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CHAPTER 3 Findings Regarding Project Alternatives 3.1 INTRODUCTION The EIR prepared for the Metro East Mixed Use Overlay Zone considered two separate sets of alternatives. The first set of alternatives addressed the program-level component of the Mixed Use Overlay Zone (as part of Volume 1 of the EIR) and included three alternatives. The second set of alternatives addressed the project-level component, also known as the First and Cabrillo Towers project (as part of Volume 2 of the EIR), and included three alternatives to that component. Pursuant to Section 15l26.6(a) of the 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." Ibis chapter describes the project objectives and design criteria used to develop and evaluate project alternatives presented in the Draft EIR. 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 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. · Facilitate well-designed new mixed-use development projects that combine residential and non- residential uses through innovative and flexible design solutions. · Achieve the harmonious integration of new mixed-use development within the existing fabric of the mid-rise and high-rise office environment. · Encourage urban form and architecture that incorporate contemporary design styles and solutions as well as the use of sustainable building and site design concepts such as green buildings, energy- conserving building materials, and landscaping designs that reduce water consumption. · Create higWy-amenitized streetscapes that provide items such as landscaping, street furniture, niche or linear parks, passive and active water features, public plazas and courtyards, public art and public transportation shelters in a design that integrates the public realm with the private development and serves to create a distinct identity for the district. · Provide for adequate buffering from the Santa Ana (I-5) and Costa Mesa (SR-55) Freeways. · Create a highly-integrated pedestrian system that provides for connectivity between the residential areas and public recreation amenities to the north and the Overlay Zone. · Provide for active street life through the inclusion of dedicated pedestrian-oriented design and active uses on the ground floor at strategic locations. · Provide for a mix of housing in order to encourage a continuum of living and a variety of household types. Metro East Mixed Use Overlay Zone EIR Findings of Fact/Statement of Overriding Considerations 758-67 3-1