HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC Resolution _6207- Case 5.1258 GPARESOLUTION NO. 6207
A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF
THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
RECOMMENDING THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE
CASE 5.1258 GPA, A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT
INCORPORATING THE COACHELLA VALLEY NON -
MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN INTO
THE 2007 PALM SPRINGS GENERAL PLAN.
WHEREAS, the City of Palm Springs adopted its General Plan on October 17, 2008 by
resolution 22077; and
WHEREAS, on December 1, 2010, the City Council initiated a General Plan
Amendment to incorporate the Coachella Valley Non -Motorized Transportation Master
Plan ("CVNMTMP") into the 2007 General Plan; and
WHEREAS, a notice of public hearing of the Planning Commission of the City of Palm
Springs to consider Case 5.1258, consisting of a General Plan Amendment to
incorporate the Coachella Valley Non -Motorized Transportation Master Plan was given
in accordance with applicable law; and
WHEREAS, on June 22, 2011, a public hearing on the application was held by the
Planning Commission in accordance with applicable law; and
WHEREAS, the proposed project is considered a "project" pursuant to the terms of the
California Environmental Quality Act ("CEW), and an Environmental Assessment has
been prepared for this project and has been distributed for public review and comment
in accordance with CEQA; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission has carefully reviewed and considered all of the
evidence presented, including but not limited to the staff report, and all written and oral
testimony presented.
THE PLANNING COMMISSION HEREBY FINDS AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: A Negative Declaration (ND) has been completed in compliance with
CEQA, the State CEQA Guidelines, and the City's CEQA Guidelines. The
Planning Commission found that the incorporation of the Coachella Valley
Non -Motorized Transportation Master Plan into the General Plan will have
no impact on the environment. The Planning Commission independently
reviewed and considered the information contained in the ND prior to its
review of this Project and the ND reflects the Planning Commission's
independent judgment and analysis.
Section 2: The Planning Commission makes the following findings:
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A. Integration of the CVNMTMP fulfills certain policies and action items from
the General Plan as follows:
• Policy CR6.1 Adopt a program of non -motorized transportation
facilities including those for bicycles and pedestrians.
• Policy CR6.15 Coordinate with CVAG, adjacent cities, and
affected agencies while planning for new trails, especially in areas
adjacent to the Whitewater Wash and Cathedral City.
• Action Item CR6.2: Resolve any inconsistencies between the
City's Master Plan of Bikeways and the CVAG Non -motorized
Transportation Plan and adopt the CVAG Non -Motorized
Transportation Master Plan.
B. The CVNMTMP, which was initiated in 2001 and updated in 2010,
provides Palm Springs with a comprehensive plan that meets most grant
application requirements and thereby broadens the City's opportunities
and eligibility to pursue external funding sources to improve its non -
motorized transportation facilities and programming.
C. Integration of the CVNMTMP provides the city the opportunity to update 10
the bicycle routes map and resolve inconsistencies in that map which is
instrumental in the grant application process.
D. Incorporation of the CVNMTMP into the General Plan provides a planning
tool that has the following benefits:
Assures that their bikeways and trails can be constructed to yield
good interconnectivity between cities
Fosters interconnectivity as a way to create a viable alternative
means of valley -wide transportation; thereby requiring less
dependence on the automobile.
Helps reduce traffic congestion and vehicle emissions that
contribute to poor air quality and greenhouse gas emissions
(GHG).
iv. Increases recreational opportunities for tourists and residents.
V. Includes educational programs on bicycle safety, as well as
information on infrastructure maintenance and funding.
vi. Promoting physical activity through biking and walking was seen
as a means of improving the health and wellness of the
community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, based upon the foregoing, the Planning
Commission hereby recommends that the City Council approve Case 5.1258 GPA,
incorporation of the Coachella Valley Non -Motorized Transportation Master Plan into
the 2007 Palm Springs General Plan as follows:
A Incorporate revised maps into Chapter 4 "Circulation Element" of the 2007
General Plan as follows: Figure 4-4 "Recreational Trails", and Figure 4-5
"Bikeways" and deleting Page 99 of the Coachella Valley Non -Motorized
Transportation Master Plan: "Map of Existing and Proposed Bicycle Facilities;
City of Palm Springs".
B. Incorporate the Coachella Valley Non Motorized Transportation Master Plan as
Appendix F of the 2007 Palm Springs General Plan including revised Schedules
on pages 93, 94, and 95, listing Existing Bikeways and Priority 1, 2, and 3
Proposed Bikeways for the City of Palm Springs.
ADOPTED this 22nd day of June 2011.
AYES: 6, Conrad, Munger, Roberts, Klatchko, Donenfeld and Chair Caffery
NOES: None
ABSENT: 1, Hudson
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
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PI ni Services
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
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