2015-051 - Certifying Final Environmental Impact Report

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Completion of an Initial Study (IS) and Notice of Preparation (NOP), which concluded that an EIR would be prepared. The NOP was released for a 30 -day public review period from October 1, 2012, to October 30, 2012. The NOP was posted at the Orange County Clerk- Recorder's office on October 1, 2012. Copies of the IS were made available for public review at Santa Ana City Hall, Santa Ana Public Works Agency office, and Santa Ana Main Library. During the scoping process, the public was invited by the City to participate in a scoping meeting held on October 18, 2012, at the Manuel Esqueda Elementary School Multipurpose Room. The notice of a public scoping meeting was included in the NOP. The Draft EIR was made available for a 45 -day public review period from January 12, 2015, to February 26, 2015. The Draft EIR analyzed impacts to air quality, cultural resources, geology and soils, greenhouse gas emissions, hazards and hazardous materials, hydrology and water quality, land use, noise, population and housing, transportation and traffic, and utilities and service systems. The Draft EIR analysis identified that the proposed project would result in significant environmental impacts related to noise and traffic during construction. All other CEQA - related environmental impacts were found to be less than significant with mitigation measures incorporated. The Notice of Availability for the Draft EIR (NOA) and the Draft EIR were sent to agencies, organizations and interested persons, and to the Governor's Office of Planning and Research, State Clearinghouse for distribution to state agencies. The NOA was posted at the Orange County Clerk- Recorder's office on January 8, 2015 and. Copies of the NOA and Draft EIR were made available for public review at the Santa Ana City Clerk's Office, Santa Ana Publics Works Agency, Santa Ana Main Library, and the Delhi Center. NOA was mailed to over 1,400 addresses; hand delivered to all properties adjacent to Warner Avenue between Main Street and Grand Avenue, including individual units in two apartment complexes within 500 feet of the project; published in Orange County Register and the Excelsior newspapers. The City held over 35 meetings relating to the Warner Avenue hprovements and Widening Project. The meetings covered and gathered feedback on various topics including project benefits, the EIR, and the property acquisition /relocation process.. The City has exceeded its obligation for public outreach for this project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). All public meetings have had a Spanish interpreter; and certain documents, such as the right -of -way process and meeting notices, have been translated to Spanish. Additionally, Spanish & Vietnamese translation was offered at each individual meeting. The Final EIR included the Draft EIR written comments, verbal comments from two Draft EIR public meetings, responses to all comments, and revisions to the Draft EIR. The Final EIR was released for a 10 -day agency review period prior to certification of the Final EIR. Public hearing will be held for the proposed project: City Council on September 1, 2015. C. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS For purposes of CEQA and these Findings, the record of proceedings for the proposed project consists of the following documents and other evidence, at a minimum: • The NOP, NOA, and all other public notices issued by the City in conjunction with the proposed project. CEQA Findings of Fact -3- Warner Avenue Improvements & Widening from Main Street to Grand Avenue Aug 2015