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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 4.15 CivCntrLibraryNegDeclCITY CLERK FILE 400-20 AGENDA STATEMENT CZTY COUNCZL MEETZNG DATE: June5, 2001 SUBJECT: ATTACHMENTS: RECOMMENDATION: Dublin Civic Center Public Library - Mitigated Negative Declaration PA-01-001 Report Prepared by: &net Harbin, Senior Planner 1 ) Resolution approving Mitigated Negative Declaration 2) Mitigated Negative Declaration 3) Letters from CalTrans dated February 7 & February 21, 2001 with Staff response 1 ) Adopt resolution approving Mitigated Negative Declaration 2) Reaffirm approval of Dublin Public Library Project DESCRIPTION: At the City Council meeting on May 15, 2001, the City Council adopted a resolution to award a bid to N.V. Heathorn for construction of the new Dublin Public Library in the Civic Center. Prior to negotiating a contract with the contractor and issuance of building permits, the environmental documentation for the project must be approved. A Mitigated Negative Declaration was prepared for the project and circulated in accordance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines. A resolution approving the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project is contained in Attachment 1. The Dublin Civic Center Public Library project consists of construction of an approximately 39,000 square foot civic library located on a portion of a 10.03 acre parcel in the City of Dublin Civic Center complex at 200 Civic Plaza. The site is generally located between Dublin Boulevard and Alamo Creek, and between Civic Plaza and Interstate 580 in the central area of Dublin. The civic structure will serve as the main public library for the City of Dublin and its residents, replacing the existing approximately 15,000 square foot City library located on Amador Valley Boulevard. The City will own and maintain the new library building which is scheduled to open in 2003. Background: An Initial Study was prepared by the City of Dublin in January 2001 to assess the potential environmental effects of the proposed Civic Center Library project based upon the location of the project, planning staff review, field review, comments from City, County and local agencies, studies prepared by consultants, use of City Planning Documents, the CEQA Law and Guidelines, and City of Dublin CEQA Guidelines. The analysis is intended to satisfy the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and provide the City with adequate information for project review. The public review period for the environmental document was 30 days, commencing January 25, 2001 and ending February 24, 2001. In summary, the Initial Study concluded that the project would not pose any significant adverse environmental impacts with implementation of the mitigation measures described in the document, and a Mitigated Negative Declaration was prepared (Attachment 2). G:PA2001-001/CCsr-Environmental Rev.doc COPIES TO: ITEM NO. Comments Received: Comments were received from CalTrans and Wheels in response to the Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration during the public review period. CalTrans expressed concerns regarding the location of the parking lot of the library facility because the location could impact future plans to expand the 1-580/I-680 (Attachment 3). City staff from Parks and Recreation, Public Works and Planning met with CalTrans representatives and discussed the impacts of the facility on CalTrans future plans. The possible modifications to the interchange are in the preliminary long-term planning stages and are not anticipated to occur for 25 to 30 years. Consensus was reached at the meeting that it would be premature to address these physical impacts, as well as possible visual and noise impacts, at this time. It was determined to be more appropriate to address and mitigate any potential impacts in the future when plans are more certain and if modifications to the interchange will occur. Additionally, CalTrans had some concerns about additional traffic generation from the new library. Staff provided CalTrans with the background trip generation information used in the traffic analysis contained for the Initial Study (see staff response in Attachment 3) in response to the comment. The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority, operator of the Wheels bus service, requested that a greater safety zone around the bus stop on Dublin Boulevard in the vicinity of the library be considered in future improvement plans for that area. When improvement plans for the area are developed in the future, Wheels will have an opportunity to comment further. CONCLUSION: With the mitigation measures outlined in the Mitigated Negative Declaration, which are currently being incorporated into the development plans for the library, no significant adverse environmental impacts will result from implementation of the project. In adopting the resolution to approve the environmental document, the approval of the project should be reaffirmed by the City Council. RECOMMENDATION: 1) 2) Adopt Resolution approving the Mitigated Negative Declaration for the Dublin Civic Center Public Library (Attachment 1). Reaffirm approval of the Dublin Civic Center Public Library Project. RESOLUTION NO. 01- A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN ADOPTING A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE DUBLIN CIVIC CENTER PUBLIC LIBRARY PA 01-001 WHEREAS, the City has prepared and approved the Dublin Civic Center Public Library project pursuant to Government Code Sec. 65450; and, WHEREAS, the project is consistent with permitted land uses, development standards, urban design guidelines, and includes improvements to achieve the goals of the Dublin General Plan and the City of Dublin to provide for the future library needs of the public; and, WHEREAS, the City prepared an Initial Study to evaluate the environmental impacts of the Dublin Civic Center Public Library project. Based on the Initial Study, the City prepared a draft Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project with the finding that the project would not have a significant effect on the environment because all mitigation measures are or will be incorporated into the development project; and, WHEREAS, the Dublin Civic Center Public Library project plans, related documents and a complete record of the project is available and on file in the Planning Department; and, WHEREAS, a 30-day public review period was held for the Mitigated Negative Declaration, from January 25, 2001 to February 24, 2001 and properly noticed; and, WHEREAS, letters of comment on the Negative Declaration were received during the public review period and fully responded to in the record; and, WHEREAS, the City Council did consider and approve the project on May 15,2001, and' reviewed and considered the Mitigated Negative Declaration and all reports, recommendations and testimony before them on June 5, 2001; and, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the above recitals are incorporated in this resolution. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Dublin City Council does hereby find that: A. The Dublin Civic Center Public Library and associated actions would not have a significant effect on the environment, because mitigation is or will be incorporated into the Development Plans for the project. B. The Mitigated Negative Declaration has been prepared in accordance with State and local environmental laws and guidelines. ATTACHMENT 1 C. The Mitigated Negative Declaration is complete and adequate, and reflects the City's independent judgment and analysis as to the environmental effects of the proposed Dublin Civic Center Public Library. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Dublin City Council does hereby adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration for PA 01-001, Dublin Civic Center Public Library, including the Initial Study incorporated herein by reference. PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 5th day of June, 2001. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ATTEST: City Clerk Mayor H:City Library\CCRESO NegDec.doc CITY OF DUBLIN ATTACHMENT P.O. Box 2340, Dublin, California 94568 · ' City Offices, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, California 94568 MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLAP~TION Project Title: Dublin Civic Center Library, PA # 01-001 Description of Project: The proposed project consists of construction of an approximately 39,000 square foot civic library and associated parking located on a portion of a 10.03 acre parcel in the City of Dublin Civic Center complex. The civic structure would serve as.the main public library for the City of Dublin and: its residentsi replacing the .existing approximately 15,000 square' foot City library located on Amador Valley Boulevard. The City will own and maintain the new library building which is scheduled to open in 2003: .... Project Location: Name of Proponent: 200 Civic Plaza, generally located in the Dublin Civic Center 'complex between Dublin Boulevard and Alamo' Creek, and between Civic Plaza and Interstate 580 in the central area of the City. ASSESSOR PARCEL #: 941-1400-23-2 The applicant is City of Dublin, Community Development Department, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA, Determination: I hereby find that although the above project could have a significant effect on the environment, there WILL NOT be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project. have been made and incorporated into the project, and because a Mitigated Negative. Declaration will be adopted that mitigates any project-related impactsof this project to a level of insignificance through the adoption of mitigation measures and a I~litigation Monitoring Program. Jan~i ' ~ner' January 25, 2001 , or Pla Date Copies of the Initial Study documenting. the reasons to support the above finding are available at the City of Dublin, Community Development Department, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA '94568, or by calling (925) 833- 6610. Attachments Date Published: January 25, 2001 Date Posted: January 25, 2001 Date Notice Mailed: January 24, 2001 Considered by: On: N.O.D. filed: Council Resolution No. g :\PA~.001 \pa01-01 \zn nd. doc Administration (925)833-6650 · City Council (925)833-6605 - Finance (925)833-6640 · Building Inspection (925)833-6620 Code Enforcement (925) 833-6620 o Engineering (925) 833-6630 · Parks & Community Services (925) 833-6645 Economic Development (925) 833~6650 · Police (925) 833-6670 ,, Public Works (925) 833-6630 Community Development (925)833-6610 · Fire Prevention Bureau (92F' ATTACHMENT 2 I t I 1 I ! ! SCALE: 1 "= 2000' VICINITY MAP DUBLIN LIBRARY -Zoo CIvic pLAZA DUBLIN, CALIFORNIA FOR CITY OF DUBLIN EXHIBIT I ....... _~ · .~ - ,, ~' ..~:.... .....!'.:; i :i.:.~,,:j. "" "',..,.... :. :..~ .. . . . .. :..... :.'...':.... ..... ,., ~::::~ .:.. -.....,~::.:..............~:..... · . .... '~l~"'....' ..........~~~ ......'... ".. ""',"...? ~~ ~'.' '~ ........ "~ ............. .~ ......... ""='.'. '.~:';.~:~,.':~'~:::z.~ ..~::'.:~'.',.;~.~.~y~.~',..~ ... ......,..~,.~ - ~~ :.7..,.. .~, .:'~'~:'.~::~ "'."" '.'~;~,~.'. ~ ~'~r.'.~::'..~'.~e~ "'.-': .......:~.,. :>~'..~:~:."~. ;~"'~..:.:"': .......:.:..: ....... ~ /.,' ..: , ~ ....... '..' .'.: ':..:...............~..." .... ..... · ~:;~. ~.~ ..............".:'.. 'Z' "'. ....." ' DUBLIN CIVIC CENTER LIBRARY PA-01-001 ENVIRONMENTAL I.N.ITIAL-.S-T-U.D¥ ............... Lead Agency: City of Dublin Prepared by: Janet Harbin, Senior Planner, January 2001 INTRODUCTION - This initial study has been prepared by the City of Dublin to assess the potential environmental effects of the proposed Civic Center Library project. The analysis is intended to. satisfy the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and provide the City with adequate information for project review. This initial study includes a project description, environmental checklist and discussion focused upon issues identified in the checklist. In summary, this Initial Study concludes that the project will not pose any significant adverse environmental impacts with implementation of the mitigation measures described in this document. A Mitigated Negative Declaration has been prepared. The !nitial Study was prepared based upon the location of the project, planning staff review, field review, comments from City, COunty and .local 'agencies,. .studies prepared by consultant.s, use of City Planning Documents, the CEQA Law and Guidelines, and City of Dublin CEQA Guidelines. PROJECT DESCRIPTION ..... The.proposed project consists of construction.-of an.approximately .39,000 square.foot civic library located on a portionof a 10.03 acre parcel in the City of Dublin Civic Center complex at 200 Civic Plaza. The site is generally located .between Dublin Boulevard and Alamo Creek, and between Civic Plaza and interstate 580 in the central area of Dublin. The civic structure would serve as the main public library for the City of Dublin and its residents, replacing the existing. approximately 15,000'square foot City library located on Amador Valley. Boulevard. The City will own and maintain the new library building which is scheduled to open in 2003. The .project site is located approximately 400 feet southwest of the existing City Hall at 100 Civic Plaza, and adjacent to Dublin sportsfield park area. The northeast portion of the project site is presently occupied by a paved parking lot, and the southwest portion of the site is undeveloped and is covered with grass. The parking area for the library is proposed to be located adjacent to the portion of the site bounded by 1-580 to the south. The library facility would be a single-story structure with a clerestory and rotunda design element approximately 40 feet 11 inches at the highest point above ground level. The design of the structure has been developed to complement that of the Civic Center Administration building and police facility in the adjacent Civic Plaza. The new library facility will contain approximately 30,000 square feet of library service areas, approximately 4,000 square feet of workspace area and approximately 4,000 square feet of community meeting rooms. Dublin Community Development Department Dublin Civic Library Project PA-01-001 Page 2 CITY OF DUBLIN Environmental Checklist Initial Study 1. Project title: Dublin Civic Center Library, PA-01-001 --2..+.+.'..Lead agency name and address: City of'Dublin, Community 'DevelopmentDepartment, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA, 94568 3. Contact person and phone number: Janet Harbin, Senior Planner (925) 833-6610 4. Project location: 200 Civic Plaza (generally located between Dublin Boulevard and Alamo Creek, and Civic Plaza and Interstate 580), See Exhibit 1 for Vicinity (location) Map and Exhibit 2 for the Site Plan for the proposed project. 5. AsseSsor's Parcel Number(s): 941-1400-23-2. 6. Project sponsor's name and address: City of Dublin, Community Development Department, 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568 7.General Plan designations: Public/Semi-Public Facility 8. Zoning': PD (Planned District), Z.U. 1491 (Alameda County) 9. Specific Plan designation: None 10. Description of project: See previous page. 11. Surrounding land uses and setting: The project area is located southeast of the commercial core of the City of Dublin and generally consists of civic/public type uses such as the City of Dublin Civic Center and a sportsfield park..Easterly of the project area are baseball fields and commercial development along Dublin Boulevard and Dublin Court. Westerly of the project area are the' Alamo Creek channel, light industrial uses such as research and development (the National Food Laboratory), and office type uses. Northerly of the project area is Dublin Boulevard, retail and commercial service type uses. Southerly of the project area is the Interstate 580 corridor. 12..Other Public Agency Approvals Required: None Dublin Community Development Department Dublin Civic Library Project PA~01-001 Page 3 Environmental Factors Potentially Affected The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least o'ne impact that is a "potentially significant impact" as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. X X Land Use/Planning - Transportation/ - Public Services Circulation Population/Housing - Biological Resources - Utilities/Service Systems Geotechnical - Energy/Mineral ~ Aesthetics Resources Water ~ Hazards ~ Cultural Resources Air Quality X Noise - ' 'Recreatioi~ Mandatory Findings of Significance Determination (to be completed. by Lead Agency): On the..basis of~.this initial evaluation: __ I find that the proposed project could not have 'a significant effect on the environment and a Negative Declaration will be prepared· X I find that although the proposed project couid have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described on an attachment have been added to the project. A Mitigated Negative Declaration will be prepared. ~ I find that although the proposed project may have a significant effect on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on earlier analysis as described on the attached sheets, if the effect is a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially significant unless mitigated." An Environmental Impact Report is required, but must only analyze the effects that remain to be addressed. I find that although the proposed project-could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed on the proposed project. · : ..... " ' " . Date: nior Planner For: January 25, 2001 City of Dublin - Dublin Civic Library PA-01-001 Dublin Community Development Department Dublin Civic Library Project PA-01-001 Page 4 Environmental Impacts': (Note: Source of determination listed in parenthesis. See listing of sources used to determine each potential impact at the end of the checklist) Note: A full discussion of each item is found in the attachment to the following checklist. Potentially Potentially Less than No Significant Significant Significant Impact Unless Impact Mitigated I. Land Use and Planning. Will the project a) Conflict with general plan designation or zoning? (Source: 1) b) Conflict with applicable environmental- "plans or policieS' adopted with jurisdiction over the project? (Source: 1) c) Be incompatible with existing land use in , the vicinity? (Source: 1,5,7) d) Affect agricultural resources or operations ........... (soils or farmlandS..~r impacts. ~from incompatible uses)? (Source: 1,5,7) e) Disrupt the physical arrangement of an established community (including low income or a minority community)? (Source: 1,5,7) X X X X X II. Population and Housing. Would the project: a) Cumulatively exceed official regional or local population projections? (Source: 1 ) b) Induce substantial growth in an area either directly or indirectly (e.g. through projects in an undeveloped area or extension of major infrastructure)? (Source: 1) c) Displace existing housing, especially affordable housing? (Source: 1,5,7) X X X III. Soils and Geology. Would the proposal result in or expose people to potential impacts involving: "a) Fault rapture? (Source: 1,2) b) Seismic ground shaking? (Source: 1,2) c) Seismic ground failure? (Source: 1,2) d) Seiche, tsunami, including liquefaction? (Source: 1,2) e) Landslides or mudflows? (Source: 1,2) f) Erosion, changes in topography or unstable soil conditions from excavation, grading or fill? (Source: 1,2,5) g) Subsidence of land? (Source: 1,2) Dublin Community Development Department Dublin Civic Library Project PA-01-001 X X X X Page 5 X X X h) Expansive soils? (Source: 1,2) Unique geologic or physical features? (Source: 1,2,5) IV. Water. Would the proposal result in: a) Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate and amount of surface run-off? (Source: 1) b) Exposure of people or property to water related hazards such as flooding? (Source: FEMA map, 1) c) Discharge into surface waters or other alteration of surface water quality (e.g. temperature', dissOl~/ed OXygen or tuf'bidity)? (Source: 1,2,5) d) Changes in the amount of surface water in any water body? (Source: 1,2,5,6,7) e) Changes in currents or the course or ...................... direction of water mC~vements? (source: 1, 5,6,7) f) Changes in the quantity of ground waters, either through direct additions or withdrawals, or through substantial loss of groundwater recharge capability? (Source: 1,5,6,7) g) Altered direction of rate of flow of groundwater? (Source: 1,5,6,7) h) lmpacts to groundwater quality? (Source: 1,5,6,7) V. Air Quality. Would the proposal: a) Violate any air quality standard or contribute to an existing or projected air quality violation? (Source: 4,'7,8) b) Expose sensitive receptors to pollutants? (Source: 1,4,7,8) c) Alter air movement, moisture, temperature, or · cause any change in climate? (Source: 1,8). d) Create objectionable odors? (Source: 1 ~8) X X X X X // X X X X X X X X Vl. Transportation/Circulation. Would the . proposal result in ? a) Increased vehicle trips or traffic congestion? (Source: 1,4) X Dublin Community Development Department. Dublin Civic Library Project PA-01-001 Page 6 b) Hazards to safety from ·design features (e.g. sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g.f. arm equipment)? (Source: 1,4,5) c) Inadequate emergency,access or access to nearby uses? (Source: 1,4,5,6,7) d) Insufficient parking capacity onsite or offsite? (Source: 5,7) e) Hazards or barriers for pedestrians or bicyclists? (Source: 1,4,5) f) Conflicts with adopted policies supporting alternative transportation (e.g.. bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? (Source: 1,7) g)' Rail, waterborne or air traffic impacts? (Source: 1,7) VII. Biological Resources; Would the proposal · result in impacts to: .... a)_.E..~dangered, thEeate.ned or rare spec!es..or their habitats (including but not limited to plants, fish, insects, animals and birds)? (Source: 1,5,7,8) b) Locally designated species (e.g. heritage trees)? (Source: 1,5,7,8) c) Locally designated natural communities (e.g. oak forest, coastal habitat)? (Source: 1,5,7,8) d) Wetland habitat (e.g. marsh, riparian and vernal pool)? (Source: 1,5,7,8) e) Wildlife dispersal or migration corridors? (Source: 1,5,7,8) VIII. Energy and Mineral Resources. Would the proposah a) Conflict with adopted energy conservation plans? (Source: 1,5) b) Use nonrenewable resources in a wasteful and inefficient manner? (Source: 1,5) c) Result in the loss of availability of a known mi'neral resource that would be of future value to the region and residents of the State? (Source: 1,2,5) IX: Hazards. Would the proposal involve: a) A risk of accidental explosion or release of hazardous substances including, but not limited to oil, pesticides chemicals, or radiation? (Source: 1,5,7) Dublin Community Development Department Dublin Civic Library Project PA-01-001 Page 7 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X b) Possible interference with an emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? (Source: 4, 5,7) - c) The creation of any health hazard or potential health hazards? (Source.: 5,6,7) d) Exposure of people to existing sources of potential health hazards? (Source: 1,5,6,7, 8) e) Increased fire hazard in areaS with fiammable brush, grass or trees? (Source: 1,5,6,7,8) X. Noise. Would the proposal result in:' 'a)"lncreases in' existing noise levels'.'?, (Source: 1,2,5) b) Exposure of people to severe noise ievels? (Source: 1,3,5) .~!.~..P.Ublic ServiceS....~!/oUld the propOSal result in a need for new or altered governmental services in any of the following areas? a) Fire protection? (Source: 1,5) b) Police protection? (Source: 1,5) c) Schools? (Source: 1,5) d) Maintenance of public facilities, including roads? (Source: 1,4,5) e) Other governmental services? (Source: 1,4,5) X!i. Utilities and Service Systems. Would the proposal result in a need for new systems or supplies, or substantial alterations in the following utilities? a) Power or natural gas? (Source: 1,5) b) Communication systems? (Source: 1,5) c) Local or regional water treatment or distribution systems? (Source: 1,5) d) Sewer or septic systems? (Source: 1,5) e) Storm water drainage? (Source: 1,2,5) f) Solid waste disposal? (Source: 1,5,6) g) Local or regional water supplies? (Source: 1,5,6,7) XIII. Aesthetics. Would the proposal.' a) Affect a scenic vista or view? (Source: 1,5) b) Have a demonstrable negative aesthetic effect? (Source: 1,5,7) Dublin Community Development Department Dublin Civic Library Project PA-01-001 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Page 8 c) Create light or glare? (Source: 5,7) XIV. CUltural Resources. Would the proposal: - a) Disturb paleontological resources? (Source: ,1,5,7,8) b) Disturb archeological resources? (Source: 1,5,7,8) c) Have the potential to cause a physical change which would affect unique ethnic cultural values? (Source: 1,5,7,8) d) Restrict existing religious or sacred uses within potential impact area? (Source: 1,5,7,8) XV, !~ecreation. Would the proposah a) Increase the demand for neighborhood or 'regional parks or other recreational facilities? (Source: 1,5,6,7) ............ I~.)..Affect ..ex.isting .r~creationa! .opportunities? Source: 1,5,6,7) X X X /f X X X Dublin Community Development Department Dublin Civic Library Project PA-01-001 Page 9 Potentially Significant Potentially Significant Unless Mitigated Less than Significant Impact No Impact XVI. a) Mandatory Findings of Significance. Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number of or "'restrict the range Of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? X .. b).._._..Does theproject hav. ethe.potentiat .to ........ ' ............................................................ achieve short-term, to the disadvantage of long-term, .environmental goals? X c) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in .connectiOn with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects and the effects of probable future projects). X d) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or 'indirectly? X Sources used to determine potential environmental impacts 1. Dublin General Plan and Zonin.cl Ordinance. 2. Preliminary Geotechnical Investiqation: Dublin LibraN, prepared by Berlogar Geotechnical Consultants, January 13, 2000. 3. Acoustical Analysis for Dublin Library, prepared by Charles M. Salter Associates Inc., October 6, 1999 and updated January 2001. 4. Traffic analysis and improvement plans for Dublin Boulevard Widening Improvement Project. 5. Project Development Plans. 6. Communication with appropriate City of Dublin Department(s) and service providers. 7. Site visit. 8. Negative Declaration and accompanying background studies prepared for the Civic Center Administrative Offices and Police Facility, June 1987. Dublin Community Development Department Dublin Civic Library Project PA-01-001 Page 10 Attachment to Dublin Civic Library Project Initial Study PA-01-001 Mitigated Negative Declaration Discussion of Checklist Legend PS: Potentially Significant PS/M: Potentially Significant Unless Mitigated LS: Less Than Significant impact Nh No impact I. Land.Use and .Planning. Environmental Settin~ The project site area is located approximately 400 feet southwest of the existing City Hall at 100 Civic Plaza, and adjacent to Dublin ballfield park area. The northeast portion of the project site is presently · occupied by a paved,..parking-tot~ .and.the..southwest-portion.ef-~-he-site-is,.undeveloped..and is.covered with grass. The parking area for the library is to be located adjacent to the portion of the site bounded by 1-580 to the south. The City's existing General Plan and Zoning Ordinance envisions the development of civic and public/semi-public facility uses to serve the residents of the City within the project area. Project Impacts a) b) Conflict with general plan designation and zoning? Ni. The Dublin General Plan designates the proposed location of the civic library Public/Semi~Public Facility, which allows civic type uses such as the new library. The City's General Plan describes Public/Semi-Public land uses as those owned by a public agency and an example of a Civic Center is given. The zoning district for the property is consistent with the proposed use as it is a Planned Development district which permits administrative office uses and any other uses determined to be compatible with such use. The zoning district for the property was approved in 1981 while the land was still under the Alameda County's jurisdiction. The civic library would be considered compatible with administrative office uses such as the City offices in the civic center complex immediately adjacent to the location. The location is also within the City civic center where City offices and the Dublin Police Department facility are located, and adjacent to the Dublin ballfield park area. Conflict with applicable environmental plans or policies? NI. The City of Dublin has adopted no other city:wide or specific environmental plans or policies which would affect this project. All plans and policies of the City have been developed with the foresight that the proposed site location would be utilized for public service or civic type use, such as the library. Additionally, as discussed above, the use is consistent with the City's .General Plan policies. No impacts related to land use would therefore result. c) Incompatibilities with existing land use in the vicinity? NI. The project area is located southeast of the commercial core of the City of Dublin and generally consists of civic/public type uses such as the City of Dublin Civic Center and a sportsfield park. Easterly of the project area are baseball fields and commercial development along'Dublin Boulevard and Dublin Court. Westerly of the project area are Dublin Community Development Department Dublin Civic Library Project PA-01-001 Page 11 the Alamo Creek channel, light industrial uses such as research and development (the National Food Laboratory), and office type uses. Northerly of the project area is Dublin Boulevard, retail and commercial service type uses. Southerly of the project area is the Interstate 580 corridor. The proposed civic library land use would be compatible with and support the surrounding park and civic center use, and also the other retail, commercial,. office and light industrial uses in the vicinity. There will, therefore, be no impacts related to land use compatibility. d) Effect on agricultural operations or soils? NI. The site has been undeveloped and underutilized since the early 1960's. No agricultural operations exist in the subject area or the surrounding areas of the City. No impacts would therefore result. e) Disruption of physical arrangement of an established community?. NI. The project is to be built in the City's Civic Center on land set aside for a civic. use such as the proposed library. The site is presently undeveloped and-has .been retained as such until plans .were.developed to provide another public facility at that location. The civic center complex is within Dublin's central business district and is a centralized location to serve the residents of the community. Therefore, there will be no impacts regarding disruption of established communities II. Population and Housing ~ Environmental Settin.q The city population as of January 1,1999 was estimated by the State Department of Finance to be 28,707. Significant population growth is anticipated for the community based on planned residential growth in east Dublin, where the City has approved a specific plan calling for residential growth. According' to the ASsociation of Bay Area Governments (ABAG), the total population of Dublin is expected to increase to 35,200 by the year 2000, to 49,400 by the year 2005 and 58,900 in the year 2010. Dublin has one library to serve the growing community, and it was constructed in 1979 containing approximately 15,000 square space. Due to the design and location of the structure, adiacent to a retail commercial shopping center, expansion of the existing building is not possible. The new library would contain approximately 38,800 square feet of space, including community meeting rooms, and would serve the growing population of the community. Project Impacts a) b) Cumulatively exceed official regional or local population projections? NI. The project involves construction of a civic library to serve the existing population of the City and also future residents, based on ABAG projections. The current library is undersized for the existing and projected population of the City. The construction of the library facility will not affect the population projections for the City or the region. TherefOre, there will be no impacts on the cumulative population projections. Induce substa'ntial growth in an area, either directly or indirectly?. NI. The project involves construction of a civic library to serve the existing population of the City and also future residents, based on ABAG projections. The current library is undersized for the existing and projected. population of the City. The construction of the library facility will not induce substantial growth in the area, but will provide a necessary public service to the City's population. Therefore, the project will have no impact on growth. Dublin Community Development Department Dublin Civic Library Project PA~01-001 Page12 c) Displacement of existing housing, especially affordable housing? NI. The project site has been undeveloped for many years and has been planned for a civic type use' as part of the Dublin Civic Center complex..The site presently contains no housing. Therefore, there would be no displacement of housing units on the site. III. Soils and Geology Environmental Settin,q The site lies within the Tri-Valley area, in the commercial core of Dublin. According to historic .geologic studies in the area, the site is underlain by poorly consolidated, non-marine deposit sedimentary rocks of the Tassajara Formation. The geotechnical investigation report prepared for the project by Berlogar Geotechnical Consultants (July 2000) indicates that the site is not within an Alquist-Priolo Fault Zone (1982). There are no..mapped faults which are known tc~traverse the site, .and ..the_closest Alquist-Priolo Fault Zone is the Calaveras Fault located along San Ramon Road approximately one mite to the west. Other active seismic faults nearby include the Hayward and the San Andreas Faults which are located approximately 8 miles southwest, and 27 miles west-southwest, respectively. The closest potentially active faults include the (1) Greenville Fault, which is located approximately 11 miles .to the northeast, and (2) the Concord Fault, which is located approximately 13 miles to the northeast. The library site is approximately 400 feet southwest of the existing City Administration building. (City Hall). The ground surface southwest portion of the site ,is about 3 feet higher than the northeast portion. The Alamo Creek channel, a Zone 7 flood control channel, is located along the northwest limit of the site. The soil conditions in the area of the civic center reserved for the library project are summarized from the geotechnical study as follows: The southwest two-thirds of the site is covered by up to 3 feet of silty clay fill which is loosely compacted, underlain by 2 feet of very loose sfity. sand. Beneath the silty sand, medium stiff to stiff clay silt, silty clay and sandy clays were encountered down to the maximum boring depths of 20 to 25 feet. GroUndwater was encountered in most of the test borings drilled at depths ranging from 16 to 23 feet BSG; however, this level may fluctuate depending on factors such as seasonal rainfall and irrigation. From a geotechnical standpoint, the primary concern is the presence of undocumented fill material and loose sand. Because these soils cannot support the building loads of the library structure, the 'study recommends that the area be over-excavated to a depth of at least 5 feet beyond the building limits, and be replaced with engineered fill. The site would then be suitable for the -proposed library structure and associated parking areas on footing foundations with an allowable bearing pressure of about 2,000 to 2,500 psf. Project Impacts a) Is the site subject to fault rupture? NI.' The risk of fault rupture on the site is anticipated to be low, since the nearest known active or potentially active faults lie a minimum of one mile away. No impacts would therefore result. b) Dublin Community Development Department Dublin Civic Library Project 'PA-01-001 Is the site subject to ground shaking? PSIM. The site, as well as the encompassing region, is anticipated to be subject to moderate to severe ground shaking from a number of active and potentially active faults in the greater Bay Area, including the Hayward fault, San Andreas fault and Calaveras fault. The ground shaking issue is potentially significant for the library site due to the loosely compacted sandy and silty soils with low to moderate plasticity and low bearing strength. As discussed in the environmental setting section, the area should be over-excavated to a depth of at least 5 feet beyond the' building limits, and be replaced with engineered fill to provide sufficient bearing strength for the building load., Through implementation of the recommendations Of the Page 13 soils/geotechnical Study, adherence to the requirements of the 1997 Uniform Building Code and the City of Dublin grading ordinance, and other seismic safety standards for public buildings, the impact would be reduced to a less-than-significant level. c) Is' the site subject to seismic ground fa~ure? PS/M. As discussed above, based on the soils/geotechnical report and composition of the soils on the site, the risk of ground failure would be moderate to high considering the structural toad of the library building. Through implementation of the recommendations of the' soils/geotechnical study related to replacement of soils with engineered fill, adherence to the requirements of the 1997 Uniform Building Code and the City of Dublin grading ordinance, and other seismic safety standards for public buildings, the impact would be reduced to a less-than:significant level. d) Is the site subject to seiche, tsunami hazards, including liquefaction? PS/M. There am no major bodies of water located nearby which could be a source of. seiche or.tsunami.-hazard. The nearby flood control channel is of sufficient capacity tO contain any change in water level that might occur during a seismic event. The soils/geotechnical report describes the soils of the site as loosely compacted sandy and silty soil with low to moderate plasticity and low bearing strength. A characteristic of sandy and silty soils is the tendency to liquefy during periods of severe ground shaking associated with seismic activity. Because of this factor, it is essential that these soils be ............... excavated at th'e""li'bra'ry' site' 'and'-replac~dwith 'en'gineered-"fil I"¢with'a"str0'ng "co'h~sive-"'n ature:' 'rsh rough implementation of the recommendations of the soils/geotechnical study, adherence to the requirements of the 1997 Uniform Building Code and the City of Dublin grading ordinance, and other seismic safety standards for public buildings, the impact would be reduced to a less-than-significant level. e) Is the site subject to landslides or mudflows? NI. The site of the library project in the civic center complex is essentially flat with a slight 2 to 3 foot gradient change. As the site is minimally sloped and contains no hilly areas, there is no potential for landslides or mudflows with the slight change in elevation. Uniform grading practices will be applied in constructing the building and associated parking areas. Therefore, no impacts are anticipated with regard to landslides or mudflows. f) Is the site subject to erosion, changes in topography. or unstable soft conditions? LS. The area is essentially flat with a slight gradient ~f 2 to 3 feet. The existing soils are somewhat unstable, but would be excavated and replaced with engineered fill as recommended by the soils/geotechnical report. Standard grading would be performed at the site for additional building foundations, underground utilities and similar purposes, but no significant changes in topography are proposed as it is relatively fiat. It is estimated that approximately 7,000 cubic yards of soil will require excavation. The City of Dublin will prepare erosion control plans for the new construction in conjunction with the grading plans. fPreparation of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan may also be required by the State Water Resources Control Board. Adherence to standard erosion control plans and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans will ensure that any impacts related to erosion will be reduced to less- than-significant levels. g) Subsidence of land? NI. Minimal subsidence would occur in the area, according to the soillgeotecbnical' report prepared for the project and the replacement of the substandard soil with engineered fill. The engineered fill would be designed and compacted to resist potential subsidence. No impacts would therefore result. h) Expansive soils? LS. The soils have a low to moderate expansion potential; however, these will be replaced with engineered fill as discussed in previous comments. The fill will be designed with Dublin Community Development Department Page 14 Dublin Civic Library Project PA-01-001 sufficient strength to support the foundations of the future building and the associated parking areas, The foundations will be constructed in conformance with the standards of the 1997 Uniform Building Code to ensure that adequate support is provided. Less-than-significant impacts related to expansive soils are therefore anticipated. Unique geologic or physical features? N!. No unique geologic or physical features have been identified on the site, based upon a review of a topographic survey and a field visit. No impacts are anticipated and no mitigation measures are required. IV. Water Environmental Settin~ Surface water exists on southwest side of the library site in the form of an open storm drainage channel, -the Alamo Creek .channel,.. owned by Alameda. CountyFlood .Control.and .Water.Conservation District (ACFCWCD), Zone 7. Stormwater runoff within area is directed to regional storm drain facilities owned and maintained by ACFCWCD, which underlie the Dublin and the civic center area. There are no other wetlands or other bodies of water near the proposed project area The entire Tri-Valley area is underlain by an extensive underground aquifer. The aquifer ranges in depth ...... betwee'n'15 "and"-500"'feetbut "'is 'no'longer'used "as' "th"e-primary'so'urce-of"domestic 'water in the' 'are'a.' Underneath the site, ground water was encountered at a depth of 16 to 23 feet. Zone 7 is presently finalizing plans to store treated wastewater within the aquifer during winter months, which will be pumped out and used for landscape irrigation during dry, summer months. Project Impacts a) Changes to absorption rates? LS. The proposed project Site has remained undeveloped within the civic center complex for many years and is covered with grass and sparse vegetation. Construction of the library building,. parking areas, walkways and other paved areas would add new impervious surfaces, but would also add additional pervious surfaces in terms of the entrance plaza and landscaping. In conformance with the City's ordinances and construction standards, a drainage and irrigation plan is being developed to ensure that positive drainage occur on the site with the increased impervious coverage, and adequate absorption will occur. Less-than~signifiCant impacts to absorption patterns are therefore anticipated. b) Dublin Community Development Department Dublin Civic Library Project PA-01-001. Exposure of people or property to flood hazard? LS. Due to the proximity of the Alamo Creek channel, the project site is located in Flood Zone X according to the Flood Insurance Rate Map for Dublin (Community Panel #060705 0001B, 9/17/97), published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Flood Zone X is identified as an area subject to the 100 to 500-year flood with an average depth of less than 1 foot or areas protected by levees from the 100-year flood level. The Alamo Creek channel adjacent to the site is in Flood Zone A which is identified as subject to flooding during 100-year flood events, and generally inundated with water during periods of intense and/or long-term rainfall. Representatives of the City of Dublin Public Works Department have indicated that sub-regional drainage improvements will be undertaken in the future as part of the City's Capital Improvement budget to alleviate flooding hazards in the central portion of Dublin where the site is located. In accordance with the City's flood hazard policies and ordinances, the City Engineer, in coordination with Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, Zone 7, will design a stormwater drainage plan for the project which will include acceptable engineering measures to prevent flooding from occurring on the site and its associated paved areas. Although Page 15 there is little potential risk that people or property would be exposed to flooding hazards on the site, these measures would reduce the chances of risk further. Less-than-significant impacts are therefore anticipated with regard to flood hazards. c) Discharge into surface waters or changes to surface water quality?. LS. Existing storm drainage facilities are planned to be used to accommodate stormwater runoff from the I.ibrary site area. Since ,~.. the amount of stormwater runoff is not anticipated to increase above existing volumes (see comment a, above), no impacts are anticipated with regard to discharge into surface water. The development project will be designed to meet the wate~ quality requirements of the City of Dublin's NPDES permit and the Alameda County Urban Runoff Clean Water Program. Therefore, less-than-significant impacts are anticipated with regard to surface water quality and discharge. d) Changes in amount of surface water?. Ni. The proposed library project would create no impacts to .... surface waters as..all dr.ainage-.will.-.be .directed..to-.the-.existing..storm.. drainage system, and. the measures described in Comments a-c will be incorporated in the design of project. No 'impacts to- surface bodies of water are therefore .anticipated. e) Changes in currents or direction of .water movement?. NI. The project woulCl not alter currents or direction of water movement' in nearby water bodies since no substantial changes are anticipated to ............... tt~e V~Ume..~f..~t~rmw~te.r..ru~Tf..wit~`.~th~e_.~t~rm~~~r~in`~ge...me-as`~.~dt~a~s~ed.:ab~ve.~.in.c~p~r~te`d .................... into the project. No impacts to currents or direction of water movement are therefore anticipated. Changes in quantity of groundwater?. NI. The development of the library would not significantly alter existing ground water resources on or near the project site because all drainage is directed to the storm drainage system Operated by Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, Zone 7. Similarly, significant amounts of groundwater use are not anticipated, since representatives of the Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD), which provides retail water services to the City of Dublin, have indicated that adequate water supplies have been identified to serve the amount of development envisioned in the City's General Plan, to which this project conforms. DSRSD is currently revising their Water Supply Master Plan, and although adequate water capacity .currently exists to serve 'the project, the new library project will be incorporated in the updated plan. No impact to the quantity of groundwater is therefore anticipated. g) Altered direction of groundwater? N!. The project would not affect groundwater direction, since no significant subsurface construction is anticipated. Excavation of the soils on the site during grading is not anticipated to reach a level where groundwater would be encountered. No impact on the direction of groundwater is therefore anticipated. h) Impacts to groundwater quality?. NI. The scope of the project is such that groundwater resources will not be affected, as discussed above. i) Substantial reduction of groundwater resources? NI. The project involves construction of an approximately 39,000 square foot library. Some increase in the use of water is anticipated with the project, but not at a substantial rate. Representatives of the Dublin-San Ramon Services Dis'~rict have indicated that adequate water supplies have been identified and addressed in future District plans to serve the maximum amount of development envisioned in the City's General Plan, which includes this site and the proposed land use. Therefore, no impact on the projected level of water use is therefore anticipated. Dublin Community Development Department Dublin Civic Library Project PA-01-001 Page 16 V. Air Quality Environmental Settin.cl T. he project site is located within the Tri-Valley area, a sheltered, inland area surrounded' by hills to the west, south and east. Much of the airflow into the southern portions of the Valley is accomplished through two passages in the surrounding hills:' the Hayward and Nites canyons. Local wind data show the frequent occurrence of low wind speed and calm conditions (the latter approximately 23 percent of the time). These local limitations on the capacity for horizontal dispersion of air pollutants combined with the regional characteristic of restricted vertical dispersion give the area a high potential for regional air quality problems. Project Impacts a). Violation of air quality standard?. LS,-Potential.air-qualityimpacts can be.divided into short-term, construction related impacts and long-term operational impacts associated with the project. In terms of construction-related impacts, it is anticipated that construction of the new building and associated parking areas would generate temporary increases in dust and pa~ticulate matter caused by excavation and grading activities. Construction vehicle equipment on unpaved surfaces also generates dust as would wind blowing over exposed earth surfaces. Generalized estimates of · · ...............construction air emissions'-includeapproximately"l:'2'tonsof-'dustper 'acre-perTn0nth' of' construction activity. About 45 percent of construction-related dust is composed of large particles which settle rapidly on nearby surfaces and are easily filtered by human breathing patterns. The remainder of dust consists of small particles (also known as PM10). As required by City ordinance, a Construction Impact Reduction Plan will-be implemented with the project to reduce short-term air quality impacts to a level-of-insignificance. The development of a civic library at this location would add some additional vehicular traffic to this portion of Dublin, but not a significant amount. These additional vehicles would generate quantities of carbon monoxide, reactire organic gasses, nitrous oxide, suifur dioxide and particulate matter (PM10). However, the location of the library near major regional transportation corridors (I-580 and Dublin Boulevard), the West Dublin BART station, and in an area containing other civic uses. results in conformity with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's Clean Air Plan. The short-term and long-term impacts to air quality of development of the library at the civic center complex would, therefore, be less-than-significant. b) Expose sensitive receptors to pollutants? LS. As stated in V-a above, the impacts to air quality of the project will be less-than-significant both on the long- and short-term. The project, if approved and constructed, would add some vehicular trips to the project area, but not a significant amount. It is unlikely that the project would expose additional sensitive receptors, future visitors, and residents to · significantly higher concentrations of vehicle related pollutants. Any impacts related to this issue would be less-than-significant. c) Alter air movement, moisture, temperature or climate? NI. The library Use on this site is the .same general type of development as currently exists in the Civic Center complex. No substantial interference regarding prevailing wind patterns or climatic conditions is anticipated. d) Create objectionable odors? NI. The proposed library use is a land use which is not associated with the release of significant amounts of objectionable odors. Therefore, no impacts are anticipated. Du blin Commu n ity Development Department Dublin Civic Library Project PA-01-001 Page 17 VI. Transportation/Circulation Environmental Settin.q Major roadways serving the site include: · Interstate 580, a six-lane east-west freeway connecting Dublin with nearby local communities such as Livermore and Pleasanton and regional destinations, such as Tracy and Oakland. In the vicinity of the proposed project, 1-580 carries between 160,000 and 187,000 ,vehicles per day. Nearby interchanges include 5801680; Dougherty Rd./Hopyard Rd. and Hacienda Dr. · Interstate 680 is a six-lane north-south freeway connecting Dublin with local communities in the Tri-Valley area and regional destinations north and south of Dublin. This freeway accommodates between 123,000 and 144,000 vehicles per day with interchanges at Alcosta Blvd., Interstate 580 and Stoneridge Drive. · Dougherty Road extends in a north-south direction east 0f the Specific Plan areas. A major arterial roadway, Dougherty Road has 4 travel lanes north of Dublin Boulevard..South of Dublin Boulevard, the roadway widens to 6 travel lanes as it crosses over 1-680, a full-access interchange for eastbound/westbound 'traffic is located at Dougherty/I-580. In the Dublin Boulevard area, Dougherty Road provides access primarily to commercial and retail areas, North .................... of' Du blin"BouleVardT"'the-' roa'd' provides' "access-to'-residential--areas"as"'it-approaches 'Amador Valley Boulevard. Dublin Boulevard is a major east-west roadway along the northern boundary of the Civic Center property. Dublin Boulevard has 6 travel lanes and raised .medians from San Ramon Road to just .east of Regional Street. As Dublin Boulevard approaches Golden Gate Drive, the roadway narrows to four travel lanes and maintains this configuration east to Dougherty Road. The City will be widening this portion of the roadway to 6 lanes within the next 6 months, and prior to completion of the library project. Dublin Boulevard is designated as a route of regional significant in the Alameda County Congestion Management Agency's Congestion Management Plan. Clark Avenue extends between Village .Parkway north across Dublin Boulevard to Maple Drive. A two-lane roadway, Clark Avenue provides access to commercial areas south of Dublin Boulevard and residential areas north of DUblin Boulevard. Civic Plaza/Sierra Court. Civic Plaza is a wide, two-lane street extending south from Dublin Boulevard providing access to Dublin City Hall and Police Department headquarters..Civic Plaza is not a through street. Sierra Court extends northward from Dublin Boulevard (opposite Civic Plaza) and is a two-lane road, The roadway provides access to light industrial and residential areas. Dublin Court extends southeast from Dublin Boulevard and is located east of the Civic Center complex area. A wide, two-lane road, Dublin Court provides access to retail and commercial areas. The Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority ("WHEELS") provides bus transit service through the Dublin area. Bus routes serving the downtown Dublin area include Routes 3,4, 10 and 201/202. Regional transit to and from the Dublin area is provided by the Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BAR'F). BART opened a Dublin/Pleasanton station in the late 1990's, located approximately 2 miles east of the Dublin Community Development Department . Dublin Civic Library Project PA-01-001 Page18 project site. A recent proposal has been submitted to BART to construct a Downtown Dublin station Within the West Dublin BART Specific Plan area at the terminus of Golden Gate Drive, approximately 1 mile south of the Civic Center complex area. Bikeways exist or are proposed on Dublin Boulevard. Dublin Boulevard is proposed for a Class It bikeway lane, to be opened with the completion of the roadway improvements. Public sidewalks have been constructed along Dublin Boulevard and into the Civic Center complex parallel to Civic Plaza. Additionally, a bike trail along the Alamo Creek channel will be completed prior to completion of the library project which will provide direct access to the library, offering an alternative mode of transportation to residents. Project Impacts a). It)creased ~)ehicle~dps or. traffic cOngestiot)?.LS.. The .pmpgse~..pr~pjec~;..cog!d i__n. cr..e..ase vebicie trips and traffic congestion on the local roadway network, which could deteriorate existing levels of service on some affected roadways but not significantly. Additionally, the majority of trips to the new library would be during off-peak travel hours in the evenings and on weekends. To offset o~/erall development impacts in the downtown area, including the anticipated BART station related traffic, Dublin Boulevard is currently proposed for widening to 6 travel lanes between Sierra Court and .............. Doug htery. Road ..-witty-.-a.n ..eastbou nd.-right-tu.m..-la he-at.. CMs---P. laza~----.Asecen d--east-bound .. rig ht-turn lane would be installed on Dublin Boulevard at Doughtery Road. The traffic analysis for the Dublin Boulevard Widening Project also assumes the installation of certain, traffic improvements within and near the downtown area that have already been approved by the City or which are programmed in the City's Capital Improvement Budget. Adherence to traffic and roadway improvements included in the City's Capital Improvement Budget and the widening project will ensure that traffic and transportation impacts related to library project will be less-than-significant. b) Hazards to safety from design features (e.g. sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g. farm equipment)? NI. The development plan for the library and the accessway from Dublin Boulevard and Civic Plaza have been developed in consultation with and reviewed by the City of Dublin Public Works Department, and the Police and Fire Departments to ensure that City design standards are met. No impacts are therefore anticipated with regard to safety impacts. c) Inadequate emergency access or access to nearby uses? NI. The proposed development plan for the library makes provision for a new accessway from Civic Plaza into the parking lot areas. A secondary accessway has also been provided for emergency access only along the alignment of the Alamo Creek channel to the Police facility exit to Dublin Boulevard. The circulation and access plan has been prepared and reviewed by the City of Dublin Public Works, Planning, Police and Fire Departments to ensure that adequate' access and roadway widths would be' provided, Therefore, adequate access would be provided to all building areas and no impacts would result regarding access. e) Insufficient parking'capacity onsite or offsite? NI, The Civic Center complex presently consists of the City Administrative Offices building, the Police facility, and the adjacent bailfields and park area. The addition of the library to the Civic Center complex would increase the demand for on-site parking within the complex, In accordance with City policy, the new project would include-additional on-site parking to meet current City of Dublin parking standards. Although the City does not have an established requirement for parking for a library use, the project designer recommended that a public library have 3 to 4 parking spaces per every 1,000 square feet of building area. At the high end of Dublin Community Development Department Dublin Civic Library Project PA-01-001 Page19 the range, which was used in determining an acceptable ratio concerning the other existing uses in the Civic Center complex, this would provide 1 parking space per 250 square feet of building area, and result in the need for 156 parking spaces. The development plan for the site provides for 156 parking spaces, and additional spaces can be used in the adjacent City offices parking lot for spillover parking during events at the library. Therefore, adequate parking is provided on-site and no parking impacts would result. Hazards or barriers for pedestrians or bicyclists? NI. The proposed library is adjacent to the Alamo Creek channel where a new bicycle and pedestrian trail will be built' to encourage non-auto travel modes to the facility and other areas of Dublin. Additionally, all streets in the vicinity are improved with sidewalks, and improvements are planned for the walkway along Dublin Boulevard under the freeway overpass to better accommodate 'pedestrian traffic in the area and from the nearby future BART station. The use would not create hazards or barriers for pedestrians or bicyclists, but is designed .to encourage modes of transportation other than.,.the .automobile..No..i.mpacts are therefore anticipated. f) Conflicts with adopted policies supporting alternative transportation (e.g. bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? NI. The library development plan has been designed to include bicycle racks and pedestrian walkways to access bus services on Dublin Boulevard. The facility would be within an area presently ........ served by"transportation'services:"As discussed '-in 'Comment"'Vl':e""above;-'a"bicycte' and pedestrian trail is planned to connect the Civic Center complex with residential areas in Dublin. Additionally; the future West Dublin BART station will be easily accessed by sidewalks in the central area of the City to the Civic Center. The new library facility will be consistent with adopted policies supporting alternative transportation by providing the necessary connections to the transportation network in the area. Therefore, no impacts am foreseen. g) Rail, waterborne or air traffic impacts? NI. The proposed project is not sited near operating railroad · facilities, near a navigable waterway or near an airport. The library site is within .1 mile of the future West Dublin BART station, but would not adversely affect this rail system. Therefore, no impacts are anticipated. Vii. Biological Resources. Environmental Settin.cl The library project site is located in highly urbanized areas. With the exception of the County drainage channel for Alamo Creek on the periphery of the site which is separated from the site by a service vehicle accessway, no wetlands or other bodies of water exist in or near the site. Existing vegetation includes introduced grassy' areas with some sparse trees' and shrubs along the 1-580 corridor boundary. Landscaping' will be installed within the site area, along the site boundary adjacent to the freeway, and in the parking lot area. Project Impacts a) Endangered, threatened or rare species or their habitats (including but not limited to plants, fish, insects, animals and birds) NI. The Specific Plan Areas are existing, urbanized downtown areas. The majority of the properties within the plan areas are fully developed. Fish and various species of birds have been observed in the Alamo Creek channel, and this area would not be disturbed by the construction or operation of the library facility which will be sufficiently setback from the service access road separating the subject site from the corridor. However, no such species have been Dublin Community Development Department Dublin Civic Library Project PA-01-001 Page 20 observed in the project area based on recent or past field observations and historic documentation. Therefore, no impacts are anticipated. b) Locally designated species (e.g. heritage trees). NI. No heritage trees are located on the site. Locally designated natural communities (e.g. oak forest, coastal habitat) NI. Only introduced, grasses and ~/egetation associated with'urban development is found on the site which is within the Civic Center complex and adjacent to well-used ballfields. d) Wetland habitat (e.g. marsh, fiparian and vernalpool)? NI. No wetlands exist on the project site. e) Wildlife dispersal or migration corridors? NI. The represent in-fill development within an existing urbanized area. The Alamo Creek channel adjacent to the site may serve as a migration corridor for some species~. but. it-will remain undisturbed by the-construction and operation--of the library facility which will be sufficiently setback from the service accessway along the corridor. Therefore, no impacts would occur to such resources. VIII. Energy and Mineral Resources ...... Envi'ro'nmenta'l "Setting ................................ : ........................................................................................................................................ Based on the recent soil/geotechnical report prepared for the project and the previous geotechnical surveys of properties in the Civic Center complex, no known deposits of minerals exist on the project site. The Conservation Element of the General Plan does not reference any significant mineral resources on the project site or in the general area. Project ImDacts a) Conflict with adopted energy conservation plans? NI. The proposed project will not conflict with goals, policies or programs established in the Dublin General Plan regarding energy or energy conservation. The construction and operation of the building will result in an incremental increase in the use of energy on the presently vacant site, but not to a significant degree. The design of the library building will comply with all energy conservation requirements of the Uniform Building Code and Title 24 of the California Administrative Code, and be in accordance with all applicable City policies related to energy conservation. Therefore, no impacts related to adopted energy conservation plans are anticipated. b) Use nonrenewable resources in a wasteful and inefficient manner? NI. The proposed project is not anticipated to use resources in a wasteful manner. The project will be constructed in accordance with the Uniform Building Code and Title 24 of:the California Administrative Code, both of which require stringent energy efficient construction methods, such as insulation, thermal pane windows and installation of efficient appliances. Exterior landscaping will be governed by both AB 325 and Section 8.88 of the Dublin Zoning Ordinance, which requires "water budgets" for landscape material sand methods of irrigation. Finally, the City is mandated by AB 939 to reduce the solid waste stream generated by residences, business, industrial and public facility establishments by promoting recycling and similar programs. Therefore, no impacts related to nonrenewable resources are anticipated. c) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of future value to the region and residents of the State? NI. The project site is not located in an area designated by the Dublin Community Development Department Page 21 Dublin Civic Library Project PA-01-001 California State Department of Conservation, Division of Mines and Geology, as having .sufficient mineral resources that are suitable aS marketable commodities. No impacts are therefore expected. IX. Hazards Environmental Setting The Civic Center complex is located in a developed commercial, office and simil'ar non-residential area adjacent to the 1-580 corridor. Existing uses within the area include automobile service uses and some research and development facilities. Operation of these facilities use oil, .grease, solvents and other potentially hazardous materials. It is anticipated that some or all of these uses will remain' in business after development of the library facility; however, storage and handling of potentially hazardous materials within the City of Dublin is regulated and controlled by the Alameda County Fire Department, Alameda County Health Department, Regional Water Quality Control Board and other regulatory agencies. Project Impacts a) A risk of accidental explosion or release. of hazardous substances including but not limited to oil, pesticides, chemicals, or radiation? NI. With the exception of aato-oriented uses, none of the land uses permitted in the surrounding area store, use or transport significant quantities of hazardous ........... s~bstances.:`.(3~mp~iance.with~ity;~unty~and.State~.re-g~.~ati,~ns~re~ated.to~...the.st~age;.hand~ing; use and transport of these substances will reduce the potential risk to people in the area. No impacts are therefore anticipated with regard to hazardous substances. b) Possible interference with an emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? NI. The site development plan for the proposed library project has been reviewed by the Dublin Police Department, Dublin Planning .Department and Alameda County Fire Department to ensure that adequate emergency evacuation is provided in accordance with State and City requirements for public facilities. Regulations regarding the posting of evacuation routes and emergency response plans in a public facility will be complied with. No impacts are therefore anticipated. c) The creation of any health hazard or potential health hazards? NI. A library facility .within a Civic Center complex is a type of land use which is not associated with the generation of significant health hazards. No impacts related to the creation of health hazards or potential health hazards are therefore anticipated. Exposure of people to existing sources of potential health hazards? LS. The library use in the existing commercial area would not expose people to potential health hazards. The few light industrial uses to the west of the Civic Center complex in the Clark Avenue area, separated by the Alamo Creek channel from the site, do not use significant quantities of hazardous chemicals or materials which would pose a potential health hazard to library users. Additionally, storage and handling of potentially hazardous materials within the City of Dublin and in this area is regulated and controlled by the Alameda County Fire Department, Alameda County Health Department, Regional Water. Quality Control Board and other regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations. Less-than-significant impacts are therefore expected. e) Increased fire hazard in areas with fiammable brush, grass or trees? NI. The proposed library site is located within the existing Civic Center complex and an urbanized area where existing uses have been constructed in compliance with Uniform Fire and Building Code requirements. Existing landscaped areas are permanently irrigated and maintained so that the potential for fire minimal. Dublin Community Development Department Page 22 Dublin Civic Library Project PA-01-001 Newly landscaped areas will be properly irrigated and maintained in accordance with the .irrigation plan developed for the facility to prevent the risk of fire. Irrigation-of these areas should also reduce the risk of a fire spreading from an incident on the freeway into the Civic Center complex area. Therefore, no impact related to increased fire hazard is anticipated. X. Noise Environmental Settin.q The General Plan identifies that the normally acceptable maximum outdoor 'Ldn noise level is 70 dBA for commercial and public use areas, while interior areas have a maximum noise level of 45 dBA, The primary existing source of noise in the vicinity of the library facility is vehicle traffic, autos and trucks, traveling on the adjacent 1-580 freeway and surface streets such as Dublin Boulevard. According to an acoustical study prepared for the project by Charles M. Salter Associates, Inc., portions of the project site ...... a.re.-su.bjectto-.ex-ter,-iop.-n.oise--lev-e.lsjn-,.excess-of-7-0.-dBA ..... --' ............................... ~ ................................... Project Impacts a) Increases in existing noise/eve/s? NI. Construction of the library building and related improvements is expected to incrementally increase noise levels in and adjacent to the project site. However, this wgu'l'd-be-a--tempo~ran]-ncrise-incT'ease-fo'rthe-s~rroanding-co'mme~ cialmTrd-light indusLi iat-are'asTandis not anticipated to be significant. No residential areas 'would be affected by the temporary noise increase. Given the high levels of noise already on the site caused by the nearby freeway and major arterial street,. no impact on existing noise levels is anticipated. b) Exposure of people to severe noise levels? PS/M. The acoustical study prepared for the library project found that future outdoor· noise levels at three locations on the site, close to the freeway and Dublin Boulevard, were above the "normally acceptable" range of 60 to 70 dBA. The library building will be partially buffered from the area where the higher'level of noise was measured by the proposed parking lot for the facility. However, the' interior noise level on that side of the building and in the portion closest to Dublin Boulevard could exceed the acceptable noise level of 45 dBA for interior spaces without mitigation. The design of the library building has incorporated noise attenuation windows and doors to reduce the interior noise level to a range of 35 to 40 dBA, as is recommended by the State for library interiors. Additionally, two walls have been designed for the portion of the property near Alamo Creek to shield the outdoor courtyard area from noise across the creek corridor and from Dublin Boulevard. With adherence to the noise standard for the interior of the building and the incorporation of windows and doors with noise attenuation features, the potential noise impacts will be reduced to a less-than-significant level. XI. Public Services. Environmental Settin.q The project site is served by the following service providers: Fire Protection. Fire-protection is provided by the Alameda County Fire Department, under contract to the City of Dublin, which provides structural fire suppression, rescue, hazardous materials control and public education services. Dublin Community Development Department Dublin Civic Library Project PA-01-001 Page 23 Police Protection. Police protection is provided by the City of Dublin Police Department which is headquartered in the Civic Center across Civic Plaza from the site. The Department, which maintains a sworn staff of 31 officers, performs a range of public safety services including patrol, investigation, traffic safety and public education. Schools. Educational facilities are provided by the Dublin Unified School District which operates kindergarten through high school services within the community. Schools which would serve the project include Dublin High SChool (grades 9-12) and Wells Middle School (graded 6-8). Grades K-5 could be served by one of three elementary schools within the District. Maintenance. The City of Dublin provides public facility maintenance, including roads, parks, street trees and other public facilities. The corporation yard is located at the Civic Center. Other...clovernmental..services..Other.governmental.ser:vices-are.provided-by .{he City of Dublin including community development and building services and related governmental services. Service to the library is provided by the Alameda County Library with supplemental funding by the City of Dublin. The City of Dublin has adopted a Public Facilities Fee for all. new residential development in the ..... co'mmunity for ~the`~.purp~se...~f"~nancingnew`municipa~:.pub~i~c-fac~i~ities-needed~by~`such development: Facilities anticipated to be funded by the proposed fee would include completion of the Civic Center Complex, construction of the new library (subject of this analysis), expansion of the existing senior center, acquisition and development of new community and neighborhood parks and similar municipal buildings and facilities. Applicants for development projects in the City are required to pa~/this fee. Environmental Impacts a) Fire protection? NI. The library operation could slightly incrementally increase the demand for fire and emergency calls for service to the Civic Center complex since additional building square footage would be added to the site and usage of the facility would increase. However, the increase in square footage would be approximately 24,000 square feet over that of the existing library. Specific fire protection measures in accordance with State and City requirements for public buildings have been incorporated into the design of the library structure. These fire safety features include, but are not limited to, fire extinguishers, load occupancy signs, smoke detectors, and sprinklers in accordance with the National Fire Protection Act 13 and the 1997 Uniform Fire Code. Additionally, the building has been designed in consultation with the Dublin/Alameda County Fire Department, and is currently under plan check review by the Department. Based on Compliance with standard City fire protection requirements, no fire protection impacts are anticipated. b) Police protection? NI. The new library is not anticipated to increase the demand for police calls for service above that of the existing library on Amador Valley Boulevard. The new library will be within the Civic Center complex where the Police Department is locate, so service calls will receive a quicker response than those to the existing library. As part of the site design development process, the location and orientatior~ of the building has been reviewed and specific security features included in the design of the building to ensure, compliance with applicable provisions of the City's building security ordinance. Such measures would include, but not be limited to, installation of appropriate locking devices, security lighting, 'alarm system and similar features. Based on standard City security requirements, no impacts on police protection services are anticipated. -Dublin Community Development Department Dublin Civic Library Project PA-01-001 Page 24 b) Schools? NI. The proposed library project would have no impact on schools as it is not a residential project that generates students. It would benefit local schools and students through the provision of a larger library facility with additional books and educational resources, and community meeting rooms. c) Maintenance of public facilities, including roads? LS. The development. of a larger library facility would incrementally increase the need for maintenance of public facilities. However, the new location of the lilbrary would be within the Civic Center complex where the City's corporation .yard and building maintenance division is located. Payment of Public Facility fees to the City of Dublin by individual projects Would ensure that funding is available for future library maintenance. Therefore, impacts would be reduced to less-than-significant levels. e) Other governmental services? LS. The provision of a new larger library '.facility would represent incremental increases. in the demand for general-governmental-services, particularly employees to serve customers and provide other library services. Payment of the City's Public FaCility Fee by individual project developers would offset any impacts caused by the project, reducing any impacts to a less-than-significant impact. X!I. Utilities and Service Systems. Environmental Settin~ The project site is served by the following service providers: Electrical and natural gas power: Pacific Gas and Electric Co. Communications: Pacific Bell and AT&T Cable. Water supply and sewage treatment: Dublin San Ramon Services District. Storm drainage: City of Dublin and Zone 7. Solid waste disposal: Dublin-Livermore DispoSal Company. Environmental Impacts a) Power or natural gas? NI. According to representatives from Pacific Gas and Electric Company, adequate facilities exist in the vicinity of the project to provide power and natural gas service to the new library' at the Civic Center complex. Additionally, energy' conservation measures will be incorporated into the design of the building to ensure efficient usage of resources. Therefore, no impacts to power or natural gas systems are anticipated. b) Communication systems? NI. Pacific Bell and AT&T Cable, communication facilities presently exist in the Civic Center complex. These have sufficient existing service capacity and will be extended to the new library facility. Therefore, no impacts to communications systems are anticipated. c) Local or regional water treatment or distribution systems? Ni. Water services are provided to the area by the Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD). According to representatives of the District, adequate long-term water resources exist to serve future development in the area, including the new Dublin Community Development Department Page 25 Dublin Civic Library Project PA-01-001 library facility. Therefore., no impacts to local or regional water treatment or distribution systems are anticipated. Sewer or septic systems? NI. Sewer services are provided by DSRSD. Untreated effluent would be transported to DSRSD's Regional Treatment Plant in Pleasanton for treatment prior to being discharged into the East Bay Discharge Authority's outfall line for eventual disposal into San Francisco Bay. Adequate capacity exists at this time within the regional treatment facility to accommodate the proposed library project. No impacts would therefore result regarding sewer treatment facilities. e) Storm water drainage? LS. This topic was previously addressed in Section IV, Water. f) Solid waste disposal? NI. The City of Dublin contracts .with Livermore-Dublin Disposal. Company to .... collect solid waste.from households and.businesses and-transport.it to .-the AItamont. Landfill, located in eastern Alameda County. The Landfill currently has an anticipated capacity until the year 2005 and plans are underway to extend landfill capacity for an additional 50 years. Livermore-Dublin Disposal Company also operates a curbside recycling service to ensure that the City's waste stream 'complies with state requirements for reduction of solid waste. The most current information available indicates that 'Dublin exceeds state requirements for reducing solid waste. Although approval of the proposed ...... Specifi c'P lans'wil l'i'nc rern~ntal ly-i'ncreas'e""the-"am-oa'nt-of-solid-wa-ste-a's-it*is'la-rg-er-tharf' th'e' facility and is anticipated to be used more by the public, any such increases will be insignificant because the proposed project can be accommodated given the existing solid waste facilities and resources. As stated in Vlil-b above, the City is mandated by AB 939 to reduce the solid waste stream generated by residences, businesses and industrial establishment by promoting recycling and similar programs. A program will be incorporated into the library facilities operation and management plan. Therefore, no impacts related to solid waste disposal are anticipated. g) Local or regional water supplies? NI. DSRSD staff indicate that adequate long-term water supplies are available from Zone 7 and other sources to serve the proposed project. Therefore, no impacts related to local or regional water supplies are anticipated. XIIi. Aesthetics. Environmental Setting The .proposed library facility is within the existing Civic Center complex which is located within an existing urbanized area. It is located adjacent to Interstate 580, a City and County designated scenic highway where it is important that views be protected., The new library structure will be visible to those traveling on westbound i-580, and from the future elevated connector from 1-580 to 1-680. Environmental Impacts a) Dublin Community Development Department Dublin Civic Library Project PA-01-001 Affect a scenic vista or view?. NI. The proposed library will be a single-story with a two-story rotunda element, and has a low profile. It has been designed to complement the design of the Administrative Offices (City Hall) in the Civic Center complex located across from it on Civic Plaza. From !-580 and the future connector, the building will be visible but should create a well-designed and. interesting view. The structure will .be setback from the freeway as the main parking will be adjacent to the corridor. The parking area will not be overly visible from the freeway, as the site is depressed below the elevation of the freeway corridor. Additionally, perimeter landscaping will also buffer the .view of the parking area. Currently, the view of the property from the freeway and the City Administrative Page 26 Offices consists of a grassy field. No. scenic vistas or views are apparent in the area, therefore, no vistas or views from surrounding areas would not be blocked. .b) Have a demonstrable negative aesthetic effect? NI. The proposed library has been well-designed to complement the architecture and design of Administrative Offices (City Hall) in the Civic Center complex located across from it on Civic Plaza. The structure incorporates similar materials as the other buildings in the complex, and 'will complete the complex. The additional landscaping and improvements for the library facility will be similar to and integrated into the existing landscaping the complex. In summation, the design and location of the library facility should have a positive aesthetic effect on the area. Therefore, no negative aesthetic impacts would be created by the project, c) Create light or glare? NI. The proposed library could incrementally increase light levels in each of the Plan areas, but .not .to a.-significant degree..--...Exterior lighting..fer-the.semplexT..paFl~ing areas, a~d surrounding streets and buildings has already been installed within this commercial area. Some light fixtures will be attached to the building and equipped with' cut-off lens. Pole-mounted lights will be equipped with cut-off luminaires. Any additional light or glare created would be minimal. Therefore, no impacts related to the creation of light or glare are anticipated. ........ Xi'VTCultural'-Resources ............................................................................... : Environmental Settincl The project site has remained undeveloped for many years and is covered with grass, some low-lying shrubs and a few trees. It appears that the site may have been partially graded at one time when the adjacent ballfields were developed. No cultural resources are located on the surface of the site, and no resources have' been found in grading this or adjacent sites, such as that of the City Administrative Offices building. No historic resources are known to exist on the site. Project Impacts a-d) Disturb paleontological, archeOIogical, religious or cultural resources? LS. No cultural resources remain on the graded surface of the site. Any cultural resources buried beneath the ground surface would be re-buried by the City in accordance with CEQA Guidelines. The possibility exists that cultural resources including paleontological, cultural, historic or archaeological could be buried on the site and discovered during excavation. Should archeological, historical or paleontological resources ' be discovered during ground disturbance, grading or excavation of the site, the City will implement the procedures required by Public Resources Code Sec. 21082, which includes an immediate evaluation of the resource by a qualified archaeologist. If the find is determined to be an historical or unique archaeological resource, work should be halted in that particular area and avoidance measures or appropriate mitigation measures should be determined and implemented. With adherence to this condition, less-than-significant' impacts would result to paleontological, archeological, religious or cultural resources. XV. Recreation Environmental Settincl Each of the Specific Plan areas have been developed with commercial, officei entertainment, lodging and' similar uses. No parks or recreational facilities exist on any of the Specific Plan sites. Dublin Community Development Department Dublin Civic Library Project PA-01:001 Page 27 Project Impacts a) Increase the demand for neighborhood or regional parks or other recreational facilities? NI. The development of the new library facility would not increase the demand for neighborhood or regional parks or other recreational facilities as it would not generate new residents. However, future builders of residential dwellings in other parts of the City would be required to pay a Public Facility fee to the City of Dublin, which includes a contribution toward construction of new parks in the city. Therefore, .no impacts related to an increase in the demand for parks or recreational facilities are anticipated. b) Affect existing recreational opportunities? NI. No recreational opportunities exist on the site that would be affected by the project. The proposed site for the library is adjacent to a City ballfield park, but the land to be developed is not in active use as a park at this time. The library may be a focal-point in the future for planned recreational activities, however. No impacts on existing recreational opportunities are-anticipated, .................................................... XVI. Mandatory Findings of Significance a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining ............. te~Tels; "threaten-'to"'eliminate-a--pla'nt or-anjmal'-'corrftTrorrityT, 'Te'dLTc.Ta-"ttre"' nzrm-b'eT'df"orTe~'tri~t' the "r~iig~" of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? NI, The preceding analysis indicates that construction of the new library facility in the Civic Center complex would not have a significant adverse impact' on overall environmental quality, including biological resources or cultural resources. b) Does the project have the potential to achieve short-term, to the disadvantage of long-term, environmental goals? NI. The project is within a developed area close to commercial services, other City services and public transportation surrounded by major regional transportation corridors. No 10ng-term environmental impacts will occur. Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects and the effects of probable future projects). NI. Although incremental increases in certain areas can be expected as a result of constructing this project, the increases are not significant. 'The few impacts that have been identified in this document will be mitigated with the recommended mitigation measures which have been incorporated into the project. The project site lies within an already urbanized area and sufficient capacity exists within service systems to support the anticipated public facility. d) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? NI. Due. to project design and the incorporation of mitigation measures into the project design, approval and implementation of the development plan for the library will involve no impacts that would adversely effect human beings, either directly or indirectly. Initial Study Preparer Janet Harbin, Senior Planner Dublin Community Development Department Dublin Civic Library Project PA-01-001 Page 28 Agencies and Organizations Consulted The following agencies and organizations were contacted in the course of this Initial Study: City of Dublin · Eddie Peabody Jr., AICP, Community Development Director Lee Thompson, Public Works Director Ferd Del Rosario, Senior Civil Engineer Ray Kuzbari, Assoc. Civil Engineer George Thomas, Buil'ding Official Russ Reid, Fire Inspector References ............................ Dublin General Plan, Revised September 1998 Dublin General Plan Land Use Element, February 1992 .................... E) u.b li.n ...General...BI.an ...Noi.se.Ele m.e nt.,-Eeb ru a~.....1.992 Dublin General Plan Circulation and Scenic Hic~hwavs Element, February 1992 Dublin General Plan Seismic Safety and Safety Element, February 1992 Dublin Zoning Ordinance, Adopted September 1997 Preliminary Geotechnical Investi.qation: Dublin Library, prepared by Berlogar Geotechnical Consultants, January 13, 2000. Acoustical Analysis for Dublin LibraN, prepared by Charles M. Salter Associates Inc., October 6, 1999 and updated January 2001 Traffic analysis and improvement plans for Dublin Boulevard Widening Improvement P~'oject Negative Declaration and accompanying background studies prepared for the Civic Center Administrative Offices and Police Facility, June 1987 Dublin Community Development Department Dublin Civic Library Project PA-01-00'I Page 29 STATE OF CALIFORNIA--BUSINESS, TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING AGENCY OEP/~RTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION .: ~P. O. BOX 23660 ~,. ...... OAKLAND, CA 94623-0660 ". '=: ~!:." (510) 286-4444 TDD (510) 286-4454 ATTACHMENT GRAY DAVIS, Governor February 7, 2001 Ms. Janet Harbin Senior. Planner City of Dublin 100 Civic Plaza Dublin, CA 94568 ALA-580-20.72 File #ALA580683 Dear Ms. Harbin: Dublin Civic Center Library - Mitigated Negative Declaration Thank you for including the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in the environmental review process for the above-referenced project. We have reviewed the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Initial Study checklist for the planned library with community meeting rooms, and have the following comment to offer. At Caltrans we are primarily concemed with impacts to the State Highway system, specifically Interstates 580 and 680 (1-580 & 1-680) in your community. In the environmental review for this project, we would like to request a copy of the traffic analysis that was used to determine trip generation rates, distribution percentages, and assignment yolumes. We would like to look at the traffic diagrams that depict accurate circulation patterns, and which show both local streets and all State facilities. AM and PM peak hour volumes and Average Daily Traffic (ADT) for weekdays and weekends would also be important, for both existing and projected traffic conditions. Please forward a copy of the traffic analysis to: Paul Svedersky Office of Transportation Planning B Caltrans, District 4 P.O. Box 23660 Oakland, CA 94623-0660 Should you require further information or have any questions regarding this letter, please call Paul Svedersky of my staff at (510) 622-1639. Sincerely, HARRY Y. YAHATA District Director By ,/~ ¢ JEAN C. R. FINNEY District.Branch Chief IGR/CEQA RECEIVED FEB 13 2001- DUBLIN PLANNING ATTACHMENT 3 02/21/01 17:39 FAX 5102865513 TRANS PLANNING B ~rATE OF CALfFORNIA--BUSJNESS. TRANSPORTA'RON AND HOUSING AGENCY ~ DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION P. O. BOX 23660 · OAKLAND, CA 94623-0660 (510) 286-4444 TDD (510) 286-4454 Q3001 GRAY DAVIS. Govem~ February 21, 2001 Ms. Janet Harbin Senior Planner City of Dublin 100 Civic Plaza Dublin, CA 94568 ALA-580-20.72 File#ALA580683 Dublin Civic Center Library In addition to our letter of February 7, 2001 we have the following comment to offer on the Dublin Civic Center Library Mitigated Negative Declaration sent to us earlier this month. Upon closer inspection, the proposed library may be in conflict with the possible future interchange modification project at the 1-580/I-680 juncture. The City of Dublin has been aware of this project which has been conceptually developed over the years to ensure compatibility with various improvements constructed at and near this interchange. We have superimposed the proposed library layout on an aerial. photograph (scale 1'=200'), and have sketched in the future connector structure and the collector-distributor mad. It is attached for the City' s information. We are also enclosing two layout sheets with conceptual drawings (scale I"=100') to provide more detail on the interchange. Obviously ff the interchange project is built in the future, there will be physical impacts to the library parking lot, as well as visual and noise impacts to the library. We suggest that the City of Dublin coordinate this project closely with Calms. Should you require further information or have any questions regarding this letter, please call Paul Svedersky of my staff at (510) 622-1639. Sincerely, HARRY Y. YAHATA District Director By -~,xCj}.~.~4 JEAN C. R. FINNBY District Branch Chief IGR/CEQA FEB-21-2001 04:40PH TEL]5102865513 ID)CITY OF DUBLIN PR6E:OBI R=100~ ~00~=W E00:3DWW NI98QO 30 AIID(OI ~S9~0~S(~31 W~0~:~0 ~00~1 it D~IIblNWId SN¥~I~ SLS'JSSSOtS Xv~l O~-/..t 10/ CITY OF. DUBLIN 100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, California 94568 March 14, 2001 Website: http://www. ci.dublin,ca. Us Ms. Jean C. R. Finney District Branch Chief Caltrans, District 4 P.O. Box 23660 Oakland, CA 94623-0660 SUBJECT: Proposed DUblin Civic Center Library Project Dear Ms.. Finney: This is in response to your letters, dated February 7 and 21, 2001, to Ms. Janet Harbin, Senior Planner at the City' of Dublin, regarding the Mitigated Negative Declaration that was prepared for the proposed Dublin Civic Center Library project. An initial study was prepared by the City of Dublin to assess the potential environmental effects of this project. Based on this study, it was determined that the increased vehicle trips due to the project would have less than significant impact on the adjacent street system. The City recently conducted a trip generation survey 'at the existing Dublin Library, located on Amador Valley Boulevard within downtown Dublin, during the PM peak period (4:00 to 6:00 PM). Based on this survey, the library was found to generate approximately 109 vehicle trips (55 in; 54 out) during the evening peak hour (5:00 to 6:00 PM). These trips would translate into a PM peak hour trip rate of 7.27 trips/1,000 SF~ based on the existing library space of approximately 15,000 square. feet. This trip rate is also consistent.with the standard PM peak hour trip generation rate of 7.09 trips/1,000 SF from the Institute of Transportation Engineers' (ITE) Trip Generation (6th Edition). The proposed project would keep the library in the same general area in downtown Dublin, by relocating the library less than one' mile to the southeast. Hence, due to the proximity of the existing and proposed. library sitesi it would be appropriate to consider the net increase in vehicle trips due to the .proposed project when analyzing project traffic impacts. The new library building will be located in the Dublin Civic Center complex and will be approximately 39,000 SF in floor area size. Based on the above, the proposed project would generate 175 net new PM peakhour vehicle trips (88 in, 87 out). This modest increase in peak .hour trips is expected to have no significant impact on adjacent City streets or Interstates 580 and 680. The City plans to widen Dublin Boulevard to six lanes between Village Parkway and Dougherty Road within the next few years, which would provide more capacity than needed to' accommodate the new Area Code (925) · City Manager 833~6650 · City Council 833-6650 · Personnel 833-6605 · Economic Development 833-6650 Finance 833-6640 · Public Works/Engineering 833-6630 · Parks & Community Services 833-6645 · Police 833-6670 Planning/Code Enforcement 833-6610 · Building Inspection 833-6620' · Fire Prevention Bureau 833-6606 Printed on Recycled Paper Ms. Jean C. R. Finney PropoSed Dublin Civic Center Library Project Page 2 trips from the proposed library. Furthermore, most of the current users of the Dublin library are Dublin residents, which is not expected to change when the library is relocated to the Civic Center complex. This is because the Dublin library is a branch of the Alameda County library system, which has other branches available in adjacent cities such as Pleasanton and San Ramon. Therefore, nearly all of the new trips from the proposed library will be local trips and should have no impact on !-580 and 1-680. As such, it was determined that a full traffic study would not be necessary for this project. With respect to possible future modifications to the 1-580/!-680 interchange that would physically impact the proposed library, City Staff met on March 5, 2001 with Mr. Rubin WoO, District Branch Chief, and his staff to discuss this. matter. Mr. Woo indicated that these preliminary interchange modification plans were not likely to be finalized, funded or constructed any time soon. These .improvements are long-term in nature and may be constructed in 25 or 30 years. As such, a consensus. was reached at the meeting'that it would be premature at this point to address the physical impacts of these possible 'improvements on the library parking lot, as well as visual and noise impacts to the library. These impacts will have to be addressed and mitigated at the appropriate time in the future if improvements to the 1-580/1-680 interchange are implemented. I hope this response addresses your concerns regarding the proposed Civic Center Library project. if you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ray Kuzbari, Associate Traffic Engineer, at (925) 833-6634 or my office at (925) 833-6630. Lee Thompson ' Public Works Director CC: Janet Harbin Herma Lichtenstein Ray Kuzbari G:~Dublin LibraryVibrary impact Itr to caltrans. doc