HomeMy WebLinkAboutRCC AGENDA PK 2000/10/30
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Mitigated Negative Declaration
PROJECT NAME: Gateway Chula Vista: H Street and Third
A venue
PROJECT LOCATION: 16 separate parcels at the northwest comer of
Third A venue and H Street in the city of Chula
Vista
ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NO.: 568-450-34 to 49
PROJECT APPLICANT: Gateway Chula Vista, LLC
CASE NO: PCM-OO-ll Date: October 23, 2000
A. Proiect Setting
The proposed project site is located in the city of Chula Vista, the second largest
city in the county of San Diego and the largest in the South Bay area. The city is
located approximately six miles south of the city of San Diego's downtown core
and approximately eight miles north of Tijuana, Mexico, and the international
border (Figures 1 and 2).
The "Gateway Chula Vista" project site occupies the northwest comer of Third
A venue and H Street in the city of Chula Vista's urban core. The site consists of
16 separate but contiguous parcels zoned for commercial and professional office
use. Existing on-site uses include a flower stand, lawn mower service, three
office/professional buildings, print shop, furniture store, San Diego County Credit
Union, and three single-family residences. Some of the parcels are currently
vacant or underutilized (Table 1).
Surrounding off-site uses to the east include a two-story office building and Saint
Rose of Lima Church and School complex. Located to the north and west are
several complexes of two-story apa11ment buildings. Uses to the south of H Street
and the site include government offices associated with the South Bay Courts,
Sweetwater Authority offices, and medical offices. Additional medical,
professional, and financial service facilities are located west of the development
site along H Street.
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Regional Location of the Project
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TABLE 1
EXISTING LAND USES
Assessor Parcel No. Existing Use Acreage Building Area
568-450-340 & 350 C.V. Lãwn Mower Repair 0.31 1,000 s.f.
568-450-360 & 360 Office building 0.34 7,000 s.f.
568-450-380 Eumie Inc. Print Shop 0.17 1,350 s.f.
568-450-390 Flower stand 0.17 924 s.f.
568-450-400 Furniture sales/warehouse 0.63 12,000 s.f.
568-450-410 Vacant 0.11 NA
560-450-420 Vacant 0.09 NA
568-450-430 San Diego County Credit 0.50 4,000 s.f.
Union
568-450-440 H Street Plaza office bldg 0.38 8,500 s.f.
568-450-450 Vacant 0.08 NA
568-450-460 Single-family residence 0.09 1,000 s.f.
568-450-470 Single-family residence 0.20 1,000 s.f.
568-450-480 Single-family residence 0.23 1,000 s.f.
568-450-490 Bahia Professional Center 1.33 5,400 s.f.
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Approximately 75 percent of the proposed project site is located in Subarea 2 of
the City's designated Town Centre I project area. The Town Centre I project area
encompasses the urban redevelopment area as described in the Chula Vista Town
Centre Redevelopment Plan and EIR. Under the adopted redevelopment plan, the
area is divided into three subareas: Subarea 1 is the northernmost area and
comprises the historic Central Business District. Subarea 2 comprises a connector
strip between the Central Business District and the H Street commercial complex.
South of H Street is Subarea 3, the Courthouse Addition (Figure 3). The three,
Town Centre subareas extend from E Street to I Street and generally from Fourth
Avenue and the Civic Center to Del Mar Avenue at its widest expanse. The Town
Centre project area is planned for redevelopment consistent with the goals and
vision outlined in the Town Centre Design Manual (City of Chula Vista 1980).
B. Project Description
Commercial Buildings
The project proposes acquisition, demolition, and redevelopment of 16 separate
but contiguous parcels that comprise the northwest comer of Third A venue and H
Street (Figure 4). These existing 16 assessor parcels within the project site will be
consolidated into three legal lots. Each of the lots will contain one mid-rise
commercial/office building with a corresponding portion of the parking structure.
The proposed project has a combined total of 334,860 square feet of leaseable
area on 4.46 acres. There will be two 6-story buildings that stand 86 feet 8 inches
in height and one 5-story building that stands 72 feet 2 inches high. This is
consistent with the City of Chula Vista's General Plan for mid- to high-rise
development. The buildings will include the use of different facades to create
architectural variety and promote a pedestrian scale at street level. Buildings will
be separated by landscaped pedestrian passages to facilitate access between the
buildings and H Street or the parking structure (Figure 5). Figure 6 shows an
artist's rendering of the project from the intersection of H Street and Third
Avenue.
Parking
A four- or five-level, 1,117 -space parking structure will be constructed along the
north side of the buildings. The project provides two access driveways on Third
A venue, one access driveway on H Street, and a valet/drop-off loop on H Street.
The use of nonexclusive center turn lanes on both H Street and Third Avenue will
be provided into all of the site access driveways (see Figure 5). The project's mix
of uses creates a shared parking scenario resulting in an excess of spaces at the
highest hourly demand.
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Project Phasing
The Gateway Chula Vista project will be constructed in three phases as shown on
Figure 7. Phase 1 of the project will redevelop the eastern area; Phase 2, the
central area~ and Phase 3, the western area of the project site. It is possible that a
combination of the project's phases may be constructed simultaneously depending
on future market demand.
Discretionary Approvals
The following permits are required for project implementation:
. Specific Plan for the Gateway Chula Vista project.
. General Plan Amendment to the Circulation Element to reclassify H Street
from a six-lane major street to a four-lane major street east of Fourth Avenue
to Third A venue.
Lead Agency
In conformance with Section 15050 and 15367 of the California Environmental
Quality Act Guidelines, the City of Chula Vista will be the "lead agency," which
is defined as the "public agency which has the principal responsibility for carrying
out or approving a project."
Responsible Agencies
Regional Water Quality Control Board (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System permit)
C. Compatibility with Zoning: and Plans
Zoning
The Gateway Chula Vista Specific Plan has been prepared in accordance with
Sections 65450-65457 of the Government Code and Chapter 19.07 of the City of
Chula Vista Zoning Ordinance. The two underlying zones on the site from east to
west are CC-Central Commercial Zone and CO-Administrative and Professional
Office Zone (see Figure 4). The specific plan's regulations and guidelines are
compatible with the underlying zoning for the area, including minimum lot sizes,
building heights, and setback requirements in order to enhance the community
character of the area.
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General Plan and Land Use Element
The City of Chula Vista initiated a General Plan Amendment to reclassify H
Street east of Fourth A venue to Third A venue from a six-lane to a four-lane major
street in the City of Chula Vista's General Plan. The adopted Chula Vista General
Plan currently classifies H Street as a six-lane major street along the project
frontage. This classification for H Street was established in the 1989 General Plan
Update and Final EIR based on traffic projections at that time. The current traffic
analysis for the Gateway Chula Vista project has indicated that acceptable
roadway operations can be provided on H Street with the existing four-lane
section of H Street (BRW Inc. 2000).
The Gateway Chula Vista Specific Plan complies with all the applicable goals,
objectives, policies, and guidelines of the Chula Vista General Plan.
Redevelopment of the site with high-quality commercial and office uses as well as
a landscaped comer plaza, streetscapes, and courtyards will act as a catalyst for
the Town Centre redevelopment areas. In addition, redevelopment will increase
the employment bases of Chula Vista's urban core.
Circulation Element Designations
The Gateway Chula Vista redevelopment site is located approximately halfway
between Interstate 5 (1-5) and Interstate 805 (1-805). The project provides two
access driveways on Third A venue, one access driveway on H Street, and a
valet/drop-off loop on H Street. The use of nonexclusive center turn lanes on both
H Street and Third A venue will be provided into all of the site access driveways.
Currently, H Street is classified as a six-lane major street in Chapter 2, Section
5.4, of the Chula Vista General Plan from 1-5 to 1-805. Major streets are designed
to carry high volumes of traffic and serve to distribute traffic to and from the
freeway system. A General Plan Amendment to reclassify H Street from a six-
lane to a four-lane major street east of Fourth Avenue to Third Avenue has been
initiated by the City of Chula Vista. In the General Plan, a four-lane major street
should be 80 feet wide inloo feet of right-of-way and provide four through lanes,
a 16-foot-wide medianlleft-tum lane, and 8-foot curbside parking or bike lanes. H
Street currently has two through lanes in each direction and varies in width from
62 to 103 feet in the project vicinity, with parking allowed mid-block on both
sides of the street.
The traffic analysis included the AM and PM peak traffic generated by the
Scripps Hospital expansion and the South Bay Regional Center expansion. The
average travel speeds and corresponding segment levels of service with project
build out are expected to decrease from existing speeds by no more than 3.8 miles
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per hour (mph) during the AM peak and 2.4 mph during the PM peak. This will
be in compliance with the acceptable level of service (LOS) of C or better. The
northbound approach to the intersection of H Street and Third A venue will
experience LOS F delays at the PM peak due to the proposed project and the
expansion of the South Bay Regional Center or other similar projects. However,
without expansion of the South Bay Regional Center, the intersection of H Street
at Third A venue would operate at LOS D in the PM peak. Therefore, no
improvements to existing intersection geometries are required at the intersection
of H Street and Third A venue until the expansion of the South Bay Regional
Center occurs or any other future project that will impact this intersection occurs.
The project buildout traffic volumes were compared to Year 2020 traffic volumes
generated by the SANDAG Series 9 TRANPLAN regional forecasting model and
virtually no increase in the study area traffic volumes by the Year 2020 was
anticipated. The traffic analysis for the Gateway Chula Vista project has
indicated that acceptable roadway operations, with buildout of all known projects
in the study area, can be provided on H Street with the existing four-lane section.
Existing intersection and geometry and traffic control is sufficient to provide
acceptable LOS D operations during the AM and PM peak hours, except for the
intersection of H Street and Third Avenue. A northbound right-turn lane will be
necessary to accommodate the combined increase in traffic caused by the
expansion of the South Bay Regional Center and construction of the proposed
project~ however, it should only be constructed in conjunction with the South Bay
Regional Center expansion or any other future project that will impact the
intersection. This would facilitate traffic flow and improve overall intersection
operations.
Pedestrian circulation will flow through the courtyards and building entrances
along H Street. The primary building entrances are located on the second floor,
which is connected to the parking structure.
Public Facilities Growth Management Th ~sholds
There will be adequate water, sewer, and solid waste facilities to serve the project
site. Pacific Waste Inc. is currently contracted by the City of Chula Vista to
dispose of all solid waste materials within the city boundaries. They have
indicated that they can provide service to the project site up to seven days a week,
if needed. Solid waste from the proposed project will be trucked to the Otay
Landfill, which is estimated to have capacity to receive solid waste for the next 25
years. The Sweetwater Authority provides water services to the proposed project
and has determined based on fire flow requirements and projected land use that
sufficient supplies of water are planned to be available. No new sewer
improvements are necessary other than construction of six-inch sewer laterals to
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each building. A sewage participation fee will be paid to the City for each phase
of the project at the time of connection to the public sewer. At present, the
sewerage participation fee for the project is $2,220.00 per 83.16 equivalent
dwelling units. Assuming the same rate for all three phases, the project will
generate just over $184,615.20 by completion.
The proposed project would redevelop the existing site, which is primarily
covered with paving or similar impervious surfaces, and will retain the existing
drainage structures in the area. Redevelopment of the site is not expected to
increase the rate of runoff of the site; however, the following will be required with
the first submittal of the improvement/grading plans: (1) a hydraulic study to
show that the postdevelopment flow rate does not exceed the predevelopment
flow rate and (2) incorporation of drainage facilities into the design. The Gateway
Chula Vista Specific Plan proposes that no hazardous waste materials will be
generated at the project site, other than a potential for small amounts of medical
wastes which will be disposed of in accordance with applicable local, state, and
federal regulations. Therefore, the proposed redevelopment will comply with all
the goals and objectives of the public facilities that serve the project site.
The traffic thresholds will not be exceeded due to the proposed project except at
the intersection of H Street and Third Avenue~ however, this intersection's
thresholds will only be exceeded at Phase 3 of the proposed project and
development of the South Bay Regional Center or other similar projects. All other
project study area roads will operate at an acceptable LOS C or better and
intersections will operate at an acceptable LOS D or better at project buildout.
The H Street and Third A venue intersection will drop to LOS E during the PM
peak hours. The northbound approach to this intersection will experience LOS F
delays, resulting from the combined increase of traffic from the proposed project
and the South Bay Regional Center expansion. A separate analysis of project
buildout conditions without development of the South Bay Regional Center
expansion indicates that the intersection of H Street and Third A venue would
operate at LOS D during the PM peak. Construction of a northbound right-turn
lane will be necessary to accommodate the combined increase in traffic caused by
the expansion of the South Bay Regional Center and construction of the proposed
project~ however, it should only be constructed in conjunction with the South Bay
Regional Center expansion or any other future project that will impact the
intersection. This would facilitate traffic flow and allow for all intersections in
the study area to operate at LOS C or better at non-peak hours and LOS D during
peak hours of the day, which are consistent with the City's threshold standards.
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D. Identification of Environmental Effects
An Initial Study conducted by the City of Chula Vista (including an attached
Environmental Checklist Form) determined that the proposed project could have a
significant environmental effect, but that the effects would be mitigated by the
measures incorporated into - the project. Therefore, preparation of an
environmental impact report will not be required. This Mitigated Negative
Declaration has been prepared in accordance with Section 15070 of the State
CEQA Guidelines.
E. Mitigation
A discussion of potentially significant impacts from the proposed project and
mitigation measures to reduce these impacts to below a level of significance is
provided below. BRW, Inc. prepared a traffic study to determine the
environmental effects of a commercial development of this nature on the
redevelopment area. This and the adopted planning and environmental documents
applicable to site development are available for review at the City of Chula Vista
Community Development Department, located at 430 Davidson Street, Suite B,
Chula Vista, California 91910.
Noise
Section 19.68.030 of the City of Chula Vista Noise Ordinance limits noise levels
on weekdays to 60 A-weighted decibels [dB (A)] from 7 A.M. to 10 P.M. (8 A.M. to
10 P.M. on weekends) and 50 dB(A) from 10 P.M. to 7 A.M. (10 P.M. to 8 A.M. on
weekends ). Normal operation and maintenance of the commercial buildings is
not anticipated to result in noise levels that would exceed these standards.
The project design incorporates an enclosed storage area, off-street loading
spaces, an interior loading dock, and trash enclosures to minimize the impacts of
noise. The parking structun,~ will be constructed adjacent to existing multi-family
residential on the west and north. In some areas, the minimum separation
between the residential structures and the parking structure will be approximately
20 feet. Activities in the portions of the structure that may remain open after 10
P.M. have the potential to exceed the nighttime noise ordinance standard.
Additionally, car alarms and power sweeping of the structure are potential sources
of nuisance noise. Therefore, the following measures will be incorporated into
the project to lessen the noise impacts to below a significant level:
1) Access to upper levels of the parking structure will be closed between the
hours of 7:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M. to limit potential noise impacts to
neighboring properties.
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2) The north and west areas of the parking structure will be closed at the levels
that remain open during the evening and nighttime hours.
3) Power sweeping of the structure will be limited to the hours of 7 A.M. to 10
P.M. on weekdays and 8 A.M. to 10 P.M. on Saturdays and will be prohibited on
Sundays.
During construction, equipment would generate temporary noise. At times these
temporary noise level increases could be significant at the adjacent residential
structures. Although construction and demolition activities are not subject to the
exterior noise requirements of Municipal Code Section 19.68.030, restricting the
construction activities to weekdays and Saturday only during the daytime hours
(7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.) would mitigate the temporary noise increases due to
construction below a level of significance.
Incorporation of these measures, as well as compliance with the general noise
ordinance standards, will ensure that no significant noise impacts will occur.
Transportationffraffic
The City of Chula Vista's Threshold Standards Policy requires that all inter-
sections must operate at LOS C or better, with the exception that LOS D may
occur during the peak two hours of the day at signalized intersections.
Project Direct hnpacts
A traffic study was prepared for the proposed project in September 2000. The
project study area was approximately 2.5 miles long, with the H StreetfThird
Avenue intersection located approximately 1.1 miles east of 1-5 and 1.4 miles
west of I-80S. The traffic analysis included the AM and PM peak traffic
generated by the Scripps Hospital expansion and the South Bay Regional Center
expansion. The project was assumed to be three commercial buildings using
334,860 square feet on the 4.46-acre project site. The proposed project type was
calculated to add 879 peak AM hour trips (766 inbound/l13 outbound) and 1,084
peak PM hour trips (348 inbound/736 outbound) to the city street system. The
combined peak period trips contributed by the project (1,963 trips) are estimated
to be 15 percent of project average daily traffic (ADT) contributed to the system.
Near- Term Cumulative
The project study area roads consisted of H Street between 1-5 and 1-805 and
Third and Fourth A venues between E Street and J Street. All project study area
roads will operate at an acceptable LOS C or better and all study area roadways
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and intersections will operate at acceptable LOS D or better with the exception of
the intersection of H Street and Third Avenue. This intersection will drop to LOS
E during the PM peak hours based on cumulative impacts. The northbound
approach to this intersection will experience LOS F delays, resulting from the
combined increase of traffic from the proposed project and the South Bay
Regional Center expansion or-other similar projects. All other approaches to this
intersection will operate at LOS D for two hours or less. A separate analysis of
project buildout conditions without development of the South Bay Regional
Center expansion indicates that the intersection of H Street and Third A venue
would operate at LOS D during the PM peak. Construction of a northbound right-
turn lane will be necessary to accommodate the combined increase in traffic
caused by the expansion of the South Bay Regional Center and construction of the
proposed project; however, it should only be constructed in conjunction with the
South Bay Regional Center expansion or any other future project that will impact
this intersection. This would facilitate traffic flow and allow for all intersections
in the study area to operate at LOS C or better at non-peak hours and LOS D
during peak hours of the day.
In order to mitigate this impact, prior to the issuance of a building permit for the
third phase of the project, the developer shall post a cash deposit in an amount
equal to the entire cost of providing a right-turn-only lane at the northbound
approach of Third A venue and H Street. The cost of the right-turn-only lane shall
include all direct and indirect costs associated with acquisition of right-of-way,
clearing, demolition, and reconstructing of existing public and private
improvements and the design and construction of the lane to the specifications to
be established by the Director of Public Works. These costs shall be as
determined solely by the Director of Public Works. The City shall use its best
efforts to ensure that other projects that have been determined to significantly
contribute to the impact at this intersection shall contribute their proportional fair
share into a reimbursement district fund. In getting reimbursement, the City will
determine the proportional share of the project to determine the reimbursement
amount. ÙaÅ“ determined, the fair-share contribution will represent each
project's entire contribution and additional contributions shall not be secured by
the City.
A four- or five-level, 1, 117-space parking structure will be constructed along the
north side of the buildings. The project provides two access driveways on Third
A venue, one access driveway on H Street, and a valet/drop-off loop on H Street.
The project's mix of uses creates a shared parking scenario resulting in an excess
of spaces at the highest hourly demand.
The analysis of the site access driveways indicates that there will be sufficient
gaps in traffic to allow vehicles to enter and exit the project site. There will be
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acceptable delays to vehicles entering and exiting the site without the need for
signalization at any of the site driveways, provided that the following measures
are implemented:
1. Left turns out of the H Street driveway may be prohibited under project
buildout conditions. Traffic will exit onto Third A venue and then proceed left
onto H Street.
2. Left-turn storage will be provided at all site driveways where feasible, to
remove left-turning vehicles from the through travel lanes.
3. The existing movement of traffic onto H Street from the site will be permitted
prior to buildout of the project. Continuous monitoring of traffic operations at
this site driveway will be required during interim time frame to determine the
future implementation of appropriate traffic control. City engineers will
determine if a signal is warranted with future redevelopment of the South Bay
Regional Center or other similar projects and will reevaluate the need for a
signal when more specific information is known about the site plan.
4. All access driveways will be constructed to connect the on-site (internal)
circulation system to both Third A venue and H Street under interim
development conditions associated with Phases 1 and 2.
Long- Term Cumulative Impacts
The project buildout traffic volumes were compared to Year 2020 traffic volumes
generated by the SANDAG Series 9 TRANPLAN regional forecasting model to
determine whether additional background traffic is anticipated in the area by the
year 2020. It was found that the estimated ADT volumes at project buildout are
greater than the Year 2020 ADT volumes estimated by the SANDAG model.
Therefore, study area levels of service in the Year 2020 are not anticipated to
decrease below the levels associated with buildout of the proposed redevelopment
project (BRW 2000).
F. Consultation
1. Individuals and Organizations
City of Chula Vista:
Brian Hunter, Planning and Environmental Manager
Byron Estes, Community Development
Benjamin Guerrero, Environmental Manager
Marilyn Ponseggi, Environmental Review Coordinator
18
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Ralph Leyva, Senior Civil Engineer
Dino Serifini, Civil Engineer
Applicant's Agent: Tom McCabe, McCabe Harris Architects
2. Documents
The following documents used during the preparation of the initial
study/environmental checklist are available for review at the City of Chula
Vista Community Development Department, located at 430 Davidson
Street, Suite B, Chula Vista, California 91910.
BRW, Inc.
1999 H Street Traffic Operations Analysis in the City of Chula Vista.
June.
2000 Gateway Project Traffic Study in the City of Chula Vista.
September.
California Air Resources Board
1998 Emission Inventory 1996. Prepared by Technical Support
Division, Emission Inventory Branch. October.
Chula Vista, City of
1978 General Plan.
1980 Town Centre Design Manual. 2d ed. (January 1980).
1989 Chula Vista General Plan, July 1989. Update.
1996 Draft Subarea Plan - Multiple Species Conservation Program.
2000 Specific Plan for the Gateway Chula Vista Redevelopment Project.
Geocon Incorporated
1999 Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment for Gateway Chula Vista,
Chula Vista, California. November.
2000 Geotechnical Investigation for Gateway Chula Vista, Chula Vista,
California, August.
Mooney and Associates
2000 Archaeological Investigation of the Gateway Chula Vista
Redevelopment Project. Letter to Mr. Brian Hunter, September 7.
19
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San Diego, County of
1992 1991/1992 Regional Air Quality Strategy. Air Pollution Control
District. June.
1996 Integrated Waste Management Plan.
San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District
1999 URBEMIS7G Computer Program User's Guide and program,
version 3.2. September 28.
3. Initial Study
This environmental determination is based on the attached Initial Study,
any comments received on the Initial Study, and any comments received
during the public review period for this Mitigated Negative Declaration.
The report reflects the independent judgment of the City of Chula Vista.
Further information regarding the environmental review of this project is
available from the Chula Vista Community Development Department, 430
Davidson Street, Suite B, Chula Vista, CA 91910.
~~nmentIDManager
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Gateway Chula Vista
ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST FORM
1. Project Title:
Gateway Chula Vista (H Street and Third A venue)
2. Lead Agency Name and Address:
City of Chula Vista, 276 Fourth Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910
3. Contact Persons and Phone Number:
Brian Hunter, Planning and Environmental Manager, (619) 691-5016
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Gateway Chula Vista
Less Than
Significant
Potentially with Less Than
ISSUE Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporation Impact No Impact
I. AESTHETICS. Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? 0 0 [g] 0
b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but 0 0 0 [g]
not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic
buildings within a state scenic highway?
c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or 0 0 [g] 0
quality of the site and its surroundings?
d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare, 0 0 [g] 0
which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in
the area?
Comments:
Response to la. The proposed redevelopment project is designed to replace a variety of existing
commercial and residential buildings along with vacant land with a high-quality commercial and office
use center. Gateway Chula Vista will consolidate 16 existing assessor parcels into three legal lots with
one commercial building in each lot. All these buildings will be mid-rise buildings, two 6-story buildings
that stand 86 feet 8 inches in height and one 5-story building that stands 72 feet 2 inches high. This is
consistent with the City of Chula Vista's General Plan for mid-rise development. The buildings will
include the use of different facades to create architectural variety and promote a pedestrian scale at street
level. Landscaped courtyards and walkways will be incorporated into the design, which will create public
outdoor activity areas promoting ethnic diversity and art in the "Town Centre" area. The project site is
located in an area that is surrounded by a mix of commercial, residential, and public uses. Project
implementation improves the existing aesthetic character of the site and is consistent with future
development plans for the area and would not represent a significant change.
Response to lb. The proposed project site does not include visually significant trees, rock outcrops, or
historic buildings that may contribute to the scenic quality of the area. The project will alter the
appearance of the existing developed site but will not create new significant aesthetic impacts.
Response to Ic. See responses Ia and Ib above. Future site development will be subject to design,
architectural, and landscaping requirements that are part of the proposed specific plan. Project approval
will not result in any significant impact to community aesthetics or visual quality and will improve the
aesthetic quality of the site and surrounding areas.
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Gateway Chula Vista
Response to Id. See responses Ia and Ib above. Future development plans may employ outdoor lighting,
signs, and materials that could contribute to light and glare in the project area. Project design includes the
use of shielding and directing of light sources away from streets, adjoining properties, and the sky.
Streetlights at the project site will be placed approximately 75 feet apart and a minimum of two and a half
feet back from the curb face, which is measured to the center of the pole shaft. The intensity of all light at
the boundary of the project site will not -exceed 75-foot laffiberts from a source of reflected light.
Therefore, project approval will not adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area.
Aesthetic Mitigation
No significant impacts have been identified and no mitigation is required.
3
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Less Than
Significant
Potentially with Less Than
ISSUE Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporation Impact No Impact
II. AGRICULTURE RESOURCES. In determining whether
impacts to agricultural resources are significant environ-
mental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California
Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model
( 1997) prepared by the California Department of
Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing
impacts on agriculture and farmland. Would the project:
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or 0 D 0 [g]
Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as
shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the
Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program (FMMP)
of the California Resources Agency, to non-
agricultural use?
b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a D 0 0 [g]
Williamson Act contract?
c) Involve other changes in the existing environment D 0 0 [8J
which, due to their location or nature, could result in
conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use?
Comments:
Response to lIa. Lands designated and approved for urban development are not included on maps
prepared by the California Resources Agency pursuant to the FMMP. The site is planned and zoned for
development, does not contain designated Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide
Importance, and has been graded.
Response to lIb. As stated in la, the impacts resulting from the proposed project are, therefore, not
significant.
Response to IIc. Project approval and eventual development of the project site will not result in
additional pressure to convert farmland to nonagricultural uses. The project site is bordered by existing
development or graded land.
Agriculture Mitigation
No significant impacts have been identified and no mitigation is required.
4
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Gateway Chula Vista
Less Than
Significant
Potentially with Less Than
ISSUE Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporation Impact No Impact
III. AIR QUALITY. Where available, the significance criteria
established by· the applicable air quality management or
air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the
following determinations. Would the project:
a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the 0 0 [g] D
applicable air quality plan?
b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute 0 0 [g] 0
substantially to an existing or projected air quality
violation?
c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of 0 D [g] D
any criteria pollutant for which the project region is
non-attainment under an applicable federal or state
ambient air quality standard (including releasing
emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for
ozone precursors)?
d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant 0 0 [g] 0
concentrations?
e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial 0 0 [g] 0
number of people?
Comments:
Response to IlIa. Project approval and subsequent redevelopment will generate an incremental increase
in short- and long-term emissions as redevelopment occurs. Air pollutants will be generated during both
the construction and operation phases. Redevelopment of this site is consistent with the approved land
use plan that currently exists and is therefore consistent with the goals and objectives of the current
Regional Air Quality Strategy (RAQS) for San Diego and with the State Implementation Plan (SIP). The
SIP documents the necessary overall strategy and individual tactics by which the San Diego Air Basin can
meet its attainment goal. Consequently, air emissions associated with this project have been accounted
for in the RAQS and no adverse air quality impacts are anticipated due to implementation of this project.
Response to IlIb. See response to IDa above. The project is consistent with the growth assumptions in
the RAQS and SIP. No additional impacts will result from approval of the proposed amendments and
subsequent development. Existing federal and state air quality regulations require that the project
implement control measures to reduce dust and other criteria pollutants through use of best management
practices (BMPs) during construction and best available control technologies (BACTs) during the
operation of future manufacturing and industrial uses on the site. These measures include:
5
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Gateway Chula Vista
1. All unpaved construction areas shall be sprinkled with water or other acceptable San Diego Air
Pollution Control District (APCD) dust control agents during dust-generating activities to reduce dust
emissions. Additional watering or acceptable APCD dust control agents shall be applied during dry
weather or windy days until dust emissions are not visible.
2. Trucks hauling dirt and debris shall be properly covered to reduce windblown dust and spills.
3. On dry days, dirt and debris spilled onto paved surfaces shall be swept up immediately to reduce
resuspension of particulate matter caused by vehicle movement. Approach routes to construction
sites will be cleaned daily of construction-related dirt in dry weather.
4. On-site stockpiles of excavated material shall be covered or watered.
5. Heavy-duty construction equipment with modified combustion/fuel injection systems for emissions
control shall be utilized during grading and construction activities. Catalytic reduction for gasoline-
powered equipment shall be used. Also, construction equipment shall be equipped with prechamber
diesel engines (or equivalent) together with proper maintenance and operation to reduce emissions of
nitrogen oxide, to the extent available and feasible.
6. Use low-pollutant-emitting construction equipment.
7. Use electrical construction equipment, to the extent feasible.
8. The simultaneous operation of multiple construction equipment units shall be minimized (i.e., phase
construction to minimize impacts).
Compliance with existing regulations and implementation of the above BACTs and BMPs will be
required to ensure that impacts remain below a level of significance.
Response to Hlc. See response to IlIa above. Project approval and subsequent development will
incrementally increase existing emissions levels but will not result in a cumulatively considerable net
increase of any criteria pollutant over the long term.
Response to HId. See response to IlIa above. The proposed project will have little effect on future
emissions. The City will review all future site development proposals prior to approval, and depending
on the type of facility proposed, a:1ditional permits maybe required from the San Diego APCD to ensure
that emissions conform with existing state and federal standards. The project will not expose sensitive
receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations. Potential impacts are therefore less than significant.
Response to HIe. See IIId above. The proposed project will not create objectionable odors affecting a
substantial number of people. Future uses will be reviewed during the permit process to ensure
compliance at the time site development plans are proposed to ensure conformance with the proposed
plan and existing regulations. Impacts are less than significant.
Air Quality Mitigation
No significant impacts have been identified and no mitigation is required.
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Gateway Chula Vista
Less Than
Significant
Potentially with Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
ISSUE Impact Incorporation Impact No Impact
IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or 0 0 0 [g]
through habitat modifications, on any species
identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status
species in local or regional plans, policies, or
regulations or by the California Department of Fish
and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? '
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian 0 0 0 [g]
habitat or other sensitive natural community identified
in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations or by
the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service?
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally 0 0 0 [g]
protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the
Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh,
vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal,
filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?
d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native D D 0 [g]
resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with
established native resident or migratory wildlife
corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery
sites?
e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances 0 0 0 [g]
protecting biological resources, such as a tree
preservation policy or ordinance?
f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat D D D [g]
Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation
Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat
conservation plan?
Comments:
Response to IVa. The project site has been graded and developed and is devoid of any sensitive or native
habitat. Therefore, the proposed project will not impact any plant or wildlife species that are federal- or
state-listed or proposed threatened or endangered, Multiple Species Conservation Program (MSCP)
covered, or narrow endemic or that hold special status in policies or regulations by the California
Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
7
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Gateway Chula Vista
Response to IVb. The proposed project will not impact any riparian or sensitive habitat since the site
does not support any native vegetation communities and the majority of the site has been graded and is
already developed.
Response to IV c. There are no wetlands on the proposed project site or in the near vicinity of the site.
Therefore, the project will have no direct or indirect impact on federally protected wetlands as defined by
Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.
Response to IV d. The proposed project will not interfere substantially with the movement of any native
resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife
corridors or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites.
Response to IVe. The proposed project will not conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting
biological resources.
Response to IVf. The project area lies within a developed area according to the City of Chula Vista Draft
MSCP Subarea Plan.
Biological Resources Mitigation
No significant impacts have been identified and no mitigation is required.
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Gateway Chula Vista
Less Than
Significant
Potentially with Less Than
ISSUE Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporation Impact No Impact
V. CULTURAL RESOURCES. Would the project:
-,
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the D 0 0 [g]
significance of a historical resource as defined in
§15064.5?
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the D 0 0 [g]
significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to
§15064.5?
c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological D 0 0 [g]
resource or site or unique geologic feature?
d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred D 0 0 [g]
outside of formal cemeteries?
Comments:
Response to Va. On June 14, 2000, Mooney and Associates performed a site visit and record search for
prehistoric and historic sites within a one-mile radius of the project site. There were no prehistoric or
historic archaeological site records found on the area searched. The project site had no existing buildings
with historical significance and no evidence of prehistoric occupation was found. The property has been
graded and developed in conjunction with the previous approvals on the site, and there is no evidence of
historical resources present.
Response to Vb. See response to Va. The property has been graded and developed in conjunction with
the previous approvals on the site, and there is no evidence of archaeological resources on the project site.
Response to V c. The entire site is already graded and developed. There are no impacts to paleontological
resources anticipated.
Response to V d. There is no evidence of any human remains on the project site.
Cultural Resources Mitigation
No significant impacts have been identified and no mitigation is required.
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Gateway Chula Vista
Less Than
Significant
Potentially with Less Than
ISSUE Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporation Impact No Impact
VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS. Would the protect:
a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial
adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or
death involving:
i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated 0 0 0 [g]
on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault
Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area
or based on other substantial evidence of a known
fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special
Publication 42.
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? 0 0 [g] 0
iii) Seismic-related ground· failure, including 0 0 D [g]
liquefaction?
iv) Landslides? 0 0 0 [g]
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? 0 0 0 [g]
c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, 0 0 0 [g]
or that would become unstable as a result of the
project, and potentially result in on- or off-site
landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction,
or collapse?
d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 0 0 0 [g]
18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating
substantial risks to life or property?
e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use 0 0 0 [g]
of septic tanks or alternative wastewater disposal
systems where sewers are not available for the
disposal of wastewater?
Comments:
Response to VIa. Development of the proposed project will not expose people or structures to potential
substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving:
i) Active faults. The site is not delineated on the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map
issued by the State Geologist for the area. There are no known active or potentially active
10
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faults at the site or in the immediate vicinity. The Rose Canyon fault, located approximately
six miles northwest of the site, is the closest known active fault. There is no evidence that
geologic formations have been offset within the past 11,000 years and faulting is not
considered to be a hazard to development provided development is in conformance with
requirements of the governing jurisdiction, building codes, and standard practices of the
Association of Structural Engineers of California.
ii) Seismic ground shaking. The most significant credible seismic event with respect to the
subject site would be a 6.9 magnitude event on the Rose Canyon fault zone. For noncritical
structures such as those proposed, the most significant probable seismic event would be a
magnitude 5.7 event on the Rose Canyon fault zone. By designing structures to comply with
the requirements of the governing jurisdictions, building codes, and standard practices of the
Association of Structural Engineers of California, potentially significant ground shaking
impacts will be reduced to below a significant level.
iii) Ground failure, including liquefaction. The property has been graded and developed. The
potential for liquefaction to occur at the site after standard development procedures are
implemented is considered less than significant.
iv) Landslides. The property site is on a flat, previously developed area that is not susceptible to
landslides. The potential for landslides to occur after redevelopment is below a significant
level.
Response to Vlb. The proposed project will not result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil.
The project site has been developed and the City requires, as standard conditions of construction, the
employment of erosion control measures during construction and the prompt stabilization of disturbed
areas before construction is completed. This reduces potential impacts to below a significant level.
Response to VIc. See response to Vlaji, iii, and iv above. The proposed project site has been previously
developed and would not become unstable as a result of redevelopment.
Response to Vld. See response to Vlaji. The property has been developed in conformance with the
previous approvals on the site.
Response to VIe. Public sewer and water will serve the proposed project site. As a result, development
will not result in significant impacts.
Geology and Soils Mitigation
No significant impacts have been identified and no mitigation is required.
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Gateway Chula Vista
Less Than
Signific~t
Potentially with Less Than
ISSUE Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporation Impact No Impact
VII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. Would the
project:
a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the 0 0 [g] 0
environment through the routine transport, use, or
disposal of hazardous materials?
b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the D 0 [g] 0
environment through reasonably foreseeable upset
and accident conditions involving the release of
hazardous materials into the environment?
c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or 0 D [g] D
acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste
within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed
school?
d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of 0 0 0 [g]
hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to
Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result,
would it create a significant hazard to the public or the
environment?
e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, 0 0 0 ~
where such a plan has not been adopted, within two
miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the
project result in a safety hazard for people residing or
working in the project area?
f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, 0 0 0 [g]
would the project result in a safety hazard for people
residing or working in the project area?
g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an 0 0 0 [g]
adopted emergency response plan or emergency
evacuation plan?
h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of D D D ~
loss, injury, or death involving wildland fires, including
where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or
where residences are intermixed with wildlands?
Comments:
Response to VIla. Specific uses have yet to be determined at this time~ however, the principal uses will
be primarily professional and administrative offices, retail commercial, specialty services, and restaurants.
Any use that might involve the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials will be subject to
12
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Gateway Chula Vista
local and state regulations regarding such uses. Businesses that handle, use, or dispose of hazardous
substances are subject to review and approval from the County of San Diego Health Department,
Hazardous Materials Management Division, Air Pollution Control District, and/or Regional Water
Quality Control Board (RWQCB) (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System [NPDES] General
Industrial Permit) prior to operation. Future uses at the project site will be required to comply with all
applicable standards and regulations.
Response to Vllb. See response VIla above. Businesses that use, store, or transport hazardous materials
must receive permits prior to occupancy. Depending on the use, this may include approval from the Fire
Department-Hazardous Materials Management Division, County of San Diego Health Department-
Hazardous Materials Management Division for Plan Review, and/or San Diego County Air Pollution
Control District.
Response to Vllc. The Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church and School complex is located directly east
of the proposed project site. The Gateway Chula Vista Specific Plan proposes that no hazardous waste
materials will be generated at the project site, other than a potential for small amounts of medical wastes
which will be disposed of in accordance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations. Compliance
with this performance standard will guarantee that all future uses in the proposed site will not create a
public hazard due to the use of hazardous materials.
Response to Vlld. The proposed project is not located on a site that is included on a list compiled
pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5. Geocon performed a Phase 1 environmental site
assessment for the Gateway Chula Vista redevelopment project. The study concluded that the potential
for the existing presence of impacts to the site from hazardous materials/wastes on-site or on properties in
the vicinity is considered low.
Response to Vile. The proposed project is not located within the adopted airport land use plan. Thus, the
project will not result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area.
Response to Vllf. There is no private airstrip in the vicinity of the project site. Therefore, the project will
not pose any safety hazard for people working at the project site or in its vicinity.
Response to Vllg. Redevelopment of the project site proposes no fundamental change to adopted land
uses or regulations. The project will not physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or
emergency evacuation plan.
Response to Vllh. The proposed project site is generally surrounded by existing or approved future
development and will not expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury, or death
involving wildland fires.
Hazards and Hazardous Materials Mitigation
No significant impacts have been identified and no mitigation is required.
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Gateway Chula Vista
Less Than
Significant
Potentially with Less Than
ISSUE Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporation Impact No Impact
VIII. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY. Would the
project:
a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge 0 0 0 ~
requirements?
b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere 0 0 0 [g]
substantially with groundwater recharge such that
there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a
lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g., the
production rate of preexisting nearby wells would drop
to a level which would not support existing land uses
or planned uses for which permits have been
granted)?
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the 0 0 0 [g]
site or area, including through the alteration of the
course of a stream or river, in a manner which would
result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site?
d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the 0 0 0 [g]
site or area, including through the alteration of the
course of a stream or river, or substantially increase
the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner,
which would result in flooding on- or off-site?
e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed 0 0 [g] 0
the capacity of existing or planned storm water
drainage systems or provide substantial additional
sources of polluted runoff?
f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality? 0 0 [g] D
g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as 0 0 0 [g]
mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood
Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation
map?
h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures, 0 0 0 ~
which would impede or redirect flood flows?
i) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of 0 0 0 [g]
loss, injury, or death involving flooding, including
flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam?
j) Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow? 0 0 0 [g]
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Gateway Chula Vista
Comments:
Response to VIlla. Runoff flowing from impervious surfaces typically contains pollutants such as oils,
fuel residues, and heavy metals, which would diminish water quality in downstream water. Runoff from
future development of the site will be controlled and subject to NPDES permitting. Project compliance
with all federal, state, and local water qu,ality standards and waste discharge requirements must be
demonstrated prior to receiving building and occupancy permits.
Response to VlIIb. The proposed redevelopment project will not use groundwater or substantially
interfere with groundwater recharge.
Response to VIIlc. The proposed project will retain existing drainage structures and will utilize the
existing drainage structures in the area for the current on-site developments.
Response to VIIld. The proposed project will retain existing curb and gutter structures and will not
substantially alter the drainage pattern of the site. Redevelopment will not increase the amount of
impermeable surfaces, and erosion will be controlled. The project site has been developed and the City
requires, as standard conditions of construction, the employment of erosion control measures during
construction and the prompt stabilization of disturbed areas before construction is completed. This will
reduce potential impacts to below a significant level.
Response to VlIIe. The proposed project would redevelop the existing site, which is primarily covered
with paving or similar impervious surfaces. The following will be required with the first submittal of the
improvement/grading plans: (1) a hydraulic study to show that the postdevelopment flow rate does not
exceed the predevelopment flow rate and (2) incorporation of drainage facilities into the design.
Implementation of the following measures will reduce potential polluted runoff from entering the storm
drainage system of the project to less than a significant level:
1) Parking areas and paved open spaces will be swept frequently to prevent buildup of trash and other
pollutants that may enter the storm drainage systems.
2) An adequate number of litter receptacles will be provided, particularly near the food establishments
and open courtyards, in order to prevent trash from entering the storm drainage system.
3) Effluent from car detailing will not be permitted into the street gutter or other storm drains.
Provisions will be made to dispose of the effluent in accordance with all local, state, and federal
regulations.
4) The developer will implement BMPs to prevent pollution of storm drainage systems before and after
construction. These measures are described and are included in response VIIIf below.
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Gateway Chula Vista
Response to VIllf. For the management of storm water, municipalities in the San Diego region, including
the City of Chula Vista, must comply with the RWQCB's NPDES Permit No. CA 0108758. The NPDES
permit consists of wastewater discharge requirements for storm water and urban runoff. Specifically, the
applicant is required to implement postconstruction BMPs to prevent pollution of storm drainage systems
from the gas station, car wash, restaurants, parking lots, and trash collection areas. In compliance with
Permit No. CA 0108758, a BMP program for storm water pollution control has been created. BMPs
appropriate to the characteristics of a project may be employed to reduce pollutants available for transport
or to reduce the amount of pollutants in runoff prior to discharge to a surface water body. BMPs may
include one or'all of the following where increases in impervious surfaces substantially increase runoff
rates and volumes:
1) Detention basins to trap pollutants, control release rates, and minimize downstream effects.
2) Infiltration basins to hold runoff and allow percolation into the ground.
3) Infiltration trenches and dry wells, holes, or trenches filled with aggregate and then covered.
4) Porous pavement such as lattice pavers or porous asphalt used to replace large areas of paving that are
not subject to heavy traffic.
5) Vegetative controls to intercept rainfall and filter pollutants and absorb nutrients.
6) Grass-lined swales or similar construction in place of a buried storm drain, usually in residential areas.
7) Nonstructural methods, such as controlling litter and waste disposal practices.
The project must comply with existing NPDES permit requirements. Such compliance would reduce
impacts to a less than significant level. The redevelopment resulting on this site will not substantially
degrade water quality. Impacts associated with development are, therefore, less than significant.
Response to VIIlg. The proposed project does not include housing and is not located within a 100-year
flood hazard area.
Response to VIIlh. The proposed project is not located within a 100-year flood hazard area.
Response to Villi. The proposed project is not located downstream from a dam and does not propose
construction of a levee or dam.
Response to VIllj. The distance between the subject site and the coast precludes damage due to
seismically induced waves (tsunamis) or seiches. The lack of river tributaries or lakes in the project area
reduces the probability for earthquake-induced flooding to negligible.
Hydrology and Water Quality Mitigation
No significant impacts have been identified and no mitigation is required.
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Gateway Chula Vista
Less Than
Significant
Potentially with Less Than
ISSUE Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporation Impact No Impact
IX. LAND USE AND PLANNING. Would the project:
a) Physically divide an established community? 0 0 0 ~
b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or 0 0 [g] D
regulation or an agency with jurisdiction over the
project (including but not limited to the general plan;
specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning
ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or
mitigating an environmental effect?
c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan 0 0 0 ~
or natural community conservation plan?
Comments:
Response to IXa. The proposed project will not divide an established community. The area is already
developed and the majority of the site is within the City's designated "Town Centre I Redevelopment
area."
Response to IXb. The proposed project will not change the ultimate land use that is planned and allowed
for this site. The Gateway Chula Vista Specific Plan has been prepared in accordance with Sections
65450-65457 of the Government Code and Chapter 19.07 of the City of Chula Vista Zoning Ordinance.
The two underlying zones on the site are CC-Central Commercial Zone and CO-Administrative and
Professional Office Zone. The specific plan's regulations and guidelines are compatible with the
underlying zoning for the area, including minimum lot sizes, building heights, and setback requirements.
The General Plan Amendment proposed by the project would reclassify H Street from a six-lane major
street to a four-lane major street east of Fourth A venue to Third A venue. Based on the traffic analysis
performed for the project, this change would not represent a significant traffic circulation impact or a
significant impact to the aà.,;pted Circulation Element.
Response to IXc. The proposed project site is graded and located in an area already developed. The
subject property will, therefore, not conflict with any habitat conservation plan or natural community
conservation plan.
Land Use and Planning Mitigation
No significant impacts have been identified and no mitigation is required.
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Less Than
Significant
Potentially with Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
ISSUE Impact Incorporation Impact No Impact
X. MINERAL RESOURCES. Would the project:
a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral 0 0 0 [g]
resource that would be of value to the region and the
residents of the state?
b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally important 0 0 0 [g]
mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local
general plan, specific plan, or other land use plan?
Comments:
Response to Xa. The proposed project site does not contain significant mineral deposits and is not located
in either of the two aggregate resource sectors identified by the State Mining and Geology Board as being
of regional significance (see Figure 3-1 of the City of Chula Vista's General Plan Update EIR [SCH
#88052511]).
Response to Xb. The project site is not located within the Otay River valley and is not designated for
mineral resource protection according to the City of Chula Vista General Plan Update EIR (SCH
#88052511). Redevelopment of the site will have no impact on a locally important mineral resource.
Mineral Resources Mitigation
No significant impacts have been identified and no mitigation is required.
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Gateway Chula Vista
Less Than
Significant
Potentially with Less Than
ISSUE Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporation Impact No Impact
XI. NOISE. Would the project result in:
a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in 0 [g] 0 0
excess of standards established in the local general
plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of
other agencies?
b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive 0 0 0 [g]
ground borne vibration or ground borne noise levels?
c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise 0 0 [g] 0
levels in the project vicinity above levels existing
without the project?
d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in 0 [g] 0 0
ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels
existing without the project?
e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, 0 0 0 [g]
where such a plan has not been adopted, within two
miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the
project expose people residing or working in the
project area to excessive noise levels?
f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, 0 0 D [g]
would the project expose people residing or working in
the project area to excessive noise levels?
Comments:
Response to XIa. Demolition and Construction: The proposed project will result in increased noise
levels durinr demolition of existing structures and construction of new buildings that involve the use of
graders, scrapers, bulldozers, backhoes, front-end loaders, pavers, and heavy trucks. Noise generated by
these activities is rarely less than 70 dB(A) at 50 feet from the source and typically ranges between 80 and
90 dB(A). Demolition and construction activity is exempt from the City's exterior noise standards as
discussed in Section 19.68.070 of the Municipal Code. Demolition and construction activities will be
temporary in nature and impacts to exterior noise levels are considered to be less than significant.
Daily Operations:
On-Site Impacts: The redevelopment site plan includes the construction of three mid-rise
commercial/retail/office buildings and a five-level parking structure. The project design incorporates an
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Gateway Chula Vista
enclosed storage area, off-street loading spaces, an interior loading dock, and trash enclosures to minimize
the impacts of noise.
The proposed uses will be subjected to traffic noise from Third A venue and H Street. The exterior noise
standard for commercial property specified by the City is 70 community noise equivalent level (CNEL).
Existing traffic volumes on H Street between Fourth A venue and Third A venue and Third A venue and
Second Avenue are approximately 25,240 and 25,500 average daily trips, respectively. The traffic study
prepared for the project (BRW Inc. 2000) indicates that the average vehicle speed on the roadways is
typically less than 30 miles per hour. Existing traffic noise levels are estimated to be approximately 68
CNEL at 40 feet from the centerline of Third A venue and 70 CNEL at 40 feet from the centerline of H
Street.
The traffic study prepared for the project indicates that the resultant trips generated by the proposed
project will generate 9,939 ADT within the H Street corridor. Because this project redevelops an existing
commercial/residential area, not all of the 9,939 ADT generated by the proposed project represents new
trips to the roadway system. The SANDAG Series 9 Year 2020 traffic forecast indicates that the Year
2020 traffic volumes for H Street between Fourth Avenue and Third Avenue and Third Avenue and
Second A venue are projected to be 28,000 ADT and 24,000 ADT, respectively. This is compared to
32,700 ADT and 35,000 ADT estimated at project buildout. Consequently, Year 2020 traffic noise levels
are not anticipated to increase from the existing conditions. The Year 2020 traffic-generated noise levels
are projected to be approximately 69 CNEL at 40 feet from the centerline of Third A venue and 70 CNEL
at 40 feet from the centerline of H Street.
These projected noise levels are less than the City's 70 CNEL exterior standard for commercial uses.
Consequently, no significant on-site noise impacts are anticipated due to traffic noise since any potential
exterior uses along the roadways are anticipated to be at distances greater than 40 feet from the centerline
of the adjacent roadways.
Off-Site Impacts: The proposed project would construct one 5-story and two 6-story buildings for
commercial office and retail uses. Mechanical equipment for the buildings (HV AC, etc.) will be located
on the roofs. Because the surrounding residential buildings are genenJly two stories or less, this
equipment will be shielded from view by the building structure. No significant noise impacts due to the
mechanical equipment are anticipated in the residential areas.
The proposed project also would construct a five-level parking structure (one subterranean level and four
above ground). This parking structure will be constructed adjacent to existing multi-family residential on
the west and existing multi-family residential on the north. In some cases, the separation between the
residential structures and the parking structure will be approximately 20 feet.
Employees and patrons arriving and leaving the project grounds and activities associated with daily
operation of the facility will generate noise. The proposed uses will generate some noise as part of daily
operation. Noise levels due to operation of the facility are regulated by Section 19.68.030 of the City of
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Gateway Chula Vista
Chula Vista Noise Ordinance. Daytime noise levels at the residential property line are limited on
weekdays to 60 dB(A) from 7 A.M. to 10 P.M. (8 A.M. to 10 P.M. on weekends) and 50 dB(A) from 10 P.M.
to 7 A.M. (10 P.M. to 8 A.M. on weekends).
As indicated, the project is estimated to generate 9,939 ADT. Access to the upper levels of the parking
structure will be closed between the hours of 7:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M. to limit potential noise impacts to
neighboring properties. Access to the street level of the parking structure will be allowed to serve retail
uses that may be open for business in the evening.
Normal operation and maintenance of the structure is not anticipated to result in noise levels that would
exceed the standards at the residential properties. However, activities in the portions of the structure that
may remain open after 10 P.M. have the potential to exceed the nighttime standard. Additionally, car
alarms as well as power sweeping of the structure are potential sources of nuisance noise.
Consequently, it is recommended that the north and west areas of the parking structure be closed in at
those levels that will remain open during the evening and nighttime hours (after 7 P.M.) to limit nuisance
noise impacts to the adjacent residential properties. Additionally, power sweeping of the structure shall
be limited to the hours of 7 A.M. to 10 P.M. on weekdays, 8 A.M. to 10 P.M. on Saturdays, and prohibited
on Sundays.
Incorporation of these measures, as well as compliance with the general noise ordinance standards, will
ensure that no significant noise impacts will occur at the adjacent residential use areas.
Response to Xlb. The Gateway Chula Vista project próposes commercial/professional/retail uses. These
uses are not expected to generate excessive ground-borne vibration or ground-borne noise levels in the
project area.
Response to Xlc. See response XIa. The proposed development project is replacing existing uses with
similar, low-level noise-generating characteristics and, therefore, would cause no significant noise change
in the area.
Response to Xld. See response XIa. During construction, equipment would generate temporary noise.
At times these temporary noise level increases could be significant at the adjacent residential structures.
Although construction and demolition activities are not subject to the exterior noise requirements of
Municipal Code Section 19.68.030, restricting the construction activities to weekdays and Saturday only
during the daytime hours (7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.) would mitigate the temporary noise increases due to
construction below a level of significance.
Response to Xle,f. The proposed project is not located in the vicinity of an airport or private airstrip.
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Gateway Chula Vista
Noise Mitigation
Implementation of the following mitigation measures will reduce potential noise impacts to below a
significant level:
1) Construction activities on the proposed project will be restricted to weekdays and Saturdays and
only during the daytime hours between 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.
2) Access to upper levels of the parking structure will be closed between the hours of 7:00 P.M. and
7 :00 A.M. to limit potential noise impacts to neighbori~g properties.
3) The north and west areas of the parking structure will be closed at the levels that remain open
during the evening and nighttime hours.
4) Power sweeping of the structure will be limited to the hours of 7 A.M. to 10 P.M. on weekdays,
8 A.M. to 10 P.M. on Saturdays, and prohibited on Sundays.
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Gateway Chula Vista
Less Than
Significant
Potentially with Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant
ISSUE Impact Incorporation Impact No Impact
XII. POPULATION & HOUSING. Would the project:
a) Induce substantial population growth in an area either 0 0 0 [g]
directly (e.g., by proposing new homes and
businesses) or indirectly (e.g., through extension of
roads or other infrastructure)?
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, 0 0 [g] 0
necessitating the construction of replacement housing
elsewhere?
c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating 0 0 [g] 0
the construction of replacement housing elsewhere?
Comments:
Response to XIIa. The proposed redevelopment project is located· in the urban core of the city of Chula
Vista and would not induce substantial growth. A mix of existing commercial, residential, and public
uses surrounds the site. Located to the north and west are several complexes of two-story apartment
buildings. The Saint Rose of Lima Church and School complex is located east of the redevelopment area.
Directly south of the project site is the South Bay Regional Center. Since the project represents no
fundamental change to the adopted land uses or regulations for the project site, it will neither directly nor
indirectly induce population growth not already planned for in the area.
Response to XIIb. The proposed project is replacing existing uses within the Town Centre area and is
designed to serve existing and future development, which is consistent with the City of Chula Vista land
use planning and approvals. The project will displace three residences within the project boundary, which
will not necessitate the construction of substantial numbers of replacement housing elsewhere.
Response to XIIc. See response XIIb above.
Population and Housing Mitigation
No significant impacts have been identified and no mitigation is required.
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Gateway Chula Vista
Less Than
Significant
Potentially with Less Than
ISSUE Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporation Impact No Impact
XIII. PUBLIC SERVICES. Would the project result in
substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the
provision of new or physically altered governmental
facilities or the need for new or physically altered
governmental facilities, the construction of which could
cause significant environmental impacts, in order to
maintain acceptable service ratios, response times, or
other performance objectives for any of the public
services:
a) Fire protection? 0 D [g] 0
b) Police protection? 0 0 0 [g]
c) Schools? 0 0 0 [g]
d) Parks? 0 0 0 [g]
e) Other public facilities? 0 0 0 [g]
Comments:
Response to XIIla. The Chula Vista Fire Department currently meets the standard threshold for
fire/emergency medical services (EMS) protection for the proposed redevelopment area. There are two
stations serving the project site: (1) Fourth and F Street Station and (2) 80 East J Street Station. The
department staff has set the following design requirements for the proposed project: (1) a 20-foot-wide
fire lane with 13.5 feet of unobstructed vertical clearance on the western side of the site, (2) fully
sprinklered buildings, and (3) a fire flow of 1500 gallons per minute at 20 pounds per square inch. With
these requirements met, Fire Department staff has determined that no new facilities will be needed and
estimates their emergency response time to t~;e project site to be two minutes and paramedic-level
services by American Medical Response to be less than three minutes. Redevelopment of the project site
will not result in a significant impact to the fire services of the Chula Vista Fire Department.
Response to XIIlb. The proposed project replaces existing development with larger commercial office
buildings. The Chula Vista Police Department has determined that they will be able to serve the project
site while still maintaining their current level of services. The project will not change the requirement to
pay public facilities fees for police services based on equivalent dwelling units by development phase at
the rate in effect at the time building permits are issued. This will reduce current police service
deficiencies to below a level of significance.
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Gateway Chula Vista
Currently, the police department is addressing the threshold standard for deficiency by preparing a long-
range strategic plan and a police facility master plan. The strategic plan will evaluate service levels, staff
levels, methods of development, and any other factors related to service delivery. This will also include
an evaluation of the established threshold, which may need to be adjusted.
Response to XIIlc. The proposed project will not generate an increase in dwelling units or population in
the project area. Therefore, it will not result in a need for new or altered school facilities or services. The
project is in an area served by the Chula Vista Elementary School District and the Sweetwater Union
High School District. A developer fee of $0.33 for nonresidential development will be imposed at the
building permit stage. The two school districts that serve the Gateway Chula Vista Specific Plan would
split this fee and use the moneys to finance facilities needed to serve future growth.
Response to XIIld. The proposed project will not generate an increase in dwelling units or population in
the project area. The project will not result in a need for new parks or park services. The redevelopment
project integrates landscaped courtyards and walkways which creates public outdoor activity areas
promoting ethnic diversity and art in the" Town Centre" area.
Response to XlIIe. The proposed project will not result in a need for any other new or altered
governmental services.
Public Services Mitigation
No significant impacts have been identified and no mitigation is required.
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Gateway Chula Vista
Less Than
Significant
Potentially with Less Than
ISSUE Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporation Impact No Impact
XIV. RECREATION.
a} Would the project increase the use of existing D 0 0 [g]
neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational
facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of
the facility would occur or be accelerated?
b) Does the project include recreational facilities or 0 0 0 ~
require the construction or expansion of recreational
facilities which might have an adverse physical effect
on the environment?
Comments:
Response to XIVa. The proposed project will not result in additional residential development and
corresponding population. Therefore, redevelopment will not increase the demand for neighborhood or
regional parks or other recreational facilities and would not cause substantial deterioration in existing
facilities. See Response XIIIe.
Response to XIVb. The proposed project does not include any recreational facilities and does not require
the construction or expansion of recreational facilities that might have an adverse physical effect on the
environment.
Recreational Mitigation
No significant impacts have been identified and no mitigation is required.
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Less Than
Significant
Potentially with Less Than
ISSUE Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporation Impact No Impact
XV. TRANSPORTATIONITRAFFIC. Would the project:
a) Cause an increase in traffic, which is substantial in 0 [g] 0 0
relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the
street system (Le., result in a substantial increase in
either the number of vehicle trips, the volume to
capacity ratio on roads, or congestion at
intersections)?
b) Exceed, either individually or cumulatively, a level of 0 [g] 0 0
service standard established by the county congestion
management agency for designated roads or
highways?
c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including 0 0 0 [g]
either an increase in traffic levels or a change in
location that results in substantial safety risks?
d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature 0 0 [g] 0
(e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or
incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)?
e) Result in inadequate emergency access? 0 0 [g] 0
f) Result in inadequate parking capacity? 0 0 [g] 0
g) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or programs 0 0 [g] 0
supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus
turnouts, bicycle racks)?
Comments:
BRW, Inc. prepared a traffic study, "H Street Traffic Analysis, Chula Vista, California," for the proposed
project in June 1999 and an updated study, "Gateway Project Traffic Study," in September 2000. The
traffic analysis included the AM and PM peak traffic generated by the Scripps Hospital and the South Bay
Regional Center expansions. The project redevelops an existing commercial/residential area and the
traffic analysis used a conservative approach by not incorporating trips generated by the existing uses into
the study. The Gateway project was assumed to be three commercial buildings using 334,860 square feet
on the 4.46-acre project site. This project type and size is calculated to add 879 AM peak hour trips (766
inboundll13 outbound) and 1,084 PM peak hour trips (348 inboundl736 outbound) to the city street
system. The report is available for review at the Community Development Department, located at 430
Davidson Street, Suite B, Chula Vista, California 91910.
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Gateway Chula Vista
Response to XVa. The proposed project is calculated to generate an additional 879 trips (766 entering,
113 departing) during the morning peak hours and 1,084 trips (348 entering, 736 exiting) during the P.M.
peak hours (BRW 2000). The combined peak period trips contributed by the project (1,963 trips) are
estimated to be 15 percent of project ADT contributed to the system. The average travel speeds and
corresponding segment levels of service with project buildout are expected to decrease from existing
speeds by no more than 3.8 mph during the-AM peak and 2.4 mph during the PM peak. This will be in
compliance with the acceptable level of service of C or better.
The traffic study prepared for the project indicates that the resultant trips generated by the proposed
project will generate 9,939 ADT within the H Street corridor. Because this project redevelops an existing
commercial/residential area, not all of the 9,939 ADT generated by the proposed project represents new
trips to the roadway system.
Existing traffic volumes on H Street between Fourth Avenue and Third Avenue and Third Avenue and
Second Avenue are approximately 25,240 and 25,500 average daily trips, respectively. The SANDAG
Series 9 Year 2020 traffic forecast indicates that the Year 2020 traffic volumes for H Street between
Fourth A venue and Third A venue and Third A venue and Second A venue are projected to be 28,000 ADT
and 24,000 ADT, respectively. This is compared to 32,700 ADT and 35,000 ADT estimated at project
buildout. Therefore, study area levels of service in the Year 2020 are not anticipated to exceed the levels
associated with buildout of the proposed redevelopment project (BRW 2000).
Response to XVb. All project study area roads will operate at an acceptable LOS C or better and all study
area roadways and intersections will operate at acceptable LOS D or better with the exception of the
intersection of H Street and Third Avenue. This intersection will drop to LOS E during the PM peak
hours. The northbound approach to this intersection will experience LOS F delays, resulting from the
combined increase of traffic from the proposed project and the South Bay Regional Center expansion. All
other approaches to this intersection will operate at LOS D. A separate analysis of project buildout
conditions without development of the South Bay Regional Center expansion or any other future project
at this intersection indicates that the intersection of H Street and Third A venue would operate at LOS D
during the PM peak. Construction of a northbound right-turn lane will be required to accommodate the
combined increase in traffic caused by the expansion of the South Bay Regional Center or similar sized
projects and construdion of the proposed project. However, it should only be constructed concurrent with
the South Bay Regional Center expansion or any other future project that will impact this intersection.
This would facilitate traffic flow and allow for all intersections in the study area to operate at LOS C or
better at non-peak hours and LOS D during peak hours of the day. A southbound right-turn lane is
incorporated into the project design and left turns may be prohibited out of the H Street driveway under
project buildout conditions to reduce overall delays.
Response to XV c. The proposed project is not located in or near an air traffic corridor and will not
adversely affect the safety of such a flight pattern.
Response to XVd. The proposed project has no hazardous design features. The project provides two
access driveways on Third A venue, one access driveway on H Street, and a valet/drop-off loop on H
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Gateway Chula Vista
Street. Left-turn storage lanes will be provided into all of the site access driveways in order to remove
turning vehicles from through travel lanes.
Response to XVe. Emergency access to the project site will be incorporated into future development
plans.
Response to XVf. A four- to five-level, 1,117-space parking structure will be constructed along the north
side of the buildings. The project provides two access driveways on Third Avenue, one access driveway
on H Street, and a valet/drop-off loop on H Street. The project's mix of uses crèates a shared parking
scenario resulting in an excess of spaces at the highest hourly demand.
Response to XV g. The proposed project does not conflict with any adopted policies, plans, or programs
supporting alternative transportation.
Transportation Mitigation
The traffic analysis for the Gateway Chula Vista project has indicated that, with project buildout, the
Scripps Hospital expansion, and the South Bay Regional Center expansion, acceptable roadway
operations can be provided on H Street with the existing four-lane section (BRW 2000). Currently, H
Street is classified as a six-lane major street in Chapter 2, Section 5.4, of the Chula Vista General Plan
from Interstate 5 to Interstate 805. Major streets are designed to carry high volumes of traffic and serve to
distribute traffic to and from the freeway system. A General Plan Amendment to reclassify H Street from
a six-lane to a four-lane major street east of Fourth Avenue to Third Avenue has been initiated by the
City of Chula Vista.
A separate analysis of project buildout conditions without development of the South Bay Regional Center
expansion or other future project that impacts this intersection indicates that the intersection of H Street
and Third A venue would operate at a LOS D during the PM peak. Therefore, no improvements to
existing intersection geometrics are required at this intersection until the South Bay Regional Center
expansion occurs or any other future project at the intersection occurs. Construction of a northbound
right-turn lane will be necessary to accommodate the combined increase in traffic caused by the
expansion of the South Bay Regional Center or other similar projects and construction of the proposed
project; however, it should only be constructed in conjunction with the South Bay Regional Center
expansion or any other future project at the intersection of H Street and Third A venue occurs.
In order to mitigate this impact, prior to the issuance of a building permit for the third phase of the project,
the developer shall post a cash deposit in an amount equal to the entire cost of providing a right-turn-only
lane at the northbound approach of Third A venue and H Street. The cost of the right-turn-only lane shall
include all direct and indirect costs associated with acquisition of right-of-way, clearing, demolition, and
reconstructing of existing public and private improvements and the design and construction of the lane to
the specifications to be established by the Director of Public Works. These costs shall be as determined
solely by the Director of Public Works. The City shall use its best efforts to ensure that other projects that
have been determined to significantly contribute to the impact at this intersection shall contribute their
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Gateway Chula Vista
proportional fair share into a reimbursement district fund. In getting reimbursement, the City will
determine the proportional share of the project to determine the reimbursement amount. Once
determined, the fair share contribution will represent each project's entire contribution and additional
contributions shall not be secured by the City.
The following project design considerations were relied upon in determining that there will be sufficient
gaps in traffic to allow vehicles to enter and exit the project site area without the need for signalization at
any of the site driveways:
1. The project approval will be required to dedicate and construct a southbound right-turn lane that will
be constructed on Third A venue to facilitate traffic flow and improve overall intersection operations.
2. Left turns out of the H Street driveway may be prohibited under project buildout conditions. Traffic
will exit onto Third A venue and then proceed left onto H Street.
3. Left-turn storage will be provided at all site driveways where feasible, to remove left-turning vehicles
from the through travel lanes.
4. The existing movement of traffic onto H Street will be permitted prior to buildout. Continuous
monitoring of traffic operations at this site driveway will be required during interim time frame to
determine the future implementation of appropriate traffic control. City engineers will determine if a
signal is warranted with future redevelopment of the South Bay Regional Center or other project at
that site and will reevaluate the need for a signal when more specific information is known about the
site plan.
5. All access driveways will be constructed to connect the on-site (internal) circulation system to both
Third A venue and H Street under interim development conditions associated with Phases 1 and 2.
The project buildout traffic volumes were compared to Year 2020 traffic volumes generated by the
SANDAO Series 9 TRANPLAN regional forecasting model to determine whether additional background
traffic is anticipated in the area by the year 2020. It was found that the estimated ADT volumes at
buildúut are greater than the Year 2020 ADT volumes estimated by the SANDAG model. Study area
levels of service in the year 2020 are not anticipated to exceed the approximate ADT volumes associated
with buildout of the proposed redevelopment project (BRW 2000). Therefore, the proposed
reclassification of H Street to a four-lane major street from a six-lane major street along the project
frontage would not represent a significant impact.
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Gateway Chula Vista
Less Than
Significant
Potentially with Less Than
ISSUE Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporation Impact No Impact
XVI. UTILITIES & SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would the project:
-"
a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the 0 0 ~ 0
applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board?
b) Require or result in the construction of new water or 0 0 0 [g]
wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing
facilities, the construction of which could cause
significant environmental effects?
c) Require or result in the construction of new storm 0 0 [g] 0
water drainage facilities or expansion of existing
facilities, the construction of which could cause
significant environmental effects?
d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the 0 0 0 ~
project from existing entitlements and resources, or
are new or expanded entitlements needed?
e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment 0 0 0 [g]
provider which serves or may serve the project that it
has adequate capacity to serve the project's projected
demand in addition to the provider's existing
commitments?
f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted 0 0 [g] 0
capacity to accommodate the project's solid waste
disposal needs?
g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and 0 0 0 [g]
regulations related to solid waste?
Comments:
Response to XVla. The City of Chula Vista operates and maintains its own sewer collection system,
which connects to the City of San Diego's Metropolitan Sewer System. The project site is served via two
existing eight-inch wastewater lines in Third A venue and one existing eight-inch line in H Street. Phase 1
development, consisting of construction of the easternmost building, will connect to the westernmost line
in Third Avenue and is proposed to raise the number of equivalent dwelling units (EDUs) from 4.017 to
23.25. Phases 2 and 3 development will connect to the line in H Street. The proposed sewer capacity of
the Phase 2 development will raise the EDUs by 30.49, 1.0 EDU from the existing parcels to 31.49 EDUs
proposed for Phase 2. The Phase 3 development will raise the sewer capacity from 14.47 EDUs for the
existing parcels to 28.42 EDUs. The total sewer capacity proposed for the project is 83.16 EDUs, which
raises the existing sewer capacity uses by 63.68 EDUs. City engineers have indicated that existing
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facilities are adequate to serve the proposed project. No new sewer improvements are necessary other than
construction of six-inch sewer laterals to each building. A sewage participation fee will be paid to the
City for each phase of the project at the time of connection to the public sewer. At present, the sewerage
participation fee for the project is $2,220.00 per 83.16 EDUs. Assuming the same rate for all three phases,
the project will generate just over $184,615.20 by completion.
Response to XVlb. See response XVIa.
Response to XVlc. The existing development site is either paved for parking or developed. The project
will not significantly increase the amount or type of impervious surface area over that which currently
exists. The project will therefore not significantly increase the rate of runoff generated from the site. The
storm water drainage facilities for the proposed project will be located in the existing street system.
hnpacts related to the construction of storm drainage facilities are expected to be less than significant
because generation rates would be essentially the same as currently exists. See also response VllId.
Response to XVld. The Sweetwater Authority provides water services to the proposed project and has
determined based on fire flow requirements and projected land use that sufficient supplies of water are
planned to be available. The project will utilize two eight-inch water mains located at H Street and Third
Avenue and will be required to install three new two-inch water lines to serve the primary buildings and
three one-inch water lines and meters for irrigation of landscape. The existing connections are required to
be capped and no new facilities will be necessary.
Response to XVle. See response XVIa. The proposed project will not alter the existing sewage treatment
capacity in the city of Chula Vista.
Response to XV If. Solid wastes from the proposed project will be trucked to the Otay Landfill, which is
estimated to have capacity to receive solid wastes for the next 25 years. Additionally, waste disposal
needs will be minimized by incorporation of recycling and waste reduction measures identified in the
City's Source Reduction and Recycling Element of the County's Integrated Waste Management Plan
(1996).
Response to XVlg. See response XVIf above.
Utilities and Service Systems Mitigation
No significant impacts have been identified and no mitigation is required.
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Less Than
Significant
Potentially with Less Than
ISSUE Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporation Impact No Impact
XVII. THRESHOLD ANALYSIS. Would the project:
a) Exceed the City's fire/EMS Threshold Standards? D 0 rg¡ 0
b) Exceed the City's police Threshold Standards? D 0 [g] 0
c) Exceed the City's traffic Threshold Standards? D [g] 0 0
d) Exceed the City's parks/recreation Threshold D 0 0 rg¡
Standards?
e) Exceed the City's drainage Threshold Standards? D 0 rg¡ 0
f) Exceed the City's sewer Threshold Standards? D 0 [g] 0
g) Exceed the City's water Threshold Standards? D 0 0 [g]
h) Exceed the City's air quality Threshold Standards? 0 0 0 [g]
i) Exceed the City's economics Threshold Standards? D 0 D [g]
j) Exceed the City's schools Threshold Standards? D 0 0 [g]
k) Exceed the City's libraries Threshold Standards? D 0 0 [g]
Comments:
Response to XVIIa. The City's threshold standards require that fire and medical units must be able to
respond to calls within seven minutes or less in 85 pel cent of the cases and within five minutes or less in
75 percent of the cases. The Chula Vista Fire Department estimates their emergency response time to the
project site to be two minutes and paramedic-level services by American Medical Response to be less
than three minutes. The proposed project will comply with this threshold standard. See response XIlla.
Response to XVIIb. The City's threshold standards require that police units must respond to 84 percent
of Priority I calls within seven minutes or less and maintain an average response time to all Priority 1
calls of 4.5 minutes or less. Police units must respond to 62.1 percent of Priority 2 calls within seven
minutes or less and maintain an average response time to all Priority 2 calls of seven minutes or less. The
Chula Vista Police Station is located at 276 Fourth A venue, which is in proximity to the project site. The
Police Department has indicated that they will be able to serve the project site while still maintaining their
current level of service.
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Response to XVlIc. The traffic threshold standards require that all intersections must operate at a level of
service C or better, with the exception that LOS D may occur during the peak two hours of the day at
signalized intersections. No intersection may reach LOS E or F during the average weekday peak hour.
Intersections of arterials with freeway ramps are exempted from the standard. H Street between 1-5 and 1-
805 is classified as a Class ill Arterial according to the City of Chula Vista's Traffic Monitoring Program.
The analysis of the roadway segment LOS, using average travel speed, is based on this functional
classification of the roadway. The traffic analysis indicates that the existing intersection level of service
is operating at LOS C or better during the AM and PM peak hours with the exception of the intersection
of H Street at Fourth Avenue, Third Avenue, and Hilltop Drive, which operate at LOS D during the PM
peak hours.
The traffic thresholds will not be exceeded due to the proposed project except at the intersection of H
Street and Third Avenue; However, this intersection's thresholds will only be exceeded at Phase 3 of the
proposed project and the development of the South Bay Regional Center expansion or other similar
projects. All other project study area roads will operate at an acceptable LOS C or better and intersections
will operate at acceptable LOS D or better at project buildout. The H Street and Third A venue
intersection will drop to LOS E during the PM peak hours. The northbound approach to this intersection
will experience LOS F delays, resulting from the combined increase of traffic from the proposed project
and the South Bay Regional Center expansion or similar projects. A separate analysis of project buildout
conditions without development of the South Bay Regional Center expansion or other future project that
impacts this intersection indicates that the intersection of H Street and Third Avenue would operate at
LOS D during the PM peak. Construction of a northbound right-turn lane will be required to
accommodate the combined increase in traffic caused by the expansion of the South Bay Regional Center
or other project at that site and construction of the proposed project~ however, it should only be
constructed concurrent with the South Bay Regional Center expansion and or any other future project that
would impact the intersection. This will facilitate traffic flow and allow for all intersections in the study
area to operate at LOS C or better at non-peak hours and LOS D during peak hours of the day, which are
consistent with the City's threshold standards. See also response XVa.
Response to XVIId. The City's threshold standard for parks does not apply to this project. Because the
proposed project does not generate dwelling units or population in the project area, it will not adversely
impact City of Chula Vista threshold standards for parks and recreation.
Response to XVIIe. The City's threshold standards require that storm water flows and volumes not
exceed City engineering standards. Individual projects will provide necessary improvements consistent
with the drainage master plan(s) and City engineering standards. The proposed project will not prevent
the project from meeting City standards. The City of Chula Vista requires that increased runoff from
urbanization be detained to levels at or below natural conditions for the 10-,50-, and 100-year frequency
storms. Future development at the project site must comply with the RWQCB's NPDES Permit No. CA
0108758. BMPs appropriate to the characteristics of the project must be employed to reduce pollutants
available for transport or to reduce the amount of pollutants in runoff prior to discharge to a surface water
body. The project will not result in any significant changes to the drainage patterns and implementation
of BMPs will result in storm water discharge volumes which meet the established City threshold.
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Response to XVIH. The threshold standards require that sewage flows and volumes not exceed City
engineering standards. City engineers have indicated that existing facilities are adequate to serve the
proposed project. A sewage participation fee will be paid to the City for each phase of the project at the
time of connection to the public sewer. At present, the sewerage participation fee for the project is
$2,220.00 per 83.16 EDUs. Assuming the same rate for all three phases, the project will generate just over
$184,615.20 by completion. Payment of the fees will mitigate potential adverse impacts to the sewer
system to below a significant level.
Response to XVIIg. The threshold standards require that adequate storage, treatment, and transmission
facilities are constructed concurrently with planned growth and that water quality standards are not
jeopardized during growth and construction. The proposed project will use the water services of the
Sweetwater Authority, which has determined that supplies of water will be available and supplied through
two eight-inch mains which serve the project site. There are no new facilities required except for the
addition of three two-inch and three one-inch water main connections and meters located within the site.
The proposed project will comply with water conservation measures by (1) fitting restrooms with low-
flow showerheads and toilets~ (2) landscaping areas with drought-tolerant plants; and (3) installing
efficient irrigation systems, such as soil moisture sensors and drip irrigation. This will reduce potential
impacts to below a significant level.
Response to XVIIh. The threshold standard for air quality states that "the City shall annually provide the
San Diego Air Pollution Control District with a 12- to 18-month development forecast and request an
evaluation of its impact on current and future air quality management programs, along with recent air
quality data. The growth forecast and APCD response letters shall be provided to the Growth
Management Ordinance (GMO) for inclusion in its annual review."
The Regional Air Quality Strategy is based on growth projections derived from community and general
plan land use designations. The project area parcels are in the city of Chula Vista, which is within the San
Diego Air Basin. The 1991/1992 RAQS, as revised by the required 1994 triennial update, are being
implemented by APCD throughout the air basin. If a project is consistent with the City's General Plan, it
can be considered consistent with the growth assumptions in the RAQS (State of California 1998). The
proposed project is generally consistent v,ith Chula Vista's General Plan. Therefore, the proposed project
is consistent with the growth assumptions in the RAQS.
The proposed project is not growth inducing and has been designed to accommodate transit planning
principles and pedestrian routes as part of the project plan. Therefore, the proposed project is consistent
with the goals and objectives of the RAQS and satisfies the threshold standard for air quality.
Response to XVIIi. The goal for economics is "to provide land uses and activities which respond to the
economic needs of the residents and the City of Chula Vista." The threshold standard is as follows:
1) The City shall be provided with an annual fiscal impact report that provides an evaluation of the
impacts of growth on the city, in terms of both operation and capital improvements. This report
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should evaluate actual growth over the previous 12-month period, as well as projected growth over
the next 12- to 18-month period and 3- to 5-year period.
2) The City shall be provided with an annual economic monitoring report that provides an analysis of
economic development activity and indicators over the previous 12-month period, as well as
projected growth over the next 12- to I8-month period and 3- to 5-year period.
The existing fiscal analysis for the project area estimated City revenues, expenditures, and the resulting
net fiscal impact on the City, which was determined to be positive. All of the relevant City threshold
issues are evaluated in the report, which is available for review at the Planning Department, 276 Fourth
Avenue, Chula Vista, California 91910. The proposed project would not significantly affect the existing
fiscal analysis except to increase the income-producing potential of the area. This is considered a positive
impact.
Response to XVIIj. The City's goal with respect to schools is "to ensure that the Chula Vista City School
District and Sweetwater Union High School District have the necessary school sites and funds to meet the
needs of the students in new development areas in a timely manner." The proposed project would not
result in the construction of any residential units and would not add to the city's school population.
Therefore, the threshold standard for schools is not applicable to the project and causes no impact.
Response to XVIIk. The goal for the libraries is to "provide a high quality, contemporary library system
which meets the varied needs of the community." The threshold standard for the population ratio for
library facilities is to provide 500 square feet (gross) of adequately equipped and staffed libraries per
1,000 population. The proposed project would not result in the construction of any residential units and
would not add to the city's population. Therefore, the threshold standard for libraries is not applicable to
the project and causes no impact.
Thresholds Mitigation
XVlla. The proposed project shall be conditioned to pay public facilities fees for fire services at the rate
in effect at the time building permits are issued.
XVllb. The proposed project shall be conditioned to pay public facilities fees for police services at the
rate in effect at the time building permits are issued.
XVllc. See response XVa. The traffic analysis for the Gateway Chula Vista project has indicated that,
with build out of all known projects in the study area, acceptable roadway operations can be provided on H
Street with the existing four-lane section (BRW 2000). Construction of a northbound right-turn lane will
be necessary to accommodate the combined increase in traffic caused by the expansion of the South Bay
Regional Center, or other similar projects, and construction of the proposed project. However, it should
only be constructed concurrent with the South Bay Regional Center or any other similar project on that
site. This would facilitate traffic flow and allow for all intersections in the study area to operate at LOS C
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Gateway Chula Vista
or better at non-peak hours and LOS D during peak hours of the day, which are consistent with the City's
threshold standards.
XVIId. No mitigation is required.
XVIle. No mitigation is required.
XVIIf. The proposed project shall be conditioned to pay public facilities fees for sewer services at the rate
in effect at the time building permits are issued.
XVllg. No mitigation is required.
XVITh. No mitigation is required.
XVlli. No mitigation is required.
XVIIj. No mitigation is required.
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Less Than
Significant
Potentially with Less Than
ISSUE Significant Mitigation Significant
Impact Incorporation Impact No Impact
XVIII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE.
a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the 0 0 [g] 0
quality of the environment, substantially reduce the
habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or
wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels,
threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community,
reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or
endangered plant or animal or eliminate important
examples of the major periods of California history or
prehistory?
b) Does the project have the impacts that are individually 0 [g] 0 0
limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively
considerable" means that the incremental effects of a
project are considerable when viewed in connection
with the effects of past projects, the effects of other
current projects, and the effects of probable future
projects. )
c) Does the project have environmental effects, which 0 0 [g] 0
will cause substantial adverse effects on human
beings, either directly or indirectly?
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XIX. PROJECT REVISIONS OR MITIGATION MEASURES
The mitigation measures have been incorporated into the project and will be implemented during the
future design, construction, or operation of the project. These measures include the following:
Noise
Section 19.68.030 of the City of Chula Vista Noise Ordinance limits noise levels on weekdays to
60 A-weighted decibels [dB (A)] from 7 A.M. to 10 P.M. (8 A.M. to 10 P.M. on weekends) and 50
dB(A) from 10 P.M. to 7 A.M. (10 P.M. to 8 A.M. on weekends). Normal operation and maintenance
of the commercial buildings is not anticipated to result in noise levels that would exceed these
standards.
The project design incorporates an enclosed storage area, off-street loading spaces, an interior
loading dock, and trash enclosures to minimize the impacts of noise. The parking structure will be
constructed adjacent to existing multi-family residential on the west and north. In some areas, the
minimum separation between the residential structures and the parking structure will be
approximately 20 feet. Activities in the portions of the structure that may remain open after
10 P.M. have the potential to exceed the nighttime noise ordinance standard. Additionally, car
alarms and power sweeping of the structure are potential sources of nuisance noise. Therefore, the
following measures will be incorporated into the project to lessen the noise impacts to below a
significant level:
1. Access to upper levels of the parking structure will be closed between the hours of 7:00 p.m.
and 7:00 a.m. to limit potential noise impacts to neighboring properties.
2. The north and west areas of the parking structure will be closed at the levels that remain open
during the evening and nighttime hours.
3. Power sweeping of the structure will be limited to the hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays
and 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and will be prohibited on Sundays.
During construction, equipment would generate temporary noise. At times these temporary noise
level increases could be significant at the adjacent residential structures. Although construction
and demolition activities are not subject to the exterior noise requirements of Municipal Code
Section 19.68.030, restricting the construction activities to weekdays and Saturday only during the
daytime hours (7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.) would mitigate the temporary noise increases due to ,
construction below a level of significance.
Incorporation of these measures, as well as compliance with the general noise ordinance standards,
will ensure that no significant noise impacts will occur.
39
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Gateway Chula Vista
Transportationffraffic
The traffic analysis for the Gateway Chula Vista project has indicated that, with project buildout,
the Scripps Hospital expansion, and the South Bay Regional Center expansion, acceptable
roadway operations can be provided on H Street with the existing four-lane section (BRW 2000).
Currently, H Street is classified as a -six-lane major street in Chapter 2, Section 5.4, of the Chula
Vista General Plan from Interstate 5 to Interstate 805. Major streets are designed to carry high
volumes of traffic and serve to distribute traffic to and from the freeway system. A General Plan
Amendment to reclassify H Street from a six-lane to a four-lane major street east of Fourth
A venue to Third A venue has been initiated by the City of Chula Vista.
A separate analysis of project buildout conditions without development of the South Bay Regional
Center expansion or other future project which impacts this intersection indicates that the
intersection of H Street and Third A venue would operate at a LOS D during the PM peak.
Therefore, no improvements to existing intersection geometries are required at this intersection
until the South Bay Regional Center expansion occurs or other similar projects. Construction of a
northbound right-turn lane will be necessary to accommodate the combined increase in traffic
caused by the expansion of the South Bay Regional Center or other similar project on that site and
construction of the proposed project. However, it should only be constructed concurrent with the
South Bay Regional Center expansion or any other future project that will impact the intersection.
In order to mitigate this impact, prior to the issuance of a building permit for the third phase of the
project, the developer shall post a cash deposit in an amount equal to the entire cost of providing a
right-turn-only lane at the northbound approach of Third Avenue and H Street. The cost of the
right-turn-only lane shall include all direct and indirect costs associated with acquisition of right-
of-way, clearing, demolition, and reconstructing of existing public and private improvements and
the design and construction of the lane to the specifications to be established by the Director of
Public Works. These costs shall be as determined solely by the Director of Public Works. The
City shall use its best efforts to ensure that other projects that have been determined to
significantly contribute to the impact at this intersection shall contribute their proportional fair
share into a reimbursement district fund. In getting reimbursement, the City will determine the
proportional share of the project to determine the reimbursement lli:10unt. Once determined, the
fair-share contribution will represent each project's entire contribution and additional
contributions shall not be secured by the City.
The following project design considerations were relied upon in determining that there will be
sufficient gaps in traffic to allow vehicles to enter and exit the project site area without the need
for signalization at any of the site driveways:
1. The project approval will be required to dedicate and construct a southbound right-turn lane
that will be constructed on Third A venue to facilitate traffic flow and improve overall
intersection operations.
40
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Gateway Chula Vista
2. Left turns out of the H Street driveway may be prohibited under project buildout conditions.
Traffic will exit onto Third A venue and then proceed left onto H Street.
3. Left-turn storage will be provided at all site drivewayswhere feasible, to remove left-turning
vehicles from the through travel lanes.
-"
4. The existing movement of traffic onto H Street will be permitted prior to buildout. Continuous
monitoring of traffic operations at this site driveway will be required during interim time
frame to determine the future implementation of appropriate traffic control. City engineers
will determine if a signal is warranted with future redevelopment of the South Bay Regional
Center and will reevaluate the need for a signal when more specific information is known
about the site plan for the South Bay Regional Center expansion.
5. All access driveways will be constructed to connect the on-site (internal) circulation system to
both Third A venue and H Street under interim development conditions associated with Phases
1 and 2.
The project buildout traffic volumes were compared to Year 2020 traffic volumes generated by the
SANDAG Series 9 TRANPLAN regional forecasting model to determine whether additional
background traffic is anticipated in the area by the year 2020. It was found that the estimated
ADT volumes at buildout are greater than the Year 2020 ADT volumes estimated by the
SANDAG model. Study area levels of service in the year 2020 are not anticipated to exceed the
approximate ADT volumes associated with buildout of the proposed redevelopment project (BRW
2000). Therefore, the proposed reclassification of H Street to a four-lane major street from a six-
lane major street along the project frontage would not represent a significant impact.
XX. AGREEMENT TO IMPLEMENT MITIGATION MEASURES
By signing the line provided below, the Applicant(s) and/or Operator(s) stipulate that they have each
read, understood, and have their respective company's authority to and do agree to the mitigation
measures contained herein and will implement same to the satisfaction of the Environmental Review
Coordinator. Failure to sign the lint; provided below prior to posting of this Mitigated Negative
Declaration with the County Clerk shall indicate the Applicant's and/or Operator's desire that the Project
be held in abeyance without approval and that the Applicant(s) and/or Operator(s) shall apply for an
Env allmpact Report.
~ ~ 'í 1AuV
Date
r ~m~rJ.o.~ ~~ c.Uc.. V~*þ\)J,(!.
Agent For )
41
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Gateway Chula Vista
XXI. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED
The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this Project, involving at least
one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact" or "Potentially Significant Unless Mitigated," as
indicated by the checklist on the preceding pages.
D Aesthetics D Agriculture Resources D Air Quality
D Biological Resources D Cultural/Paleontological Resources D Geology / Soils
D Hazards & Hazardous Materials D Hydrology / Water Quality D Land Use / Planning
D Mineral Resources 181 Noise D Population / Housing
D Public Services D Recreation 181 Transportation / Traffic
D Utilities / Service Systems D Mandatory Findings of Significance
XXII. DETERMINATION
On the basis of this initial evaluation:
I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, D
and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, 181
there WILL NOT be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures
described on an attached sheet have been added to the project. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION will be prepared.
I find that although the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, D
and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect(s) on the environment, but at D
least one effect: 1) has been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR pursuant to applicable
standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation meaSUl3S based on the earlier analysis
as described on attached sheets, if the effect is a "potentially significant impacts" or
"potentially significant unless mitigated." An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is
required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.
I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, D
there WILL NOT be a significant effect in this case because all potentially significant effects
(a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR pursuant to applicable standards and
(b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR, including revisions or
mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project. An addendum has been
prepared to provide a record of this determination.
42
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Gateway Chula Vista
;è~~ \D 'L,,\. OD
Signa ure - Date \
Brian Hunter City of Chula Vista
Printed Name Agent For
RECON Number 3188E
43
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