31B - CUP - 1901 NORTH FAIRVIEW ST

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City of Santa Ana KOP 3 Environmental Checklist Figure 3 -4 (KOP 3) demonstrates the baseline visual condition and the visual change that would occur from implementation of the project. The narrow view corridor from Edna Park to the project site is down Huckleberry Road. The surrounding one- and two -story residences create visual obstructions of the project site. In addition, the mature trees in the park and residential parcels provide screening that further constrains the view corridor, and thus views of the project site. As shown on Figure 3 -4, only a portion of Building H is visible from Edna Park. This view shows the project in scale with its surroundings and that the project exterior will blend into its surroundings when viewed from a distance. From this distance the project is only a small portion of the viewshed and the scenic vista from this location is in the opposite direction towards the open space of the Santa Ana River. As a result, implementation of the project will not have a substantial adverse effect on views from the Edna Park /Santa Ana River area toward the project site. KOP 9 Figure 3 -5 shows the existing baseline visual condition and a visual simulation that represents the view after development of the proposed project with the proposed landscaping at approximately 10- years of growth. KOP 9 is within a residential neighborhood adjacent to the east of the project site. The proposed buildings change this view by adding large, tall geometric forms to the previously vacant view. This is an urban environment where these types of structures are not an unusual architectural element. The building's exterior has a pleasant color and texture, and its mass is lessened by the windows and proposed landscaping. This view and similar views along the north -south trending streets in this neighborhood would be experienced primarily by local residents, motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists in the neighborhood. The proposed landscape plan provides vegetative screening along the eastern perimeter of the project site. KOP 9 may be considered a worst -case scenario from this neighborhood because the view is adjacent to the new structure. There are approximately six existing residences that would have views similar to KOP 9. Vantage points farther away along the neighborhood streets would have lesser view of the project site because the residential structures and landscaping in between would create visual obstructions, which substantially reduce the project's visual effect. The proposed landscape plan includes tall vertical components to the planting palette along the project's eastern boundary. The proposed landscaping softens the project's mass and diminishes the project's vertical presence. These tree species included on the landscaping plan are common throughout the surrounding landscape, so their presence will be consistent within the existing vegetative fabric. As a result, the project's visual impact from the public views to the east of the project site will be less - than - significant level, KOP 14 Figure 3 -6 shows the baseline visual condition and a visual simulation representing the view after development of the proposed project. The project introduces large geometric elements with building fagades and vertical and horizontal articulation that add visual interest. The project aims to enhance the aesthetics of the site by using the most current design standards, building materials, detailing, and colors to complement the local surroundings. The project incorporates perimeter landscaping and sidewalks that consist of pavers instead of concrete. These features allow the project to be compatible with the visual setting of the area. Hence, although the project would alter the character of the project site by developing a school facility on the vacant and underutilized site, the The Academy Charter High School June 2012 Initial Study /Mitigated Negative Declaration 3 -9 ILF 00914.11 • Simlao-keJ