Aesthetics and Visual Resources. The Project proposes to replace existing industrial and office buildings with multi-family dwelling units and 88,750 square feet of office space. The aesthetics and visual resources section will evaluate the change in land uses, visual character, and views of the site associated with the proposed redevelopment. This will include comparing building scale, massing, and height with the existing buildings; describing building design elements, materials, and colors, with particular focus on the pedestrian experience through and around the site; describing proposed landscaping; and characterizing potential changes in light and glare. The change in visual character is subjective; therefore, the analysis will focus on the degree to which the proposed Project will change the existing visual character of the site and evaluate if it would be substantially different from the current visual character. Information referenced to evaluate visual effects of the proposed Project will include a site visit and photo documentation of existing conditions; proposed site plans and design elements; information from ConnectMenlo, the Menlo Park Municipal Code, and development standards applicable to the site. The significance of visual changes will be based, to the extent feasible, on conformance with the City’s policies and regulations that pertain to community character, light, and design. Air Quality Xxxxx will prepare the air quality section based on the results of air quality modeling performed by Xxxxx as described in Task 2.1. Local and regional climate, meteorology, and topography as they affect the accumulation or dispersal of air pollutants will be presented, and current air quality conditions and recent trends in the San Francisco Bay Area Air Basin and Project area will be described on the basis of the California Air Resources Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency annual air quality monitoring data summaries. Federal, state, and local regulatory agencies responsible for air quality management will be identified, and applicable federal, state, and local air quality policies, regulations, and standards will be summarized. Details of the analysis (e.g., daily emission calculations) will be included in an appendix to the EIR. The EIR will summarize the results of the modeling and impact analysis. The impact analysis will be based on the significance thresholds in Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines and the BAAQMD emissions-based thresholds. The net increase in op...
Aesthetics and Visual Resources. Issues The proposed Marinwood Plaza Project would transform the visual character of the Project site. This analysis will consider whether development of the proposed Project would “substantially degrade or obstruct publicly accessible scenic views.” The analysis also will consider whether development of the proposed Project would “substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the area,” or result in a “substantial, demonstrable negative aesthetic effect,” which are the criteria by which a significant visual effect is determined. The EIR will describe the visual character of the area around the Project site and will include land use maps and simulations to illustrate potential visual impacts to the Project site. Mitigation measures, as appropriate, will be identified for any significant aesthetic impacts, as required. 1-12 Marinwood Plaza Project EIR
Aesthetics and Visual Resources. CEQA FINDING VQ IMPACT #1 Impact: VQ Impact #1. Visual Disturbance during Construction. Finding(s): (1) Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project that mitigate or avoid the significant environmental effect as identified in the EIR. FACTS SUPPORTING THE FINDING(S) Construction equipment, earthmoving activities, the construction of structures, and concrete plant operations may degrade the visual aesthetics for adjacent viewers. Construction can cause dust, and material stockpiles can create an untidy appearance, collectively degrading the visual unity and intactness of the surroundings. The substantial degradation of the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings, including along the San Joaquin River, is considered a significant impact under CEQA. The construction activities could create visual nuisance in some urban areas, particularly in areas adjacent to residential areas, and therefore would be a significant impact under CEQA.
Aesthetics and Visual Resources. Changes in the visual character of the Project site will be addressed qualitatively. Consultant will conduct a site visit to photographically document the Project site and surrounding area. The Project’s compliance with applicable development and design guidelines will be addressed. As such, the Project’s compatibility with respect to massing, height, lighting, and building materials with the surrounding area will be evaluated. If shade/shadow are not provided but desired by the City, Consultant can provide them as an in-house service. The shade/shadow modeling identified in this Scope of Work as an optional item would be addressed in this section. The Project is within an urbanized area bordered by light industrial, commercial, and limited residential development.
