Title
Public Hearing to Receive Comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the General Plan Update
Body
To: Honorable President and
Members of the Planning Board
Chairperson Saxby and
Members of the Historical Advisory Board
From: Andrew Thomas, Planning, Building & Transportation Director
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On May 6, 2021, the City of Alameda released for public review a draft environmental impact report (DEIR) evaluating the potential environmental impacts that might be expected as the result of the adoption and implementation of the March 2021 Draft General Plan Update: Alameda General Plan 2040.
The Notice of Availability established June 25, 2021 as the deadline for submitting written comments on the adequacy of the environmental analysis contained in the DEIR. The notice also provided the opportunity for the public to submit comments verbally at the June 14, 2021 Planning Board public hearing on the draft EIR.
The June 14, 2021 public hearing is an opportunity to receive public comments on the draft EIR. No final actions are requested or appropriate at this time in the environmental review process.
BACKGROUND
The City of Alameda acting as the Lead Agency under the California Environmental Quality Act completed a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) evaluating the potential environmental impacts associated with the adoption and implementation of a Draft citywide General Plan update: Alameda General Plan 2040.
Alameda General Plan 2040 is a draft update to the Alameda General Plan, which was last comprehensively updated in 1991. The update does not include an update to the Housing Element, which will be updated in 2022. The General Plan Land Use and City Design Element, Conservation and Climate Action Element, Mobility Element, Parks and Open Space Element, and Health and Safety Element and their associated policies and actions provide a policy framework to guide future decisions to achieve four overarching themes:
1) To protect the environment, respond to the climate crisis and meet regional responsibilities,
2) To promote a healthy, equitable and inclusive city,
3) To enhance mobility and accessibility, and
4) To preserve and enhance Alameda’s distinctive character.
DISCUSSION.
The draft General Plan 2040 and the Alameda General Plan 2040 Draft EIR are available for review on the City’s website at: www.alameda2040.gov <http://www.alameda2040.gov>. The General Plan and DEIR are also available for review at the City of Alameda Public Library at 1551 Oak Street, Alameda, California 94501.
The City of Alameda is accepting comments on the DEIR until June 25, 2021. Comments on the DEIR should be provided in writing or by email to: Andrew Thomas, Planning Building and Transportation Department, 2263 Santa Clara Avenue, Room 190, Alameda, California 94501 or email athomas@alamedaca.gov <mailto:athomas@alamedaca.gov>. Comments may also be provided verbally at the June 14, 2021 Planning Board meeting.
Upon close of the 45 day comment period on June 25, 2021, the City of Alameda will prepare a Final EIR for Planning Board consideration. The Final EIR will include any required revisions made to the Draft EIR as the result of suggestions made by reviewers of the document, and the Final EIR will include written responses to all comments received during the 45 day review period.
Upon completion of the Final EIR, the City of Alameda will make the Final EIR available for public review for a minimum of 10 days. Upon completion of the minimum 10 day review period, the Planning Board will be able to hold final public hearings to make a final recommendation on the Final EIR and the Final Draft General Plan to the Alameda City Council.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Adoption of a General Plan Update is a project subject to review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The DEIR identifies the potential environmental impacts of the General Plan on the environment. The DEIR identifies potentially significant environmental effects in the following resource areas: Air Quality, Transportation, and Cultural Resources.
CLIMATE IMPACT
A central goal of the General Plan is to prepare Alameda for the impacts of climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Alameda.
RECOMMENDATION
Conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the Draft EIR.
Respectfully submitted,
Andrew Thomas, Planning, Building and Transportation Director