastal Trail Analysis and the Summary Report (Exhibit 3). Together these documents outline an integrated and comprehensive plan for coastal trail, coastal access and related urban waterfront projects which will link the shoreline at several points and provide a series of community gateways from and to adjacent communities. PROJECT FINANCING: Coastal Conservancy: $1,800,000 Other Sources: Federal HUD 297,000 Proposition 40-DPR $1,500,000 City of Los Angeles $300,000 Total Project Funding $3,597,000 The proposed project would be funded through the Conservancy s FY budget appropriation for urban waterfront and public access projects from Proposition 40.The City of Los Angeles has been awarded $1,500,000 in competitive funds from Proposition 40 from the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The EDC has been granted nearly $300,000 from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. In addition, the City of Los Angeles has committed another $300,000 for additional planning to connect downtown San Pedro to the central Los Angeles Harbor waterfront. Finally, the EDC has worked with local community organizations and the office of Los Angeles City Councilwoman Janice Hahn to submit applications totaling $11 million dollars to the Port s China Mitigation fund. If awarded, these funds would support implementation of the coastal linkages projects at the East Wilmington Greenbelt, Waterfront Gateway and San Pedro Plaza Park. CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY'S ENABLING LEGISLATION: This project is undertaken pursuant to Chapters 7 and 9 of the Conservancy s enabling legislation, Division 21 of the Public Resources Code (Sections ), regarding the restoration of urban waterfront areas and public access and enjoyment of coastal resources. Section declares that that developing the state s urban waterfronts into environmentally sound areas, through, but not limited to, the creation of parks, open space, visitor serving facilities, and housing for all income levels will promote tourism, public access, and private sector development in these areas. In addition, declares that the encouragement of tourism, public access to the coast, and planned private sector development to be a benefit to the citizens of the state, as well as the local citizenry in affected urban waterfront areas. It is, therefore, the intent of this chapter to promote the restoration of the state s vital urban waterfronts. The Public Access and Urban Waterfront Plan provides concept and design plans for waterfront restoration projects that will 5

6 LOS ANGELES HARBOR AREA encourage local and regional public access and recreation, as well as increased coastal tourism. Section states that the Conservancy shall seek to promote excellence of design and shall stimulate projects which exhibit innovation in sensitively integrating man-made features into the natural coastal environment. The Public Access and Urban Waterfront Plan provides concept and design plans for waterfront restoration projects that will encourage the conservation, restoration and enhancement of natural resources and the development of visitor-serving improvements. Section states that the Conservancy may award grants to public agencies and nonprofit organizations for the restoration of urban coastal waterfront areas. The Conservancy funds will leverage other grant funds for project specific plan preparation and implementation. The Port of Los Angeles has provided funds to the EDC to support community planning. The EDC has received funds for implementing plan elements in Wilmington as part of federal HUD appropriation. In addition, the City of Los Angeles has received funds for implementation of the Wilmington project. Section states that the Conservancy shall have a principal role in the implementation of a system of public accessways to and along the state s coastline. Through implementing initial elements of the Plan, the Conservancy will play a primary role in developing a public access plan for important public coastal properties in the Los Angeles Harbor Area of Los Angeles County, including the communities of San Pedro and Wilmington. Section allows the Conservancy to award grants for accessways that serve more than local public needs. The Los Angeles Harbor Area of Los Angeles is a major destination point for millions of visitors each year from throughout the State and around the world. Section states that the Conservancy may assist public and nonprofit organizations in implementing public access to and along the coast. Implementing the initial elements of the Plan are the first steps towards improving public access to this part of the coastline. CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY S STRATEGIC PLAN GOAL(S) AND OBJECTIVE(S): Consistent with Goal 2, Objective A, the proposed project would develop additional public access improvements at various shoreline locations with the Los Angeles Harbor Area. Consistent with Goal 2, Objective B, the project would open an area that is currently inaccessible or has only limited access to public use while respecting the rights of nearby residents and property owners and respects the safety and security needs of harbor operations and recognizing the need to minimize impacts on sensitive natural resources. 6

7 LOS ANGELES HARBOR AREA CONSISTENCY WITH CONSERVANCY'S PROJECT SELECTION CRITERIA & GUIDELINES: The proposed project is consistent with the Conservancy's Program Guidelines adopted January 24, 2001, in the following respects: Required Criteria 1. Promotion of the Conservancy s statutory programs and purposes: As described in the paragraphs above, the proposed project is consistent with Sections and of Chapters 7 and 9 of the Conservancy s enabling legislation (Division 21 of the Public Resources Code) regarding urban waterfront restoration and public access and enjoyment of coastal resources. 2. Consistency with purposes of the funding source: The source of funds for the proposed project would be the Coastal Conservancy s FY 02/03 budget appropriation for coastal access and urban waterfront projects from Proposition Support from the public: The proposed project enjoys a high level of support from a wide variety of private citizens, local and state legislators, and nonprofit organizations (see Exhibit 5). 4. Location: The project area is in and affects the Coastal Zone. 5. Need: As discussed in the Project Description section above, the proposed Conservancy grant is needed in order to facilitate the initial implementation of urban waterfront and public access facilities that serve a greater than local need in an area presently underserved by coastal recreation and public access opportunities. 6. Greater-than-local-interest: The Los Angeles Harbor Area is located in the heart of a region that is a major destination point for millions of visitors each year from throughout the State and around the world. Additional Criteria 7. Resolution of more than one issue: Implementation of the Plan for the public access and urban waterfront restoration will also serve as a basis for related community recreation and public access facilities as well as waterfront visitor facilities. 8. Realization of prior Conservancy goals: The Conservancy has funded public access improvements at Cabrillo Beach in the past, and has sought to improve public access to the Harbor area of Los Angeles for some time. Previous Conservancy financial support provided to the Port of Los Angeles and the EDC in 2001 resulted in the design for a continuous public access and pedestrian boardwalk along the San Pedro waterfront fronting on the Port of Los Angeles. In 2002, a community task force and the Harbor Commission of the Port of Los Angeles approved the Conservancy-funded Promenade Plan. The Port of Los Angeles is now completing the initial phase of Promenade development, working with community representatives. 7

8 LOS ANGELES HARBOR AREA CONSISTENCY WITH LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM POLICIES: The San Pedro Specific Plan and the San Pedro Local Coastal Land Use Plan (LUP) are components of the Local Coastal Program. Within the Specific Plan and the LUP public access and public recreational opportunities are to be maximized. Goal 6 of the San Pedro Local Coastal Program Specific Plan calls for the preservation of the scenic and visual quality of the coastal areas. Objective 6-4 of the San Pedro Local Coastal Program Specific Plan seeks to maximize public access and recreational opportunities to and within the Coastal Zone consistent with sound resource conservation principles and the rights of private property owners. Finally, Policy states that existing coastaloriented recreational facilities be maintained, developed, and expanded where needed to provide local as well as regional access to and enjoyment of San Pedro s unique coastal resources. The Port of Los Angeles Port Master Plan also provides for additional public recreation facilities within the Port of Los Angeles consistent with sound and compatible port planning. The western port areas adjacent to the San Pedro community have been identified as areas appropriate for increased public access and public recreation facilities. COMPLIANCE WITH CEQA: As the lead agency under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Conservancy staff prepared a draft Mitigated Negative Declaration (See Exhibit 3) for the implementation of specific elements of the Los Angeles Harbor Area Public Access and Urban Waterfront Plan ( Plan ). The draft Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration were noticed and circulated for public review on April 28, The 30-day comment period ended on June 1, No comment letters were received. The Mitigated Negative Declaration identified possible significant effects of the project related to archeological/historical resources, traffic/circulation and geology/soils. Proposed mitigation measures that will be incorporated into the project design and/or will avoid, reduce or minimize the possible effect to a level of insignificance are described in detail in the Mitigation Measures, pages 5-7 of Exhibit 3. Conservancy staff recommends that the Conservancy approve the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project and that the Conservancy: (1) find that the project, as mitigated, avoids, reduces, or mitigates the possible effect to a level of insignificance; (2) find that there is no substantial evidence that the project, as revised, may have a significant effect on the environment; (3) find that the proposed Negative Declaration reflects the Conservancy s independent judgment and analysis; (4) find that there is, on the basis of substantial evidence, no evidence before the Conservancy that the project will have a potential adverse effect on wildlife resources as defined under Cal. Fish and Game Code Section and 14 Cal. Code of Regulations Section 753.5(d); and (5) adopt the Mitigation Monitoring Program (Exhibit 4) pursuant to 14 Cal. Code of Regulations Section 15074(d). Upon approval, staff will file a Notice of Determination for the project. 8

9 Exhibit 1: Project Location Map Project Location

10 Exhibit 3: Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration Los Angeles Harbor/San Pedro Public Access and Urban Waterfront Plan Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration Prepared for: California Coastal Conservancy 1330 Broadway, 11th Floor Oakland, CA Contact: Mr. Marc Beyeler Phone: (510) Prepared by: Interactive Planning and Management, LLC 112 East De La Guerra Street, No. 7 Santa Barbara, CA Contact: John C. Jostes, AICP Phone: (805) April 2005

11 Mitigated Negative Declaration Mitigated Negative Declaration California State Coastal Conservancy Los Angeles Harbor Area/San Pedro Public Access and Urban Waterfront Plan Introduction The Los Angeles Harbor Area Public Access and Urban Waterfront Plan ( the plan ), consists of the summary plan document and the supporting Coastal Trail Analysis, which identifies improvements and additions to the California Coastal Trail and a series of community gateways connecting the communities of San Pedro and Wilmington to the shoreline and waterfront areas of the greater Los Angeles Harbor area. The plan seeks to aid in completing the California Coastal Trail (CCT), by closing a gap in the CCT in the Los Angeles Harbor area. In 2003, the Coastal Conservancy completed a report on the obstacles and progress toward completing the CCT, and this report identified the Los Angeles Harbor area as a gap area, where the trail was not continuous and was in need of substantial additional planning and implementation actions to complete. The plan also seeks to establish better linkages between the coast and neighboring coastal communities in the Los Angeles Harbor Area. The Coastal Conservancy has been charged with connecting the California Coastal Trail with inland connecting trails, so better access to the coast is afforded to all coastal and inland communities. At the same time, community open space, park, waterfront access and recreational opportunities have been, and continue to be, extremely limited in the Los Angeles Harbor communities of San Pedro and Wilmington. The Los Angeles Harbor area communities of San Pedro, Wilmington and Harbor City are among the most low-income, park-poor areas in Los Angeles. It is estimated that nearly three-quarters of local children are not within walking distance of a park. Recognizing both regional and local needs, since 2001, staff of the Coastal Conservancy have been working with local citizens, public agency staff and elected officials, interested stakeholders, and property owners, both public and private, to promote increased public access to the waterfront and shoreline areas of the Los Angeles Harbor area, and to better connect adjacent coastal communities to the coast. The plan builds on the many community and agency planning and design concepts and projects to increase public access in the San Pedro and Wilmington waterfront areas of the Los Angeles Harbor area, from Palos Verdes Peninsula on the west, to the Los Angeles River and its terminus at San Pedro Bay in Long Beach Harbor. The plan has been developed to ensure that the Los Angeles Harbor area be planned for public use as a whole, and that local communities are re-connected to their waterfronts. Page 1

12 Mitigated Negative Declaration Major Plan Elements: 1. The plan provides a Coastal Trail Analysis for the Los Angeles Harbor Area: Identifying the status of existing conditions of trail segments and needed improvements; and Identifying Connector and Spur trails to connect coastal and in-land areas. 2. The plan provides concept and design plans for a number of community gateways, connecting in-land communities to waterfront and shoreline areas and with coastal trail locations. This plan has been closely coordinated with the current San Pedro and Wilmington waterfront projects being managed by the Harbor Department of the City of Los Angeles. 3. The plan provides concept and design plans for waterfront improvement and restoration projects that encourage the conservation, restoration and enhancement of coastal natural resources. 4. Finally, the plan provides concept and design plans for several early implementation projects, including suggested projects in Wilmington, several locations in San Pedro, and at Point Fermin on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. These initial implementation project areas include the East Wilmington Greenbelt adjacent to the Wilmington waterfront; the Waterfront Gateway, linking the Cruse Ship Terminal and the newly completed first phase of the waterfront Promenade to Knoll Hill and the 110 corridor west to Gaffey Street; Beacon Street Bluffs, and San Pedro Plaza Park, extending along the central San Pedro waterfront; and the Pt. Fermin Coast, extending from Sunken City/Pacific Ave. to White Point/Shoreline Park, along Paseo Del Mar. The plan seeks to integrate statewide objectives to provide coastal access and a continuous coastal trail, provide public access for adjacent neighborhoods and local communities as well as regional visitors, provide interpretation and environmental education, and preserve and protect coastal natural resources. The plan was prepared pursuant to the responsibilities of the California State Coastal Conservancy regarding the restoration of urban waterfront areas and the provision of coastal access and public use and enjoyment of the coast. The Coastal Conservancy has a principal role in providing for public access to and along the coast of California and providing for a continuing Coastal Trail, and for a system of public accessways. The Coastal Conservancy has a principal role in restoring the state s urban waterfront areas. The plan was prepared by the staff of the Coastal Conservancy, with the assistance of the staff of the Los Angeles Harbor/Watts Economic Development Corporation and with the assistance of the consultant firms of Duvivier Architects, Interactive Planning and Management, SMWM, CMG, Carl Cheng, and Mia Lehrer and Associates. Based on the assessment presented in the Initial Study, this Mitigated Negative Declaration has been prepared. Page 2

13 Mitigated Negative Declaration Project Description The project entails six interrelated components, each of which is summarized below. A detailed description of the proposed project and its components is attached to this Initial Study Checklist Completing the Coastal Trail: The California Coastal Trail through the Los Angeles Harbor Area is not completed. Many segments are in need of additional improvements, and in other areas the trail needs to be formally improved. The Coastal Trail Analysis, supporting the overall Public Access and Urban Waterfront Plan, identifies many needed improvements within existing rightof-ways, and some additional coastal trail destinations, including the suggested Community Gateways described below. East Wilmington Greenbelt: This project component would expand upon existing open space areas along a former Southern Pacific railroad right of way north of Anaheim Blvd. by acquiring several vacant and industrially-developed parcels and developing passive recreation areas with improvements such as visitor information areas and displays, parking, landscaping, drinking fountains, benches, harbor viewing/overlook features, tables and related passive recreational amenities. These improvements would compliment current efforts by the City Recreation and Parks Department to construct a community recreation facility along the east side of Sanford Ave. in the vicinity of the project site. Signage and wayfinding systems would link the project site to those traveling the California Coastal Trail system which passes near the site via Anaheim Blvd. Waterfront Gateway Open Space: This component entails the acquisition of selected parcels currently in private ownership and removal of existing single and multi-family residential dwellings and a commercial billboard. The site would be re-graded and re-landscaped to provide a visual and physical linkage between the Bandini Canyon Open Space and the harbor/port to the east. Near-term improvements would include information displays, a small parking area, entry plaza, signage and wayfinding system for waterfront visitors. Harbor pedestrian linkages would be provided via First Street to Harbor Blvd. with a pedestrian/bike path linking Bandini Canyon to the Waterfront via O Farrell Street. Over the long term, the existing pedestrian bridge that crosses Gaffey Street would be replaced with a new pedestrian bridge incorporating an overlook tower feature and an overlook tower would be installed at its easterly end to provide park users with an observation deck for harbor and port viewing. Once developed Waterfront Gateway park would provide an attractive entry point from the terminus of the Harbor freeway to the commercial and historic downtown core of San Pedro and linkage to the waterfront promenade and California Coastal Trail to the east. The Waterfront Gateway component was previously the subject of a Program EIR as a part of the Pacific Corridor Redevelopment Project Area, which is incorporated by reference hereto. Beacon Street Bluffs/San Pedro Park: Beacon Street/San Pedro Plaza Park improvements consist of new pathways, walls, stairways, lighting, irrigation and landscaping to provide a new segment of the upper California Coastal Trail in San Pedro and physical linkages from inland communities to the Port of Los Angeles Bridge to Breakwater promenade. This component is entirely within the public right of way/publicly owned open space and would coordinate signage and wayfinding by providing destination maps, historical markers, viewing areas and beautification efforts to link the waterfront with inland communities. Paseo Del Mar Improvements: Paseo Del Mar is designated as part of the California Coastal Page 3

14 Mitigated Negative Declaration Trail. This project component entails installing landscaping improvements, parking re-striping, gateway monuments and signage, and the repair and replacement of fencing along the ocean-side of the street, as well as selected median plantings and a smart crosswalk. The segment of Paseo Del Mar within which these improvements would be made runs from Western Avenue on the west to Pacific Avenue on the east. All improvements would take place upon public property within the right of way of Paseo del Mar or adjacent public park property. Pacific Avenue Overlook/Sunken City Improvements: Improvements associated with the Pacific Avenue Overlook/Sunken City component of the project include the demolition and reconstruction of an existing paved parking lot at the southerly terminus of Pacific Avenue, installation of landscaping, signage, sidewalks, replacement fencing, public art and trail improvements to the existing informal bluff-top trail system being used by site visitors at the present time, providing a visual and pedestrian linkage to Point Fermin Park to the northwest. Availability of Documents Copies of the Initial Study for the proposed project are on file and available for review at the following address: California State Coastal Conservancy 1330 Broadway, 11t h F l o o r, Oakland, CA (510) San Pedro Regional Branch Library 931 S. Gaffey Street, San Pedro, CA Environmental Determination An Initial Study was prepared to identify the potential effects on the environment from a series of recommended implementation actions, involving public coastal access improvements and related urban waterfront, involving both development, and in limited areas, and to evaluate the significance of these effects. Based on the Initial Study, the proposed project would have less-than-significant effects or no impacts related to the following issues: Aesthetics Agricultural Resources Air Quality Biological Resources Hydrology and Water Quality Land Use and Planning Mineral Resources Population and Housing Public Services Recreation Page 4

15 Mitigated Negative Declaration Transportation/Traffic Utilities and Service Systems The environmental assessment presented in the Initial Study identifies several environmental impacts that require mitigation measures be incorporated into the project to effectively reduce potential impacts to less-than-significant levels or avoid the impacts. Measures oriented toward geology, soils and traffic issues are intended to further mitigate impacts which are anticipated to be less than significant. These issue areas are: Cultural Resources Geology and Soils Traffic and Circulation Measures have been formulated to effectively mitigate all of the potentially significant environmental impacts identified in the Initial Study. Implementation of these mitigation measures would avoid potentially significant impacts identified in the Initial Study or reduce them to a less-than-significant level. The mitigation measures are presented below. Mitigation Measures Implementation of the following mitigation measures would avoid potential impacts identified in the Initial Study or reduce them to a less-than-significant level. Discovery of Archaeological Resources or Human Remains During Construction MMV-1. If buried cultural resources, such as chipped or ground stone, historic debris, building foundations, or human bone, are inadvertently discovered during ground-disturbing activities at any of the four project sites, work will stop in that area and within 100 feet of the find until a qualified archaeologist can assess the significance of the find and, if necessary, develop appropriate treatment measures in consultation with the Coastal Conservancy. If human remains of Native American origin are discovered during project construction, compliance with state laws, which fall within the jurisdiction of the Native American Heritage Commission (Public Resource Code Sec. 5097), relating to the disposition of Native American burials will be adhered to. If any human remains are discovered or recognized in any location other than a dedicated cemetery, excavation or disturbance of the site shall stop, including any nearby area reasonably suspected to overlie adjacent human remains, until: a. The coroner of the county has been informed and has determined that no investigation of the cause of death is required; and b. If the remains are of Native American origin, 1. The descendants of the deceased Native Americans have made a recommendation to the landowner or the person responsible for the Page 5

16 Mitigated Negative Declaration excavation work, for means of treating or disposing of, with appropriate dignity, the human remains and any associated grave goods as provided in Public Resources Code Section , or 2. The Native American Heritage Commission was unable to identify a descendant or the descendant failed to make a recommendation within 24 hours after being notified by the commission. According to California Health and Safety Code, six or more human burials at one location constitute a cemetery (Section 8100) and disturbance of Native American cemeteries is a felony (Section 7052). Section requires that construction or excavation be stopped in the vicinity of discovered human remains until the coroner can determine whether the remains are those of a Native American. If the remains are determined to be Native American, the coroner must contact the California Native American Heritage Commission. Minimization of Landslide and Soils Hazards During Final Design and Construction MMVI-1. A geological engineer shall be retained to review the proposed project plans and construction specifications and determine what measures are necessary, if any, to prevent the slope failures from being caused by the construction and use of the parking lot at the Pacific Avenue Overlook and improvements proposed for Paseo Del Mar, Waterfront Gateway components and for liquefaction potential at East Wilmington Greenbelt site. All recommended measures shall be implemented during project construction. MMVI-2. Materials used for landings shall be permeable, allowing water to percolate naturally into the slope. Surface drainage shall be directed towards the downslope side of any stairways or landings to prevent water from draining into and saturating the slope. MMVI-3. Drip irrigation shall be used as needed along Paseo Del Mar and on the Pacific Avenue Overlook/Sunken City site. MMVI-4. Care shall be taken during construction to avoid destabilizing the slope at the Pacific Avenue Overlook/Sunken City site. Equipment and material storage, as well as construction operations, shall be carried out so that the amount of external vibration and surcharge to the bluff-top is minimized at all times. MMVI-5. A geological engineer shall monitor construction to ensure that the slope at the Pacific Avenue Overlook/Sunken City site is not destabilized. Alternative construction methods shall be used, if necessary, as recommended by the geological engineer, to prevent failures. MMVI-6. The existing slope at the Pacific Avenue Overlook/Sunken City site shall be monitored on an annual basis after the rainy season and after any significant rainfall or storm event to determine whether significant erosion has occurred near the top of the bluff, along pathways or under any viewing areas or stairs. If these occur, it is an indication that the stability of the slope is being compromised. If these occur, a Page 6

17 Mitigated Negative Declaration geologic engineer shall be retained to recommend repairs to re-stabilize the slope and these recommendations shall be implemented. MMVI-7. In conjunction with MMVI-4, care shall be taken during construction to avoid erosion of topsoil. Specifically, best management practices related to storm water runoff and construction site management should be incorporated into the project, including the use of straw bales, waddles and other erosion reduction measures. Consideration of roundabout to resolve minor circulation issues at the Pacific Avenue southerly terminus. MMXV.-1 Prior to project implementation, a traffic and circulation study should be completed to evaluate the effectiveness of utilizing a roundabout at the intersection of Shepard Street and Pacific Avenue to reduce and/or eliminate potential driver confusion and safety considerations associated with the existing off-set nature of the intersection. If a roundabout is found to be an appropriate traffic control device, such an intersection improvement should be designed and implemented as a part of the proposed project. Page 7

18 Overview Chapter 1 Introduction and Overview The California State Coastal Conservancy has prepared this Initial Study/Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) to evaluate the potential environmental consequences associated with the acquisition and construction of a series of coastal gateways and linkages, and improved open space associated with an initial phase of implementing improvements to the California Coastal Trail in the vicinity of the Los Angeles Harbor area within the City of Los Angeles, California. The project includes the acquisition of a number of vacant and developed parcels at the southerly terminus of the Harbor freeway (State Route 110), and the East Wilmington Greenbelt. The specific parcel numbers involved with the acquisition and development proposals are enumerated within Chapter 2, Project Description, as are conceptual site plans for shoreline and coastal access and recreation improvements. A detailed description of the project and its components are provided in Chapter 2. As part of the permitting process, the proposed project is required to undergo an environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Authority The preparation of an IS/MND is governed by two principal sets of documents: CEQA (Public Resources Code Section 21000, et seq.) and the state CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations Section 15000, et seq.). Specifically, Section of the CEQA Guidelines and Sections of Article 6 guide the process for the preparation of an ND or MND. Where appropriate and supportive to an understanding of the issues, reference will be made either to the statute, the CEQA Guidelines, or appropriate case law. This IS/MND, as required by CEQA, contains a project description, a description of the environmental setting, potential environmental impacts, mitigation measures for any significant effects, consistency with plans and policies, and names of preparers. The mitigation measures included in this IS/MND are designed to reduce or eliminate the potentially significant environmental impacts described herein. Where a mitigation measure described in this document has been previously incorporated into the project, either as a specific feature of design or as a mitigation measure, this is noted in the discussion. Mitigation measures are structured in accordance with the criteria in Section of the state CEQA Guidelines. Scope of the IS/MND This IS/MND evaluates the proposed project's effects on the following resource topics: aesthetics, agricultural resources, air quality, biological resources, Initial Study/Proposed ND Public Review Draft 1-1

19 cultural resources, geology and soils, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, land use planning, mineral resources, noise, population and housing, public services, recreation, transportation/traffic, and utilities and service systems. Impact Terminology The following terminology is used to describe the level of significance of impacts: a finding of no impact is appropriate if the analysis concludes that the project would not affect the particular topic area in any way; an impact is considered less than significant if the analysis concludes that it would cause no substantial adverse change to the environment and requires no mitigation; an impact is considered less than significant with mitigation incorporated if the analysis concludes that it would cause no substantial adverse change to the environment with the inclusion of environmental commitments that have been agreed to by the applicant; and an impact is considered potentially significant if the analysis concludes that it could have a substantial adverse effect on the environment. Initial Study Organization The content and format of this report are designed to meet the requirements of CEQA. The report contains the following sections: Chapter 1, "Introduction and Overview," identifies the purpose and scope of the IS/MND and the terminology used in the report. Chapter 2, "Project Description," identifies the location, background, and planning objectives of the project and describes the proposed project in detail. Chapter 3, "Environmental Checklist," presents the checklist responses for each resource topic. This section includes a brief setting section for each resource topic and identifies the impacts of implementing the proposed project. Chapter 4, "Citations," identifies all printed references and individuals cited in this Initial Study/Proposed ND Public Review Draft 1-2

20 IS/MND, and a list of document preparers. Initial Study/Proposed ND Public Review Draft 1-3

21 Chapter 2 Project Description of the Plan Introduction This draft Plan seeks to aid in completing the California Coastal Trail (CCT), by closing a gap in the CCT in the Los Angeles Harbor area. In 2003, the Coastal Conservancy completed a report on the obstacles and progress toward completing the CCT, and this report identified the Los Angeles Harbor area as a gap area, where the trail was not continuous and was in need of substantial additional planning and implementation actions to complete. This plan also seeks to establish better linkages between the coast and neighboring coastal communities in the Los Angeles Harbor Area. The Coastal Conservancy has been charged with connecting the California Coastal Trail with inland connecting trails, so better access to the coast is afforded to all coastal and inland communities. At the same time, community open space, park, waterfront access and recreational opportunities have been, and continue to be, extremely limited in the Los Angeles Harbor communities of San Pedro and Wilmington. The Los Angeles Harbor area communities of San Pedro, Wilmington and Harbor City are among the most low-income, park-poor areas in Los Angeles. It is estimated that nearly three-quarters of local children are not within walking distance of a park. Recognizing both regional and local needs, since 2001, staff of the Coastal Conservancy have been working with local citizens, public agency staff and elected officials, interested stakeholders, and property owners, both public and private, to promote increased public access to the waterfront and shoreline areas of the Los Angeles Harbor area, and to better connect adjacent coastal communities to the coast. This draft plan builds on the many community and agency planning and design concepts and projects to increase public access in the San Pedro and Wilmington waterfront areas of the Los Angeles Harbor area, from Palos Verdes Peninsula on the west, to the Los Angeles River and its terminus at San Pedro Bay in Long Beach Harbor. This draft plan has been developed to ensure that the Los Angeles Harbor area be planned for public use as a whole, and that local communities are re-connected to their waterfronts. Major Plan Elements: 1. The draft plan provides a Coastal Trail Analysis for the Los Angeles Harbor Area: Identifying the status of existing conditions of trail segments and needed Initial Study/Proposed ND Public Review Draft 1-4

22 improvements; and Identifying Connector and Spur trails to connect coastal and in-land areas. 2. The draft plan provides concept and design plans for a number of community gateways, connecting in-land communities to waterfront and shoreline areas and with coastal trail locations. This plan has been closely coordinated with the current San Pedro and Wilmington waterfront projects being managed by the Harbor Department of the City of Los Angeles. 3. The draft plan provides concept and design plans for waterfront improvement and restoration projects that encourage the conservation, restoration and enhancement of coastal natural resources. 4. Finally, this draft plan provides concept and design plans for several early implementation projects, including suggested projects in Wilmington, several locations in San Pedro, and at Point Fermin on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. These initial implementation project areas include the East Wilmington Greenbelt adjacent to the Wilmington waterfront; the Waterfront Gateway, linking the Cruse Ship Terminal and the newly completed first phase of the waterfront Promenade to Knoll Hill and the 110 corridor west to Gaffey Street; Beacon Street Bluffs, and San Pedro Plaza Park, extending along the central San Pedro waterfront; and the Pt. Fermin Coast, extending from Sunken City/Pacific Ave. to White Point/Shoreline Park, along Paseo Del Mar. This draft plan seeks to integrate statewide objectives to provide coastal access and a continuous coastal trail, provide public access for adjacent neighborhoods and local communities as well as regional visitors, provide interpretation and environmental education, and preserve and protect coastal natural resources. This draft plan was prepared pursuant to the responsibilities of the California State Coastal Conservancy regarding the restoration of urban waterfront areas and the provision of coastal access and public use and enjoyment of the coast. The Coastal Conservancy has a principal role in providing for public access to and along the coast of California and providing for a continuing Coastal Trail, and for a system of public accessways. The Coastal Conservancy has a principal role in restoring the state s urban waterfront areas. Project Location The project sites are located within the San Pedro and Wilmington neighborhoods of the City of Los Angeles, in close proximity to the Los Angeles Harbor, in the County of Los Angeles, California. Figure 1 provides an aerial photo overview of the vicinity of the project components, as they surround the Los Angeles/Long Beach Harbor area. The East Wilmington Greenbelt is located immediately north of the intersection of Sanford Ave. with Anaheim Street. in the eastern portion of the community of Wilmington. The Waterfront Gateway component is located at the terminus of the Harbor Freeway at the intersection of Gaffey Street and O Farrell Ave. The Beacon Street/San Pedro Park Initial Study/Proposed ND Public Review Draft 1-5

23 component is located along the coastal bluffs immediately west and up-gradient from the LA Harbor/The Paseo Del Mar component is located at the extreme southwesterly end of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The Pacific Avenue Overlook/Sunken City component is located at the southerly terminus of Pacific Avenue easterly of Pt. Fermin Park. Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5 and their accompanying maps (see end of section) provide a more detailed overview of each of the sites. The properties that are involved with the various aspects of the project are listed in Table 1, below. Initial Study/Proposed ND Public Review Draft 1-6

24 Table 1 Summary of Parcels Associated with the Proposed Projects Project Component Parcels: East Wilmington Greenbelt ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; Waterfront Gateway Park ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; Beacon Street/San Pedro Plaza Public Right of Way Paseo Del Mar Public Right of Way Pacific Avenue Overlook/ Public Right of Way Sunken City Figure 1 Aerial Photo of San Pedro/Wilmington Initial Study/Proposed ND Public Review Draft 1-7

25 Goals and Objectives of the Plan There are four primary goals that underlie Los Angeles Harbor Area Public Access and Urban Waterfront Plan: COMPLETE the gaps in California Coastal Trail and establish linkages between the coast and neighboring coastal communities Better integrate Coastal Trail linkages with other local community and regional connections, by siting coastal trail destinations and support facilities with in-land trail intersections. PROVIDE new public access along the waterfront and shoreline areas of Los Angeles Harbor, including adequate and appropriate signage, destinations and stops, waste and trash facilities, and general conditions of safety and security. CREATE different types of coastal access and multiple opportunities for experiencing the coast and Los Angeles Harbor area: Build on existing parks, open space and streets network, expanding open space, park and public access opportunities to and along the waterfront and Initial Study/Proposed ND Public Review Draft 1-8

26 shoreline areas and between adjacent neighborhood and downtown areas. Strengthen the physical and visual connections between communities and the water s edge and integrate new facilities into the existing community fabric. PRESERVE (and enhance) the distinct character of the local communities and neighborhoods in the Los Angeles Harbor area, including important working waterfront areas. Elements of the Plan: The Coastal Trail, Community Linkages, and Waterfront Gateways This draft plan integrates statewide, regional and local goals for increased coastal access, as well as better connections between the coast and adjacent coastal communities. Implementation of coastal trail improvements to close the gap within the Los Angeles Harbor Area will establish the basis for a continuous open space network that connects points along the shoreline and the shoreline to adjacent communities. Completing the various segments of the Coastal Trail in the Los Angeles Harbor Area will connect existing fragmented open space along the waterfront and connect the coast and waterfront areas to the rest of the San Pedro and Wilmington communities. This plan contains elements that reinforce the recommendation made in the WATCH Report to provide a continuous waterfront promenade from the Vincent Thomas Bridge to Cabrillo Beach and the San Pedro Breakwater, a distance of approximately 8.5 miles through the central San Pedro waterfront. This plan also contains elements to extend the Promenade to Knoll Hill, Wilmington, Point Fermin and White Point/Shoreline Park, as part of the California Coastal Trail. This draft plan contains elements that create a strong public access and recreation, open space, and natural areas stewardship framework, defining strong public linkages to the coast, and along the coast, taking advantage of existing open spaces, parks, playgrounds, and school grounds, underutilized and/or undeveloped public spaces, as well as natural habitats. The draft plan provides a series of selective coastal waterfront gateways that define a sense of arrival at the coast and shoreline. A number of waterfront open space, interpretation, and access destinations are proposed to be connected together to form a better linear chain and to form a better network to in-land linkages. A system of coastal gateways is suggested to provide visual, vertical and lateral access to the waterfront and shoreline areas of the Los Angeles Harbor Area, providing managed and controlled, yet vastly improved, access, protecting the industrial activities of the harbor, recognizing the need for maximum safety and port security. Initial Study/Proposed ND Public Review Draft 1-9

27 This plan includes nearly a dozen and one-half recommended final project planning and implementation project areas, including five early implementation project areas. This plan provides more detail on the analysis of Coastal Trail needs and on the early implementation projects, including: The East Wilmington Greenbelt, along the Wilmington Waterfront; The Waterfront Gateway Project, connecting the Cruise Ship Terminal with Gaffey St. to the west; The Beacon Street Bluffs/San Pedro Plaza Park; The Point Fermin Coast, linking Sunken City and Pacific Ave to White Point/ Shoreline Park through Pt. Fermin Park and Paseo del Mar. Coastal Trail Analysis The California Coastal Trail through the Los Angeles Harbor Area, extending from the Point Fermin Coast, connecting the communities of San Pedro and Wilmington, and then continuing through Long Beach Harbor and over the Los Angeles River, has not been completed to date. The trail remains incomplete, along long stretches it is still nonexistent, in many instances it is discontinuous, while, finally in, other locations, the existing trail is in various degrees of disrepair, very often posing dangerous and hazardous conditions to potential users and visitors. San Pedro: San Pedro has historically had a tenuous relationship with its waterfront. Many physical constraints have contributed to preventing public access to the waterfront and shoreline. At the same time, San Pedro is fortunate to have a large area for future waterfront development, where there is an incredible opportunity to have sufficient amounts of public open space. Existing open space along the waterfront is fragmented and not connected to the rest of San Pedro. San Pedro s topography and pattern of urban development have limited pedestrian access to the central waterfront in the past. However, San Pedro s major streets and overlooks can become the best windows: to the waterfront and coastline. There are many existing opportunities for enhanced waterfront and shoreline public access. Several city streets can be promoted with improved pedestrian connections to the waterfront. Beacon Street Bluffs Park are an underutilized open space feature and the park provides outstanding overlook and view opportunities of the LA Harbor development and points beyond. Wilmington: The Los Angeles Harbor Area community of Wilmington has been walled off its waterfront by the scale and extent of industrial and related truck and rail transportation activities which occur along the Wilmington waterfront. Wilmington is without adequate local park and recreation resources, let alone much open space or habitat resources. Some of the most important remaining public open space in Initial Study/Proposed ND Public Review Draft 1-10

28 Wilmington is the East Wilmington Greenbelt. Currently there is an opportunity to acquire former industrial and railroad properties to expand the Greenbelt south and establish a coastal gateway along Anaheim Street, the proposed alignment of the Upper Coastal Trail. East Wilmington Greenbelt Gateway The East Wilmington Greenbelt, a former railroad right-of-way and related industrial parcels, is located just east of Avalon Boulevard and the downtown district between Pacific Coast Highway and Anaheim Street, a proposed alignment for the Upper Coastal Trail through Wilmington and this portion of the Los Angeles Harbor Area. The Greenbelt Gateway project is intended to provide inland connections to the California Coastal Trail, and the adjacent waterfront areas in Wilmington, such as Banning s Landing. The Greenbelt project is intended to provide a key link to the Coastal Trail in Wilmington, connecting Los Angeles Harbor with the Los Angeles River and Long Beach Harbor. The Greenbelt Gateway project includes many elements serving regional coastal visitors, including signage and wayfinding, destination and trails maps, historical markers and interpretive features, a port-viewing Projec t platform, public art, and prominent visual, scenic, and physical connections between Wilmington and the Coastal Trail. Since the 1960 s further improvement of the East Wilmington Greenbelt has been included repeatedly in community plans for Wilmington. Funds from Proposition K, approved in 1996 in Los Angeles, built the soon-to-be completed community center in the Greenbelt park. The area to the south remains blighted with industrial uses and or abandoned lots. Initial Study/Proposed ND Public Review Draft 1-11

29 Waterfront Gateway The Waterfront Gateway project is located in the harbor area extending from the Los Angeles Cruise Center west to the Gaffey Street terminus of the Harbor Freeway, the I The project consists of developing new park and open space amenities and harbororiented visitor-serving facilities with new connections between Bandini and Peck Park Canyons and the California Coastal Trail at a location of the central San Pedro waterfront where the new Cruise Center is joined by the initial implementation of the San Pedro Waterfront Promenade. The Waterfront Gateway includes many features providing enhanced attractions for regional visitors, such as trail and street pedestrian connections, scenic and visual linkages, wayfinding, signage, and harbor, maritime and historical interpretive features. F i n a l p r o j e c t t a s k s i ncfinal project tasks include final site design and engineering; additional land acquisition; as well as securing any needed approvals and permits. Major project elements will include landscaping, both native plantings and hardscape; signage and wayfinding, provision of parking; visitor information kiosk, including area maps; historical features; viewing areas; natural habitat restoration and related trails development, including connections to in-land trails. Just recently, a Conceptual Plan for Peck Park Canyon has been completed, as well as a Plan for restoring Bandini Canyon, both of which contemplate an integrated trails system. In addition, the Waterfront Gateway will provide important public visitor-serving Initial Study/Proposed ND Public Review Draft 1-12

30 facilities serving a statewide public, introducing the San Pedro waterfront and its recreational, open space, natural areas, and maritime-related educational, commercial, and industrial sites. Initial Study/Proposed ND Public Review Draft 1-13

31 The Gateway established inland connections to the California Coastal Trail and the new San Pedro Waterfront Promenade. Through coordinated signage and wayfinding, easy to find and easy to navigate destination maps, historical markers and viewing areas, as well as through restoration of the natural habitat and related trail improvements, the Waterfront Gateway will provide essential visual, scenic and physical connections between inland areas of San Pedro and the waterfront. Initial Study/Proposed ND Public Review Draft 1-14

32 Beacon Street/Bluffs: San Pedro Plaza Park The Bluffs Park project area includes the coastal bluff along Beacon Street between 7 th Street and 22 nd Street in central San Pedro. This project area is the current site of the City of Los Angeles Plaza Park. The proposed improvements to the Bluffs park area consist of an integrated system of improved pathways, stairways, and access facilities such as seating areas and lighting, which will provide an improved segment of the Upper Coastal Trail in central San Pedro, and include physical linkages from inland San Pedro to the San Pedro Waterfront Promenade, the Ports O Call, and the fishing fleet slip. The proposed improvements create a key improved segment of the California Coastal Trail along a coastal bluff park overlooking and immediately bordering the main harbor areas of San Pedro. The proposed project creates a series of physical and visual connections to the waterfront and promenade. The project establishes significant inland connections from immediately adjacent neighborhood and historic business district of the San Pedro down over the bluff park area to the Lower Coastal Trail and the San Pedro Waterfront Promenade, the Red Car Line, and Ports O Call. San Pedro Plaza Park Initial Study/Proposed ND Public Review Draft 1-15

33 Point Fermin Coast: Sunken City/Pacific Avenue and Paseo Del Mar The Point Fermin Coast, extending from Western Ave at White Point/Shoreline Park to Sunken City/Pacific Ave, is proposed to become another Coastal Gateway, to, and along, the California Coastal Trail. Development of a new coastal park, and new entrance to Sunken City, is proposed at the existing public parking lot at the end of Pacific Avenue. This proposed gateway would involve constructing a new coastal park, and include interpretive and informational signage and wayfinding, seating areas, coastal viewing opportunities, and a new entrance to Sunken City, immediately to the west. The entrance to Sunken City would provide an alternative coastal trail route for hikers, walkers and bicyclists to the current on-street Shepard Street/Paseo Del Mar alignment. The Sunken City improvements would include new trail, seating, signage, public art, gates, fencing, and needed public safety improvements to connect the Pacific Ave coastal park to Pt. Fermin Park. Along Paseo del Mar, from Western Avenue to Pacific Avenue, the proposed project proposes improved connections to the coast, including better signage, better pedestrian facilities, and viewpoint enhancements designating Paseo del Mar a segment of the California Coastal Trail, including clearly designated public parking areas at Gaffey St., at Milke Flores Park, at Whites Point, and at Royal Palms Park. As noted in Figure 9, the Paseo Del Mar concept envisions improvements to the roadway as well as the addition of landscaping, traffic calming measures and beautification efforts. Specifically, the project will entail trail signage, the installation of stop signs, stop sign removals, installation of a community board, new community signage and the creation of coastal access nodes. Initial Study/Proposed ND Public Review Draft 1-16

34 The Pacific Avenue Overlook and Sunken City component entails the removal of an existing surface parking lot and the creation of a new landscaped parking area with access through the Sunken City area to Point Fermin Park. Site improvements will include signage, landscaping, traffic control devices, stop signs or roundabout, as well as other wayfinding improvements designed to assist park users in making linkages to other aspects of the California Coastal trail and the resources is connected with. Pacific Overlook/Sunken City Component Initial Study/Proposed ND Public Review Draft 1-17

35 Existing Conditions East Wilmington Greenbelt Gateway Sanford from Anaheim to Opp is a quiet two lane road with parking on both sides. There are large vacant lots and light industrial auto repair and storage facilities near Anaheim and some single family homes near Opp. This area is to become the southern extension of the Wilmington Greenbelt, a significant local amenity that is proposed to have tot lots, basketball courts and playgrounds. Currently, a community center is being built on Sanford between Opp and I Street as part of this expansion effort. The groups involved in this open space improvement hope this new park will serve both local residents and regional visitors using the California Coastal Trail. The Greenbelt will also serve as a buffer area between residential neighborhoods in East Wilmington and port related industrial facilities and transport routes to the south. The vacant portions of the site of this open space proposal are vegetated with weeds and introduced grasses. Other areas are covered with industrial uses including a rope manufacturing business and auto recycling upholstery use. The site is surrounded by heavily urbanized uses including some residential and harbor/port-related industrial uses. Initial Study/Proposed ND Public Review Draft 1-18

36 Waterfront Gateway Component Waterfront Gateway Park is located at the southerly terminus of the Harbor Freeway where Gaffey Street crosses over Bandini Canyon where it becomes Caltrans right of way. The project area is a mixture of vacant parcels, residential dwellings and commercial properties fronting along Gaffey Street. Bandini Canyon extends up hill to the west. Previous gas stations have been removed from corner properties. With those exceptions, the site is fully urbanized and contains non-native weeds and introduced grasses. Bandini Canyon drains through the site under the Gaffey Street bridge. Land uses The Gateway Park is a common element of two related projects now underway: the Bridge to Breakwater promenade under the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles Harbor Department and the LA Harbor Area Public Access & Urban Waterfront Plan. Further to the east, O Farrell Street leads to the harbor and waterfront area of San Pedro. Beacon Street/Bluffs: San Pedro Plaza Park Beacon Street run from approximately 7 th Street south to 22 nd Street and provides a series of views and view points between the residential uses to the west and the harbor-related industrial and commercial uses to the east. The majority of the project area is currently in public ownership and is open for passive recreational uses and harbor viewing. Beacon Street is elevated and approximately feet higher than Harbor Boulevard, which provides arterial access to the port, commercial uses and ocean oriented industry along this side of the main channel. A series of stairways provide linkages between Beacon Street and Harbor Boulevard. Beacon Street has mature Canary Island Palms which serve as street trees along much of the east side of the street. A deteriorating asphalt/concrete sidewalk provides pedestrian access and is separated from Beacon Street by grass areas. Point Fermin Coast: Paseo Del Mar, Sunken City and Pacific Avenue Overlook These two project components are located at the south and southwesterly end of the Palos Verdes Peninsula and would entail improvements to public right of way and property at the terminus of Pacific Avenue. Paseo del Mar is surrounded by open space, single family residential uses, and the Pacific Ocean as noted in Figure 6. The Pacific Avenue Overlook is also public right of way and is currently functioning as a public parking lot, closed from dusk to dawn. Adjacent to the parking lot are single and multi-family homes. Sunken City is formerly a part of a cliff-side residential neighborhood; Sunken City is now a huge abandoned site that is slowly slipping into the sea. There are still remnants of the neighborhood past; broken pieces of asphalt that were once city streets and are now canvasses for graffiti artists. While this is not officially a park, there are Initial Study/Proposed ND Public Review Draft 1-19

37 typically people strolling through the site. Access to Sunken City is from the eastern end of Paseo del Mar and from the parking lot at the end of Pacific Avenue. Pedestrian access is difficult to find at Point Fermin end of Sunken City. Pedestrian access is a hole in the fence at Pacific Avenue end of Sunken City. Bicycle access is impossible due to constrained entry points. Exotic invasive plants cover the site. Implementation This draft plan has recommended an integrated, overall program, contained in a series of coordinated, actions, focused on a series of 5 early implementation gateway coastal trail projects. This plan has identified several specific elements that can be implemented sequentially and feasibly, with the means and capabilities of project partners. Each project seeks to meet complimentary state, regional and local goals for waterfront access (and development). Each project area and project improvement plan was chosen to create a series of linked gateways from the different harbor communities and neighborhoods to, and along, the coast. The summary matrix below provides a phased implementation plan proposed to be completed within the next decade. Several projects are proposed to be implemented in the next three years, as partnerships with local stewards organizations. The Coastal Conservancy is partnering with local project sponsors who are established in the community and have a level of capabilities to successfully carry-out individual projects and phased project elements. The Coastal Conservancy is seeking to leverage its limited funding with other funds to successfully underwrite projects at an adequate financial level. Funding for different project elements from individual sources are identified, where known. Multiple sources of funding have been identified and raised for both final project planning and initial implementation in the past two years. Initial Study/Proposed ND Public Review Draft 1-20

38 Figure 2 East Wilmington Greenbelt PROJECT SITE Figure 3 Waterfront Gateway Park Initial Study/Proposed ND Public Review Draft 1-21

39 PROJECT SITE Initial Study/Proposed ND Public Review Draft 1-22

40 Figure 4, Beacon Street Bluffs: San Pedro Park Plaza Projec tsite Figure 5, Pt. Fermin Coast/Paseo Del Mar/Sunken City/Pacific Overlook PROJECT SITE Initial Study/Proposed ND Public Review Draft 1-23

41 Figure 6: Pacific Avenue Overlook PROJEC T AREA Initial Study/Proposed ND Public Review Draft 1-24