2014-04-28 Development & Transportation

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Paul Guzman, resident, noted that he is in favor of the streetcar project. He advised that he used to ride the Red Car to Los Angeles in the 1940s, but is now concerned about construction costs; traffic congestion; realignment of streets; whether the business community is in favor of the project. He emphasized that all stakeholders must be in agreement, must look at the total picture, including demographics, in order to have answers for those that may question the project. George Pla of Cordoba Corporation said that this is a historical occasion for the city, is very excited about the project, and appreciates staff support through the years, as this was a great team effort. AGENDA ITEMS 1. STREETCAR PROJECT — OUTREACH SCHEDULE FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS; SCHEDULE FOR ADOPTION OF THE LOCALLY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE; AND SCHEDULE FOR CERTIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT City Manager David Cavazos expressed his appreciation to the Council Committee and meeting attendees. He provided a copy of the final draft of the EIR and AA to the Committee members. He advised that in order to provide legal sufficiency and a recommendation approval memo, the staff and legal counsel are completing a final review of the documents. He noted that of the 15 cities in the country with the highest population densities, only Santa Ana and Anaheim do not have a streetcar or light rail system. A brief background of the project was provided by Mr. Cavazos. The project started in 2006 with the OCTA Go Local program in a partnership of local cities to expand the reach of Metrolink, and the streetcar would be the first project linking Metrolink. The feasibility study was completed in 2007. The alternatives analysis was comprehensive and encountered some issues related to bridges and the downtown area. Santa Ana contributed $2.1 million to the project. Mr. Cavazos explained that the role of Santa Ana in the MOU is to provide an accurate environmental report, and ensure the project is ready to be transferred to OCTA. A locally preferred alternative will be selected by the City Council. Santa Ana has been working closely with OCTA and public participation is being sought. There will be strict adherence to the MOU. The schedule for the environmental review was presented, and it is hoped that the operations commitment, role of OCTA and outreach plan will be fully approved by the City Council so that communications on behalf of the City are clear. The City's financial commitment was noted, as were the next steps to be taken in the process. Once Santa Ana fulfills its role, OCTA is responsible for financial planning, design, construction and operation of the project. Because this is a critical time for the project, the central point of contact will be the City Manager. Prior to release of the final document, a memo from key City project staff and consultants will be signed; OCTA will review the document; and will forward to the state and then FTA will review. FTA will respond to OCTA, and the 45 -day review period of Development & Transp. Council Committee Minutes 2 April 28, 2014