2014-060 - Adopting Findings Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act

Home Browse Search

Sexiinger Farmhouse and Orchard Residential Development Project CEQA Findings s Certification of the EIR and adoption of a Mitigation Monitoring Program. Draft Environmental Impact Report Initial Study and Notice of Preparation Pursuant to the provisions of CEQA Guidelines Section 15082, as amended, the City circulated an NOP to public agencies, and members of the public for a 30 -day review period beginning on May 3, 2011 and ending on June 10, 2011, The purpose of the NOP was to formally announce that the City is preparing a Draft EIR for the proposed project, and was soliciting input regarding the scope and content of the information to be included in the EIR. The Initial Study was circulated with the NOP and was made available at the Santa Ana Public Library throughout the 30 -day review period. The NOP, Initial Study, and responses to the NOP are provided in the Appendix A of the DEIR. During the NOP circulation period, the City advertised a public seeping meeting. The meeting was held on June 1, 2011 and was intended to facilitate public input on the proposed project. The meeting was held with the intent of affording interested parties and public agencies a forum in which to orally present input directly to the Lead Agency to assist in further refining the scope and focus of the EIR. Furthermore, neighborhood meetings were held on December 2010 and March 2011 by City Staff and residences to discuss and review the project with the Portola Park and Meredith Parkwood Neighborhood Associations. In addition, a City Planning Commission sub - committee meeting was hold on June 8, 2011 with City Staff. Finally, a study session before the Planning Commission was held on June 13, 2011, which was noticed by email, City website, and Commission agenda. Draft EIR As a brief background, the City has taken many steps to maximize participation opportunities during the environmental process. As mentioned, this included the distribution of an Initial Study and Notice of Preparation (NOP), and Public Seeping Meeting held on June 1, 2011, circulation of the DEIR in July 2011, a Public Hearing in August 2011, in extension of the DEIR public review period in October 2011, the preparation of a supplemental cultural resources technical memorandum in December 2011, public, review period in January 2012, and City Council Hearings held on May 7, 2012 and June 4, 2012. Subsequently, the DEIR was revised in October 2012, circulation of the revised DEIR occurred from November 1, 2012 to December 17, 2012 with a Public Hearing occurring on November 13, 2012. Comments received on the DEIR included written comments, including those sent via mail and email, and oral comments provided to the Planning Commission during the public hearing, which took place on November 13, 2012. Comments received are included as a part of the FEIR. Responses to Comments The City evaluated the comments on the environmental issues received from persons who reviewed the DEIR. In accordance with CEQA, the City prepared written responses describing the disposition of significant environmental issues raised in these comments. As required by CEQA, the City has provided to each public agency that commented on the DEIR, responses to the comments received from that agency at least ten days prior to the certification of the FEIR. The FEIR provided adequate, good faith and reasoned responses to the comments. 3 "Exhibit A"