1- SPR 18-02_1660 E FIRST STREET

Home Browse Search

Resolution No. 2018-xx 3. That the proposed development plan is designed to be compatible with adjacent development in terms of similarity of scale, height, and site configuration and otherwise achieves the objectives of the Design Principles specified in Section 5 of the MEMU overlay district. The proposed development consists of two multi-level structures ranging from five to seven stories in height. Two- level multiple-family residential communities abut the site to the south and are across Lyon Street to the west, a three- level hotel is to the north across First Street, and the Santa Ana Zoo is across Elk Lane to the east. The MEMU anticipates developments of this scale or larger in the “Active Urban” land use district, and this development would be consistent with the scale of recently-approved developments in the MEMU area, including the Madison (200 N. Cabrillo Park Drive) and two AMG housing communities (2222 and 2114 East First Street). Moreover, the project contains ground-floor non-residential (commercial and community) spaces at the front of the project, which will activate First Street. These spaces have been designed to feature ground- floor ceiling heights up to 24 feet tall, enhancing the urban, mixed-use atmosphere envisioned by the MEMU overlay district. 4. That the land use uses, site design, and operational considerations in the proposed development plan have been planned in a manner that will result in a compatible and harmonious operation as specified in Section 7 of the MEMU overlay district. The proposed project is consistent with the scale and intensity of projects anticipated in the original MEMU EIR and the Subsequent EIR (SEIR) (SCH No. 2006031041) prepared for the MEMU Overlay Zone regulating plan. No negative impacts from noise, air quality, aesthetics, or traffic are expected except for temporary impacts arising during construction of the project. However, the SEIR identifies the demolition of the now-vacant Elks Club building as the loss of an eligible historic resource. To mitigate this loss, the project will incorporate certain architectural and building elements into its design. Finally, the site’s design is intended to activate First Street by providing a two-story volume commercial space, over 16,000 square feet, which can accommodate a variety of commercial tenants such as a large pharmacy, several smaller tenants, or a neighborhood market or café. 1-5