2018-075 - Final Subsequent Environmental IMpact Report No. 2018-15

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Chapter 3 Findings Regarding Project Alternatives 3.1 Introduction As stated in the MEMU SEIR, the original Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the MEMU Overlay Zone (SCH No. 2006031041) prepared in 2007 examined a range of alternatives that would substantially lessen at least some of the significant impacts associated with implementation of the proposed project, while still meeting the project objectives. A final determination with respect to whether to proceed with the proposed project or accept or reject any of the alternatives was provided in the findings as part of certification of the Final MEMU EIR. The proposed MEMU Overlay Zone expansion area would result in essentially the same significant impacts as were identified for the proposed project in the MEMU EIR. Therefore, the range of alternatives identified and analyzed are applicable to the modification of the project in this SEIR. The SEIR also considered three scenarios representing a range of reasonable alternatives for the Elan Project. Pursuant to Section 15126.6(a) of the State CEQA Guidelines, the primary intent of an alternatives evaluation is to "describe a range of reasonable alternatives to the project, or to the location of the project, which would feasibly attain most of the basic objectives of the project but would avoid or substantially lessen any of the significant effects of the project, and evaluate the comparative merits of the alternatives." This chapter describes the project objects and design criteria used to develop and evaluate project alternatives presented in the Draft SEIR. A description of the alternatives compared to the proposed project and the findings regarding the feasibility of adopting the described alternatives is presented for use by the City in the decision-making process. 3.2 Project Objectives The following objectives were developed for the MEMU Overlay District Expansion and the Elan Development Projects. 3.2.1 MEMU Overlay District Expansion Objectives The overall objectives of the Overlay Zone are to encourage a more active commercial and residential community, provide an expanded economic base, maximize property sales tax revenues, improve, the jobs/housing balance within the City, and provide for a range of housing options identified in the 2014 Housing Element. Expansion of this Overlay Zone would extend the same objectives into the new area, and implementation of the Overlay Zone is intended to fulfill the following major objectives: Create an active, mixed-use urban village where it is possible to live, work, shop, and play all within a short walk of each other. Metro East Mixed -Use Overlay District Expansion and Elan August 2018 Development Projects 3-1 ICF 19.18 Findings of Fact/Statement of Overriding Considerations