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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Statement 1986/03/04 Item 5 COUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT Item 5 Meeting Date 3/4/86 ITEM TITLE: Public Hearing: Bayfront Nature Interpretive Center Plan Resolution h '2'19 Authorizing the issuance of a Coastal Development Permit for the Bayfront Nature Interpretive Center SUBMITTED BY: Community Development Director REVIEWED BY: City Manager (4/5ths Vote: Yes No X ) On March 27, 1984, the California Coastal Commission certified the City of on Chula Vista Local Coast Commission certified Pthe Bayfront LCP ,Implement tion al Program Land Use January 25, 1985, the Program in the form of the Bayfront Specific Plan. One of the key features of the LCP relates to the development of the uplands area of Gunpowder Point, a 41-acre ' island' connected to the Mid-bayfront by two levees crossing the Bayfront's complex of marshes in the vicinity of Vener Pond. The LCP' s policies and ordinances allow only four specific uses on Gunpowder Point, an eight to twelve story hotel , a public park, an upland reserve area and a nature interpretive center and associated public trails and pathways. All development is to be separated from environmentally sensitive wetland areas by a series of 100-foot buffers, in which only trails would be allowed. In addition, an of expanded n ineers Section 1404 permit has been obtapned posed, but as yet no Army Corps o Engineers December of 1985 the City of Chula Vista Planning Commission and City Council requested an amendment to the certified LCP which designated a specific location in the southeast portion of Gunpowder Point for the Nature Interpretive Center and also included specific design criteria for the Center. On February 6, 1986, the State Coastal Commission approved amendment as proposed. Locally, the on-site design, grading, and drainage plan for the Center was reviewed. Negative Declaration Thenformation and 5-86 circulated and EIRr8591 various state agencies. approving Plan) was reviewed and considered by all recommending the apprtvr'g bodies. The Design Review Committee roved theeproject on January 16, 1986, design and the Redevelopment Agency appr . A oved to conditions listed a Exhibit A of the are currently Bea ng resolution by the grading plan and preliminary parcel map City. Cou r The Nature Interpretive Center f now a CoastalgDevelopment to Permh t .CiIf then Council a public hearing and approval o accepts staff's recommendation to issue the permit, the Cit 's ac o n will become final 21 days from this hearing date unless an app eal the State Coastal Commission within 10 working days following the hearing. Page 2, Item 5 Meeting Date 3/4/86 RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt the attached resolution and findings therein finding the proposed Nature Interpretive Center consistent with and adequate to carry out the policies of the certified Chula Vista Bayfront Local Coastal conditions d a coastal Attachment development permit for said proposal subject to 1 sted i n A of he attached resolution. BOARDS/COMMISSIONS RECOMMENDATION: Not applicable. DISCUSSION: The Nature/Interpretive Center which will be developed by the Redevelopment Agency is planned to be dedicated on October 17, 1986, the City' s 75th birthday. This project is being funded by the Redevelopment Agency with the assistance of a grant from the Coastal Conservancy. The Nature Interpretive Center includes 2.27 acres of land in the upland area of Gunpowder Point, north of Vener pond. The main structure consists of 10,300 sq. ft. of indoor space set back from the 100 ft. wetland buffer. An auditorium, classroom, library, giftshop, bookstore, exhibit hall , photographic darkroom, administrative office and restrooms are included in the main structure. An observation tower approximately 20 ft. wide by 20 ft. long is proposed above the maintenance and storage building. Outdoor facilities include a classroom area, a wood deck viewing area, a covered viewing pavilion assigned to the exhibit area, a trailhead and a hard surface deck area. These facilites will provide the public with an opportunity to view and study the marsh complex and ecosystem, however, has been sited and designed so these activities will not intrude on the neighboring wildlife. The proposal also includes paving an accesswaY on Gunpowder Point west of the first fork in the existing levy road northwest of the 100 ft. buffer to a des turn-around in front sh of the Interpretive and 7 parki nghe turn-around vi for access to a trash storage handicapped/staff use. The permanent storm drainage system will direct all storm drainage flow to a collection point just he sdi discharge e i for San Diego Center.. and, a zoned landscape be settled prior to the 9 plan has been prepared to incorporate native plant species. Parking for the Center will be provided at the planned Trolley Station (due to open in October 1986) at "E" Street exit of 1-5. Also, temporary parking for approximately 50 cars will be provided in the mid-bayfront area until the permanent parking is constructed. Pedestrian access and shuttle service to the center will be made available from the parking area. School buses pre-arranged with the center's Coordinator will be allowed access to the Interpretive Center grounds to drop off passengers. These buses will then park at the Trolley Station where drivers can be contacted by telephone for passenger pick-up. These provisions will limit vehicular access to the facility thereby reducing motor vehicle intrusion on the adjacent wetlands and will reduce traffic within the Bayfront area. Page 3, Item 5 Meeting Date 3/4/86 The main structure is approximately 29 ft. in height and designed with stucco exterior walls and a standing seam, copper coated roof. The copper roof will be subject to oxidation which will ultimately result in a bluish-green color. The color scheme for the project will coordinate with the green hues that are anticipated with this weathering process. The exterior stucco walls are designed with two shades of colors broken by horizontal reveals. Stained, vertical wood siding is proposed for the exterior walls of the central building mass. A series of 2'x2' windows are proposed along the upper portion of the building. Based on the following findings, the proposed Nature Interpretive Center subject to conditions listed in Exhibit A of the attached resolution is found to be consistent with the policies of the certified Chula Vista Bayfront Local Coastal Program: 1. Development of the Nature Interpretive Center as an educational facility which affords the public an opportunity to experience the marsh complex and its ecosystem within proximity of an actual wetland complex complies with the certified LCP goal of priority of coastal related development within the Coastal zone. 2. The Bayfront Nature Interpretive Center development is consistent with the recreational and visitor-serving facilities coastal policies of the certified LCP specifically basic land use objectives in that the facility will be located with public open space and parkland in proximity to wetlands and affords the public opportunity for nature study, yet it is set back from the 100 foot buffer as provided in the certified LCP thereby avoiding intrusion on wildlife utilizing the protected wetland. 3. The project will not cause interference with traffic circulation within the Chula Vista Bayfront since parking for the Center will be located off-site and access to the project will be restricted. 4. The grading and drainage plan for the site will direct on-site drainage water away from the wetlands complex into San Diego Bay. 5. The height and intensity ied LCP proposed Center is consistent with the criteria set forth in the certif 6. The Statewide and Regional Interpretive Guidelines have been reviewed and the proposed development has ecreationf policies of Chapter conformance 3 of the with te public access and public c Resources Code. WPC 2121H by h City Council of Chula Vista, California )ated EXHIBIT A Chula Vista Nature Interpretive Center CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL 1 . Development of a revised landscape concept plan in concert with the proposed grading plans shall be developed. The project landscape architect (and biologist if necessary) , the project engineer, the City Landscape Architect, and a representative ore the City' s TEng plan inga Dept. shall meet to discuss the plan prior to p p ati resubmitted to staff. 2. The grading and landscape concept the lans shall provide for a pedestrian walk adjacent to the access 3. The access road to the trash and storage area shall be increased to a minimum of 15 feet in w d 4. All exterior lights shall be non-glare, shielded and directed away from the pond. 5. All Fire Department requirements shall be incorporated into the project. 6. All Engineering Department requirements shall be incorporate into the project. 7. All signs shall be reviewed by the Design Review Committee prior to installation. 8. Revised elevations for the proposed trellis design at the entryway shall be submitted for staff approval . 9. All areas disturbed by grading radin will be planted within 60 days of initial disturbance and prior to December 1 with temporary or permanent erosion control methods. 10. The planting will be done under the supervision of a fercen ed landscape architect and will provide seeding, mulching, irrigation adequate to provide adequate coverage is not established)90 90 (planting will be repeated if q 11 . A parcel map and grading plan, prepared in accordance with the Certified City of Chula Vista LCP, must be approved before the Nature Interpretive Center Coastal Development Permit is valid. WPC 2042H