2014-069 - Final Environmental Impact Report No. 2014-01

Home Browse Search

Harbor Boulevard Mixed Use Transit Corridor Plan Findings and Facts in Support of Findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations 2. PROJECTSUMMARY A. PROJECT LOCATION The project area comprises approximately 425 acres oriented to Harbor Boulevard in Santa Ana in central Orange County. The project area generally includes parcels adjacent to Harbor Boulevard between Westminster Avenue and Lilac Way and parcels along Westminster Avenue, 1st Street, and 5th Street one -half mile east of Harbor Boulevard. The corridor's northern and southern ends are adjacent to the city boundaries of Garden Grove and Fountain Valley, respectively. The project areas consists of two areas 1) an approximately 305 -acre portion that directly fronts Harbor Boulevard or perpendicular arterial streets and 2) 120 acres consisting of the Willowick Golf Course and Campesino Park, residential properties along Jackson Street, and commercial properties along 5th Street. The 120 -acre portion of the project area is east of the Harbor Boulevard corridor and abuts the Santa Ana River to the east. B. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Harbor Boulevard Mixed Use Transit Corridor Plan would replace the existing 425 - acre NHSP. The plan would change the boundaries of the NHSP so that the project would consist of two separate areas: 1) 305 acres within the boundaries of the existing 425 -acre NHSP generally along Harbor Boulevard ( "Harbor Corridor Plan" or "Specific Plan "), and 2) 120 acres within the existing NHSP in the Willowick Golf Course area (or "Conventional Zoning Area "). Both of these areas constitute the "project" for purposes of CEQA, but are described separately below. Harbor Corridor Plan Specific Plan Land Uses The Harbor Corridor Plan introduces land use and circulation changes to approximately 305 acres of land within the boundaries of the existing 425 -acre NHSP, including approximately 50 acres of right -of -way outside of parcels. The Harbor Corridor Plan lays the foundation for a more livable and sustainable corridor by creating zoning to allow for new housing and mixed -use development opportunities, providing development flexibility to meet market demands, using a multimodal approach to circulation, and creating a stronger identity for the area. The Harbor Corridor Plan creates a land use and development framework to support from 1,700 to 4,600 residential units and 2 million square feet of commercial and employment space. The project area may attract a variety of new retail stores, restaurants, office buildings, hotels, museums, and housing options in a more walkable, safe, and attractive environment. Land use changes under the Harbor Corridor Plan would involve replacing the NHSP's zoning districts with four Harbor Corridor Plan land use districts: Transit Node, Corridor, Neighborhood Transitional, and Open Space (described below). Each district has its own development standards, preferred building and frontage types, and strategies promoting integration between new development and the existing neighborhood. Circulation improvements introduced by the Harbor Corridor Plan emphasize a multimodal approach to circulation and a dynamic relationship between the transportation corridor and 4 July 2014