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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 03-C0721] RESOLUTION NO. 03-C72 LJ RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AZUSA, CALIFORNIA CERTIFYING THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT PREPARED FOR THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE REDEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR MERGED CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT AND WEST END REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND ADOPTING ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT, AND A STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS, AND MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM The City Council of the City of Azusa reviewed and considered a Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft FIR) and a Final Environmental Impact Report (Final FIR) circulated by the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Azusa for the proposed Amendments to the Redevelopment Plans for the Merged Central Business District and West End Redevelopment Projects in accordance with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the State CEQA Guidelines, and local procedures adopted pursuant thereto. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Azusa, in its capacity as a Responsible Agency for the project, as follows: SECTION 1. The Draft EIR, prepared for the proposed Amendments to the Redevelopment Plans for the Central Business District and West End Redevelopment Projects, was received and considered by the City Council following the filing of the Notice of Completion with the State Clearinghouse. SECTION 2. Upon completion of the 45 -day review period of the Draft EIR prepared for the proposed Amendments to the Redevelopment Plans for the Central Business District and West End Redevelopment Projects, the Final FIR was received by the City Council for consideration and comment prior to its certification by the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Azusa. A copy of which is attached as Exhibit "A". SECTION 3. The Mitigation Monitoring Program that was prepared for the project, was considered by the City Council prior to its adoption by the Redevelopment Agency. SECTION 4. Findings of Fact and a Statement of Over-riding Considerations were considered by the City Council prior to their adoption and the Redevelopment Agency's certification of the Final EIR. A copy of which is attached as Exhibit `B". SECTION 5. The documents and materials that constitute the record of proceedings on which these Findings have been based are located at the City of Azusa, 213 East Foothill Boulevard, Azusa, California. The custodian for these records is the Community Development Director. This information is provided in compliance with Public Resources Code section 21081.6. SECTION 6. A Notice of Determination shall be filed with the County of Los Angeles within five (5) working days of final Project approval. SECTION 7. The City Clerk shall certify the passage and adoption of this Resolution and the same shall thereupon take effect and be in force. 0 PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 15'h day of Rentemher 7003 A TTL'OT. City Clerk 0 Mayor I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution No. 03-C72 was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Azusa, at a regular meeting thereof, held on the 15'' day of September, 2003, by the following vote of the Board. AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: HARDISON, STANFORD, ROCHA, MADRID NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS: CHAGNON ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: NONE era Mendoza, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: By:—Aa, "'-- P - City Attorney 0 0 EXHIBIT A (Enviornmental Impact Report is provided in the Amendment binder) 0 0 EXHIBIT B Findings and Statement of Facts for the Environmental Impact Report prepared for the Amendments for the Merged Central Business District/West End Redevelopment projects The City of Azusa Redevelopment Agency, as Lead Agency, has reviewed and considered the information contained in the draft and final environmental impact reports (EIRs) prepared for the proposed Amendments for the Merged Central Business District/West End Redevelopment projects Introduction This document identifies findings and facts which the Azusa Redevelopment Agency (ARA) will consider relative to the conclusions of the FIR prepared for the proposed Amendments for the Merged Central Business District/West End Redevelopment projects. These Findings and the Facts in Support of Findings are made in accordance with Sections 15091 through 15093 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines and pursuant to Section 21081 of the California Public Resources Code. This document consists of five sections. Section I. Findings with Respect to Significant Environmental Effects contains those findings concerning the proposed project's potential significant effects and the feasibility of the mitigation measures included in the EIR to mitigate these significant effects. Section IT Findings with Respect to the Environmental Review Process includes the findings of the ARA with respect to the environmental review completed for the proposed project. Section Ill. Findings with Respect to the Environments/Analysis includes facts in support of findings and findings concerning significant effects for each of the issues examined in the FIR prepared for the project. Section N. Findings with Respect to the Analysis of Project Alternatives documents the facts and findings of the analysis of the project alternatives considered in the EIR. 1. Findings with Respect to Significant Environmental Effects The ARA, acting as the designated Lead Agency and decision -maker for the approval and subsequent implementation of the proposed Merged Central Business District/West End Redevelopment projects, has reviewed and considered the information contained in both the draft and final EIRs (SCH 2003041073) prepared for the proposed project. In addition, the Lead -Agency has reviewed the public record as it relates to the proposed action. The Lead Agency makes the following findings;epursuant to CEQA and CEQA Guidelines: LA. The ARA, as Lead Agency and decision -maker, having reviewed and considered the information contained in the draft and final EIRs prepared for the proposed Merged Central Business District/West End Redevelopment projects and the public record, finds that the recommended mitigation for the proposed project will avoid or substantially lessen potentially significant environmental impacts. IB. The ARA, as Lead Agency and decision -maker, having reviewed and considered the information contained in the draft and final EIRs prepared for the proposed Merged Central Business District/West End Redevelopment projects and the public record, finds that there are no specific economic, social, or other considerations which make the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures contained in the draft and final EIRs infeasible. -1. C. The ARA, as Lead Agency and decision -maker, having reviewed and considered the information contained in the draft and final EIRs prepared for the proposed -Merged Central Business District/West End Redevelopment projects and the public record, will adopt the mitigation measures contained in the Final EIR and referenced in the Mitigation Monitoring Program. II. Findings with Respect to the Environmental Review Process The ARA, acting as Lead Agency for the environmental review of the proposed action, makes the following findings with regard to the environmental review process undertaken to analyze the proposed 6th Amendment to the Merged Central Business District/West End Redevelopment project's potential environmental impacts: ILA. Although having determined that an FIR would be prepared to address the proposed action, in accordance with Section 15063(a) of the State CEQA Guidelines, as amended, the ARA as Lead Agency, undertook the preparation of an Initial Study. The Initial Study determined that a number of environmental issue areas may be impacted by the approval and subsequent implementation of the proposed Merged Central Business District/West End Redevelopment projects in the absence of mitigation. Furthermore, the Lead Agency determined that an EIR would be prepared to address the proposed project's potential impacts on those environmental issue areas identified in the Initial Study as requiring further analysis. II.B. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 15082 of the State CEQA Guidelines, as amended, the ARA, as Lead Agency, circulated a Notice of Preparation (NOP) to public agencies, special districts, and members of the public requesting such notice for a 30 -day period. II C. A draft EIR was prepared that analyzed the potential impacts related the adoption and subsequent implementation of the proposed Merged Central Business District/West End Redevelopment projects. The analysis considered the following environmental issue areas: land use and planning; population and housing; air quality; and traffic and circulation. Project alternatives, growth -inducing impacts, and cumulative effects were also analyzed in the EIR. ILD. Upon the close of the comment period, the Lead Agency proceeded to evaluate and prepare responses to all written comments received during the public review period. ILE. The aforementioned comments and responses. and other information consistent with the requirements of Section 15132(b)(c)(d)(e) of the State CEQA Guidelines, as amended, were incorporated into the Final EIR. Following completion of the Response to Comments, the Lead Agency's responses to the comments received from public agencies were transmitted to those public agencies for consideration prior to the Final EIR's certification. III. Findings with Respect to the Environmental Analysis The Azusa Redevelopment Agency, acting as Lead Agency for the environmental review of the proposed Merged Central Business District/West End Redevelopment projects, finds that changes or alterations must be incorporated into the project in the form of mitigation measures in order to avoid or substantially lessen potentially significant environmental effects as identified in the EIR. Issues analyzed in the EIR included land use and planning; housing and population, geology and soils. Hydrology. and water, air quality: energy and minerals, hazards and hazardous materials, noise, public services, utilities, aesthetics, cultural resources, recreation, and transportation and circulation. This section documents the Lead Agency's findings with F 0 respect to the environmental analysis, the facts in support of the findings, and the impacts following mitigation. III.A. Supporting Statement of Facts and Findings with Respect to Land Use and Planning Impacts III A.1. Evidence in Support of Findings In terms of compatibility with the City of Azusa General Plan Land Use Element, the proposed project does not involve any change in adopted General Plan land use policy or in the permitted intensity of development for the proposed Amendment Areas. The adoption of the Plan Amendment will not, by itself, lead to any physical changes in the environment. Rather, the use of redevelopment authority, will likely assist in the more timely redevelopment of blighted parcels compared to the development that would be anticipated to occur in the absence of redevelopment. Assuming a maximum build -out of the Amendment Areas, a total of 1,915,863 square feet of commercial development, 259 residential units, and 226,599 square feet of industrial development is theoretically possible. Five Amendment Areas (Added Areas 5, 12, 14, 15, and Eminent Domain Area 16) are either vacant or occupied by vacant buildings. Any overall net increase in development will likely result from development within these areas. Within these Amendment Areas, there is a potential for 144,272 square feet of new commercial development (Added Areas 5,12,14, and 15) and 226,599 square feet of industrial development (Eminent Domain Area 16). III A.2. Findings with Respect to Significant Impacts Following Mitigation. No significant unavoidable adverse impacts on land use and development were identified in this analysis. III.B. Supporting Statement of Facts and Findings with Respect to Population and Housing Impacts III. B. 1. Evidence in Support of Findings. The proposed Redevelopment Plan Amendment will not result in any displacement of housing over that is already contemplated in the City of Azusa General Plan. Any overall net increase in development will likely result from development within the undeveloped or underutilized areas. With development of these areas, there is a projection for 289 commercial sector jobs and 302 manufacturing jobs. As indicated previously, the proposed project will not result in any changes in land use not already contemplated in the City's General Plan. Furthermore, the proposed Plan Amendment will have a beneficial impact in that a portion (20%) of the tax increment revenue generated by the Amendment Areas that will be used to support the development of affordable housing. As a result, no significant adverse impacts are anticipated. II1.B.2. Findings with Respect to Significant Impacts Following Mitigation. No significant unavoidable adverse impacts on housing and population would result from the proposed project's implementation. X.C. Supporting Statement of Facts and Findings with Respect to Geology and Soils Impacts III. C. 1. Evidence in Support of Findings. There are three active faults that are known to be present in the City. Properties located near these fault traces will be subject to the provisions of the applicable Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Study Zone. Furthermore, all of Southern California is located within a seismically active region and it is likely that strong seismic shaking will be experienced in the project area during the lifetime of the improvements. A number of Amendment Areas are located within relatively close proximity to the Duarte Fault. Typical design and construction in accordance with current building codes and standards will limit the potential for damage resulting from seismic shaking. No unstable earth conditions or changes in geologic substructures are anticipated to occur from future development through the excavation, grading, and paving that will be needed to construct structures and other improvements. III, C. 2. Findings with Respect to Significant Impacts Following Mitigation. No significant unavoidable adverse impacts on earth and geology were identified in this analysis. III. D. Supporting Statement of Facts and Findings with Respect to Hydrology and Water Impacts III D.1. Evidence in Support gfFindings. Future development arising from the proposed project will not affect these water bodies. As a result, no impacts on streams or natural hydrology are anticipated as a result of the proposed project's approval. Public improvements contemplated as part of the proposed project may alter current drainage patterns. However, these improvements are contemplated to meet current needs and are an attempt to improve drainage within the project area and the surrounding vicinity. As a result, no significant adverse impacts related to drainage patterns are anticipated with the approval and subsequent implementation of the Plan Amendments. III D. 2. Windings with Respect to Significant Impacts Following Mitigation. No significant unavoidable adverse impacts on water and hydrology would result from the proposed project's implementation. IILE. Supporting Statement of Fa cis and Findings with Respect to Air Quality Impacts III E.1. Evidence in Support of Findings. The approval of the Plan Amendments will not directly lead to any new development. The Plan Amendments will permit future development to occur in a more timely fashion, compared to that possible under the private market. However, this new development will largely mirror the development contemplated under the City of Azusa General Plan. For purposes of analysis, however, this E1R considers the short-term (construction) emissions and the long-term (operational) emissions associated with the potential development contemplated under the project's implementation. Construction emissions related to nitrogen oxide may exceed acceptable thresholds as set by the SCAQMD. The long-term emissions from future development, supported in whole or part through redevelopment, will result in daily emissions that will exceed the SCAQMD's thresholds. This new development responsible for the projected emissions corresponds to development already contemplated in the City of Azusa General Plan. Five Amendment Areas (Added Areas 5, 12, 14, and 15 and Eminent Domain Area 16) are either vacant or occupied by vacant buildings. Within these Amendment Areas, there is a potential for 144,272 square feet of new commercial development (Added Areas 5, 12, 14, and 15) and 226,599 square feet of industrial development (Eminent Domain Area 16). The long-term emissions from future development within the vacant parcels will result in daily emissions that will exceed the SCAQMD's thresholds of significance. X. E. 2. Findings with Respect to Significant Impacts Following Mitigation. Potential significant air quality impacts were identified in the analysis. As a result, the Lead Agency will adopt a Statement of Overriding Considerations. III. F. Supporting Statement (# Facts and Findings with Respect to Energy and Mineral Resources Impacts III. F.1. Evidence in Support (?f Findings. The theoretical future development associated with the proposed project includes 2,344,202 square feet of commercial uses, 160,949 square feet of industrial uses, and 259 dwelling units. Using the aforementioned assumptions, future development assisted in whole or part by redevelopment, is estimated to consume approximately 5,381 kilowatts of electricity per day. This is an insignificant amount of power when compared to that used in the City as a whole, or even to the existing development within project area. Furthermore, the future development is not anticipated to use energy in an in efficient or wasteful manner. As a result, the future development associated with the proposed project will not directly or indirectly conflict with any conservation plans. However, all future development will be required to adopt energy efficiency standards as identified in Title 24, Part 6 of the California Public Resources Code. 0 0 III F.2. Findings with Respect to Significant Impacts Following Mitigation. No significant unavoidable adverse impacts on energy and mineral resources would result from the proposed project's implementation. III G. Supporting Statement of Facts and Findings with Respect to Hazards and Hazardous Materials Impacts HI G.1. Evidence in Support of Findings. Future development supported in whole or part through redevelopment, may involve a variety of land uses, some of which are likely to use, store or dispose of hazardous materials. Schools located near these Amendment Areas include: Dalton Elementary School, Charles Lee Elementary School, W. R. Powell Elementary School, St. Frances of Rome Elementary School, Gladstone Street Elementary School, Light and Hope Private School, Foothill Middle School, Slauson Middle School, Center Middle School, Azusa High School, Gladstone High School, and Sierra High School. Any future development with a potential to transport, handle, or dispose of hazardous materials will be required to meet all applicable regulations related to hazardous waste. Adherence to these regulations and the City's General Plan will reduce the potential impacts on school facilities to less than significant levels. Any future development with a potential to transport, handle, or dispose of hazardous materials will be required to meet all applicable regulations related to hazardous waste. Adherence to these regulations will reduce the potential impacts to less than significant levels. III G. 2. Findings with Respect to Significant Impacts Following Mitigation. No significant unavoidable adverse impacts on hazards and hazardous materials were identified in this analysis. III.H. Supporting Statement ofFacls and Findings with Respect to Noise Impacts III. H. 1. Evidence in Support of Findings. In addition to stationary noise sources, the development of a new project often results in an increase in local traffic thereby raising mobile -source noise. Under build -out, the development permitted within the Amendment Areas under the current adopted General Plan could result in 85,570 average daily trips (ADT): This figure does not take into account the trip generation from existing land uses and development within the Amendment Areas. The actual traffic generation is likely to be a small fraction of the buildout figure. Furthermore, any additional traffic generated by new development within the Amendment Areas will be distributed throughout the City. Generally, a doubling in traffic volumes is required to create a perceptible change in the ambient noise environment (noise levels of between 3.0 dB and 5.0 dB are considered to represent the low threshold of hearing). This increase would not be audible and does not constitute a significant impact. H. H. 2. Findings wlh Respecl to Significant Impacts Following Mitigation, No significant unavoidable adverse noise impacts would result from the proposed project's implementation. IIIL Supporting Statement of Facts and Findings with Respect to Public Services brtpacts III. L1. Evidence in Support of Findings. New development within the Amendment Areas may result in an incremental increase in the demand for fire protection services. The proposed project will reduce potential fire hazards through the removal of blighted conditions that may represent a health and safety risk. The Fire Department reviews all new development plans, and future development will be required to conform to all fire protection and prevention requirements, including, but not limited to, building setbacks, emergency access, interior sprinklers, etc. As a result, no adverse impacts on fire services will result. The intensification of land use within the proposed Amendment Areas may increase the demand for police services related to general calls for service. The future demand for law enforcement services depends on the type of land use, potential for crowds, and other factors. Development activity within the Amendment Areas will not significantly affect existing schools. As indicated 0 0 previously, all development within the project area will conform to the City of Azusa's General Plan Land Use Element. No relocation of existing housing stock within the project area is contemplated as part of the proposed project. Additionally, there is no projected increase in housing as part of the proposed project over that contemplated in the City's General Plan. As a result, there are no increases in student enrollments associated with the approval of the proposed project. III. L2. Findings wide Respect to Significant Impacts Following Mitigation. No significant unavoidable adverse impacts on public services were identified in this analysis. 111. J. Supporting Statement of Facts and Findings with Respect to Unities Impacts III.J.1. Evidence in Support of Findings. Future development arising from the proposed project's implementation will require connections and water delivery services via existing water lines. Increased water consumption will result in a higher demand on imported water sources. The projected future water consumption is estimated to be 290,287 gallons per day. Future development will be required to comply with water conservation requirements set forth in Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations and the City's Water Conservation Ordinance. Compliance with these state and local requirements will reduce impacts on imported water supplies. As a result, no significant adverse impacts on water supplies or services are anticipated following mitigation. Future development arising from the proposed project's implementation will require connections to existing sewer lines located in major arterials. The development of vacant and/or underutilized parcels will result in a corresponding higher rate of effluent generation. The projected future effluent generation is projected to be 153,693 gallons per day. The projected future demand will not exceed the existing remaining treatment capacity. As a result, the impacts are considered to be less than significant. Future development arising from the proposed project's implementation will result in increased solid waste generation. The projected future solid waste generation is estimated to be 13,884 pounds per day. The projected future demand will not exceed the existing remaining landfill capacity. As a result, the impacts are considered to be less than significant. III. J. 2. Findings with Respect to Significant Impacts Following Mitigation. No significant unavoidable adverse impacts on utilities would result from the proposed project's hhplementation. 111. K. Supporting Statement of Facts and Findings with Respect to Aesthetic Impacts 111 K.1. Evidence in Support of Findings. The proposed project, if implemented, will involve the construction of structural improvements within the project area. Potential development may include 42,033 square feet of commercial uses, 160,949 square feet of industrial uses, and 259 residential units. Once developed, the project area's visual character will be similar to that which presently occupies the surrounding area. Five Amendment Areas (Added Areas 5, 12, 14, 15 and Eminent Domain Area 16) are either vacant or occupied by vacant buildings. Any overall net increase in development will likely result from development within these areas. Within these Amendment Areas, there is a potential for 144,272 square feet of new commercial development (Added Areas 5, 12, 14, and 15) and 226,599 square feet of industrial development (Eminent Domain Area 16). According to California Community Redevelopment Law, any future development assisted in whole or part by redevelopment is required to be consistent with the City of Azusa's General Plan Land Use Map and development standards applicable to the designated use. As a result, no significant impact on viewsheds is anticipated with potential future development. Ill. K.2. Findings with Respect to Significant Lnpacts Following Mitigation. No significant unavoidable adverse aesthetic or visual impacts were identified in this analysis. 111.L Supporting Statement of Facts and Findings with Respect to Cultural Resourecs Impacts 0 0 X. L. 1. Evidence in Support of Findings. The majority of the Amendment Areas are not located within historic districts or contain structures that are considered to be historically significant. Portions of Added Area 1 and Eminent Domain Area 22 are located within the boundaries of the Sunset/San Gabriel Historic District. Eminent Domain Areas 16, 17, and 18 are also located within the boundaries of the Sunset/San Gabriel Historic District. Finally, Eminent Domain Areas 19, 20, and 21 are located within the boundaries of the Downtown Historic District. III. L. Findings with Rcspect to Significant Impacts Following Mitigation. No significant unavoidable adverse impacts on cultural resources would result from the proposed project's implementation. III.M. Supporting Statement of Facts and Findings with Respect to Recreation Impacts III. M. Evidence in Support o(Findings. The proposed Plan Amendment is not anticipated to adversely impact any existing recreational facilities or create a need for new facilities. Tenants and employees of future developments, assisted in whole or part through redevelopment, will use recreational facilities, as would the tenants and employees of development that occurred without redevelopment assistance. None of the Amendment Areas will result in any physical change to an existing park site. Furthermore, the Amendment Areas where residential development is permitted are already developed as residential. The proposed project, if implemented, will permit the construction of structural improvements within the project area. Potential development may include 1,915,863 square feet of commercial uses, 225,599 square feet of industrial uses, and 259 residential units. Five Amendment Areas (Added Areas 5, 12, 14, 15 and Eminent Domain Area 16) are either vacant or occupied by a vacant building. Any overall net increase in development will likely result from development within these areas. Within these Amendment Areas, there is a potential for 144,272 square feet of new commercial development (Added Areas 5, 12, 14, and 15) and 226,599 square feet of industrial development (Eminent Domain Area 16). The "redevelopment" of these vacant parcels will not create a significant need for recreation facilities beyond the current demand. This commercial and industrial development will not impact any existing park or recreational facility. The City has insufficient parkland to meet current needs as well as project related needs. III. M?. Findings with Respect to Significant Impacts Following Mitigation. No significant unavoidable adverse impacts on recreational services or facilities would result from the proposed project's implementation. 111. N. Sty)por1117g Statement of Facts and Findings with Respect to Trac and Circulation Impacts III N 1. Evidence in Support of Findings. All of the existing and future development within the Amendment Areas will generate 85,570 average daily trips, with 2,232 occurring in AM peak period and 7,594 occurring in the PM peak period. As indicated previously, there are five Amendment Areas (Added Areas 5, 12, 14, 15 and Eminent Domain Area 16) are either vacant or occupied by a vacant building. Any overall net increase in development, and traffic, will likely result from development within these areas. Within these Amendment Areas, there is a potential for 144,272 square feet of new commercial development (Added Areas 5, 12, 14, and 15) and 226,599 square feet of industrial development (Eminent Domain Area 16). Future development within the undeveloped Amendment Areas will generate 6,992 average daily trips, with 102 trips occurring in the AM peak period and 490 trips occurring in the PM peak period. The proposed Plan Amendments would not result in any impact to an existing CMP monitored intersection, as none are located within the project area. Furthermore, the potential traffic generation of the current development proposal is less than that deemed to represent a significant impact under the Congestion Management Plan 0 0 (CMP). As a result, the impact of the project on CMP facilities is considered to be less than significant. III. N. Endings with Respect to Significant Impacts Following Mitigation. No significant unavoidable adverse impacts on cultural resources would result from the proposed project's implementation. IV. Findings with Respect to the Analysis of Potential Protect Alternatives Overview of Alternatives Considered in the EIR. With regard to project alternatives, the Azusa Redevelopment Agency considered a range of alternatives in addition to a "No Project Alternative." As part of the environmental review, the Lead Agency considered the following alternatives: IVA No Project Alternative - This alternative considers the No Project, "do nothing" alternative required pursuant to CEQA. Under this scenario, the status quo would be maintained and no development of the proposed elementary school site would occur. IV.B Modified Redevelopment Plan - This alternative would include full implementation of the proposed project, except that the plan would not include provisions giving the Redevelopment Agency for the City of Azusa power of eminent domain over those properties located in the project area. The Redevelopment Agency and private developers would have to employ other methods to assemble parcels as needed for new development. IV.0 This alternative is similar to the proposed project, but involves modifications to the boundaries of the proposed project area boundaries that would reduce the project area's size. The analysis determined that none of the project alternatives would meet the overall project objectives. 0 0 THIS PAGE HAS BEEN fNTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 0 0 Statement of Overriding Considerations for the Environmental Impact Report for the proposed Amendments for the Merged Central Business District/West End Redevelopment Projects The City of Azusa Redevelopment Agency, as Lead Agency and decision -maker for the project, has reviewed and considered the information contained in the environmental impact report (EIR) prepared for the proposed Amendments for the Merged Central Business District/West End Redevelopment Projects and the public record. The Lead Agency makes the following findings, pursuant to Section 15093 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines, with respect to the Statement of Overriding Considerations for the proposed action involving the approval and subsequent implementation of the proposed Amendments for the Merged Central Business District/West End Redevelopment Projects: • Future development, supported in whole or in part through redevelopment, will result in cumulative construction emissions that may exceed the South Coast Air Quality Management District's (SCAQMD's) thresholds of significance. • The future development, supported in whole or part by redevelopment, will exceed the SCAQMD's daily thresholds of significance; • The traffic generated by future development, supported in whole or part by redevelopment, will result in long-term emissions that will exceed SCAQMD thresholds though this development, and the attendant traffic impacts, are contemplated in the City's General Plan; • The new development cited above is contemplated under the adopted City of Azusa General Plan and is in conformance with the City's Zoning Ordinance. As a result, the proposed project will not introduce any significant air quality impacts beyond those anticipated as part of the implementation of the general plan. While the proposed action is consistent with the City of Azusa General Plan, the City of Azusa Redevelopment Agency has determined that a Statement of Overriding Considerations is warranted to acknowledge the continuing non -attainment status of the South Coast Air Basin. The Lead Agency further acknowledges that the proposed action will not introduce any new impacts beyond those contemplated in the City of Azusa General Plan.