HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Resolution _4887- Case 5.0965 GPARESOLUTION NO. 4887
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PALM
SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF A
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT SO AS TO: (A) RECLASSIFY
MESQUITE AVENUE, BETWEEN EL CIELO ROAD AND VELLA ROAD, FROM
A SECONDARY THOROUGHFARE TO A SPECIAL COLLECTOR STREET;
(B) AMEND GENERAL PLAN POLICY 7.1.5. TO CLARIFY THE
DEFINITION OF "SPECIAL STREET PROGRAMS"; (C) ADD
GENERAL PLAN POLICY 7.1.5.A. "MESQUITE AVENUE
SPECIAL STREET PROGRAM", AND (D) ASSOCIATED TRAFFIC
CALMING, LANDSCAPING, AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS,
SECTION 19.
WHEREAS, the City of Palm Springs (the "applicant") has initiated an application for: a General
Plan Circulation Map Amendment to reclassify Mesquite Avenue between El Cielo Road and
Vella Road from a Secondary Thoroughfare to a Special Collector Street, an amendment to
General Plan Policy 7.1.5. to clarify the definition of "special street programs" and to add a new
General Plan Policy 7.1.5.a., and associated traffic calming, landscaping, and drainage
improvements; and
WHEREAS, notice of a public hearing of the Planning Commission of the City of Palm Springs
to consider Case No. 5.0965 GPA, a request to amend the General Plan Map, was given in
accordance with applicable law; and
WHEREAS, on November 12, 2003 a public hearing to consider Case No. 5.0965 GPA, a
request to amend the General Plan, was held by the Planning Commission in accordance with
applicable law; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 15063 of the California Environmental Quality Act, an
Initial Study was prepared and staff found that the proposed project could not have a significant
effect on the environment; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has carefully reviewed and considered all of the
evidence presented in connection with the hearing on the project, including but not limited to the
staff report, all written and oral testimony presented.
THE PLANNING COMMISSION HEREBY FINDS AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: Pursuant to CEQA, the Planning Commission finds that the current
environmental assessment for Case No. 5.0965 GPA adequately addresses the
general environmental setting of the proposed Project, its significant
environmental impacts, and the mitigation measures related to each significant
environmental effect for the proposed project. The Planning Commission further
finds that with the incorporation of proposed mitigation measures, potentially
significant environmental impacts resulting from this project will be reduced to a
level of insignificance and therefore recommends adoption of a Mitigated
Negative Declaration for the project
Section 2: The proposal is to amend the General Plan — Circulation Element to downgrade
Mesquite Avenue, between El Cielo Road and Vella Road, from a Secondary
Thoroughfare to a Special Collector designation.
This designation would allow the existing right-of-way width of 88 feet to be
maintained and the widening of Mesquite Avenue between Mountain View Drive
and Avenida La Evelita to construct a special street section consisting of two
through traffic lanes (one in each direction) separated by a 12-foot wide raised,
landscaped median, and a one-way local park access road with parallel parking.
Traffic calming features will be implemented to encourage low -speed, thus
deterring through travel. Commuters that use Mesquite Avenue for through
travel will seek other paths of travel that are designed to accommodate the:
movements more efficiently.
The proposed General Plan Amendment will also improve local access betwee
the residential community and the recreational land uses to the south of Mesqui
Avenue, reduce roadway capacity, and discourage high speed commuter traffi
This portion of Mesquite Avenue is adjacent to Palm Springs Youth Center ar
Demuth Park. Special design and control features would be incorporated in tf
improvement plan to define, enhance and reinforce the local -access character
Mesquite Avenue. The proposed improvements would provide an "inner" ar
"outer" roadway on the south side of Mesquite Avenue in order to separate loc
activities, parking, land use and future bicycle and transit facilities, and oth,
traffic on Mesquite.
Section 3: The amendment to the General Plan will result in the proposed change of ft
General Plan — Circulation Element being in conformity with the General PIE
Map and Report.
Section 4: The proposed change of street classification and change of General PIE
designation is necessary and proper at this time, and is not likely to I:
detrimental to the adjacent propertyor residents.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE 1T RESOLVED that, based upon the foregoing, the Planning
Commission hereby recommends that the City Council order filing of a mitigated negative
declaration and approve Case No. 5.0965 GPA to: (A) reclassify Mesquite Avenue from a
Secondary Thoroughfare to a Special Collector Street for Mesquite Avenue, between El Cielo
Road and Vella Road as shown in Exhibit A; (b) amend General Plan Policy 7.1.5 in order to
clarify the definition of "special street programs" as shown in Exhibit B; (c) add a new General
Plan Policy 7.1.5.a "Mesquite Avenue Special Street Program" as shown in Exhibit B; and (d)
associated traffic calming, landscape and drainage improvements, subject to the final review of
landscape, irrigation, signage, and drainage details by the City Engineer and Director of
Planning and Zoning.
ADOPTED this 11'' day of November, 2003
AYES: Shoenberger, Marantz, Matthews, Conrad, Wright, Hochanadel
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
ATTEST: CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
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Chairoln of the Planning C&nmission Secretary Whe Planning Commission
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