HomeMy WebLinkAboutCDC/2003-09
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(See Companion Resolution 2003-83)
RESOLUTION NO. CDC/2003-9
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A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO (1) ACCEPTING THE
TRANSMISSION OF THE PRELIMINARY 2003 EMINENT DOMAIN
AMENDMENT TO THE STATE COLLEGE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN
("AMENDMENT"), THE INITIAL STUDY FOR THE AMENDMENT AND
(2) SETTING THE JOINT PUBLIC HEARING DATE OF MAY 19, 2003 AT
7:00 P.M. WITH THE MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL TO CONSIDER
THE AMENDMENT REINSTATING CERTAIN EMINENT DOMAIN
POWERS AND ADOPTION OF A NEGATIVE DECLARATION.
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WHEREAS, the Mayor and Common Council have previously adopted Ordinance No. 3067,
dated April 27, 1970, which approved the Redevelopment Plan for the State College Redevelopment
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Project (the "Redevelopment Plan") in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Community
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Redevelopment Law (Health and Safety Code Section 33000 ~ seq.); and
WHEREAS, the Redevelopment Plan has subsequently been amended by Ordinance No. MC-
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560, dated December 8, 1986, by Ordinance No. MC-725, dated April 2, 1990, and further amended by
Ordinance No. MC-925, dated December 20, 1994; and
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WHEREAS, the Redevelopment Plan as amended in 1986 authorized the Redevelopment
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Agency of the City of San Bernardino (the "Agency") to acquire property within the redevelopment
project area of the State College Redevelopment Project for community redevelopment purposes by
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grant, donation, negotiated purchase or lease or by exercise of eminent domain, which power to acquire
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land by eminent domain however, lapsed in 1999 under applicable provisions of the Community
Redevelopment Law; and
WHEREAS, conditions of blight still persist in the redevelopment project area of the State
College Redevelopment Project, and the resources available to the Agency to implement the
Redevelopment Plan, as amended and eliminate and reduce the spread of blight from the redevelopment
project area will be enhanced and strengthened if the Agency's power to acquire property by exercise of
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eminent domain is restored; and
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CDC/2003-9
WHEREAS, it is appropriate for the Community Development Commission of the City of San
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Bernardino (the "Commission") as the governing board of the Agency to take certain action as provided
in this Resolution with respect to the implementation of appropriate action to prevent and eliminate the
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spread of blight in the redevelopment project area of the State College Redevelopment Project.
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NOW, THEREFORE, THE COMMUNlTY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DETERMINE AND ORDER, AS
FOLLOWS:
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Section 1.
The recital paragraphs of this Resolution are true and correct.
The Community Development Commission acknowledges receipt of a Staff
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Section 2.
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Report dated March 28,2003, prepared by the Agency, which indicates that the restoration of the power
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of the Agency to acquire property in the redevelopment project area of the State College Redevelopment
Project by exercise of eminent domain will foster and promote the elimination and prevention of the
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spread of blight in the redevelopment project area.
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Section 3.
The Community Development Commission hereby acknowledges the receipt
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and approval of a draft, dated March, 2003, of the text of the proposed amendment to the applicable
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section of the Redevelopment Plan, as previously amended, which, if finally adopted, shall reinstate the
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power of the Agency to acquire certain non-residential use and/or occupied properties in the project are
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for twelve (12) years following the adoption of an ordinance of the Mayor and Common Council
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approving such an amendment.
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Section 4.
The Community Development Commission hereby acknowledges the receipt
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and approval of a draft, dated March 2003, of the Report to Mayor and Common Council on the
proposed Amendment to the Redevelopment Plan. The purpose of this Report is to provide the
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information, documentation, and evidence required to support the adoption of the proposed Amendment.
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This information, documentation, and evidence are provided to assist the Common Council in its
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consideration of the proposed Amendment, and in making the various determinations in connection with
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its adoption.
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Section 5.
The Community Development Commission hereby finds and determines that
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the proposed amendment to the Redevelopment Plan, as amended, to restore the Agency's power to
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acquire property by eminent domain shall not result in the residential displacement of any low-income
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persons or household nor in the residential displacement of any moderate-income person or household
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for the reason that the proposed amendment shall expressly limit the Agency's power to acquire property
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for community redevelopment purposes to property which is not residentially designated, used or
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occupied. In view of this finding, the Community Development Commission hereby determines in
accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 33385 that further consideration of the proposed
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amendment to the Redevelopment Plan shall not require the formation or consultation with a project area
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committee, as no low- or moderate-income person or household shall be displaced by any project which
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may be undertaken by the Agency on property hereafter acquired by eminent domain.
Section 6.
The Community Development Commission acknowledges receipt of an Initial
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Study, dated March, 2003, as prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act
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("CEQA") with respect to the proposed amendment to the Redevelopment Plan to restore eminent
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domain power of the Agency to acquire non-residentially used or occupied properties in the
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redevelopment project area of the State College Redevelopment Project. The Initial Study indicates that
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since the adoption of the State College Redevelopment Project Area predates CEQA, no Program EIR
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was prepared. Therefore, the Initial Study has been prepared to evaluate the potential environmental
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effects of reinstating eminent domain in the State College Redevelopment Project Area.
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Section 7.
The Community Development Commission hereby authorizes the draft text
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amendment dated March 2003, the draft Report to Mayor and Common Council, dated March 2003, and
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Initial Study, dated March 2003, for release for public review and distribution to the taxing agencies and
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other interested parties.
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The Community Development Commission hereby authorizes and consents to
Section 8.
24 conducting a joint public hearing with the Mayor and Common Council of the City of San Bernardino
25 on May 19, 2003 at the hour of 7 :00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as may be practicable, for the purpose of
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CDC/2003-9
considering an amendment to the Redevelopment Plan to reinstate the Agency's power to acquire
2 property by exercise of eminent domain. The City Clerk, in cooperation with the Agency Secretary, is
3 hereby authorized and directed to give notice of the joint public hearing as hereby ordered in the form
4 and manner required by the California Community Redevelopment Law.
The Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption.
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A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO (1) ACCEPTING
THE TRANSMISSION OF THE PRELIMINARY 2003 EMINENT
DOMAIN AMENDMENT TO THE STATE COLLEGE
REDEVELOPMENT PLAN ("AMENDMENT"), THE INITIAL STUDY
FOR THE AMENDMENT AND (2) SETTING THE JOINT PUBLIC
HEARING DATE OF MAY 19, 2003 AT 7:00 P.M. WITH THE MAYOR
AND COMMON COUNCIL TO CONSIDER THE AMENDMENT
REINSTATING CERTAIN EMINENT DOMAIN POWERS AND
ADOPTION OF A NEGATIVE DECLARATION.
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I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the
8 Community Development Commission of the City of San Bernardino at a j t. reg.
meeting
9 thereof, held on the 7th day of April , 2003, by the following vote to wit:
10 Commission Members: Aves Nays Abstain Absent
11 ESTRADA X
12 LONGVILLE X
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MCGINNIS X
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DERRY X
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SUAREZ X
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ANDERSON X
16 MC CAMMACK x
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~7Y7?~c~
Assistant Secretary
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The foregoing resolution is hereby approved this It)n1 day of
April
,2003.
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lrperson
Development Commission
y of San Bernardino
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Agency Counsel
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Approved a
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CDC/2003-9
State College Redevelopment Project Area
...., ,.;
Eminent Domain
to the
Plan
Adopted:
Ordinance No.:
March 2003
Redevelopment Agency of the
City of San Bernardino
201 North "E" Street, Suite 301
San Bernardino, CA92410
Rosenow Spevacek Group, Ine.
217 North Main Street, Suite 300
Santa Ana, Califomia 92701
Phone: (714)541-4585
Fax: (714) 836-1748
E-Mail: info@webrsg.com
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CDC/2003-9
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Paqe
Introduction.................................................................................................................. 3
Amendment............................................................................................. .4
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CDC/2003-9
2003 EMINENT DOMAIN AMENDMENT
to the
REDEVELOPMENT PLAN
for the
STATE COLLEGE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA
INTRODUCTION
The Common Council of the City of San Bernardino ("Common Council") approved and
adopted the Redevelopment Plan ("Plan") for the State College Redevelopment Project
Area ("Project Area") on April 27, 1970 by Ordinance No. 3067. Subsequently, the
Redevelopment Plan was amended three (3) times with the adoption of Amendment
No.1 on December 8, 1986 with Ordinance MC-560, Amendment No.2 on April 2,
1990 with Ordinance MC-725, and Amendment No.3 on December 20, 1994 with
Ordinance MC-925. The purpose of the last ordinance was to establish certain time
and financial limitations imposed by the passage of Assembly Bill 1290.
The 2003 Eminent Domain Amendment to the Redevelopment Plan for the State
College Redevelopment Project ("Amendment") makes certain changes to the text of
the Redevelopment Plan to accomplish the following objectives: to reinstate the
Redevelopment Agency of the City of San Bernardino's ("Agency") power of eminent
domain within the Project Area to April 27,2010, the time limit of the Plan, for non-
residentially occupied or used properties to enable the Agency to retain all tools
available to the Agency in implementing the Redevelopment Plan.
The changes by this Amendment are not to be construed to amend, modify, change or
affect in any other provisions the text of the Redevelopment Plan and does not add or
delete territory from the boundaries of the State College Redevelopment Project Area.
The Redevelopment Plan is hereby amended as follows:
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CDC/2003-9
2003 EMINENT DOMAIN AMENDMENT
to the
REDEVELOPMENT PLAN
for the
STATE COLLEGE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA
AMENDMENT
Under "Section D, Urban Renewal Powers To Be Exercised to Achieve Plan
Objectives," "Subsection 2, Acquisition and Clearance" beginning on Page 23 of the
Redevelopment Plan is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following
text which reads as follows:
"2. Acquisition and Clearance
The Agency may acquire, purchase, lease, obtain option, or
otherwise acquire any interest in real property, and any
improvements on it by any means authorized by law, including by
gift, grant, exchange, purchase, cooperative negotiations, lease,
and any other means authorized by law including the use of
eminent domain for purposes of redevelopment in the State
College Project Area as authorized by law. Not withstanding the
provisions of the preceding sentence, the Agency shall not acquire
by eminent domain any property within the State College Project
Area on which a person or persons reside or any property which is
either designated under applicable General Plan land or zoning
regulations as residential property, as of the date when the Agency
transmits its written offer to acquire such property to the owner
thereof in accordance with Government Code Section 7267.2, or
other applicable law.
With regard to the time period to exercise the Agency's power of
eminent domain within the State College Project Area, the Agency
shall not initiate legal proceedings to acquire an interest in real
property by the exercise of the power of eminent domain after
April 27, 2010, the time limit of the Redevelopment Plan.
The Agency is not authorized to acquire real property owned by
public bodies, which do not consent to such acquisition. The
Agency is authorized, however, to acquire public property, if it is
transferred to private ownership before the Agency completes land
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CDC/2003-9
disposition within the entire Project Area, unless the Agency and
the private owner enter into an owner participation agreement.
The Agency shall not acquire real property on which an existing building is
to be continued on its present site and in its present form and use without
consent of the owner, unless (1) such building requires structural
alterations, improvement, modernization or rehabilitation, or (2) the site or
lot on which the building is situated requires modification in size, shape or
use, or (3) it is necessary to impose upon such property any of the
standard, restrictions and controls of the Plan and the owner fails or
refuses to participate in the Plan by executing an owner participation
agreement."
End of replacement text.
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CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
Project Title: Reinstatement of Eminent Domain in the State College Redevelopment Project Area
Lead Agency Name: City of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency
Address: 201 North "E" Street, Third Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92401-1507
Contact Person:
Gary Van Osdel
Phone Number:
(909) 663-1044
Project Location (Address/Nearest cross-streets): The State College Redevelopment Area (Project Area)
consists of 1,800 acres within the City of San Bernardino. The project boundaries are irregular in shape,
extending in a latitudinal direction from the south side of Highland Avenue to just north of California State
University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). The longitudinal boundaries extend from Acacia Avenue on the east to
the west side of Cajon Boulevard. Land use classifications within this area include Residential Suburban and
Low, Public Facility, and Industrial Light, among others. Figure 1 shows the regional location ofthe project
area, and Figure 2 shows the Project Area boundaries.
Project Sponsor:
Address:
City of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency
201 North "E" Street, Third Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92401-1507
Description of Project
The State College Redevelopment Project was originally adopted on April 27, 1970, the same year the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) was enacted but predated CEQA. This report was prepared for
the City of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency ("the Agency"). No initial studies or
environmental impact reports were previously prepared for the proposed project. The original objectives ofthe
Redevelopment Project were to improve the area's general condition by removal and/or replacement of
substandard buildings, removal of irregular lot subdivisions, elimination of the area's environmental
deficiencies (overcrowded areas, street deficiencies, unsightly utility lines), improved architectural and urban
design features, assisting landowners and redevelopers in the redevelopment process, and substantially
increasing the number of low and moderate housing units in the area. These objectives will thus reduce the
areas of blight that exist within the Project Area. Blight, as defined by California redevelopment law, may
include: structural deficiencies, faulty planning, inadequate public improvements, utilities, traffic and parking
facilities, depreciated property values, social and economic maladjustments, and other conditions.
The Project Area has significantly changed since the redevelopment plan was enacted in 1970. Residential
neighborhoods exist in the central and east portions of the Project Area, as designated in the City's General
Plan. Industrial developments now exist west of Interstate 215, and California State University, San
Bernardino to the north, as designated in the City's Zoning Maps. According to the State College
Redevelopment Project Draft Report to Mayor and Common Council (March 2003), the majority of the
original conditions of blight, as defined within the redevelopment plan completed in 1970, continue to exist on
the project site. Figures 3 through 7 show existing conditions in the Project Area observed by Lilburn
Corporation during the field reconnaissance.
635/Slate College Initial StudylMarch 18, 2003
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CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
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CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
The Redevelopment Plan for the State College Project Area was adopted in 1970 and expires in 2010. The
Redevelopment Plan predates CEQA. However, over the years, as projects have been developed in the Project
Area, Initial Studies to evaluate a project's impacts on the environment were prepared and Negative
Declarations were adopted in accordance with the City of San Bernardino Guidelines for implementing
CEQA. Today the State College Project Area is approximately 85 percent developed with a variety of
industrial, commercial, and residential land uses as envisioned by the City of San Bernardino Common
Council in 1970 when the Redevelopment Plan was adopted by Resolution No. 2185.
One of the tools used by the City's Economic Development Agency to foster redevelopment in the Project
Area is eminent domain. Eminent domain authority allows an agency to acquire properties within a project
area in order to facilitate redevelopment. It allows an agency to assemble properties for conveyance to private
entities that in turn will develop those properties with appropriate land uses. The use of eminent domain to
facilitate redevelopment in the State College Project Area was a part of the Redevelopment Plan when it was
adopted in 1970. However, this authority cannot exceed 12 years. At the end of the 12 year period the
redevelopment plan must be amended to address continuance or reinstatement of eminent domain. The
authority for the Economic Development Agency to use eminent domain in the State College Project Area
lapsed in 1999 and was not immediately reinstated. The Agency is now proposing to reinstate its power of
eminent domain in the existing Project Area for an additional 12 years for those parcels that have a non-
residential General Plan designation and/or have an existing non-residential use. Reinstating the power of
eminent domain will not affect existing residential neighborhoods nor alter the Project Area boundaries.
CEQA Section l5378(a) defines a project as "the whole of an action which has the potential to result in either
a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonable foreseeable indirect physical change in the
environment..." The reinstatement of eminent domain is considered to be a project under CEQA because the
purpose of this tool is to allow an Agency to condemn properties in order to assemble parcels to facilitate
development. Because the reinstatement of eminent domain is a "project" under CEQA, the Economic
Development Agency, acting as the lead agency must make a determination that any changes in the project
description after the project has been approved will not have a significant effect on the environment. In this
case, the change in the project description is the reinstatement of eminent domain after it lapsed in 1999.
Generally when a Redevelopment Project Area is created, the lead agency prepares a Program Environmental
Impact Report (Program EIR) that addresses the potential environmental effects associated with the
redevelopment of a designated project area. However, since the adoption ofthe State College Redevelopment
Project Area predates CEQA, no Program EIR was prepared. Therefore, an Initial Study has been prepared to
evaluate the potential environmental effects of reinstating eminent domain as a tool for continuing the
redevelopment effort in the Project Area.
This Initial Study evaluates environmental impacts for re-establishing the Agency's use of eminent domain
with respect to the Project Area. The Agency is now proposing to reinstate its power of eminent domain in the
existing State College Redevelopment area for an additional 12 years for those parcels that have a non-
residential General Plan designation and/or have an existing non-residential use. Eminent domain will allow
the Agency to assemble properties for conveyance to private entities that in turn will develop those properties
with appropriate land uses. Reinstating the power of eminent domain will not affect existing residential
neighborhoods nor alter the Project Area boundaries.
635/State College Initial StudylMarch 18, 2003
IS-9
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CDCj2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED
The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at
least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact" as indicated by the checklist on the following
pages.
0 Land Use and Planning 0 Transportation/Circulation 0 Public Services
0 Population and Housing 0 Biological Resources 0 Utilities
0 Earth Resources 0 Energy and Mineral Resources 0 Aesthetics
0 Water 0 Hazards 0 Cultural Resources
0 Air Quality 0 Noise 0 Recreation
0 Mandatory Findings of Significance
Determination.
On the basis of this Initial Study/Environmental Checklist, the Economic Development
Agency of the City of San Bernardino finds:
That the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a [8J
NEGATNE DECLARATION will be prepared.
That although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there 0
will not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described on an
attached sheet have been added to the project. A MITIGATED NEGATNE
DECLARATION will be prepared.
That the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an 0
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
That although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there 0
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 upon the proposed project.
Signahll:~ .
Date
Printed Name
635/State College Initial SludylMarch 18. 2003
IS-tO
.
CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
Potentially
Significant
Potentially Unless Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
II. LAND USE AND PLANNING. Will the proposal
result in:
a) A conflict with the land use as 0 0 0 [8]
designated based on the review of the
General Plan Land Use Plan/Zoning
Districts Map?
b) Development within an Airport District 0 0 0 [8]
as identified in the Air Installation
Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) Report
and the Land Use Zoning District Map?
c) Development within Foothill Fire Zones 0 0 0 [8]
A & B, or C as identified on the Land
Use Districts Zoning Map?
d) Other? 0 0 0 0
II. POPULATION AND HOUSING. Will the
proposal:
a) Remove existing housing (including 0 0 0 [8]
affordable housing) as verified by a site
survey/ eval uation?
b) Create a significant demand for 0 0 0 [8]
additional housing based on the
proposed use and evaluation of project
size?
c) Induce substantial growth in an area 0 0 0 [8]
either directly or indirectly (e.g., through
projects in an undeveloped area or an
extension of major infrastructure)?
63SIStatc College Initial SludylMan:h 18, 2003
IS-11
CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
Potentially
Significant
Potentially Unless Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
III. EARTH RESOURCES: Will the proposal result
m:
a) Earth movement (cut and/or fill) on 0 0 0 I8l
slopes of 15% or more based on
information contained in the Preliminary
Project Description Form No. D?
b) Development and/or grading on a slope 0 0 I8l 0
greater than 15% natural grade based on
review of General Plan HMOD map?
c) Erosion, dust or unstable soil conditions 0 0 I8l 0
from excavation, grading or fill?
d) Development within the Alquist-Priolo 0 0 I8l 0
Special Studies Zone as defined in
Section 12.0-Geologic & Seismic, Figure
47, of the City's General Plan?
e) Modification of any unique geologic or 0 0 0 I8l
physical feature based on field review?
f) Development within areas defined as 0 0 I8l 0
having high potential for water or wind
erosion as identified in Section 12.0-
Geologic & Seismic, Figure 53, of the
City's General Plan?
g) Modification of a channel, creek or river 0 0 0 I8l
based on a field review or review of
USGS Topographic Map (Name) San
Bernardino. South.
h) Development within an area subject to 0 0 I8l 0
landslides, mudslides, subsidence or
other similar hazards as identified in
Section 12.0-Geologic & Seismic,
Figures 48, 51, 52 and 53 ofthe City's
General Plan?
63SIStale College Initial StudylMan:h 18, 2003
IS-12
CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
Potentially
Significant
Potentially Unless Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
i) Development within an area subject to 0 0 0 I8l
liquefaction as shown in Section 12.0-
Geologic & Seismic, Figure 48, of the
City's General Plan?
j) Other? 0 0 0 0
IV. WATER. Will the proposal result in:
.
a) Changes in absorption rates, drainage 0 0 I8l 0
patterns, or the rate and amount of
surface runoff due to impermeable
surfaces that cannot be mitigated by
Public Works Standard Requirements to
contain and convey runoff to approved
storm drain based on review of the
proposed site plan?
b) Significant alteration in the course or 0 0 0 I8l
flow of flood waters based on
consultation with Public Works staff?
c) Discharge into surface waters or any 0 0 0 I8l
alteration of surface water quality based
on requirements of Public Works to have
runoff directed to approved storm
drains?
d) Changes in the quantity or quality of 0 0 0 l8l
ground water?
e) Exposure of people or property to flood 0 0 l8l 0
hazards as identified in the Federal
Emergency Management Agency's Flood
Insurance Rate Map 06071C7940F and
Section 16.0-Flooding, Figure 62, of the
City's General Plan?
f) Other? - 0 0 0 0
63SIState College Initial StudylMan:h 18, 2003
IS-13
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CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
Potentially
Significant
Potentially Unless Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
V. AIR QUALITY. Will the proposal:
a) Violate any air quality standard or 0 0 129 0
contribute to an existing or projected air
quality violation based on the thresholds
in the SCAQMD's "CEQA Air Quality
Handbook"?
b) Expose sensitive receptors to pollutants? 0 0 129 0
c) Alter air movement, moisture, or 0 0 0 129
temperature, or cause any change in
climate?
d) Create objectionable odors based on 0 0 0 129
information contained in the Preliminary
Environmental Descriotion Form?
VI. TRANSPORTATION/CIRCULATION. Could
the proposal result in:
a) A significant increase in traffic volumes 0 0 0 129
on the roadways or intersections or an
increase that is significantly greater than
the land use designated on the General
Plan?
b) Alteration of present patterns of 0 0 129 0
circulation?
c) A disjointed pattern of roadway 0 0 0 129
improvements?
d) Impact to rail or air traffic? 0 0 0 129
e) Insufficient parking capacity on-site or 0 0 0 129
off-site based on the requirements in
Chapter 19.24 of the Development
Code?
635/Slate Conege Initial StudylMarch 18,2003
IS-14
CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
Potentially
Significant
Potentially Unless Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
f) Increased safety hazards to vehicles, 0 0 0 lEI
bicyclists or pedestrians?
g) Conflict with adopted policies 0 0 0 lEI
supporting alternative transportation?
h) Inadequate emergency access or access 0 0 0 lEI
to nearby uses?
i) Other? 0 0 0 0
VII. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Could the
proposal result in:
a) Development within the Biological 0 0 lEI 0
Resources Management Overlay, as
identified in Section lO.O-Natural
Resources, Figure 41, of the City's
General Plan?
b) Impacts to endangered, threatened or rare 0 0 0 lEI
species or their habitat (including, but
not limited to, plants, mammals, fish,
insects and birds)?
c) Impacts to the wildlife disbursal or 0 0 lEI 0
migration corridors?
d) Impacts to wetland habitat (e.g., marsh, 0 0 0 lEI
riparian and vernal pool)?
e) Removal of viable, mature trees based on 0 0 0 lEI
information contained in the Preliminary
Project Description Form and verified by
site survey/evaluation (6" or greater
trunk diameter at 4N above the ground)?
f) Other? 0 0 0 0
635/Slale College: Initial StudylMarch 18, 2003
IS-15
..
CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
Potentially
Significant
Potentially Unless Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
VIII. ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES.
Would the proposal:
a) Conflict with adopted energy 0 0 0 181
conservation plans?
b) Use non-renewable resources in a 0 0 0 181
wasteful and inefficient manner?
c) Result in the loss of availability of a 0 0 0 181
known mineral resource that would be of
future value to the region and the
residents of the State?
IX. HAZARDS. Will the proposal:
a) Use, store, transport or dispose of 0 0 181 0
hazardous or toxic materials based on
infonnation contained in the Preliminary
Environmental Description Fonn, No.
G(l) and G(2) (including, but not limited
to, oil, pesticides, chemicals or
radiation)?
b) Involve the release of hazardous 0 0 0 181
substances?
c) Expose people to the potential 0 0 181 0
health/safety hazards?
d) Other? 0 0 0 0
X. NOISE. Could the proposal result in:
a) Development of housing, health care 0 0 0 181
facilities, schools, libraries, religious
facilities or other noise sensitive uses in
areas where existing or future noise
levels exceed an Ldn of 65 dB(A)
exterior and an Ldn of 45 dB(A) interior
as identified in Section 14.0-Noise,
Figures 57 and 58 of the City's General
Plan?
635IS13'0 College Initial StudylMan:h 18, 2003
IS-16
CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
Potentially
Significant
Potentially Unless Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
b) Development of new or expansion of 0 0 0 18.1
existing industrial, commercial or other
uses which generate noise levels above
an Ldn of 65 dB(A) exterior or an Ldn of
45 dB(A) interior that may affect areas
containing housing, schools, health care
facilities or other sensitive uses based on
information in the Preliminary
Environmental Description Form No.
G( I) and evaluation of surrounding land
uses No. C, and verified by site
survev/evaluation?
c) Other? 0 0 0 0
XI. PUBLIC SERVICES. Would the proposal have
an effect upon, or result in a need for new or
altered government services in any of the
following areas:
a) Fire orotection? 0 0 0 18.1
b) Medical Aid? 0 0 0 18.1
c) Police orotection? 0 0 0 18.1
d) Schools? 0 0 0 18.1
e) Parks or other recreational facilities? 0 0 0 18.1
.
f) Solid waste disoosal? 0 0 0 18.1
g) Maintenance of public facilities, 0 0 0 18.1
including roads?
h) Other governmental services? 0 0 0 18.1
635/51310 College Initial StudylMarch 18.2003
IS-17
CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
Potentially
Significant
Potentially Unless Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
XII. UTILITIES: Will the proposal, based on the
responses of the responsible Agencies,
Departments, or Utility Company, impact the
following beyond the capability to provide
~ adequate levels of service or require the
construction of new facilities?
a) Natural gas? 0 0 0 181
b) Electricity? 0 0 0 181
c) Communications systems? 0 0 0 181
d) Water distribution? 0 0 0 181
e) Water treatment or sewer? 0 0 0 181
f) Storm water drainage? 0 0 0 181
g) Result in a disjointed pattern of utility 0 0 0 181
extensions based on review of existing
patterns and proposed extensions?
h) Other? 0 0 0 0
XIII. AESTHETICS.
a) Could the proposal result in the 0 0 0 181
obstruction of any significant or
important scenic view based on
evaluation of the view shed verified by
site survey/evaluation?
b) Will the visual impact of the project 0 0 0 181
create aesthetically offensive changes in
the existing visual setting based on a site
survey and evaluation ofthe proposed
elevations?
c) Create significant light or glare that 0 0 181 0
could impact sensitive receptors?
d) Other? 0 0 0 0
635/SI>I<: College Initial StudylMarch 18, 2003
IS-18
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CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
Potentially
Significant
Potentially Unless Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
XN. CULTURAL RESOURCES. Could the proposal
result in:
a) Development in a sensitive 0 0 181 0
archaeological area as identified in
Section 3.0-Historical, Figure 8, of the
City's General Plan?
b) The alteration or destruction of a 0 0 0 181
prehistoric or historic archaeological site
by development within an archaeological
sensitive area as identified in Section
3.0-Historical, Figure 8, of the City's
General Plan?
c) Alteration or destruction of a historical 0 0 0 181
site, structure or object as listed in the
City's Historic Resources
Reconnaissance Survey?
d) Other? 0 0 0 0
XV. RECREATION. Would the proposal:
a) Increase the demand for neighborhood or 0 0 0 181
regional parks or other recreational
facilities?
b) Affect existing recreational 0 0 181 0
opportunities?
6351State College Initial StudylMarch 18, 2003
IS-19
CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
Potentially
Significant
Potentially Unless Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
XVI. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF
SIGNIFICANCE.
a) Does the project have the potential to 0 0 0 181
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 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?
b) Does the project have the potential to 0 0 0 181
achieve short-term, to the disadvantage
of long-term, environmental goals?
c) Does the project have impacts that are 0 0 0 181
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.)
d) Does the project have environmental 0 0 0 181
effects which will cause substantial
adverse effects on human beings, either
directly or indirectly?
635/SIaIe College Initial StudylMarch 18, 2003
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CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
REFERENCES. The following references cited in the Initial Study are on file in the Planning and Building
Services Department/Public Works Division.
1. Redevelopment Plan - State College Project No.4
2. Amendment to the Redevelopment Plan - RDA 20% Tax Set-Aside
3. City of San Bernardino General Plan.
4. City of San Bernardino General Plan Land Use Plan/Zoning Districts Map.
S. City of San Bernardino Environmental Impact Report
6. Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones Map.
7. South Coast Air Quality Management District, CEQA Air Quality Handbook.
8. Federal Emergency Management Agency, Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
9. Public Works Standard Requirements - water.
10. Public Works Standard Requirements - grading.
11. 2003 Eminent Domain Amendment, State College Redevelopment Project - Draft Report to Mayor
and Common Council
DISCUSSION OF IMPACT LEVELS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
I. LAND USE AND PLANNING
a) The State College Redevelopment Project is an irregular shaped area located in the northwestern
portion ofthe City of San Bernardino. The project boundaries extend from Highland Avenue north to
California State University, San Bernardino, and from Cajon Boulevard west to Acacia Avenue (see
Figure 2). According to the City's Land Zoning Map, the majority of the central and east portions of
the redevelopment area are zoned residential, and are consistent with the existing land use dominating
that area. The western portions are zoned industrial, and are consistent with the existing land uses
dominating that area. According to the State College Draft Report to Mayor and Common Council
(March 2003), approximately 42 percent of the Project Area is residential, 13 percent
commercial/office/industrial, 6 percent public/other, and 15 percent vacant. CSUSB exists at the north
side ofthe Project Area, as indicated in the Zoning Map, encompassing approximately 24 percent of
the total Project Area. The proposed reinstatement of eminent domain within the Project Area will not
result in a conflict with General Plan Land Use designations or Zoning District Maps. Figure 1 shows
the regional location of the Project Area, while Figure 2 shows the Project Area boundaries.
Photographs/maps showing the existing conditions within the Project Area are included in Figure 3-7.
The Redevelopment Project will allow the City of San Bernardino to reduce any blighted conditions
within the study area and allow for General Plan Amendments to bring the land use designations in
conformance with the existing land uses.
The Project Area has significantly changed since the enactment of the State College Redevelopment
Plan in 1970. The majority of the original condition of blight as identified in 1970 continues to exist
throughout the project area and requires fjlrther redevelopment activities. The State College Draft
Report (march 2003) indicated the State College Redevelopment Area assessed value (A V) has only
increased by 0.62 percent over the past five years, an average of 0.12 percent per year. In comparison
the overall City during the same time period has increased by a factor of approximately 11.5 percent
635/5tate College Initial 5tudyIMarch 20, 2003
IS-2l
CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
over the State College Project Area. An increase of less that two percent per year growth rate is not
keeping up with the rate of inflation. The majority of the area appears developed per the Land Use
Designation Map, with some vacant areas remaining.
b) The proposed project is not within an Airport District as identified in Land Use Zoning District Maps.
The closest airstrips or airports are located approximately 9 miles to the southeast (San Bernardino
International Airport, former Norton Air Force Base) and approximately 9 miles to the west (Rialto
Municipal Airport). There are no significant project-related impacts associated with airports.
c) Portions of the Project Area are within the Fire Hazard Area according to Figure 61 of the City's
General Plan. The northern portions ofthe project include areas designated as both High Hazard and
Moderate Hazard. The majority ofthis area is encompassed by CSUSB, with some additional area to
the east designated as Public Community Recreation and Residential Low. The area designated as
. Moderate to High Fire Hazard potential is located in close proximity to the San Bernardino Mountains
and the San Bernardino National Forest located north of the Project Area. The San Bernardino
Mountains are characterized with highly flammable chaparral vegetation and high winds during the dry
season making the area highly prone to fire hazards. Re-instatement should not create an increased fire
hazard in the area since future development will decrease the amount of flammable vegetation in the
area.
II. POPULA nON AND HOUSING
a) The proposed project is the reinstatement of eminent domain in order to facilitate redevelopment of
properties that have a non-residential General Plan designation and/or that have an existing non-
residential land use. The central and eastern portions of the Project Area currently have a residential
land use designation, and much ofthe area is developed as such. The reinstatement of eminent domain
will not create an impact to the existing residential land uses within the Project Area by removing
existing housing.
b) The reinstatement of eminent domain within the project area will allow the City to redevelop areas that
are used for non-conforming land uses within non-residentially zoned areas. Vacant lots exist
throughout the Project Area, and development/redevelopment may result in additional demands for
housing in the area. Any impacts associated with available housing in the area will be discussed in
subsequent studies prepared for future proposed projects. The reinstatement of eminent domain will
not result in an impact to existing housing within the area.
c) The reinstatement of eminent domain would not result in major infrastructure expansion not
previously considered in the Redevelopment Plan or the City's General Plan because the area in
urbanized and infrastructure is available.
III. EARTH RESOURCES
a-b) Portions ofthe Project Area include topography with slopes potentially greater than 15 percent. The
area surrounding Little Mountain Drive, and an area north of North Park Drive are identified as
moderate relief slopes, with low to moderate landslide susceptibility according to Figure 52 of the
635/Slale College [oiti.1 StudylM.rch 18, 2003 IS- 22
CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
City's General Plan. Site specific soil engineering and foundation investigations would be required for
construction projects within the redevelopment area in accordance with development standards
administered by the City's Public Works Division.
c) Dust would be generated when grading or demolition is necessary. New rules and regulations adopted
by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) have been enacted since the
adoption of the State College Redevelopment Plan. Such rules include regular watering on a daily
basis to reduce dust hazards during construction in accordance with SCAQMD Rule 403. Rule 403
requires implementation of best available fugitive dust control measures during grading and
construction activities with additional measures implemented under high wind conditions. See Section
V - Air Quality for additional information on dust control and particulate matter that may be generated
by development within the Project Area.
High winds impact the dust generation characteristics and create the potential for off-site air quality
impacts, especially with respect to airborne nuisance and particulate emissions. Minimal potential
exists for wind erosion as vacant parcels within the Project Area are generally vegetated with grasses
and weeds. Compliance with SCAQMD Rule 403 and grading and development standards
administered by the City's Public Works Division would ensure that potential erosion of soils is
minimized during re-development of properties.
d) The City of San Bernardino is situated in a seismically active region where numerous faults are
located, capable of generating moderate to large earthquakes. Figure 47 of the City's General Plan
provides the locations of existing faults within the area. The San Andreas Fault zone traverses the City
in a northwest-southeast direction along the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. The Project
Area is located approximately y.. mile south of the San Andreas Fault System. The San Jacinto Fault
System also traverses the City through Cajon and Lytle Creeks, generally to the west of the Project
Area. The Project Area is within 1.5 miles east ofthe San Jacinto Fault System. The Glen Helen Fault
runs just northwest/southeast and parallel of the San Jacinto Fault System. The Project Area is located
within one mile east of the Glen Helen fault.
These fault zones are located within an Alquist-Priolo Special Study Zone, a designation given when
surface rupture may occur in the immediate vicinity due to movement along these faults. The Project
Area is located outside the limits ofthe Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zones for the San Andreas, San
Jacinto, and Glen Helen faults as defined in the City's General Plan (reference Figure 47 of the City's
General Plan); therefore, surface rupture is not likely to occur in the Project Area. However, this
vicinity, like most of the City, is likely to experience peak ground acceleration from a maximum
credible earthquake of magnitude Mw 8.5 on the San Andreas Fault, and a magnitude Mw 7.5 from the
San Jacinto and Glen Helen Faults (reference Figure 46 of the City's General Plan).
Groundshaking is due to seismic waves emanating from the epicenter after initial movement on the
fault. Groundshaking will impact structures during earthquakes. The magnitude of the impact is related
to the construction of the building and its foundation. The City has adopted seismic performance
standards for all new construction. Any new buildings proposed would be constructed in conformance
with the Uniform Building Code and any additional performance standards adopted by the City. It is
6351State College Initial StudylMarch 18. 2003
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CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
anticipated that major earthquake groundshaking will occur during the lifetime of redevelopment
projects in the Project Area from either the San Andreas or the San Jacinto fault systems.
Due to the likelihood of earthquakes to occur within either ofthe large fault zones, the City requires a
soils/geotechnical study to determine the impacts likely to occur on a specific project site. These
would also be required of all government buildings in the Project Area. Site-specific geotechnical
investigations would routinely be prepared for new development projects requiring earthwork to be
performed. Recommendations of the investigations are routinely incorporated in the design and
construction of new projects. With adherence to the recommendations made by the geotechnical
engineer, potential significant impacts associated with earthquakes in general would remain less than
significant. Reinstatement of eminent domain would not change the City's requirements regarding
geotechnical investigations within the Project Area.
e) Based on a field investigation of the Project Area, no unique geologic or physical features were
observed.
f) The Project Area contains areas designated as having high potential for water or wind erosion as
identified on Figure 53 of the City's General Plan. The area surrounding Little Mountain Drive is
designated as having high water erosion potential. In addition, areas of potentia'l high wind erosion
exist east of CSUSB, and in small sections along University Drive north of 1-215 within the Project
Area. Any proposed future developments within areas designated as having potentially high wind or
water erosion will be evaluated on an individual project basis. Reinstatement of eminent domain
within the Project Area would not result in a developmental impact from potentially high wind and
water erosion areas since it would not result in a specific development project.
g) The Project Area is located less than three mile east of the Cajon Creek Wash/Lytle Creek Wash
junction. The majority of the Project Area is developed with an established storm drain system.
Reinstatement of eminent domain will not result in any modification to existing water channels or
creek within the Project Area.
h) The Project Area is not located in an area that is susceptible to liquefaction or ground subsidence
according to Figures 48 and 51 of the City's General Plan. Since 1972, the San Bernardino Municipal
Water District has maintained groundwater levels through recharge to percolation basins that, in turn,
filter back into the alluvial deposits. Problems with groundwater subsidence have not been identified
since the implementation of the recharge program.
Landslides can occur during an earthquake in areas where there are extreme changes in elevation such
as in the foothills or mountain areas. Slope stability is determined by a number of different factors
including the slope steepness, vegetative cover, wildfire, bedrock, soil, precipitation, and human
alteration. The Project Area's slope stability conditions are described in the General Plan based on the
level of relief and the general landslide susceptibility in the area. Figure 52 of the City's General Plan
maps the slope stability and landslide susceptibility in the area. Several areas within the Project Area
are classified as moderate relief, with a low to moderate susceptibility to landslides. They include the
sloped hills surrounding Little Mountain Drive, which are designated mainly for residential land uses
635/State College Initial StudylMarch 18. 2003
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CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
in the City's General Plan, and a section of the northeastern portion of the Project Area, near the east
side of CSUSB.
The majority of the vacant lands within the Project Area are vegetated with grasses and shrubs, which
reduce the water and wind erosion onsite. Figure 52 of the City's General Plan shows several areas
where potentially high wind and water erosion may exist based on their soil limitations. The potential
for high water erosion exists on the sloped hillsides along Little Mountain Drive, and east ofCSUSB.
Areas of potentially high wind erosion also exist along University Parkway north ofI-2I5, and along
Northpark Boulevard on the northeast side of the Project Area.
Reinstatement of eminent domain would not create an impact to development within areas ofIandslide
susceptibility or areas of potentially high water and wind erosion as identified in the City's General
Plan. Future proposed developments within these areas would be evaluated on an individual basis with
regard to these impacts.
i) Liquefaction is a phenomenon that occurs when strong earthquake shaking causes soils to collapse
from a sudden loss of cohesion and undergo a transformation from a solid state to a liquefied state.
This happens in areas where the soils are saturated with groundwater. Loose soils with particle size in
the medium sand to silt range are particularly susceptible to liquefaction when subjected to seismic
groundshaking. Affected soils lose all strength during liquefaction and failure ofbuilding foundations
can occur. According to Figure 48 ofthe City's General Plan, the Project Area is not located within an
area susceptible to liquefaction.
IV. WATER
a-d) The Project Area exists within upper Santa Ana River watershed. The Project Area has been urbanized
with water flow currently being managed by existing streets and drainages within the area. Storm
drains and flood control facilities are administered by the City of San Bernardino - Public Works and
Public Service Departments, and the San Bernardino County Flood Control District.
Current City policy requires aliI a-year frequency storm waters, except for flow at intersection points,
to be contained in the underground drain system. Storm flows in excess ofthe I a-year storm flow, but
less than or equal to the 25-year storm flow, are carried in the curb portion of the street in existing
developed areas. Storm flows associated with the lOa-year storm event may be carried in the street
right-of-way.
The proposed reinstatement of eminent domain would not result in any changes to the existing
drainage system within the area. As future development projects are proposed, drainage and erosion
control plans will be prepared in accordance with development standards as administered by the City's
Public Works Division.
e) Several sections of the Project Area are located within the lOa-year flood zone as identified in
Figure 62 of the City's General Plan. An area near the intersection of California Street and Cajon
Boulevard, and areas along Northpark Boulevard and Little Mountain Drive near CSUSB are within
635/5tale College Initial StudylMarch 18,2003
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INITIAL STUDY
the 100-year flood zone. Reinstatement of eminent domain would not result in an impact to the flood
hazard areas within the Project Area. Individual projects proposed for development within the
100-year flood zone would be required to prepare a hydrology study which meets City of San
Bernardino and County Flood Control District requirements. The development proposals must also be
reviewed for consistency with the Federal Emergency Management Agency requirements.
V. AIR QUALITY
a-b) Air quality is affected by both the rate and location of pollutant emissions and by meteorological
conditions which influence movement and dispersal of pollutants. Atmospheric conditions such as wind
speed, wind direction, and air temperature gradients, along with local topography, provide the link
between air pollutants and air quality.
The City of San Bernardino is in the northeast portion of the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB), which
includes Orange County, and portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. The
SCAB is an area of 6,600 square miles bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the San Gabriel,
San Bernardino, and San Jacinto Mountains to the north and east. The mountains reach heights of up to
11,000 feet above mean sea level (msl) and act to prevent airflow and thus the transport of air pollutants
out of the basin.
The San Bernardino Valley portion of the SCAB is designated a non-attainment area for nitrogen
dioxide, sulfates, particulate matter, and ozone. The criteria pollutants identified in the SCAB that would
be associated with development projects in the Project Area include:
- Ozone (03)
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
- Nitrogen dioxide (NOz)
- Particulate matter (PMIO)
- Sulfur dioxide (SOz)
- Reactive Organic Gasses (ROG)
SCAQMD adopted the Final 1994 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) revision in September 1994,
and the 1997 AQMD update was adopted locally in August 1996 to establish a comprehensive control
program to achieve compliance with federal and state air quality standards for healthy air quality in the
SCAB. The Final AQMP was adopted by the SCAQMD Board in November 1996 and has since been
approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The AQMP policies serve as the framework
for all control (permitting) efforts in the SCAB as enforced by the SCAQMD for stationary sources.
CARB regulates mobile sources. A 2003 AQMP is currently being drafted.
Redevelopment within the State College Redevelopment Area may result in demolition, construction
and site grading. Most of the lot sizes throughout the Subareas remain relatively small, and are
therefore unlikely to exceed SCAQMD air quality thresholds, with the exception of some industrial
zoned areas along the west side. Since the South Coast Air Basin is in non-attainment status for ozone
and suspended particulates (PMIO), standard measures have been adopted by the City based on
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INITIAL STUDY
SCAQMD Rule 403 to minimize the project contribution to regional emission of criteria pollutants.
Additionally, fugitive dust generated by construction activities would add to the ambient PMlO levels but
should not exceed SCAQMD threshold of 150 lbs/day after standard dust abatement procedures are
applied.
The City's General Plan policies 10.10.2 and 10.10.4 require dust abatement measures during grading
and construction operations, and cooperation with SCAQMD by incorporating pertinent local
implementation provisions of the SCAQMD. Implementation of Rule 403 and standard construction
practices during all operations capable of generating fugitive dust, will include but not be limited to the
use of best available control measures, such as: 1) Water active grading areas and staging areas at least
twice daily as needed; 2) Ensure spray bars on all processing equipment are in good operating condition;
3) Apply water or soil stabilizers to form crust on inactive construction areas and unpaved work areas;
4) Suspend grading activities when wind gusts exceed 25 mph; 5) Sweep public paved roads if visible
soil material is carried off-site; 6) Enforce on-site speed limits on unpaved surfaces to 15 mph; and
7) Discontinue construction activities during Stage 1 smog episodes.
Therefore, the reinstatement of eminent domain for the State College Area would not alter the
requirements for projects to comply with rules and regulations regarding air quality.
c-d) The local climate can be classified as Mediterranean with hot and dry summers and short, warm and
relatively dry winters. Temperatures range from a low of32 degrees Fahrenheit e F) in the winter to a
high in excess of 1000 F during the summer. Mean annual temperature is 650 F. Average annual
precipitation for the area is 18 inches, which is almost exclusively rain. Proposed reinstatement of
eminent domain would not affect the physical environment. The Redevelopment Plan for the Project
Area is consistent with the City's General Plan and zoning with regard to permitted land uses in the
Project Area.
Reinstatement of eminent domain to facilitate redevelopment in the Project Area would not result in
additional emissions or objectionable odors. The General Plan land use designations within the Project
Area include mainly residential, industrial, and public facility, among others.
VI. TRANSPORTATION
a) The majority of the Project Area is currently developed, with some vacant areas (approximately 15
percent) still remaining. Development in the vacant areas may result in increased traffic circulation
within the Project Area. Any individual projects proposed within the Project Area that could result in a
potentially significant increased trip generation would be required to complete a traffic impact study to
evaluate impacts to the areas existing traffic conditions. Reinstatement of eminent domain would not
result in increased traffic volumes within the Project Area.
b) The reinstatement of eminent domain would not result in altering the present pattern of circulation in the
vicinity ofthe Project Area.
c) The reinstatement of eminent domain would not change the basic paths or patterns of circulation in the
immediate area, nor create any disjointed roadway improvements.
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INITIAL STUDY
d) The reinstatement of eminent domain would not impact rail or air traffic. The closest airstrips or airports
are located approximately nine miles to the southeast (San Bernardino International Airport, former
Norton Air Force Base) and approximately nine miles to the west (Rialto Municipal Airport). The
nearest passenger railroad operation is the Amtrak Station at 3rd Street and Mt. Vernon, located several
miles south of the Project Area. The project would not stimulate any activity that would place demands
on air traffic, nor interfere with their operations. Future land uses could be sited adjacent to the railroad
right-of-way, which is an interstate rail line. However, any such proposal would require a special study to
evaluate the potential impacts to rail traffic at the time that proposal is presented to the City. Therefore,
there are no impacts to rail traffic as a result of reinstatement of eminent domain.
e) All parking for individual projects would be provided on-site. Parking spaces for individual projects
within the Project Area would be in compliance with the requirements of Chapter 19.24 ofthe City of
San Bernardino Development Code, or a variance would be sought at that time.
t) Reinstatement of eminent domain within the Project Area would not increase safety hazards to
vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians. The area is urban and includes sidewalks, crosswalks, and
signalized intersections with pedestrian crossing lights. Bicycle use is most prominent around CSUSB
and the surrounding residential districts. This issue will likely be addressed in the City's General Plan
Update that us currently underway. Reinstatement of eminent domain would not affect safety in the
Project Area.
g) The reinstatement of eminent domain would not conflict with adopted policies supporting alternative
modes of transportation since the transportation system is already established throughout the general
Project Area.
h). Design of new projects or redevelopment of existing properties would include adequate emergency
access on-site as standard requirements by City Public Safety Departments. Design plans for these
projects must be in compliance with the City's Development Code and would be reviewed and approved
by the City Fire Marshal and Police Department prior to site disturbance. Therefore, the reinstatement of
eminent domain would not affect emergency response.
VII. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
a-c) The small portion of the Project Area, located mainly east of CSUSB, is included in the area
designated as Biological Resources Management Overlay according to Figure 41 of the City's General
Plan. The California Department ofFish and Game maintains a Natural Diversity Database that lists
threatened and/or endangered species that occur within the given area, and according to Figure 40 of
the City's General Plan, no known sensitive resources exist within the Project Area. Previous
developments have eliminated the majority of the wildlife corridors that existed in the past. However,
some still remain in the northern and western most areas. Development/Re-Development within this
biological resource area could restrict any potential wildlife corridors that currently exist in this north
portion of the City. The City of San Bernardino, including the State College Redevelopment Project
Area, contains habitat for the San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus), a federally
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listed endangered species, and the coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica), a federally
listed threatened species. Any individual developments proposed within designated biological
resources areas would be required to complete a biological study as outlined in the City's General Plan
and may also be required to conduct focused surveys for the gnatcatcher and kangaroo rat.
Reinstatement of eminent domain within the Project Area will not create an impact to existing
biological resources.
d) No wetland or riparian corridors exist within the Project Area according to Figure 41 of the City's
General Plan. Several riparian corridors exist to the north within the biological resource district,
outside of the project boundaries. Reinstatement of eminent domain would not create impacts to
wetlands or riparian corridors.
e) Mature trees are known to occur throughout the Proj ect Area. Removal of some mature trees may be
required to accommodate site construction and/or grading/paving activities. The City requires an
applicant to prepare an arborist's report on the condition of mature trees that have six inch or greater
trunk diameters. A Tree Removal Permit would be issued concurrent with project approval for the
anticipated removal of mature trees in conjunction with proposed development of a site, in accordance
with Development Code Section 19.28.090. Reinstatement of eminent domain would not affect the
status of existing trees in the Project Area.
VIII. ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES
a) Reinstatement of eminent domain and development of properties in the Project Area would not result
in any conflicts with adopted energy conservation measures as required by the City of San Bernardino.
Compliance with existing codes, ordinances, recognized conservation measures, ongoing "best
available technology" and the General Plan would occur with Agency approval of the final project
plans to reduce any net decrease in energy resources. Reinstatement of eminent domain in the Project
Area would not create any significant demand on existing/planned energy resources and facilities,
since most ofthe properties are already developed. In addition, county, state and federal construction
projects which may occur in the Project Area are not subject to City building review, must still comply
with state and federal guidelines for energy conservation.
b) Non-renewable resources to be used by contractors on any development project include diesel fuel and
natural gas. The City requires that all uses be designed to be efficient; no wasteful use of non-
renewable resources will occur. Reinstatement of eminent domain would not alter this requirement.
c) Reinstatement of eminent domain would not result in the loss of valuable mineral resources.
Redevelopment may include aggregate resources in the construction of parking lots and buildings.
Steel, concrete, and asphalt would be required as part of construction. These resources are
commercially available in the local area without any constraint and no potential for adverse impacts to
the natural resource base supporting these materials is forecast to occur over the foreseeable future.
This demand is not significant due to the abundance of available local aggregate resources.
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IX. HAZARDS
a) Hazardous or toxic materials may be used or transported in association with development projects in
the industrial areas of the Project Area. All materials required during development and operation of
projects would be used and transported in compliance with State and local regulations. Future
industrial projects would be required to prepare Business Emergency Contingency Plans.
Reinstatement of eminent domain would not alter an operator's/generator's adherence to these
regulations.
b) The reinstatement of eminent domain would not result in the use, storage or disposal of toxic
substances. An industrial district on the west, and several commercial areas consist of the main land
uses associated with the operational use oftoxic substances. All substances must be used and stored in
controlled environments in accordance with existing requirements of the County Department of Health
or Fire Department, State Department of Toxic Substance Control, SCAQMD or other permitting
agencies. This would not change with reinstatement of eminent domain.
c) Some existing sites in the Project Area may contain discarded wastes. If a parcel is suspected of
containing underground storage tanks and/or other materials known to contain hazardous materials, a
Phase I Site Assessment would be prepared by a Registered Environmental Assessor (REA) for sites
that are suspected of potential hazardous material (visible storage tanks, dumping or stained soils).
Recommendations contained in the report would be implemented prior to any site development.
Reinstatement of eminent domain for the Project Area would not alter the requirements for use,
storage and disposal of hazardous substances.
X. NOISE
a-b) Reinstatement of eminent domain would not create any additional noise impacts within the Project
Area. Environmental noise is normally measured using a special frequency-dependent rating scale
because the human ear is not equally sensitive to sound at all frequencies. The A-weighted decibel
scale (dBA) compensates for this discrepancy by discriminating against frequencies in a manner
approximating the sensitivity ofthe human ear. A-weighting de-emphasizes the very low and very high
frequencies of sound in a manner similar to the human ear. The result is a decibel corrected for the
variation in frequency response of the typical human ear at commonly encountered noise levels. In
general, people can perceive a three-dBA difference in noise levels; a difference of 10 dBA is
perceived as being twice as loud; 20 dB higher four times as loud; and so forth. Everyday sounds
normally range from 30 dB (very quiet) to 100 dB (very loud). Ldnrepresents the average equivalent A-
weighted sound level during a 24-hour day obtained by adding ten decibels to the hourly noise levels
measured during the night (from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.). In this way Ldn takes into account the lower
tolerance of people for noise during nighttime periods by penalizing the noise levels during the
nighttime hours.
The reinstatement of eminent domain does not involve the development of housing, health care
facilities, schools, or other noise sensitive uses in areas where existing or future noise levels exceed
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the City recommended standard of an Ldn of 65 dB(A) exterior, and an Ldn of 45 dB(A) interior. Future
developments would be required to mitigate noise impacts to meet the City's required noise standards.
XI. PUBLIC SERVICES
a-b) The reinstatement of eminent domain would not place additional demands or change the requirements
on fire protection and medical aid services beyond what the City has planned for in the General Plan.
The northern section ofthe Project Area is located in a moderate fire hazard area, with a small portion
east ofCSUSB located in the high fire hazard area according to Figure 61 ofthe City's General Plan.
The San Bernardino City Fire Department Station No.5 is located within the Project Area, near the
intersection of State Street and Kendall Drive. Station No. 3 is located near the intersection of
Mt. Vernon Avenue and Highland Avenue, outside and west of the southern portion of the Project
Area. Standard requirements for fire protection facilities, building design, and site access would be
reviewed and approved by the City of San Bernardino Fire Department as development projects are
proposed.
c) The reinstatement of eminent domain would not place additional demands on police services.
According to Figure 32 in the City's General Plan, no police service stations exist within the Project
Area, and the nearest facility is a Highway Patrol Station located near the intersection ofMt. Vernon
A venue and Highland A venue. Security measures would be incorporated into the design of new
projects, reviewed by City departments, and would be verified during plan review of development
projects by the City Police Department as they are proposed.
d-e) Reinstatement of eminent domain should not create additional jobs not previously anticipated in the
City's General Plan. Residents of the City or the surrounding communities would likely fill jobs
created as a result of the development projects. Development in the Project Area will be individually
evaluated for impacts on the demand for new or additional school services, parks, or other recreational
facilities. The majority if the workforce would be drawn from the existing population in the area.
f) Development/redevelopment within the Project Area will generate additional solid waste. The
occupancy of the future undeveloped/redeveloped areas will result in increased waste generation and
disposal needs. Reinstatement of eminent domain, however, would not result in additional demands on
the solid waste system. Site owners/developers will cooperate with the City Public Services
Department in participating in green waste diversion programs. In addition, the County of San
Bernardino recently began the expansion of the Mid-Valley Landfill approximately nine miles
southwest of the Project Area and is planning expansion of the Victorville Landfill approximately
20 miles north of the Project Area.
g-h) Redevelopment of the Project Area would generate additional traffic in the area. Additional vehicle
trips, however, would not be generated by the reinstatement of eminent domain. Access to individual
sites is provided by a series of arterials through this segment ofthe City. The Public Works Division
through standard conditions of approval, require Traffic System Impact Fees with the development of
new projects.
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INITIAL STUDY
XII. UTILITIES
a) Reinstatement of eminent domain would not impact the existing natural gas service within the project
area. The Southern California Gas Company (the Gas Company) provides natural gas service to the
Project Area. The majority of the area is currently developed with existing natural gas service. The
re-development project should not impact the Gas Company's ability to provide adequate levels of
service, nor should it create the need to increase capacity. Service availability will be evaluated with
individual projects proposed in the future.
b) California Edison (SCE) provides electricity to the Project Area. Additional development may result in
increased electricity demands. The availability of electrical service would be evaluated on an
individual project basis for future proposed project. Larger industrial projects may include co-
generation facilities. Reinstatement of eminent domain would not impact electrical service in the area.
c) The Project Area is within the service area of V erizon (formerly General Telephone). The availability
of telephone service will be evaluated on an individual project basis for future proposed projects.
Reinstatement of eminent domain will not place additional demand on communication systems.
d) Water supply is provided by the City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department. Additional
development will result in an increased demand for water supply. Groundwater is a major source of
water, in addition to the State Water Project (SWP). SWP supplies are percolated into the groundwater
basin to maintain groundwater levels. The availability of water would be evaluated on an individual
project basis for future proposed developments. Reinstatement of eminent domain within the Project
Area would not impact the existing available water supplies.
e) The City of San Bernardino owns and operates the San Bernardino Water Reclamation Plant
(SBWRP), which services the residential and industrial wastewater generated in the City of San
Bernardino according to the City's General Plan. As the majority of the area is currently developed,
any future development/redevelopment within the Project Area will likely only cause minimal impacts
to the areas wastewater system. Reinstatement of eminent domain will not impact the wastewater
service in the area, and individual project impacts will be evaluated when they are proposed.
f) Reinstatement of eminent domain would not affect existing storm drains in the Project Area. The
Project Area is highly urbanized and the storm drain system is well established. Development of the
vacant areas will result in increased runoff, but due to the small and scattered location of the vacant
parcels, the impact will be minimal on the hydrology of the area. Future developments within the
Project Area will be required to provide adequate storm drain facilities as approved by the City.
g) The Project Area is part of an urban area which should be capable of providing adequate utility system
services. The project will reinstate the Agency's power of eminent domain to implement
redevelopment procedures within the State College Redevelopment Project Area. Utility systems are in
place to serve the Project Area and are master-planned to provide service to the Project Area without
creating disjointed patterns of service extensions. Future projects proposed within the project area will
be individually evaluated for their ability to provide adequate utility services.
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DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
XIII. AESTHETICS
a-b) The use of eminent domain would allow the City to redevelop any areas not being used or zoned for
residential land use. A variety of land use designations exist within the Project Area including:
residential, commercial, industrial, public facility, public parks, and several others. The proposed
project would eventually improve the aesthetic conditions within the City, although reinstatement of
eminent domain alone will not impact the aesthetic conditions within the area.
c) Development/Redevelopment within the Project Area may include additional light and glare from new
structures. Several areas contain land uses that may be classified as sensitive receptors. Standard
conditions of approval for development projects will ensure compliance with the City's Development
Code standards for light and glare. Reinstatement of eminent domain does not create any impacts with
regards to this issue.
XIV. CUL TURAL RESOURCES
a-c) Several areas of concern for archeological resources exist within the Project Area as identified on
Figure 8 in the City's General Plan. A potentially historic residential district, Shandin Hills District,
exists on the east side of the Project Area. This area contains some of San Bernardino's early vacation
facilities, which are large Mediterranean homes built in the 1930's. Reinstatement of eminent domain
will not create an impact to the cultural or historic resources found within the Project Area. Any
redevelopment projects proposed within cultural resource areas will be required to abide to all
established City policies regarding cultural resources.
XV. RECREATION
a-b) The State College Redevelopment Project may result in an increased demand for parks and
recreational facilities in the area, although this impact would be minimal as the majority of the area is
currently developed. According to the City's General Plan zoning maps, two public parks exist within
the Project Area. Reinstatement of eminent domain will not produce an additional demand for
neighborhood parks, regional parks, or other recreational facilities.
XVI MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
a) The north portion of the project area, mainly east of CSUSB is encompassed within the Biological
Resources Management Overlay according to Figure 41 of the City's General Plan. No known
sensitive biological resources exist within the Project Area according to Figure 40 of the City's
General Plan and no sensitive plant or animal species are expected to exist in the area due to the highly
disturbed nature and surrounding urban developments. The reinstatement of eminent domain within
the project area will not result in the loss of any wildlife that may exist within the Project Area. A
biological study, in conformance with the City's guidelines, should be required for all future
development projects within areas designated as Biological Resource Management Overlay Areas in
the City's General Plan.
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b) The reinstatement of eminent domain will allow for the redevelopment of any blighted areas and
development of vacant lots within the Project Area. The City will develop the area consistent with the
existing land uses as designated in the General Plan. Any impacts to the environmental will be
evaluated on a project-by-project basis for future proposed developments in the Project Area.
c) The proposed re-development in the State Collage area would improve the general functional and
aesthetical conditions of the area. The purpose of the project is to redevelop any blighted areas that
may exist within the area. The reinstatement of eminent domain should not result in any cumulative
detrimental impacts.
d) The redevelopment project will not result in any substantial adverse impacts to humans. The purpose
ofthe project is to eliminate blighted areas that exist within the Project Area. The majority ofthe area
has previously been disturbed, thus not causing substantial changes to environmental resources that
exist in the area. Each individual project proposed in the future will evaluate environmental impacts to
the area, and mitigation measures to reduce impacts will be incorporated based on the environmental
findings. The reinstatement of eminent domain within the Project Area will not create any adverse
impacts to the environment within the Project Area.
635/513" College Initial StudylMan:h 18,2003
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CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
NOTICE OF INTENT
FROM:
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
Economic Development Agency
201 North "E" Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401
TO:
o
OFFICE OF PLANNING AND RESEARCH
1400 Tenth Street, Room 121
Sacramento,CA 95814
[R] COUNTY CLERK
County of San Bernardino
385 North Arrowhead Avenue
San Bernardino, CA 92415
SUBJECT:
Filing of Notice of Intent to adopt a Negative Declaration in compliance with Section 21080c of the Public
Resources Code and Sections 15072 and 15073 of the CEQA Guidelines.
Project Title: Reinstatement of Eminent Domain for the State College Redevelopment Project Area
State Clearinghouse Number (if submitted to Clearinghouse): N/ A
Lead Agency Contact Person:
Area Code/Telephone:
Mike Trout
(909) 663-1044
Project Location (include county): The State College Redevelopment Area (Project Area) consists of 1,800 acres within the
City of San Bernardino, County of San Bernardino, California. The project boundaries are irregular in shape, extending in a
latitudinal direction from the south side of Highland A venue to just north of California State University, San Bernardino
(CSUSB). The longitudinal boundaries extend from Acacia Avenue on the east to the west side of Cajon Boulevard. Land use
classifications within this area include Residential Suburban and Low Density, Public Facility, and Industrial Light, among
others.
Project Description: The proposed project is the reinstatement of eminent domain in the State College Redevelopment Project
Area. The Project Area is approximately 85 percent developed with a variety of industrial, commercial, and residential land
uses as envisioned by the City of San Bernardino Common Council in 1970 when the Redevelopment Plan was adopted by
Resolution No. 2185. The authority for the Economic Development Agency to use eminent domain in Project Area lapsed in
1999 and was not immediately reinstated. The Agency is now proposing to reinstate its power of eminent domain in the existing
Project Area for an additional 12 years for those parcels that have a non-residential General Plan designation and/or have an
existing non-residential use. Reinstating the power of eminent domain will not affect existing residential neighborhoods nor
alter the Project Area boundaries. Eminent domain will allow the Agency to assemble properties for conveyance to private
entities that in turn will develop those properties with appropriate land uses. Reinstating the power of eminent domain will not
affect existing residential neighborhoods nor alter the Project Area boundaries.
The Redevelopment Project Area may contain sites that are listed in the State of California Hazardous Waste and Substances
Sites List pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5(E).
Following the public review period, the project and proposed Negative Declaration will be considered at the Redevelopment
Agency public hearing on Monday May 19,2003 at 7:00 p.rn. in the Council Chambers, First floor, City Hall.
Signature: ~ ~
Date: ~~h~Title: Project Manager
Date received for filing at OPR: NA
CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
Project Title: Reinstatement of Eminent Domain in the State College Redevelopment Project Area
Lead Agency Name: City of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency
Address: 201 North "E" Street, Third Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92401-1507
Contact Person:
Gary Van Osdel
Phone Number:
(909) 663-1044
Project Location (AddresslNearest cross-streets): The State College Redevelopment Area (Project Area)
consists of 1,800 acres within the City of San Bernardino. The project boundaries are irregular in shape,
extending in a latitudinal direction from the south side of Highland Avenue to just north of California State
University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). The longitudinal boundaries extend from Acacia Avenue on the east to
the west side of Cajon Boulevard. Land use classifications within this area include Residential Suburban and
Low, Public Facility, and Industrial Light, among others. Figure 1 shows the regional location of the project
area, and Figure 2 shows the Project Area boundaries.
Project Sponsor:
Address:
City of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency
201 North "E" Street, Third Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92401-1507
Description of Project
The State College Redevelopment Project was originally adopted on April 27, 1970, the same year the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) was enacted but predated CEQA. This report was prepared for
the City of San Bernardino Economic Development Agency ("the Agency"). No initial studies or
environmental impact reports were previously prepared for the proposed project. The original objectives of the
Redevelopment Project were to improve the area's general condition by removal and/or replacement of
substandard buildings, removal of irregular lot subdivisions, elimination of the area's environmental
deficiencies (overcrowded areas, street deficiencies, unsightly utility lines), improved architectural and urban
design features, assisting landowners and redevelopers in the redevelopment process, and substantially
increasing the number of low and moderate housing units in the area. These objectives will thus reduce the
areas of blight that exist within the Project Area. Blight, as defined by California redevelopment law, may
include: structural deficiencies, faulty planning, inadequate public improvements, utilities, traffic and parking
facilities, depreciated property values, social and economic maladjustments, and other conditions.
The Project Area has significantly changed since the redevelopment plan was enacted in 1970. Residential
neighborhoods exist in the central and east portions of the Project Area, as designated in the City's General
Plan. Industrial developments now exist west of Interstate 215, and California State University, San
Bernardino to the north, as designated in the City's Zoning Maps. According to the State College
Redevelopment Project Draft Report to Mayor and Common Council (March 2003), the majority of the
original conditions of blight, as defined within the redevelopment plan completed in 1970, continue to exist on
the project site. Figures 3 through 7 show existing conditions in the Project Area observed by Lilburn
Corporation during the field reconnaissance.
6351S13te College Initial StudylMarch 27, 2003
IS-l
CDC/2003-9
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CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
The Redevelopment Plan for the State College Project Area was adopted in 1970 and expires in 2010. The
Redevelopment Plan predates CEQA. However, over the years, as projects have been developed in the Project
Area, Initial Studies to evaluate a project's impacts on the environment were prepared and Negative
Declarations were adopted in accordance with the City of San Bernardino Guidelines for implementing
CEQA. Today the State College Project Area is approximately 85 percent developed with a variety of
industrial, commercial, and residential land uses as envisioned by the City of San Bernardino Common
Council in 1970 when the Redevelopment Plan was adopted by Resolution No. 2185.
One of the tools used by the City's Economic Development Agency to foster redevelopment in the Project
Area is eminent domain. Eminent domain authority allows an agency to acquire properties within a project
area in order to facilitate redevelopment. It allows an agency to assemble properties for conveyance to private
entities that in turn will develop those properties with appropriate land uses. The use of eminent domain to
facilitate redevelopment in the State College Project Area was a part of the Redevelopment Plan when it was
adopted in 1970. However, this authority cannot exceed 12 years. At the end of the 12 year period the
redevelopment plan must be amended to address continuance or reinstatement of eminent domain. The
authority for the Economic Development Agency to use eminent domain in the State College Project Area
lapsed in 1999 and was not immediately reinstated. The Agency is now proposing to reinstate its power of
eminent domain in the existing Project Area for an additional 12 years for those parcels that have a non-
residential General Plan designation and/or have an existing non-residential use. Reinstating the power of
eminent domain will not affect existing residential neighborhoods nor alter the Project Area boundaries.
CEQA Section 15378(a) defines a project as "the whole of an action which has the potential to result in either
a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonable foreseeable indirect physical change in the
environment..." The reinstatement of eminent domain is considered to be a project under CEQA because the
purpose of this tool is to allow an Agency to condemn properties in order to assemble parcels to facilitate
development. Because the reinstatement of eminent domain is a "project" under CEQA, the Economic
Development Agency, acting as the lead agency must make a determination that any changes in the project
description after the project has been approved will not have a significant effect on the environment. In this
case, the change in the project description is the reinstatement of eminent domain after it lapsed in 1999.
Generally when a Redevelopment Project Area is created, the lead agency prepares a Program Environmental
Impact Report (Program EIR) that addresses the potential environmental effects associated with the
redevelopment of a designated project area. However, since the adoption of the State College Redevelopment
Project Area predates CEQA, no Program EIR was prepared. Therefore, an Initial Study has been prepared to
evaluate the potential environmental effects of reinstating eminent domain as a tool for continuing the
redevelopment effort in the Project Area.
This Initial Study evaluates environmental impacts for re-establishing the Agency's use of eminent domain
with respect to the Project Area. The Agency is now proposing to reinstate its power of eminent domain in the
existing State College Redevelopment area for an additional 12 years for those parcels that have a non-
residential General Plan designation and/or have an existing non-residential use. Eminent domain will allow
the Agency to assemble properties for conveyance to private entities that in turn will develop those properties
with appropriate land uses. Reinstating the power of eminent domain will not affect existing residential
neighborhoods nor alter the Project Area boundaries.
635/State College Initial StudylMarch 27. 2003
IS-9
CDCj2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED
The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at
least one impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact" as indicated by the checklist on the following
pages.
0 Land Use and Planning 0 Transportation/Circulation 0 Public Services
0 Population and Housing 0 Biological Resources 0 Utilities
0 Earth Resources 0 Energy and Mineral Resources 0 Aesthetics
0 Water 0 Hazards 0 Cultural Resources
0 Air Quality 0 Noise 0 Recreation
0 Mandatory Findings of Significance
Determination.
On the basis of this Initial Study/Environmental Checklist, the Economic Development
Agency of the City of San Bernardino finds:
That the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a
NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
That although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there
will not be a significant effect in this case because the mitigation measures described on an
attached sheet have been added to the project. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARATION will be prepared.
That the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
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 upon the proposed project.
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635/State College Initial StudylMarch 27. 2003
IS-lO
181
o
o
o
CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
1
Potentially
Significant
Potentially Unless Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
I. LAND USE AND PLANNING. Will the proposal
result in:
a) A conflict with the land use as 0 0 0 181
designated based on the review of the
General Plan Land Use Plan/Zoning
Districts Map?
b) Development within an Airport District 0 0 0 181
as identified in the Air Installation
Compatible Use Zone (AICUZ) Report
and the Land Use Zoning District Map?
c) Development within Foothill Fire Zones 0 0 0 181
A & B, or C as identified on the Land
Use Districts Zoning Map?
d) Other? 0 0 0 0
11. POPULATION AND HOUSING. Will the
proposal:
a) Remove existing housing (including 0 0 0 181
affordable housing) as verified by a site
survey/evaluation?
b) Create a significant demand for 0 0 0 181
additional housing based on the
proposed use and evaluation of project
size?
c) Induce substantial growth in an area 0 0 0 181
either directly or indirectly (e.g., through
projects in an undeveloped area or an
extension of major infrastructure)?
635/Stale College Initial StudylMarch 27. 2003
IS-II
CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
Potentially
Significant
Potentially Unless Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
m. EARTH RESOURCES: Will the proposal result
in:
a) Earth movement (cut and/or fill) on 0 0 0 181
slopes of 15% or more based on
information contained in the Preliminary
Project Description Form No. D?
b) Development and/or grading on a slope 0 0 181 0
greater than 15% natural grade based on
review of General Plan HMOD map?
c) Erosion, dust or unstable soil conditions 0 0 181 0
from excavation, grading or fill?
d) Development within the Alquist-Priolo 0 0 181 0
Special Studies Zone as defined in
Section 12.0-Geologic & Seismic, Figure
47, of the City's General Plan?
e) Modification of any unique geologic or 0 0 0 181
physical feature based on field review?
t) Development within areas defined as 0 0 181 0
having high potential for water or wind
erosion as identified in Section 12.0-
Geologic & Seismic, Figure 53, of the
City's General Plan?
g) Modification of a channel, creek or river 0 0 0 181
based on a field review or review of
USGS Topographic Map (Name) San
Bernardino, South.
h) Development within an area subject to 0 0 181 0
landslides, mudslides, subsidence or
other similar hazards as identified in
Section 12.0-Geologic & Seismic,
Figures 48, 51, 52 and 53 of the City's
General Plan?
635/State College Initial Study/March 27. 2003
IS-12
CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
Potentially
Significant
Potentially Unless Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
i) Development within an area subject to 0 0 0 181
liquefaction as shown in Section 12.0-
Geologic & Seismic, Figure 48, of the
City's General Plan?
i) Other? 0 0 0 0
IV. WATER. Will the proposal result in:
a) Changes in absorption rates, drainage 0 0 181 0
patterns, or the rate and amount of
surface runoff due to impermeable
surfaces that cannot be mitigated by
Public Works Standard Requirements to
contain and convey runoff to approved
storm drain based on review of the
proposed site plan?
b) Significant alteration in the course or 0 0 0 181
flow of flood waters based on
consultation with Public Works staff?
c) Discharge into surface waters or any 0 0 0 181
alteration of surface water quality based
on requirements of Public Works to have
runoff directed to approved storm
drains?
d) Changes in the quantity or quality of 0 0 0 181
ground water?
e) Exposure of people or property to flood 0 0 181 0
hazards as identified in the Federal
Emergency Management Agency's Flood
Insurance Rate Map 06071 C7940F and
Section 16.0-Flooding, Figure 62, ofthe
City's General Plan?
f) Other? 0 0 0 0
635/State College Initial StudylMarch 27, 2003
IS-13
CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
Potentially
Significant
Potentially Unless Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
V. AIR QUALITY. Will the proposal:
a) Violate any air quality standard or 0 0 181 0
contribute to an existing or projected air
quality violation based on the thresholds
in the SCAQMD's "CEQA Air Quality
Handbook"?
b) Expose sensitive receptors to pollutants? 0 0 181 0
c) Alter air movement, moisture, or 0 0 0 181
temperature, or cause any change in
climate?
d) Create objectionable odors based on 0 0 0 181
information contained in the Preliminary
Environmental Description Form?
VI. TRANSPORTATION/CIRCULATION. Could
the proposal result in:
a) A significant increase in traffic volumes 0 0 0 181
on the roadways or intersections or an
increase that is significantly greater than
the land use designated on the General
Plan?
b) Alteration of present patterns of 0 0 181 0
circulation?
c) A disjointed pattern of roadway 0 0 0 181
improvements?
d) Impact to rail or air traffic? 0 0 0 181
e) Insufficient parking capacity on-site or 0 0 0 181
off-site based on the requirements in
Chapter 19.24 ofthe Development
Code? .
635/Slale College Initial StudylMarch 27, 2003
IS-14
CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
Potentially
Significant
Potentially Unless Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
f) Increased safety hazards to vehicles, 0 0 0 181
bicyclists or pedestrians?
g) Conflict with adopted policies 0 0 0 181
supporting alternative transportation?
h) Inadequate emergency access or access 0 0 0 181
to nearby uses?
i) Other? 0 0 0 0
VII. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Could the
proposal result in:
a) Development within the Biological 0 0 181 0
Resources Management Overlay, as
identified in Section lO.O-Natural
Resources, Figure 41, of the City's
General Plan?
b) Impacts to endangered, threatened or rare 0 0 0 181
species or their habitat (including, but
not limited to, plants, mammals, fish,
insects and birds)?
c) Impacts to the wildlife disbursal or 0 0 181 0
migration corridors?
d) Impacts to wetland habitat (e.g., marsh, 0 0 0 181
riparian and vernal pool)?
e) Removal of viable, mature trees based on 0 0 0 181
information contained in the Preliminary
Project Description Form and verified by
site survey/evaluation (6" or greater
trunk diameter at 4' above the ground)?
f) Other? 0 0 0 0
6351S..le College Initial StudylMarch 27, 2003
IS-IS
CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
Potentially
Significant
Potentially Unless Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
Vill. ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES.
VVould the proposm:
a) Conflict with adopted energy 0 0 0 181
conservation plans?
b) Use non-renewable resources in a 0 0 0 181
wasteful and inefficient manner?
c) Result in the loss of availability of a 0 0 0 181
known mineral resource that would be of
future value to the region and the
residents of the State?
IX. HAZARDS. VVill the proposm:
a) Use, store, transport or dispose of 0 0 181 0
hazardous or toxic mate rims based on
information contained in the Preliminary
Environmentm Description Form, No.
G(1) and G(2) (including, but not limited
to, oil, pesticides, chemicals or
radiation)?
b) Involve the release of hazardous 0 0 0 181
substances?
c) Expose people to the potential 0 0 181 0
health/safety hazards?
d) Other? 0 0 0 0
x. NOISE. Could the proposm result in:
a) Development of housing, hemth care 0 0 0 181
facilities, schools, libraries, religious
facilities or other noise sensitive uses in
areas where existing or future noise
levels exceed an Ldn of 65 dB(A)
exterior and an Ldn of 45 dB(A) interior
as identified in Section 14.0-Noise,
Figures 57 and 58 of the City's Generm
Plan?
635/State College Initial StudylMarch 27. 2003
IS-16
CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
Potentially
Significant
Potentially Unless Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
b) Development of new or expansion of 0 0 0 181
existing industrial, commercial or other
uses which generate noise levels above
an Ldn of 65 dB(A) exterior or an Ldn of
45 dB(A) interior that may affect areas
containing housing, schools, health care
facilities or other sensitive uses based on
information in the Preliminary
Environmental Description Form No.
G( I) and evaluation of surrounding land
uses No. C, and verified by site
survey/evaluation?
c) Other? 0 0 0 0
XI. PUBLIC SERVICES. Would the proposal have
an effect upon, or result in a need for new or
altered government services in any of the
following areas:
a) Fire protection? 0 0 0 181
b) Medical Aid? 0 0 0 181
c) Police protection? 0 0 0 181
.
d) Schools? 0 0 0 181
e) Parks or other recreational facilities? 0 0 0 181
f) Solid waste disposal? 0 0 0 181
g) Maintenance of public facilities, 0 0 0 181
including roads?
h) Other governmental services? 0 0 0 181
6351State College Initial StudylMarch 27, 2003
IS-I?
CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
Potentially
Significant
Potentially Unless Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
XII. UTILITIES: Will the proposal, based on the
responses of the responsible Agencies,
Departments, or Utility Company, impact the
following beyond the capability to provide
adequate levels of service or require the
construction of new facilities?
a) Natural gas? 0 0 0 I2SJ
b) Electricity? 0 0 0 I2SJ
c) Communications systems? 0 0 0 I2SJ
d) Water distribution? 0 0 0 I2SJ
e) Water treatment or sewer? 0 0 0 I2SJ
f) Storm water drainage? 0 0 0 I2SJ
g) Result in a disjointed pattern of utility 0 0 0 I2SJ
extensions based on review of existing
patterns and proposed extensions?
h) Other? 0 0 0 0
xm. AESTHETICS.
a) Could the proposal result in the 0 0 0 I2SJ
obstruction of any significant or
important scenic view based on
evaluation of the view shed verified by
site survey/evaluation?
b) Will the visual impact of the project 0 0 0 I2SJ
create aesthetically offensive changes in
the existing visual setting based on a site
survey and evaluation of the proposed
elevations?
c) Create significant light or glare that 0 0 I2SJ 0
could impact sensitive receptors?
d) Other? 0 0 0 0
635/State College Initial Study/March 27, 2003
IS-18
CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
Potentially
Significant
Potentially Unless Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
XIV. CULTURAL RESOURCESo Could the proposal
result in:
a) Development in a sensitive 0 0 181 0
archaeological area as identified in
Section 300-Historical, Figure 8, of the
Citv's General Plan?
b) The alteration or destruction of a 0 0 0 181
prehistoric or historic archaeological site
by development within an archaeological
sensitive area as identified in Section
300-Historical, Figure 8, ofthe City's
General Plan?
c) Alteration or destruction of a historical 0 0 0 181
site, structure or object as listed in the
City's Historic Resources
Reconnaissance Survey?
d) Other? 0 0 0 0
XV. RECREATION. Would the proposal:
a) mcrease the demand for neighborhood or 0 0 0 181
regional parks or other recreational
facilities?
b) Affect existing recreational 0 0 181 0
opportunities?
6351State College Initial StudylMarch 27, 2003
IS-19
CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
Potentially
Significant
Potentially Unless Less Than
Significant Mitigation Significant No
Impact Incorporated Impact Impact
XVI. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF
SIGNIFICANCE.
a) Does the project have the potential to 0 0 0 181
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 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?
b) Does the project have the potential to 0 0 0 181
achieve short-term, to the disadvantage
of long-term, environmental goals?
c) Does the project have impacts that are 0 0 0 181
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.)
d) Does the project have environmental 0 0 0 181
effects which will cause substantial
adverse effects on human beings, either
directly or indirectly?
6351State College Initial SlUdylMarch 27, 2003
IS-20
CDCj2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
REFERENCES. The following references cited in the Initial Study are on file in the Planning and Building
Services Department/Public Works Division.
1. Redevelopment Plan - State College Project No.4
2. Amendment to the Redevelopment Plan - RDA 20% Tax Set-Aside
3. City of San Bernardino General Plan.
4. City of San Bernardino General Plan Land Use Plan/Zoning Districts Map.
S. City of San Bernardino Environmental Impact Report
6. Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zones Map.
7. South Coast Air Quality Management District, CEQA Air Quality Handbook.
8. Federal Emergency Management Agency, Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
9. Public Works Standard Requirements - water.
10. Public Works Standard Requirements - grading.
11. 2003 Eminent Domain Amendment, State College Redevelopment Project - Draft Report to Mayor
and Common Council
DISCUSSION OF IMPACT LEVELS AND MITIGATION MEASURES
I. LAND USE AND PLANNING
a) The State College Redevelopment Project is an irregular shaped area located in the northwestern
portion ofthe City of San Bernardino. The project boundaries extend from Highland Avenue north to
California State University, San Bernardino, and from Cajon Boulevard west to Acacia A venue (see
Figure 2). According to the City's Land Zoning Map, the majority ofthe central and east portions of
the redevelopment area are zoned residential, and are consistent with the existing land use dominating
that area. The western portions are zoned industrial, and are consistent with the existing land uses
dominating that area. According to the State College Draft Report to Mayor and Common Council
(March 2003), approximately 42 percent of the Project Area is residential, 13 percent
commercial/office/industrial, 6 percent public/other, and 15 percent vacant. CSUSB exists at the north
side ofthe Project Area, as indicated in the Zoning Map, encompassing approximately 24 percent of
the total Project Area. The proposed reinstatement of eminent domain within the Project Area will not
result in a conflict with General Plan Land Use designations or Zoning District Maps. Figure 1 shows
the regional location of the Project Area, while Figure 2 shows the Project Area boundaries.
Photographs/maps showing the existing conditions within the Project Area are included in Figure 3-7.
The Redevelopment Project will allow the City of San Bernardino to reduce any blighted conditions
within the study area and allow for General Plan Amendments to bring the land use designations in
conformance with the existing land uses.
The Project Area has significantly changed since the enactment ofthe State College Redevelopment
Plan in 1970. The majority ofthe original condition of blight as identified in 1970 continues to exist
throughout the project area and requires further redevelopment activities. The State College Draft
Report (march 2003) indicated the State College Redevelopment Area assessed value (A V) has only
increased by 0.62 percent over the past five years, an average of 0.12 percent per year. In comparison
the overall City during the same time period has increased by a factor of approximately 11.5 percent
635/Slate College Initial StudylMarch 28, 2003
IS-21
CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
INITIAL STUDY
over the State College Project Area. An increase of less that two percent per year growth rate is not
keeping up with the rate of inflation. The majority of the area appears developed per the Land Use
Designation Map, with some vacant areas remaining.
b) The proposed project is not within an Airport District as identified in Land Use Zoning District Maps.
The closest airstrips or airports are located approximately 9 miles to the southeast (San Bernardino
International Airport, former Norton Air Force Base) and approximately 9 miles to the west (Rialto
Municipal Airport). There are no significant project-related impacts associated with airports.
c) Portions of the Project Area are within the Fire Hazard Area according to Figure 61 of the City's
General Plan. The northern portions of the project include areas designated as both High Hazard and
Moderate Hazard. The majority of this area is encompassed by CSUSB, with some additional area to
the east designated as Public Community Recreation and Residential Low. The area designated as
Moderate to High Fire Hazard potential is located in close proximity to the San Bernardino Mountains
and the San Bernardino National Forest located north of the Project Area. The San Bernardino
Mountains are characterized with highly flammable chaparral vegetation and high winds during the dry
season making the area highly prone to fire hazards. Re-instatement should not create an increased fire
hazard in the area since future development will decrease the amount of flammable vegetation in the
area.
II. POPULATION AND HOUSING
a) The proposed project is the reinstatement of eminent domain in order to facilitate redevelopment of
properties that have a non-residential General Plan designation and/or that have an existing non-
residential land use. The central and eastern portions of the Project Area currently have a residential
land use designation, and much of the area is developed as such. The reinstatement of eminent domain
will not create an impact to the existing residential land uses within the Project Area by removing
existing housing.
b) The reinstatement of eminent domain within the project area will allow the City to redevelop areas that
are used for non-conforming land uses within non-residentially zoned areas. Vacant lots exist
throughout the Project Area, and development/redevelopment may result in additional demands for
housing in the area. Any impacts associated with available housing in the area will be discussed in
subsequent studies prepared for future proposed projects. The reinstatement of eminent domain will
not result in an impact to existing housing within the area.
c) The reinstatement of eminent domain would not result in major infrastructure expansion not
previously considered in the Redevelopment Plan or the City's General Plan because the area in
urbanized and infrastructure is available.
III. EARTH RESOURCES
a-b) Portions of the Project Area include topography with slopes potentially greater than 15 percent. The
area surrounding Little Mountain Drive, and an area north of North Park Drive are identified as
moderate relief slopes, with low to moderate landslide susceptibility according to Figure 52 of the
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City's General Plan. Site specific soil engineering and foundation investigations would be required for
construction projects within the redevelopment area in accordance with development standards
administered by the City's Public Works Division.
c) Dust would be generated when grading or demolition is necessary. New rules and regulations adopted
by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) have been enacted since the
adoption of the State College Redevelopment Plan. Such rules include regular watering on a daily
basis to reduce dust hazards during construction in accordance with SCAQMD Rule 403. Rule 403
requires implementation of best available fugitive dust control measures during grading and
construction activities with additional measures implemented under high wind conditions. See Section
V - Air Quality for additional information on dust control and particulate matter that may be generated
by development within the Project Area.
High winds impact the dust generation characteristics and create the potential for off-site air quality
impacts, especially with respect to airborne nuisance and particulate emissions. Minimal potential
exists for wind erosion as vacant parcels within the Project Area are generally vegetated with grasses
and weeds. Compliance with SCAQMD Rule 403 and grading and development standards
administered by the City's Public Works Division would ensure that potential erosion of soils is
minimized during re-development of properties.
d) The City of San Bernardino is situated in a seismically active region where numerous faults are
located, capable of generating moderate to large earthquakes. Figure 47 of the City's General Plan
provides the locations of existing faults within the area. The San Andreas Fault zone traverses the City
in a northwest-southeast direction along the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. The Project
Area is located approximately l,4 mile south of the San Andreas Fault System. The San Jacinto Fault
System also traverses the City through Cajon and Lytle Creeks, generally to the west of the Project
Area. The Project Area is within 1.5 miles east of the San Jacinto Fault System. The Glen Helen Fault
runs just northwest/southeast and parallel of the San Jacinto Fault System. The Project Area is located
within one mile east of the Glen Helen fault.
These fault zones are located within an Alquist-Priolo Special Study Zone, a designation given when
surface rupture may occur in the immediate vicinity due to movement along these faults. The Project
Area is located outside the limits of the Alquist-Priolo Special Studies Zones for the San Andreas, San
Jacinto, and Glen Helen faults as defined in the City's General Plan (reference Figure 47 of the City's
General Plan); therefore, surface rupture is not likely to occur in the Project Area. However, this
vicinity, like most of the City, is likely to experience peak ground acceleration from a maximum
credible earthquake of magnitude Mw 8.5 on the San Andreas Fault, and a magnitude Mw 7.5 from the
San Jacinto and Glen Helen Faults (reference Figure 46 of the City's General Plan).
Groundshaking is due to seismic waves emanating from the epicenter after initial movement on the
fault. Groundshaking will impact structures during earthquakes. The magnitude of the impact is related
to the construction of the building and its foundation. The City has adopted seismic performance
standards for all new construction. Any new buildings proposed would be constructed in conformance
with the Uniform Building Code and any additional performance standards adopted by the City. It is
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anticipated that major earthquake groundshaking will occur during the lifetime of redevelopment
projects in the Project Area from either the San Andreas or the San Jacinto fault systems.
Due to the likelihood of earthquakes to occur within either of the large fault zones, the City requires a
soils/geotechnical study to determine the impacts likely to occur on a specific project site. These
would also be required of all government buildings in the Project Area. Site-specific geotechnical
investigations would routinely be prepared for new development projects requiring earthwork to be
performed. Recommendations of the investigations are routinely incorporated in the design and
construction of new projects. With adherence to the recommendations made by the geotechnical
engineer, potential significant impacts associated with earthquakes in general would remain less than
significant. Reinstatement of eminent domain would not change the City's requirements regarding
geotechnical investigations within the Project Area.
e) Based on a field investigation of the Project Area, no unique geologic or physical features were
observed.
f) The Project Area contains areas designated as having high potential for water or wind erosion as
identified on Figure 53 of the City's General Plan. The area surrounding Little Mountain Drive is
designated as having high water erosion potential. In addition, areas of potential high wind erosion
exist east of CSUSB, and in small sections along University Drive north of 1-215 within the Project
Area. Any proposed future developments within areas designated as having potentially high wind or
water erosion will be evaluated on an individual project basis. Reinstatement of eminent domain
within the Project Area would not result in a developmental impact from potentially high wind and
water erosion areas since it would not result in a specific development project.
g) The Project Area is located less than three mile east of the Cajon Creek Wash/Lytle Creek Wash
junction. The majority of the Project Area is developed with an established storm drain system.
Reinstatement of eminent domain will not result in any modification to existing water channels or
creek within the Project Area.
h) The Project Area is not located in an area that is susceptible to liquefaction or ground subsidence
according to Figures 48 and 51 ofthe City's General Plan. Since 1972, the San Bernardino Municipal
Water District has maintained groundwater levels through recharge to percolation basins that, in turn,
filter back into the alluvial deposits. Problems with groundwater subsidence have not been identified
since the implementation of the recharge program.
Landslides can occur during an earthquake in areas where there are extreme changes in elevation such
as in the foothills or mountain areas. Slope stability is determined by a number of different factors
including the slope steepness, vegetative cover, wildfire, bedrock, soil, precipitation, and human
alteration. The Project Area's slope stability conditions are described in the General Plan based on the
level of relief and the general landslide susceptibility in the area. Figure 52 of the City's General Plan
maps the slope stability and landslide susceptibility in the area. Several areas within the Project Area
are classified as moderate relief, with a low to moderate susceptibility to landslides. They include the
sloped hills surrounding Little Mountain Drive, which are designated mainly for residential land uses
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in the City's General Plan, and a section of the northeastern portion of the Project Area, near the east
side of CSUSB.
The majority of the vacant lands within the Project Area are vegetated with grasses and shrubs, which
reduce the water and wind erosion onsite. Figure 52 of the City's General Plan shows several areas
where potentially high wind and water erosion may exist based on their soil limitations. The potential
for high water erosion exists on the sloped hillsides along Little Mountain Drive, and east of CSUSB.
Areas of potentially high wind erosion also exist along University Parkway north of 1-215, and along
Northpark Boulevard on the northeast side of the Project Area.
Reinstatement of eminent domain would not create an impact to development within areas oflandslide
susceptibility or areas of potentially high water and wind erosion as identified in the City's General
Plan. Future proposed developments within these areas would be evaluated on an individual basis with
regard to these impacts.
i) Liquefaction is a phenomenon that occurs when strong earthquake shaking causes soils to collapse
from a sudden loss of cohesion and undergo a transformation from a solid state to a liquefied state.
This happens in areas where the soils are saturated with groundwater. Loose soils with particle size in
the medium sand to silt range are particularly susceptible to liquefaction when subjected to seismic
groundshaking. Affected soils lose all strength during liquefaction and failure of building foundations
can occur. According to Figure 48 of the City's General Plan, the Project Area is not located within an
area susceptible to liquefaction.
IV. WATER
a-d) The Project Area exists within upper Santa Ana River watershed. The Project Area has been urbanized
with water flow currently being managed by existing streets and drainages within the area. Storm
drains and flood control facilities are administered by the City of San Bernardino - Public Works and
Public Service Departments, and the San Bernardino County Flood Control District.
Current City policy requires alllO-year frequency storm waters, except for flow at intersection points,
to be contained in the underground drain system. Storm flows in excess of the lO-year storm flow, but
less than or equal to the 25-year storm flow, are carried in the curb portion of the street in existing
developed areas. Storm flows associated with the lOO-year storm event may be carried in the street
right-of-way.
The proposed reinstatement of eminent domain would not result in any changes to the existing
drainage system within the area. As future development projects are proposed, drainage and erosion
control plans will be prepared in accordance with development standards as administered by the City's
Public Works Division.
e) Several sections of the Project Area are located within the lOO-year flood zone as identified in
Figure 62 of the City's General Plan. An area near the intersection of California Street and Cajon
Boulevard, and areas along Northpark Boulevard and Little Mountain Drive near CSUSB are within
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the lOO-year flood zone. Reinstatement of eminent domain would not result in an impact to the flood
hazard areas within the Project Area. Individual projects proposed for development within the
lOO-year flood zone would be required to prepare a hydrology study which meets City of San
Bernardino and County Flood Control District requirements. The development proposals must also be
reviewed for consistency with the Federal Emergency Management Agency requirements.
V. AIR QUALITY
a-b) Air quality is affected by both the rate and location of pollutant emissions and by meteorological
conditions which influence movement and dispersal of pollutants. Atmospheric conditions such as wind
speed, wind direction, and air temperature gradients, along with local topography, provide the link
between air pollutants and air quality.
The City of San Bernardino is in the northeast portion of the South Coast Air Basin (SCAB), which
includes Orange County, and portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. The
SCAB is an area of 6,600 square miles bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the San Gabriel,
San Bernardino, and San Jacinto Mountains to the north and east. The mountains reach heights of up to
11,000 feet above mean sea level (msl) and act to prevent airflow and thus the transport of air pollutants
out of the basin.
The San Bernardino Valley portion of the SCAB is designated a non-attainment area for nitrogen
dioxide, sulfates, particulate matter, and ozone. The criteria pollutants identified in the SCAB that would
be associated with development projects in the Project Area include:
- Ozone (03)
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
- Nitrogen dioxide (NOz)
- Particulate matter (PMlO)
- Sulfur dioxide (SOz)
- Reactive Organic Gasses (ROG)
SCAQMD adopted the Final 1994 Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) revision in September 1994,
and the 1997 AQMD update was adopted locally in August 1996 to establish a comprehensive control
program to achieve compliance with federal and state air quality standards for healthy air quality in the
SCAB. The Final AQMP was adopted by the SCAQMD Board in November 1996 and has since been
approved by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The AQMP policies serve as the framework
for all control (permitting) efforts in the SCAB as enforced by the SCAQMD for stationary sources.
CARB regulates mobile sources. A 2003 AQMP is currently being drafted.
Redevelopment within the State College Redevelopment Area may result in demolition, construction
and site grading. Most of the lot sizes throughout the Subareas remain relatively small, and are
therefore unlikely to exceed SCAQMD air quality thresholds, with the exception of some industrial
zoned areas along the west side. Since the South Coast Air Basin is in non-attainment status for ozone
and suspended particulates (PMlO), standard measures have been adopted by the City based on
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SCAQMD Rule 403 to minimize the project contribution to regional emission of criteria pollutants.
Additionally, fugitive dust generated by construction activities would add to the ambient PMIO levels but
should not exceed SCAQMD threshold of 150 lbs/day after standard dust abatement procedures are
applied.
The City's General Plan policies 10.10.2 and 10.1004 require dust abatement measures during grading
and construction operations, and cooperation with SCAQMD by incorporating pertinent local
implementation provisions of the SCAQMD. hnplementation of Rule 403 and standard construction
practices during all operations capable of generating fugitive dust, will include but not be limited to the
use of best available control measures, such as: 1) Water active grading areas and staging areas at least
twice daily as needed; 2) Ensure spray bars on all processing equipment are in good operating condition;
3) Apply water or soil stabilizers to form crust on inactive construction areas and unpaved work areas;
4) Suspend grading activities when wind gusts exceed 25 mph; 5) Sweep public paved roads if visible
soil material is carried off-site; 6) Enforce on-site speed limits on unpaved surfaces to 15 mph; and
7) Discontinue construction activities during Stage 1 smog episodes.
Therefore, the reinstatement of eminent domain for the State College Area would not alter the
requirements for projects to comply with rules and regulations regarding air quality.
c-d) The local climate can be classified as Mediterranean with hot and dry summers and short, warm and
relatively dry winters. Temperatures range from a low of 32 degrees Fahrenheit e F) in the winter to a
high in excess of 1000 F during the summer. Mean annual temperature is 650 F. Average annual
precipitation for the area is 18 inches, which is almost exclusively rain. Proposed reinstatement of
eminent domain would not affect the physical environment. The Redevelopment Plan for the Project
Area is consistent with the City's General Plan and zoning with regard to permitted land uses in the
Project Area.
Reinstatement of eminent domain to facilitate redevelopment in the Project Area would not result in
additional emissions or objectionable odors. The General Plan land use designations within the Project
Area include mainly residential, industrial, and public facility, among others.
VI. TRANSPORTATION
a) The majority of the Project Area is currently developed, with some vacant areas (approximately
15 percent) still remaining. Development in the vacant areas may result in increased traffic circulation
within the Project Area. Any individual projects proposed within the Project Area that could result in a
potentially significant increased trip generation would'be required to complete a traffic impact study to
evaluate impacts to the areas existing traffic conditions. Reinstatement of eminent domain would not
result in increased traffic volumes within the Project Area.
b) The reinstatement of eminent domain would not result in altering the present pattern of circulation in the
vicinity of the Project Area.
c) The reinstatement of eminent domain would not change the basic paths or patterns of circulation in the
immediate area, nor create any disjointed roadway improvements.
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d) The reinstatement of eminent domain would not impact rail or air traffic. The closest airstrips or airports
are located approximately nine miles to the southeast (San Bernardino International Airport, former
Norton Air Force Base) and approximately nine miles to the west (Rialto Municipal Airport). The
nearest passenger railroad operation is the Amtrak Station at 3rd Street and Mt. Vernon, located several
miles south of the Project Area. The project would not stimulate any activity that would place demands
on air traffic, nor interfere with their operations. Future land uses could be sited adjacent to the railroad
right -of-way, which is an interstate rail line. However, any such proposal would require a special study to
evaluate the potential impacts to rail traffic at the time that proposal is presented to the City. Therefore,
there are no impacts to rail traffic as a result of reinstatement of eminent domain.
e) All parking for individual projects would be provided on-site. Parking spaces for individual projects
within the Project Area would be in compliance with the requirements of Chapter 19.24 of the City of
San Bernardino Development Code, or a variance would be sought at that time.
f) Reinstatement of eminent domain within the Project Area would not increase safety hazards to
vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians. The area is urban and includes sidewalks, crosswalks, and
signalized intersections with pedestrian crossing lights. Bicycle use is most prominent around CSUSB
and the surrounding residential districts. This issue will likely be addressed in the City's General Plan
Update that us currently underway. Reinstatement of eminent domain would not affect safety in the
Project Area.
g) The reinstatement of eminent domain would not conflict with adopted policies supporting alternative
modes of transportation since the transportation system is already established throughout the general
Project Area.
h) Design of new projects or redevelopment of existing properties would include adequate emergency
access on-site as standard requirements by City Public Safety Departments. Design plans for these
projects must be in compliance with the City's Development Code and would be reviewed and approved
by the City Fire Marshal and Police Department prior to site disturbance. Therefore, the reinstatement of
eminent domain would not affect emergency response.
VII. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES
a-c) The small portion of the Project Area, located mainly east of CSUSB, is included in the area
designated as Biological Resources Management Overlay according to Figure 41 of the City's General
Plan. The California Department ofFish and Game maintains a Natural Diversity Database that lists
threatened and/or endangered species that occur within the given area, and according to Figure 40 of
the City's General Plan, no known sensitive resources exist within the Project Area. Previous
developments have eliminated the majority of the wildlife corridors that existed in the past. However,
some still remain in the northern and western most areas. DevelopmentJRe-Development within this
biological resource area could restrict any potential wildlife corridors that currently exist in this north
portion of the City. The City of San Bernardino, including the State College Redevelopment Project
Area, contains habitat for the San Bernardino kangaroo rat (Dipodomys merriami parvus), a federally
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listed endangered species, and the coastal California gnatcatcher (Polioptila californica), a federally
listed threatened species. Any individual developments proposed within designated biological
resources areas would be required to complete a biological study as outlined in the City's General Plan
and may also be required to conduct focused surveys for the gnatcatcher and kangaroo rat.
Reinstatement of eminent domain within the Project Area will not create an impact to existing
biological resources.
d) No wetland or riparian corridors exist within the Project Area according to Figure 41 of the City's
General Plan. Several riparian corridors exist to the north within the biological resource district,
outside of the project boundaries. Reinstatement of eminent domain would not create impacts to
wetlands or riparian corridors.
e) Mature trees are known to occur throughout the Project Area. Removal of some mature trees may be
required to accommodate site construction and/or grading/paving activities. The City requires an
applicant to prepare an arborist's report on the condition of mature trees that have six inch or greater
trunk diameters. A Tree Removal Permit would be issued concurrent with project approval for the
anticipated removal of mature trees in conjunction with proposed development of a site, in accordance
with Development Code Section 19.28.090. Reinstatement of eminent domain would not affect the
status of existing trees in the Project Area.
VIII. ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES
a) Reinstatement of eminent domain and development of properties in the Project Area would not result
in any conflicts with adopted energy conservation measures as required by the City of San Bernardino.
Compliance with existing codes, ordinances, recognized conservation measures, ongoing "best
available technology" and the General Plan would occur with Agency approval of the final project
plans to reduce any net decrease in energy resources. Reinstatement of eminent domain in the Project
Area would not create any significant demand on existing/planned energy resources and facilities,
since most of the properties are already developed. In addition, county, state and federal construction
projects which may occur in the Project Area are not subject to City building review, must still comply
with state and federal guidelines for energy conservation.
b) Non-renewable resources to be used by contractors on any development project include diesel fuel and
natural gas. The City requires that all uses be designed to be efficient; no wasteful use of non-
renewable resources will occur. Reinstatement of eminent domain would not alter this requirement.
c) Reinstatement of eminent domain would not result in the loss of valuable mineral resources.
Redevelopment may include aggregate resources in the construction of parking lots and buildings.
Steel, concrete, and asphalt would be required as part of construction. These resources are
commercially available in the local area without any constraint and no potential for adverse impacts to
the natural resource base supporting these materials is forecast to occur over the foreseeable future.
This demand is not significant due to the abundance of available local aggregate resources.
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IX. HAZARDS
a) Hazardous or toxic materials may be used or transported in association with development projects in
the industrial areas of the Project Area. All materials required during development and operation of
projects would be used and transported in compliance with State and local regulations. Future
industrial projects would be required to prepare Business Emergency Contingency Plans.
Reinstatement of eminent domain would not alter an operator's/generator's adherence to these
regulations.
b) The reinstatement of eminent domain would not result in the use, storage or disposal of toxic
substances. An industrial district on the west, and several commercial areas consist of the main land
uses associated with the operational use of toxic substances. All substances must be used and stored in
controlled environments in accordance with existing requirements of the County Department of Health
or Fire Department, State Department of Toxic Substance Control, SCAQMD or other permitting
agencies. This would not change with reinstatement of eminent domain.
c) Some existing sites in the Project Area may contain discarded wastes. If a parcel is suspected of
containing underground storage tanks and/or other materials known to contain hazardous materials, a
Phase I Site Assessment would be prepared by a Registered Environmental Assessor (REA) for sites
that are suspected of potential hazardous material (visible storage tanks, dumping or stained soils).
Recommendations contained in the report would be implemented prior to any site development.
Reinstatement of eminent domain for the Project Area would not alter the requirements for use,
storage and disposal of hazardous substances.
X. NOISE
a-b) Reinstatement of eminent domain would not create any additional noise impacts within the Project
Area. Environmental noise is normally measured using a special frequency-dependent rating scale
because the human ear is not equally sensitive to sound at all frequencies. The A-weighted decibel
scale (dBA) compensates for this discrepancy by discriminating against frequencies in a manner
approximating the sensitivity ofthe human ear. A-weighting de-emphasizes the very low and very high
frequencies of sound in a manner similar to the human ear. The result is a decibel corrected for the
variation in frequency response of the typical human ear at commonly encountered noise levels. In
general, people can perceive a three-dBA difference in noise levels; a difference of 10 dBA is
perceived as being twice as loud; 20 dB higher four times as loud; and so forth. Everyday sounds
normally range from 30 dB (very quiet) to 100 dB (very loud). L.Jnrepresents the average equivalent A-
weighted sound level during a 24-hour day obtained by adding ten decibels to the hourly noise levels
measured during the night (from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.). In this way L.Jn takes into account the lower
tolerance of people for noise during nighttime periods by penalizing the noise levels during the
nighttime hours.
The reinstatement of eminent domain does not involve the development of housing, health care
facilities, schools, or other noise sensitive uses in areas where existing or future noise levels exceed
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the City recommended standard of an Ldn of 65 dB(A) exterior, and an Ldn of 45 dB(A) interior. Future
developments would be required to mitigate noise impacts to meet the City's required noise standards.
XI. PUBLIC SERVICES
a-b) The reinstatement of eminent domain would not place additional demands or change the requirements
on fire protection and medical aid services beyond what the City has planned for in the General Plan.
The northern section of the Project Area is located in a moderate fire hazard area, with a small portion
east of CSUSB located in the high fire hazard area according to Figure 61 of the City's General Plan.
The San Bernardino City Fire Department Station No.5 is located within the Project Area, near the
intersection of State Street and Kendall Drive. Station No. 3 is located near the intersection of
Mt. V ernon Avenue and Highland Avenue, outside and west of the southern portion of the Project
Area. Standard requirements for fire protection facilities, building design, and site access would be
reviewed and approved by the City of San Bernardino Fire Department as development projects are
proposed.
c) The reinstatement of eminent domain would not place additional demands on police services.
According to Figure 32 in the City's General Plan, no police service stations exist within the Project
Area, and the nearest facility is a Highway Patrol Station located near the intersection ofMt. Vernon
Avenue and Highland Avenue. Security measures would be incorporated into the design of new
projects, reviewed by City departments, and would be verified during plan review of development
projects by the City Police Department as they are proposed.
d-e) Reinstatement of eminent domain should not create additional jobs not previously anticipated in the
City's General Plan. Residents of the City or the surrounding communities would likely fill jobs
created as a result of the development projects. Development in the Project Area will be individually
evaluated for impacts on the demand for new or additional school services, parks, or other recreational
facilities. The majority if the workforce would be drawn from the existing population in the area.
f) Development/redevelopment within the Project Area will generate additional solid waste. The
occupancy of the future undeveloped/redeveloped areas will result in increased waste generation and
disposal needs. Reinstatement of eminent domain, however, would not result in additional demands on
the solid waste system. Site owners/developers will cooperate with the City Public Services
Department in participating in green waste diversion programs. ill addition, the County of San
Bernardino recently began the expansion of the Mid-Valley Landfill approximately nine miles
southwest of the Project Area and is planning expansion of the Victorville Landfill approximately
20 miles north of the Project Area.
g-h) Redevelopment of the Project Area would generate additional traffic in the area. Additional vehicle
trips, however, would not be generated by the reinstatement of eminent domain. Access to individual
sites is provided by a series of arterials through this segment of the City. The Public Works Division
through standard conditions of approval, require Traffic System Impact Fees with the development of
new projects.
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XII. UTILITIES
a) Reinstatement of eminent domain would not impact the existing natural gas service within the project
area. The Southern California Gas Company (the Gas Company) provides natural gas service to the
Project Area. The majority of the area is currently developed with existing natural gas service. The
re-development project should not impact the Gas Company's ability to provide adequate levels of
service, nor should it create the need to increase capacity. Service availability will be evaluated with
individual projects proposed in the future.
b) California Edison (SCE) provides electricity to the Project Area. Additional development may result in
increased electricity demands. The availability of electrical service would be evaluated on an
individual project basis for future proposed project. Larger industrial projects may include co-
generation facilities. Reinstatement of eminent domain would not impact electrical service in the area.
c) The Project Area is within the service area of Verizon (formerly General Telephone). The availability
of telephone service will be evaluated on an individual project basis for future proposed projects.
Reinstatement of eminent domain will not place additional demand on communication systems.
d) Water supply is provided by the City of San Bernardino Municipal Water Department. Additional
development will result in an increased demand for water supply. Groundwater is a major source of
water, in addition to the State Water Project (SWP). SWP supplies are percolated into the groundwater
basin to maintain groundwater levels. The availability of water would be evaluated on an individual
project basis for future proposed developments. Reinstatement of eminent domain within the Project
Area would not impact the existing available water supplies.
e) The City of San Bernardino owns and operates the San Bernardino Water Reclamation Plant
(SBWRP), which services the residential and industrial wastewater generated in the City of San
Bernardino according to the City's General Plan. As the majority of the area is currently developed,
any future development/redevelopment within the Project Area will likely only cause minimal impacts
to the areas wastewater system. Reinstatement of eminent domain will not impact the wastewater
service in the area, and individual project impacts will be evaluated when they are proposed.
f) Reinstatement of eminent domain would not affect existing storm drains in the Project Area. The
Project Area is highly urbanized and the storm drain system is well established. Development of the
vacant areas will result in increased runoff, but due to the small and scattered location of the vacant
parcels, the impact will be minimal on the hydrology of the area. Future developments within the
Project Area will be required to provide adequate storm drain facilities as approved by the City.
g) The Project Area is part of an urban area which should be capable of providing adequate utility system
services. The project will reinstate the Agency's power of eminent domain to implement
redevelopment procedures within the State College Redevelopment Project Area. Utility systems are in
place to serve the Project Area and are master-planned to provide service to the Project Area without
creating disjointed patterns of service extensions. Future projects proposed within the project area will
be individually evaluated for their ability to provide adequate utility services.
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XIII. AESTHETICS
a-b) The use of eminent domain would allow the City to redevelop any areas not being used or zoned for
residential land use. A variety of land use designations exist within the Project Area including:
residential, commercial, industrial, public facility, public parks, and several others. The proposed
project would eventually improve the aesthetic conditions within the City, although reinstatement of
eminent domain alone will not impact the aesthetic conditions within the area.
c) Development/Redevelopment within the Project Area may include additional light and glare from new
structures. Several areas contain land uses that may be classified as sensitive receptors. Standard
conditions of approval for development projects will ensure compliance with the City's Development
Code standards for light and glare. Reinstatement of eminent domain does not create any impacts with
regards to this issue.
XlV. CULTURAL RESOURCES
a-c) Several areas of concern for archeological resources exist within the Project Area as identified on
Figure 8 in the City's General Plan. A potentially historic residential district, Shandin Hills District,
exists on the east side of the Project Area. This area contains some of San Bernardino's early vacation
facilities, which are large Mediterranean homes built in the 1930' s. Reinstatement of eminent domain
will not create an impact to the cultural or historic resources found within the Project Area. Any
redevelopment projects proposed within cultural resource areas will be required to abide to all
established City policies regarding cultural resources.
xv. RECREATION
a-b) The State College Redevelopment Project may result in an increased demand for parks and
recreational facilities in the area, although this impact would be minimal as the majority of the area is
currently developed. According to the City's General Plan zoning maps, two public parks exist within
the Project Area. Reinstatement of eminent domain will not produce an additional demand for
neighborhood parks, regional parks, or other recreational facilities.
XVI MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
a) The north portion of the project area, mainly east of CSUSB is encompassed within the Biological
Resources Management Overlay according to Figure 41 of the City's General Plan. No known
sensitive biological resources exist within the Project Area according to Figure 40 of the City's
General Plan and no sensitive plant or animal species are expected to exist in the area due to the highly
disturbed nature and surrounding urban developments. The reinstatement of eminent domain within
the project area will not result in the loss of any wildlife that may exist within the Project Area. A
biological study, in conformance with the City's guidelines, should be required for all future
development projects within areas designated as Biological Resource Management Overlay Areas in
the City's General Plan.
6351State College Initial StudylMarch 27, 2003
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CDC/2003-9
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT
"'-
INITIAL STUDY
b) The reinstatement of eminent domain will allow for the redevelopment of any blighted areas and
development of vacant lots within the Project Area. The City will develop the area consistent with the
existing land uses as designated in the General Plan. Any impacts to the environmental will be
evaluated on a project-by-project basis for future proposed developments in the Project Area.
c) The proposed re-development in the State Collage area would improve the general functional and
aesthetical conditions of the area. The purpose of the project is to redevelop any blighted areas that
may exist within the area. The reinstatement of eminent domain should not result in any cumulative
detrimental impacts.
d) The redevelopment project will not result in any substantial adverse impacts to humans. The purpose
of the project is to eliminate blighted areas that exist within the Project Area. The majority of the area
has previously been disturbed, thus not causing substantial changes to environmental resources that
exist in the area. Each individual project proposed in the future will evaluate environmental impacts to
the area, and mitigation measures to reduce impacts will be incorporated based on the environmental
findings. The reinstatement of eminent domain within the Project Area will not create any adverse
impacts to the environment within the Project Area.
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