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Chapter 4 Statement of Overriding Considerations 4.4 OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS Specific economic, social, or other considerations outweigh the impacts srared above. The reasons for proceeding with the proposed project, even though all of the identified impacts are not fully mitigated to a less-than-significant level, are described below. . Proposed Project Benefits 1. The Overlay Zone substantially increases opportunities for employees to live in proximity to their jobs reducing the number and length of vehicle commutes. The Overlay Zone provides for the conversion of retail and office properties for mixed-use residential purposes, increasing the City's total housing capacity by approximately 5,551 units. 2. The proposed project emphasizes the development of mixed-use structures that integrate housing with ground level retail and office uses. In addition to providing opportunities for residents to live closer to their jobs (live/work and other facilities), residents would be located closer to retail, commercial services, and entertainment. Additionally, locating residents in proximity to commercial uses increases the customer base and economic activity of businesses, provides an "eyes-on" mixed-use community that improves public safety, and increases pedestrian activity within the area. 3. The Overlay Zone provides development and design guidelines that will maintain and enhance the character of the project area. It provides for management of the design and scale of new structures within the Overlay Zone to preserve and enhance their character and quality. It distinguishes pedestrian from automobile-oriented commercial districts, by regulating the location and design of sidewalk fronting, building elevations, location of parking, and implementation of streetscape amenities in the latter. 4-4 Metro East Mixed Use Overlay Zone EIR Findings of FacVStatement of Overriding Considerations 758-80