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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/23/2005 - STAFF REPORTS (2) MOUNT SAN JACINTO WINTER PARK AUTHORITY January 25,2005 David Ready City Manager City of Palm Springs P.O.Bog 2743 Palm Springs, CA 92263 Dear Mr. Manager, The Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority, dba Palm Springs Aerial Tramway,is gravely concerned that the passage of Measure B, entitled"Mountain Preservation Initiative" could adversely impact the ability of die Tramway to provide any new attraction or construct any new service for the benefit of our customers. Of the most current concern is that we are required to develop a Traffic Mitigation measure that has focused upon the development of an environmentally and aesthetically pleasing park ng facility in die vicinity of Tramway and Highway 111, With this facility,we would be able to shuttle customers to the Valley Station, thus reducing substantially the traffic on Tramway, itself, in the interest of benefiting the Big Horn Sheep. Should Measure B pass, this mitigation measure would be in jeopardy based upon the Measure's prohibition that states, "no other development or lazed use shall be allowed," other than a 5,000 square foot single family residence on a 40 acre parcel. As a consequence, and with true regret, we find it necessary to explore de-annexing from the jurisdiction of the City of Palm Springs. One of the requirements of so accomplishing this de - annexation would be the concurrence of the City. Please know that this need to preserve our options is not a reflection of our feelings regarding the City of Palm Springs. Indeed,we have enjoyed a long positive and supportive relationship. Please advise me when it might be convenient to meet to discuss this unfortunate matter. neerel , Rob W Parkins President& General Manager . RWP:hsr �� �� " cc: Chair and Members,Mt:San Jacinto Winter Park Authority J. 491ar-,i►"+S Mayor and Members of the Palm Springs City Council George J. Spiliotis,T.AFCO Executive Officer 6:Z11 PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY Ph: (760) 325-1449 Fax: (760)325-66112 ' One Tramway Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262 1 Web: www.pstramway.com RESOLUTION NO. 2005-2 OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MOUNT SAN JACINTO WINTER PARK AUTHORITY ENCOURAGING THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS' VOTERS TO REJECT THE MOUNTAIN REGIONS HILLSIDE "MEASURE B" AT THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS MARCH 8Tn, 2005 SPECIAL ELECTION WHEREAS the Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority, dba Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, is actively engaging in Capital Improvements to enhance the experience of its visitors; and, WHEREAS the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway's Valley Station is within the corporate boundaries of the City of Palm Springs; and, WHEREAS an Initiative Measure entitled "Mountain Preservation Initiative" has been certified and placed upon the City of Palm Springs' March 8, 2005 Special Election which, if passed,would remove the current zoning and land uses and replace them with a land use limited to one single family residence on a forty acre parcel; and, WHEREAS no other development or land use shall be allowed; and, WHEREAS the passage of this Measure could impact the ability of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway to provide any new attraction or construct any new service for the benefit of our customers,including parking at Highway 111 and Tramway. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the Mt. San Jacinto Winter Park Authority hereby encourages the voters of the City of Palm Springs to reject the Mountain Regions Hillside "Measure B" at the March 8th special election. Adopted this 18th day of January 2005. AYES: 4 NOES: 0 ABSENT: 2 ATTEST: Mt. San Jacinto Winter Park Authority By: / Authori . Clerk Preside t & Gene •al YREnager DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY LOS ANGELES DISTRICT,CORPS OF ENGINEERS � P.O BOX 532711 LOS ANGELES,CALIFORNIA 800$$-2a25 REPLY TO ArrENTION OF: September 17, 1999 Office of the Chief Regulatory Branch DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY NATIONWIDE PERMIT AUTHORIZATION Robert]. Leo Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority Palm Springs Aerial Tramway 1 Tramway Road 75-150 Sheryl Ave. Palm Desert,California 92211 Dear Robert: This is in reply to your letter (No. 199916318-RRS) dated August 12, 1999, concerning our permit authority under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1972 (33 U.S.C. 1344) over your proposal to construct the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Modernization Project (as shown in the attached drawings) in Chino Creek in Palm Springs, County,California. The Corps of Engineers has detemtined that your proposed activity complies with the terms and conditions of nationwide permit NW26 [Federal Register, December 13, 1996,pp. 65874-65922]for discharges of dredged or fill material into headwaters and isolated waters provided that the activity meets all of the following criteria in the permit terms and conditions (Enclosure). For the purposes of this NWP, the acreage of loss of waters of the United States includes the filled area plus waters of the United States that are adversely affected by flooding, excavation or drainage as a result of g the project. The 3 acre and 1/3 acre limits of NW 26 are absolute, and cannot be increased by any mitigation plan offered by the applicant or required by the District Engineer. Whenever any other NWP is used in conjunction with this NWP, the total acreage of impacts to waters of the United States of all NWPs combined,can not exceed 3 acres. As long as you comply .,with the attached nationwide permit terms and conditions, an individual permit is not required_ This letter of verification is valid for a period not to exceed two years unless the nationwide permit is modified, reissued, revoked, or expires before that time. Presently, all nationwide perm is are scheduled to expire on February 11, 2002 except nationwide permit NW 26 which is currently scheduled to expire. on January 5, 2000, or the effective date of the new and modified NWPs,whichever occurs f rst. It is incumbent upon you to remain reformed of changes to the nationwide permits. We rill issue a public notice announcing ) Uaiiiiay a:,�JrM;letFaz #45i;Nage 3111 the changes when they occur_ Furthermore, if you commence or are under contract to commence this activity before the date the nationwide permit is modified or revoked, you will have twelve months from the date of the modification or revocation to complete the activity under the present terms and conditions of the nationwide permit. Furthermore,you must comply with the following Special Conditions: 1. That the perrnittee shall prepare a Transportation Plan (Plan) that reduces traffic im acts from the Tramway Road on Peninsular Bighorn Sheep (PBS). The Plan shall be prepared in cooperation with the Corps, the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) throughout the planning process. The Plan shall be submitted to the Corps, CDFG, and the Service by May 30, 2000 for approval and implementation by the permittee. The Plan shall reduce traffic on Tramway Road below a level of significance to PBS to the max um extent practicable. The Plan shall he incorporated into the State Park General Plan. Permittee shall notify the Corps if any negotiations begin regarding changes to the traffic on Tramway Rd. from other developments in Chino Canyon that may affect or be inconsistent with the Plan. Permittee shall notify the Corps prior to access being granted on Tramway Road from traffic from any new developments within Chino Canyon. If Plan is not approved and implemented the Corps may initiate Section 7 consultation and suspend the permit and/or initiate legal proceedings with the U.S. Attorney. 2. Permittee shall ensure that no blasting shall occur until the permittee coordinates with the CDFG to locate sheep via radio-telemetry. The CDFG and the Service shall analyse the radio- telemetry data and determine if blasting can proceed. Perrnittee shall ensure that all biological monitors have the authority to stop blasting or other activities that they deem may adversely affect sheep. A nationwide permit does not grant any property rights or exclusive privileges. Also, it does not authorize any injury to the property or rights of others or authorize interference with any existing or proposed Federal project. Furthermore, it does not obviate the need to obtain other Federal, state,or local authorizations required by law. rl uu � +y ��+ -c cyuio wiy ui cin.n <la 4'�G 4lyOj UU/l !/ 1�1 4:- .-jrmjferraz F4aoj Yflge 4/11 -3- Thank you for participating in our regulatory program. If you have any questions, please contact Robert Revo Smith of my staff at(213) 452-3419. Sincerely, lk 6�. n-, w c�rvv. Mark Durham. Chief,South Coast Section Regulatory Branch Enclosure I : s ipifi=t gni Potentiilly Unless Less Than Siepificmt MHgafion Significant Nalmpaa __ ___ Sm act Inca Dated Im act 5.6 mm TRANSPORTATION/CIRCULATION. Would the proposal result in: r i a) Increased vehicle trips or traffic congestion? — X — — b) Hazards to safety from design features (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? — _ — X c) Inadequate emergency access or access to nearby ( y uses? — _ — X d) Insufficient parking capacity on-site or off-site? X e) Hazards or barriers for pedestrians or bicyclists? — X f) Conflicts with adopted policies supporting alternative transportation (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle racks)? — — — X g) Rail, waterborne or air traffic impacts? — — _ X I Trans portation/Circulatio n r • a) - Potentially Significant Unless Mitigation Incorporated. Tramway Road is the only vehicular access to the project site, It is a private roadway open to the public which connects the Tramway terminal(Valley Station)at the western end of Chino Canyon with Highway I I I at the eastern end. The road is owned and maintained by the WPA which operates the Palm Springs [ 1 Aerial Tramway. There is currently a gate located approximately a quarter mile west of the intersection with Highway I II which restricts public traffic before 6:15 a.m and after 10:45 p.m daily and during the entire month of August, when the Tramway facilities are closed for maintenance. According to a traffic study done for the Shadowrock development, the Average Daily Traffic(ADT) volume along Tramway Road is approximately 1,200 trips/day(coming and going)during peak season, with operating conditions performing at a Level of Service (LOS)A, which represents the best operating condition. 3 The Tramway modernization project is designed to improve the efficiency of operations at the Tram through new tram cars, docking and cable equipment. No new land uses or facilities are proposed, however, the proposed system upgrade will increase hourly tram capacity by 20% ' (from 5 trips to 6 trips per hour). Using a planned marketing effort, the WPA hopes to capture a portion of this capacity resulting in a 15% annual increase in ridership. ` i Based on these projected increases, two traffic scenarios were analyzed to provide an indication of impact The first scenario addresses the change in annual average daily trips (ADT), assuming a 15%increase in annual ridership (56,250 persons/year) while the second scenario r considers a "worst case"ADT assuming that the fu1120%increased capacity(800 persons/peak day)is realized. The tram currently accommodates 375,000 visitors per year, Assuming that 56,250 additional guests visit the tram over the course of a year, average daily s Shadowrock Planned Development District,Draft EIR, City of Palm Springs;pg. 5-71, Dec. 1992 June 21,2000-age-41 / i trips would increase by only 103 trips per day 4 (a 8.1 percent increase in daily trips). When added to the existing 1,200 trips per day, the expected annual average ADT would be 1,303 vehicles. This is slightly more traffic than that found on a typical 2lane local neighborhood street I and is well within the capacity of Tramway Road. 1 . If the Tramway was running at peak capacity on a daily basis, running five tram cars per hour, 10 hours per day with eighty persons per car, the traffic on the road would amount to 2,666 trips per day(with vehicles counted as they come and go). The newly renovated facility would be able to run one additional carper hour, increasing the maximum trips per day, and a total of 3199 ADT Riverside County has historically used a maximum design capacity of 12,000 ADT for two lane j collectors. Even if the maximum design capacity were assumed to be reduced by half(6,000 ADT), the peak day traffic generated by the project would be well below the design capacity of Tramway Road. Also, according to the WPA, 47%of all customers arrive via tours. Should this apply to the increase in ridership, it might be assumed that some of the ADT might be reduced by utilization of bus transportation. Therefore, traffic congestion would not result from the project, either on an average annual or peak day basis, and traffic impacts are not considered to be significant l : Note:A Transportation plan will be prepared to mitigate traffic impacts on biological resources to the extent that there will be no net increase in traffic on Tramway Road, see section 5.7 below. i ' Parking facilities for the Tram are located at the Valley Station. Recent approvals from the City of Palm Springs will allow the construction of enhanced parking facilities with improved bus and handicapped parking areas. Therefore, despite the potential for a minor increase in vehicles driving to the site, no parking deficiencies are anticipated as a result of the proposed project. b)through g)-No Impact. The proposed project consists of tram excavation activities which are substantially removed from the roadway system and do not propose a spatial change to the I existing tram system. Consequently, the project will not reduce emergency access or limit access to nearby uses nor will it have any effect on pedestrian or bicycle transportation. The project will not impact rail, waterborne or air traffic since none of these uses are located within close proximity to the site. In summary no significant impacts to transportation or circulation i systems are expected as a result of this project. '' Potentially A Significwt Potentiilly Uuless Less rLan pad Sidm hLfigafion Sip�iFicant No Impact ----.—.,—.,._,.........,.,,.,,,.....,.�___ Ln act rnco Dated ^.Alm act BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would the proposal result mm in impacts to: a) Endangered, threatened or rare species or their habitats (including, but not limited to: plants, fish, insects, animals and birds)? X 1 b) Locally designated species (e.g., heritage trees)? — — X c) Locally designated natural communities (e.g., oak forest, coastal habitat, etc.)? d) Wetland habitat(e.g., marsh, riparian and vernal pool)? X — s 4 56,250 visitors per year _ 365 days per year = 3 persons per vehicle x 2 trips per vehicle(going and coming) = 103 trips per day increase in average annual daily trips. June 21, 2000- Pa e 42 o m N N Q o \ 0 505-02 r. C..� 1103 sy ( SEC.5-9 74S• R.4E 3S 3! ]Vt32 D lif%] (3i Rl ' f3J6Jl f3TK1 f lY/ (ue3J Irzrs] � a � eb m — tl; x d ! � v 3G5AcF J ! N � f! C � 6 t CMW3 pWtLW 1ElEE o - .- _ — _ � � f POs,iYiAc'i � ti• �cm erxr> Jr� d JI I n �II rxcoo esxrl 1 + 5 ` 8K S.'3I !! �( AcIW-/rryT fro' fuv-Nr�. IR L faM etf � 4�F [�a 03S tE Q u t (�1.�4 F •� 2D6A3.t3 � AIIkAt}'/WN y l/ wmA.+ fmcara. vAccer srarrotr �' - .roar { � O IQ nwe rr fr (a I£� __ PALM SPNINGS _ CfTY 4 _ mwrr r = WWW TO 13 •!8 Y49,a{' r8 IT sSds.Sd:•. ..• f,' rs L (mrc a.ea.+ox rx�'rr 16 J5 m f199 n'/ Ir 5J3 c m ltAip'G.LG PrslryJa5l, PA[AsFi. AFRIAC Tn4idilY8 (G-f5-34I,R.G,-0Z/9!-d8r,59/v^2 vim. m OA'S MAP 8K,„SAS F8.-O AIV£ASIfI£ CWNTY Cdt)E dUG. 1968 m m (( I February 14,2005 Rob Parkins San Jacinto Winter Park Authority One Tramway Road Palm Springs, CA 92262 Dear Rob: I am in possession of your letter addressed to Palm Springs City Manager,David Ready, dated January 25"',2005. As a proponent of Measure B, and as someone who has known you for a long time,I am disappointed that you did not extend the courtesy of sending me a copy of this letter. However, I am very pleased that the Winter Park Authority has finally recognized the necessity of limiting traffic on Tramway Road in order to protect our endangered Bighorn sheep. What puzzles me is that you are opposing Measure B, rather than supporting it. I can think of many benefits to the Winter Park Authority that would be derived from the successful passage of Measure B. First,the Chino Cone is one of the most�spectacular alluvial fans in the Coachella Valley. It, creates a memorable impression as the gateway to the Tramway station as people make the. dramatic transition between the desert floor and the mountain top. Preserving this unique experience, would seem to me to be a priority of the Authority. Secondly, it is my understanding that not only are the Bighorn sheep of concern to the Authority, but pollution from automobiles also threatens the tramway experience. If the Chino Cone was built out,as current plans project,thousands of automobile trips would take place every day on Tramway Road, adding to your dilermna. To manage its own traffic,I understand that the Authority has plans to build a 400 car parking structure to the rear of the Palm Springs Visitor Center. In my mind, as well as the minds of others who are in favor of limited growth on our mountainsides, a 400 car parking structure would be an unsightly, and unwelcome, addition to the Chino Cone. I have traveled the world and have seen many visitor destinations, located in environmentally sensitive areas, effectively use rnotorcoach transportation to shuttle visitors to their site. These motorcoaches make regular rounds to hotels and public facilities picking up and dropping off people at their convenience. Not only does this reduce road congestion and air pollution, it is far more cost effective than constructing and maintaining a 400 car garage. The convenience of hopping a bus from a downtown hotel may even provide a welcome increase in tramway visitors. Rob Parkins,Page 2 I have to be frank with you, Rob. When the Board takes such an extreme, almost hysterical position as to de-arnex from the city if Measure B passes - by a vote of the people, mind you - then given the pro-development interests that sit on your board, it's hard to believe that it's not solely political shenanigans at work here. I truly believe that there are viable alternatives for managing traffic to the tram, and that it would be in everyone's best interests if you, and your board, were more mindful of the fact that the mountains are the real attraction here. The view from the top will never be as spectacular when our mountain sides are destroyed by urban sprawl. Some places, like our mountains, should be kept special for all to enjoy. Sincerely, Jim ones Former Pahn Springs City Council Member cc: Palm Springs Mayor and City Council Lawrence Minch, Counsel,Anny Corps of Engineers Therese O'Rourke, U.S. Fish&WildlifeService Curt Taucher, California Dept. of Fish and Game l �� Rob Parkins From: Rob Parkins Sent: Monday, February 14, 2005 3:33 PM To: 'Saveourmountains@aol.com' Cc: RonO@ci.palm-springs.ca.us; chrism@ci.palm-springs.ca.us; ginnyf@ci.palm-springs.ca.us; michaelm@ci.palm-springs.ca.us; stevep@ci.palm-springs.ca.us; CityManager@ci.palm- springs.ca.us; lawrence.n.minch@spl01.usace.army.mil; 'Nstuart@downeysavings.com' Subject: RE: Letter to David Ready Dear Jim: Since LAFCO requires the affirmative consent of the jurisdiction from which a de- annexation might occur, and since you are not part of that body, I am unable to see a reason why I would copy any one other than those directly involved. Your thoughts regarding the parking facility fail to reckon with the fact that we can accomplish this necessary traffic mitigation measure with a design that is environmentally and aesthetically pleasing, in accord with the design standards required by the City, and would be virtually invisible from above, should Measure B fail. Further, Measure B, as you know, would eliminate any other recreational facilities around the Valley Station. Since our revenues are derived solely from the money spent by our customers, it is essential that we add to customer enjoyment so they will wish to return again and again. We have known each other a long time, Jim, so you should know that it is my style to recommend a course of action that is reasonable, and cost effective, to the Institution for which I work. Your approach, with motor coach transportation would be far more costly - both from Capital costs and Operational requirements, than that which is being proposed. Because you know me, you ]mow that I also work to protect the interests of those who have appointed me. So, since our rear property line is congruent with the City of Palm Springs boundary, and would not cause the LAFCO dreaded "island" of one jurisdiction within another, the recommendation to investigate de-annexation was mine. This recommendation was made to ensure that the Mt. San Jacinto Winter Park Authority might have the options it needs to continue its success should the draconian restrictions contained in Measure B come to occur. Your appreciation of the Mountains is understood. Your failure to involve those who could be gravely damaged by your Measure B is not. Sincerely, Rob W. Parkins President & General Manager Mt. San Jacinto Winter Park Authority Palm Springs Aerial Tramway -----Original Message----- From: Saveourmountains@aol.com [mailto:Saveourmom�tains@aol.com] Sent: Monday, February 14, 2005 2:22 PM To: Rob Parkins Cc: RonO@ci.palm-springs.ca.us; chrism@ci.palm-springs. ca.us; ginnyf@ci.palm- springs.ca.us; michaeim@ci.palm-springs .ca.us; stevep@ci.palm-springs.ca.us; CityManager@ci.palm-springs.ca.us; lawrence.n.minch@splol.usace.army.mil Subject: Letter to David Ready February 14, 2005 Rob Parkins San Jacinto Winter Park Authority One Tramway Road Palm Springs, CA 92262 f � 1 � � s TTI'LEt .DMATIVE.TO,(I) AMEND THE CITY OE. PALM SPRINGS' GENERAL PLAN TO ES.TA&7 LSH ANEFP MOUNTAIN REGION DESIGNATION FOR_PROPERTY IN AND NEAR THE SAN JACINTO'AND SANTA ROSA-,MOIINTAINS, AND (2) REPEAL CURRENT LAND .USE REGULATIONS AFFECTINQG THIS AREA.. MOUNTAIN PRESERVATION INITIATIVE Section I. Findings and Purpose The People ofthe City of Palm Springa hereby find and declare. (a) 'The mountain region of Pahin Springs,which includes the San Jacinto Mountains Santa Rosa Mountains, Chino Canyon,Tachevah Canyon and surrounding areas,is an invaluable natural treasure. Given that part of this mountain region.lies'within the City's boundaries,the People recognize'an immense duty to protect land Which is so vital'andunique, (b}' The scenic mountain region, untarnished,by dense housing or commercial development, provides the stunning natural setting for the"desert Iifestyle"enjoyed by the City's residents, As the congestion aftmffi commerce and development continues to racteaso in Pahn Springs and surrounding cities, the pleasant vistas end'o` ett space'are important to residents'sense ofwell-being: (e)' The City s standing as a World class resort and retirefnent destination depends upon protection of the natural environment, and particularly the mountain region, People from across the world are attracted to,and captivated by,this'vnique natural setting. Given that tmo local economy relies in significant part-upon totuisln, it is essential to the long-term economic prosperity of the City that the mountain region be preserved. Dense housing and commercial development in the mountain reglm:y-even that which is designed to attract tourists, will have an overall negative impact on the local economy and will famish the imago and reputation ofthe City. (d); 'The open-Vace land of the mountain region is a limited and valuably resoutbe that must be preserved Conservation of natural resources and the retnition of mountain region land In.its natural state protects the community from the hazards of fire,flood, seismic and other catastrophic occurrences, and limits harm to the groundwater.and.hydrologicab systems,, Furthetmofe, it is in the public interest to avoid'the mmecewmy conversion of open space-lsnd to urban uses,.thereby protecting against the resultant adverse impacts,such as sir,noise and water pollution, traffic.congestion,de;huction of scenic beauty, and disturbance of the ecology and environment and other demonstrated consequences ofmban sprawL 1 (e) The mountain region possesses'an extraordinarily rich,though fiagil%natural environment that sustains a 1 1 brilliant variety of wildlife and plant species,The People intend to preserve the mountain regionhabitat of these species,and thus realizctheir.aesthetic;ecological,educational,historlcal,recreational and scieuHfio value, '- (f)- Notwithstanding any limitation imposed by this Initiative Measure on the number of building permits that. may.be issued•fur-residential.construction or of the buildable lots which may be developed for residential Purposes, the People find.that there is sufficient undeveloped laird area available on the desert valley floor, which is zoned for residential development to allow.for the construction of housing and the satisfaction of airy obligation of the City to Vtovidefor the housing needs intne region.,. (g) The People of Palm Springs find that it is necessary to amend the General,Plan to preserve and protect the mountain region and to promote the orderly development of that region is a manner that allows for low-density residential housing that amses.the least harm or alteration to the natural environment: Each of the findings and purposes set forthherein promote the health,safety and welfare,ofthe City. Section 2. General Plan Amendment The People of palm Springs hereby adopt the following amendment to the City of Palau Springs General Plan b act ve 3,2A In order to"protect the'ecological, economic,scenic, cultural, and scientific values associated with'the mountain-region, and to promote the health, safety_and welfare ofthe City, a Mountain Region is hereby established within the City and is designated as'Mountain Region"on the Map attached hereto as Exhibit and incorporated herein'by reference. This Map and the Mountain Region,depicted thereon shall be incorporated into the Maps of the General Plan,and any dcsignatons or information on the existingMaps cf the. General_-Plan which is inconsistentwith the policies and objectives of this Initiative Measure shall be deleted The following policies shall applywlthin the Mountain Region; 32_ kI Development and land use shall be limitedte single-family resid usestheilboailowpd ences. No other development of land ' 3 2A 2 Tlio minimum parcel size shall be no less than 40"acxes.No more than one sings -fmnilyresidet>ce per parcel shall be allowed. /\