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

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HARBOR BLVD. MIXED USE TRANSIT CORRIDOR PLAN FINAL FIR CITY OF SANTA ANA 5. Environmental Analysis AESTHETICS investment in the community and developing new and renovated buildings with a high level of architectural design and quality. In addition, new development and improvements would enhance safety and attract pedestrians. Future development in the project area is required to follow the specific plan design guidelines, which establish parameters for building design to create a distinct character for Harbor Boulevard and ensure that new development is designed with a pedestrian emphasis and architectural aesthetic. It specifies massing, scale, comer treatment, roof treatment, building colors, and materials. In addition, frontage types and floor heights are specified to ensure that the proposed development is consistent with the City's goals for building form, character, and quality. New buildings in the Transit Node and Corridor districts are required to construct taller ground floors to maintain an attractive and consistent space, while also maximizing flexibility for current and future uses. Minimum and maximum setbacks have been established to create a consistent street scene, provide attractive landscaping, and provide a buffer for pedestrians from street activity. The Harbor Corridor Plan also requires new development to provide onsite private open space. Overall, the proposed specific plan would include landscaping and architectural treatments that would bring consistency and stylistic improvements to the area. Although development under the Harbor Corridor Plan area would visually alter the area, it would not deteriorate the existing visual character or conflict with any existing architectural characteristics specific to the area. Impacts would be less than significant. The Willowick Golf Course and Campesino Park would be removed from the NHSP upon approval of the specific plan. No changes would be made to the existing land uses, and the conventional City zoning would be applied to these areas. Overall, impacts would be less than significant. Impact 5.1 -2: The proposed project would generate additional light and glare. [Threshold AE -4] Impact Analysis: Light and glare from new development may affect existing and proposed sensitive land uses on or near the project site. Most of the existing land uses within the NHSP are not considered sensitive land uses, with the exceptions of the townhomes in the northern portion of the NHSP, a mobile home park between McFadden and First Streets, Rosita Park, the Vietnamese Catholic Center, and the Our Lady of La Vang church. The land uses adjacent to the Harbor Corridor Plan consist mostly of single family and multifamily housing with some commercial and industrial land uses at the northern boundary. Russell Elementary School and the Harbor Learning Center also border the NHSP area on the east and south, respectively. The housing and educational facilities would be sensitive to new sources of light on the project site. New sensitive land uses would include the residential development that would be allowed under the proposed specific plan (up to 3,884 new residential units). If these housing units are place near commercial, industrial, or other light generating land uses, they may be affected by these sources of light and glare. In addition, these new land uses may also have outdoor lighting or signage that creates new sources of light. Mixed use and /or commercial development built pursuant to the Harbor Corridor Plan may also have metal or glass building materials that produce new sources of glare. Page 5.16 PlaceWorkr