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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/08/1997PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA APRIL 8, 1997 7:00 P.M. South Coast Air Quality Management District Auditorium 21865 East Copley Drive Diamond Bar, California Chairman Vice Chairman Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Joe Rwicka Dion Schad Franklin Fong Mike Goldenberg Joe McManus Copies of staff reports or other written documentation relating to agenda items are on file in the Community Development Office, located at 21660 E. Copley Drive, Suite 190, and are available for public inspection.. If you have questions regarding an agenda item, please call (909) 396-5676'during regular business hours. In an effort to comply with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the City of Diamond Bar requires that any person in need of any type of special equipment, assistance or accomodation(s) in order to communicate at a City public meeting must inform the Community Development Department at (909) 396-5676 a minimum of 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting. R41&UPCAGEND.WED Please refrain from smoking, eating or drinking ! +� The City of Diamond Bar uses recycled paper in the Auditorium �`" got and encourages you to do the same. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA Tuesday, April 8, 1997 Next Resolution No. 974 CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: 1. ROLL CALL: COMMISSIONERS: Chairman Joe Ruzicka, Vice Chairman Don Schad, Mike Goldenberg, Franklin Fong, and. Joe McManus 2. .MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE/PUBLIC COMMENTS: This is the time and place for the general public to address the members of the Planning Commission on any item that is within their jurisdiction, allowing the public an opportunity to speak on non-public hearing and non -agenda items. Please complete a Speaker's Card for the recording Secretar Completion of this form is voluntary) There is a five minute maximum time limit when addressing the Planning Commission, 3. CONSENT CALENDAR: The following items listed on the consent calendar are considered routine and are approved by a single motion. Consent calendar items may be removed from the agenda by request of the Commission only: 3.1 Minutes of March 25, 1997 4. PUBLIC HEARING: 4.1 CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT No. 944(1) is a request for an extension of time (pursuant to Code section 22.56.140), of this project's original approval, dated March 13, 1995. The original approval permitted development of a 23.8 acre park site, Pantera Park. The park is located east of Pantera Drive and south of Bowcreek at 700-800 Pantera Drive, Diamond Bar, Ca 91765. Environmental Determination: Pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City has determined that this project is consistent with the previously certified Mitigated Negative Declaration No. 94-2. Applicant/Property Owner: City of Diamond Bar, 21660 E. Copley Drive, Suite 100, Diamond Bar, CA 91765 RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Planning Commission approve the extension of time for Conditional Use Permit No. 94-4(1), Findings of Fact, and conditions as listed within the attached resolution. 1 4.2 Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Redevelopment Plan for the Economic Revitaazation Area (DEIR). The purpose of this public hearing is to receive public comment on the DEIR. Additional comments will be accepted by the Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency through April 25, 1997. 5. OLD BUSINESS: None 6. NEW BUSINESS: A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR DETERMINING CONSISTENCY WITH THE GENERAL PLAN AND RECOMMENDING ADOPTION OF THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE DIAMOND BAR ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA. Recommendation: Staff recommends that the Planning Commission adopt a Resolution determining consistency with the General Plan and recommending adoption of the Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area. 7. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS: 8. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: 9. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS: TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION - April 10, 1997 - 7:00 p.m., AQMD Board Hearing Room, 21865 E. Copley Drive. CITY COUNCIL - April 15, 1997 - 6:30 p.m., AQMD Auditorium, 21865 E. Copley Drive PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION - April 24, 1997 - 7:00 p.m., AQMD Board Hearing Room, 21865 E. Copley Drive. 10. ADJOURNMENT: Tuesday, April 22, 1997 E CITY OF DIAMOND BAR INTEROFFICE MEMO To: Chairman and Planning Commissioners FROM: James DeStefano, Community Development Director SUBJECT: General Plan Conformity Finding for the Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area DATE: April 4, 1997 The proposed Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area is in conformance with the adopted General Plan. In particular the General Plan Vision Statement calls for "Promotion of viable commercial activity ... the City to play a "proactive role in business and economic development... production of needed sales tax revenue." Additionally, the various Elements of the General Plan also support the creation of a redevelopment area. Land Use Element: Objective 1.3 (p. I-13) - "Designate adequate land for retail and ...other revenue generating uses in sufficient quantity to meet the City's needs." Strategies - 1.3.1 (p.I-13), 1.3.4 (p. I-14), 1.3.7 (p. I-14) Objective 4.1 (p. I-21) - "Consistent with the Vision Statement encourage long term/regional perspectives in land use decisions." Strategies - 4.1.3 (p. I-22), 4.1.5 (p. I-22) 4.1.6 (p. I-23) Housing Element: D.2.a (pg. II-17) - "One source of housing assistance used by local governments is money derived from redevelopment project tax increment... the City may evaluate establishment of ...project area in the future...." Objective 1.1 - S 1.1.10 (p.II-26) Objective 3.2 - S 3.2.1 (p. II27) Resource Management Element: Goal "Create and maintain an open space system.." Objective 1.3 "Maintain a system of recreational facilities and open space preservation.." Strategies - 1.3.2,1.3.3 (p.III-12) 1.3.7 "Improve and enhance existing recreation areas..." (p. 111I-13) Public Health and Safety Element: Objective 1.5 ( p.IV-10) - "Minimize the risk and fear of crime through physical planning strategies." Circulation Element: Objective 1.1, Strategy 1.1.4g (p.V-22) Goal 3 (p.V-26) "...maintain an adequate level of service on area roadways." Objective 3.2, S3.2.2; S 3.2.6 (pps. V-26, V-27) Public Services and Facilities Element: Goal 1: (p. VI-4) "...provide adequate infrastructure facilities and public services to support development and planned growth." Objective 1.2: "Establish and implement solutions to the financing of public facilities and services which best protect the interests of the taxpayer." Strategy 1.2.2 "Investigate and, if feasible, initiate the establishment of a redevelopment agency in the City of Diamond Bar to facilitate the mitigation of traffic and circulation deficiencies, the financing of public improvements and other similar tasks." (p. VI-5) Goal 2: (p.VI-6) "...achieve a fiscally solvent, financially stable community." Objective 2.1; Strategy 2.1.1; 2.1.2 Objective 2.2; Strategy 2.3.1 CITY OF DIAMOND BAR INTEROFFICE MEMO To: Chairman and Planning Commissioners FROM: James DeStefano, Community Development Director SUBJECT: General Plan Conformity Finding for the Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area DATE: April 4, 1997 The proposed Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area is in conformance with the adopted General Plan. In particular the General Plan Vision Statement calls for "Promotion of viable commercial activity ... the City to play a "proactive role in business and economic development... production of needed sales tax revenue." Additionally, the various Elements of the General Plan also support the creation of a redevelopment area. Land Use Element: Objective 1.3 (p. I-13) - "Designate adequate land for retail and ...other revenue generating uses in sufficient quantity to meet the City's needs." Strategies - 1.3.1 (p.I-13), 1.3.4 (p. I-14), 1.3.7 (p. I-14) Objective 4.1 (p. I-21) - "Consistent with the Vision Statement encourage long term/regional perspectives in land use decisions." Strategies - 4.1.3 (p. I-22), 4.1.5 (p. I-22) 4.1.6 (p. I-23) Housing Element: D.2.a (pg. II-17) - "One source of housing assistance used by local governments is money derived from redevelopment project tax increment... the City may evaluate establishment of ...project area in the future....'" Objective 1.1 - S 1.1.10 (p.II-26) Objective 3.2 - S 3.2.1 (p. II27) Resource Management Element: Goal "Create and maintain an open space system.." Objective 1.3 "Maintain a system of recreational facilities and open space preservation.." Strategies - 1.3.2,1.3.3 (p.III-12) 1.3.7 "Improve and enhance existing recreation areas..." (p. III-13) Public Health and Safety Element: Objective 1.5 ( p.IV-10) - "Minimize the risk and fear of crime through physical planning strategies." Circulation Element: Objective 1.1, Strategy 1.1.4g (p.V-22) Goal 3 (p.V-26) "...maintain an adequate level of service on area roadways." Objective 3.2, S3.2.2; S 3.2.6 (pps. V-26, V-27) Public Services and Facilities Element: Goal 1: (p. VI-4) "...provide adequate infrastructure facilities and public services to support development and planned growth." Objective 1.2: "Establish and implement solutions to the financing of public facilities and services which best protect the interests of the taxpayer." Strategy 1.2.2 "Investigate and, if feasible, initiate the establishment of a redevelopment agency in the City of Diamond Bar to facilitate the mitigation of traffic and circulation deficiencies, the financing of public improvements and other similar tasks." (p. VI-5) Goal 2: (p.VI-6) "...achieve a fiscally solvent, financially stable community." Objective 2.1; Strategy 2.1.1; 2.1.2 Objective 2.2; Strategy 2.3.1 A. RESOLUTION NO. 2METT A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR DETERMINING CONSISTENCY WITH THE GENERAL PLAN AND RECOMMENDING ADOPTION OF THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE DIAMOND BAR ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA RECITALS. 1. The Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency ("Agency"), by Resolution No. on September 24, 1996, designated a redevelopment survey area for redevelopment study purposes; and 2. The Planning Commission selected a redevelopment project area from within the boundaries of the Redevelopment Survey Area and formulated a preliminary plan for the redevelopment of the selected project area, named the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area, pursuant to the California Community Redevelopment Law, Health and SafetyCode Section 33000, et seq. ("CRL") on October 28, 1996; and 3. The Agency has submitted to the Diamond Bar Planning Commission ("Planning Commission") the proposed Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area ("Redevelopment Plan"); and 4. Section 33346 of the CRL, provides that the Planning Commission is to review the proposed Redevelopment Plan and make its report and recommendation thereon to the Agency and the Diamond Bar City Council ("City Council'), including a determination that the Redevelopment Plan conforms to the General Plan of the City of Diamond Bar ("General Plan"); and 5. Section 65402 of the Government Code provides in part: "(a) If a general plan or part thereof has been adopted, no real property shall be acquired by dedication or otherwise for street, square, park or other public purposes, and no real property shall be disposed of, no street shall be vacated or abandoned, and no public building or structure shall be constructed or authorized, if the adopted general plan or part thereof applies thereto, until the location, purpose and extent of such acquisition or disposition, such street vacation or abandonment, or such public building or structure have been submitted to and reported upon by the planning agency as to conformity with said adopted general plan or part thereof ..." "(b) A local agency shall not acquire real property for any of the purposes specified in paragraph (a) nor dispose of any real property, nor construct or authorize a public building or structure, in any county or city, if such county or city has adopted a general plan or part thereof, until the location, purpose and extent of such acquisition, disposition, or such public building or structure have been submitted to and reported upon by the planning agency having jurisdiction, as to conformity with said adopted general plan or part thereof ...."; and aiambaAp"= 1 6. The above required report and recommendations, including matters referred to in Section 33346 of the CRL and Section 65402 of the Government Code, are to be made to the Agency and the City Council for their consideration in acting on the adoption of the Redevelopment Plan; and 7. The Planning Commission has considered the proposed Redevelopment Plan, the General Plan and other pertinent reports and documents. B. RESOLUTIONS. gshwl NOW, THEREFORE, it is found, determined and resolved by the Planning Commission of the City of Diamond Bar as follows: 1. The Planning Commission hereby finds that, pursuant to Section 33346 of the CRL, the proposed Redevelopment Plan (attached hereto as Attachment No. 1) conforms to the General Plan. 2. The Planning Commission hereby finds that, pursuant to Section 65402 of the Government Code, the public activities which may be undertaken within the area encompassing the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area ("Project Area") pursuant to the Redevelopment Plan, and that are referred to in said section, conform to the General Plan. 3. The Planning Commission hereby approves the Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area. In the event, that prior to _the adoption of the Redevelopment Plan, the City Council desires to make any further changes to proposed public improvements and minor, technical, or clarifying changes to the Redevelopment Plan, the Planning Commission hereby finds and determines that any such minor, technical, or clarifying changes need not be referred to it for further report and recommendation. 4. The Planning Commission hereby directs the Commission Secretary to transmit a copy of this Resolution to the Agency and the City Council for consideration as part of the Agency's Report to the City Council pursuant to Section 33352 of the CRL, and this Resolution shall be deemed the report and recommendations of the Planning Commission concerning the proposed Redevelopment Plan and contemplated public projects and activities thereunder, as required by applicable provisions of law. PASSED, ADOPTED, AND APPROVED, this day of .11997. Chairman ATTEST: Secretary diunbarlper= 2 CITY OF DIAMOND BAR INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: Chairman and Planning Commissioners FROM: Marilyn Ortiz, Administrative Secretary SUBJECT: Item 6.1- Resolution DATE: April 4, 1997 Please insert the following Draft Resolution into your packet after the staff report under item 116. NEW BUSINESS: Planning Commission Report and Recommendation on the Proposed Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitaliation Area." /mco RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR DETERMINING CONSISTENCY WITH THE GENERAL PLAN AND RECOMMENDING ADOPTION OF THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE DIAMOND BAR ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA A. RECITALS. 1. The Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency ("Agency"), by Resolution No. on September 24, 1996, designated a redevelopment survey area for redevelopment study purposes; and 2. The Planning Commission selected a redevelopment project area from within the boundaries of the Redevelopment Survey Area and formulated a preliminary plan for the redevelopment of the selected project area, named the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area, pursuant to the California Community Redevelopment Law, Health and Safety Code Section 33000, et seg. ("CRL") on October 28, 1996; and 3. The Agency has submitted to the Diamond Bar Planning Commission ("Planning Commission") the proposed Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area ("Redevelopment Plan"); and 4. Section 33346 of the CRL, provides that the Planning Commission is to review the proposed Redevelopment Plan and make its report and recommendation thereon to the Agency and the Diamond Bar City Council ("City Council"), including a determination that the Redevelopment Plan conforms to the General Plan of the City of Diamond Bar ("General Plan"); and 5. Section 65402 of the Government Code provides in part: "(a) If a general plan or part thereof has been adopted, no real property shall be acquired by dedication or otherwise for street, square, park or other public purposes, and no real property shall be disposed of, no street shall be vacated or abandoned, and no public building or structure shall be constructed or authorized, if the adopted general plan or part thereof applies thereto, until the location, purpose and extent of such acquisition or disposition, such street vacation or abandonment, or such public building or structure have been submitted to and reported upon by the planning agency as to conformity with said adopted general plan or part thereof...." "(b) A local agency shall not acquire real property for any of the purposes specified in paragraph (a) nor dispose of any real property, nor construct or authorize a public building or structure, in any county or city, if such county or city has adopted a general plan or part thereof, until the location, purpose and extent of such acquisition, disposition, or such public building or structure have been submitted to and reported upon by the planning agency having jurisdiction, as to conformity with said adopted general plan or part thereof ...."; and diambar\pereso 6. The above required report and recommendations, including matters referred to in Section 33346 of the CRL and Section 65402 of the Government Code, are to be made to the Agency and the City Council for their consideration in acting on the adoption of the Redevelopment Plan; and 7. The Planning Commission has considered the proposed Redevelopment Plan, the General Plan and other pertinent reports and documents. B. RESOLUTIONS.�+� NOW, THEREFORE, it is found, determined and resolved by the Planning Commission of the City of Diamond Bar as follows: 1. The Planning Commission hereby finds that, pursuant to Section 33346 of the. CRL, the proposed Redevelopment Plan (attached hereto as Attachment No. 1) conforms to the General Plan. 2. The Planning Commission hereby finds that, pursuant to Section 65402 of the Government Code, the public activities which may be undertaken within the area encompassing the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area ("Project Area") pursuant to the Redevelopment Plan, and that are referred to in said section, conform to the General Plan. 3. The Planning Commission hereby approves the Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area. In the event, that prior to the adoption of the Redevelopment Plan, the City Council desires to make any further changes to proposed public improvements and minor, technical, or clarifying changes to the Redevelopment Plan, the Planning Commission hereby finds and determines that any such minor, technical, or clarifying changes need not be referred to it for further report and recommendation. 4. The Planning Commission hereby directs the Commission Secretary to transmit a copy of this Resolution to the Agency and the City Council for consideration as part of the Agency's Report to the City Council pursuant to Section 33352 of the CRL, and this Resolution shall be deemed the report and recommendations of the Planning Commission concerning the proposed Redevelopment Plan and contemplated public projects and activities thereunder, as required by applicable provisions of law. PASSED, ADOPTED, AND APPROVED, this day of , 1997. Chairman ATTEST: Secretary diembaApam 2 CITY OF DIAMOND BAR INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM To: Chairman and Planning Commissioners From: James DeStefano, Community Development Dir Ctl�" Subject: PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION ONI THE PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE l DIAMOND BAR ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA Date: April 3, 1997 Attached please find copies of the following information for your use regarding consideration of the Redevelopment Plan on Tuesday, April 8, 1997: 1. Interoffice Memorandum, dated March 20, 1997, from James DeStefano, Community Development Director to Chairman and Planning Commissioners. 2. Redevelopment Article from the Diamond Bar Community Newsletter, Spring 1997 3. Editorial from the Daily Bulletin, dated April 2, 1997. attachments jds INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM To: Chairman and Planning Commissioners From: James DeStefano, Community Development Dire Subject: DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT for the DIAMOND BAR ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA Date: April 4, 1997 In accordance with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) has been prepared for the proposed Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area. The DEIR has been distributed to public agencies and the Planning Commission for review and comment. A Notice of this public hearing, document completion and availability was posted and also published within the Daily Bulletin and the Tribune. The DEIR remains available for public review and comment at City Hall and the Library. The purpose of the public hearing is to receive public comment on the DEIR. Additional comments will be accepted by the Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency through April 25, 1997. it is anticipated that the Redevelopment Agency Board and the City Council will conduct a joint public hearing on the Redevelopment Plan and the EIR on May 20, 1997. Attached please find excerpts from the previously distributed Draft EIR consisting of the Introduction and Executive Summary. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Planning Commission receive a presentation from the City's environmental consultant Cotton/ Beland/ Associates, conduct a public hearing to receive public input and forward all comments to the Redevelopment Agency. attachments jds TO: FROM: CITY OF DIAMOND BAR INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM Chairman and Planning Commissioners James DeStefano, Community Development Director SUBJECT: Transmittal of the Draft Redevelopment Plan, Preliminary Report, and Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area. DATE: March 20, 1997 On Tuesday, March 18, 1997, the Redevelopment Agency received the Draft Redevelopment Plan and Preliminary Report for the proposed Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area. The Agency Board directed the transmittal of the documents to the Planning Commission for your consideration. On April 8, 1997, in accordance with the requirements of State Law and the Schedule of Actions, the Planning Commission will consider action on the Redevelopment Plan's conformity with the General Plan. In addition, the Commission will be asked to provide comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Report on April 8, 1997. Attached for your information please find copies of the aforementioned documents and subject memorandums prepared for the Agency Board members. In addition, we have provided a revised copy of the schedule of actions, an adoption schedule and flow chart, a redevelopment project adoption process summary, and a summarization of tax increment financing. The agenda packet and material for the meeting of April 8, 1997, will incorporate detailed staff reports and resolutions for the requested actions. Please contact me should you have any questions, comments or need further information. JDS\mco attachments cc: City Manager Assistant City Manager City Attorney Rosenow Spevacek Group CITY OF DIAMOND BAR INTEROFFICE MEMO To: Chairman and Planning Commissioners FROM: James DeStefano, Community Development Director SUBJECT: General Plan Conformity Finding for the Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area DATE: April 4, 1997 The proposed Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area is in conformance with the adopted General Plan. In particular the General Plan Vision Statement calls for "Promotion of viable commercial activity ... the City to play a "proactive role in business and economic development... production of needed sales tax revenue." Additionally, the various Elements of the General Plan also support the creation of a redevelopment area. Land Use Element: Objective 1.3 (p. I-13) - "Designate adequate land for retail and ...other revenue generating uses in sufficient quantity to meet the City's needs." Strategies - 1.3.1 (p.I-13), 1.3.4 (p. I-14), 1.3.7 (p. I-14) Objective 4.1 (p. I-21) - "Consistent with the Vision Statement encourage long term/regional perspectives in land use decisions." Strategies - 4.1.3 (p. I-22), 4.1.5 (p. I-22) 4.1.6 (p. I-23) Housing Element: D.2.a (pg. II-17) - "One source of housing assistance used by local governments is money derived from redevelopment project tax increment... the City may evaluate establishment of ...project area in the future...." Objective 1.1 - S 1.1.10 (p.II-26) Objective 3.2 - S 3.2.1 (p. II27) Resource Management Element: Goal "Create and maintain an open space system.." Objective 1.3 "Maintain a system of recreational facilities and open space preservation.. Strategies - 1.3.2,1.3.3 (p.III-12) 1.3.7 "Improve and enhance existing recreation areas..." (p. III-13) Public Health and Safety Element: Objective 1.5 (p.IV-10) - "Minimize the risk and fear of crime through physical planning strategies." Circulation Element: Objective 1.1, Strategy 1.1.4g (p.V-22) Goal 3 (p.V-26) "...maintain an adequate level of service on area roadways." Objective 3.2, S3.2.2; S 3.2.6 (pps. V-26, V-27) Public Services and Facilities Element: Goal 1: (p. VI-4) "...provide adequate infrastructure facilities and public services to support development and planned growth." Objective 1.2: "Establish and implement solutions to the financing of public facilities and services which best protect the interests of the taxpayer." Strategy 1.2.2 "Investigate and, if feasible, initiate the establishment of a redevelopment agency in the City of Diamond Bar to facilitate the mitigation of traffic and circulation deficiencies, the financing of public improvements and other similar tasks." (p. VI-5) Goal 2: (p.VI-6) "...achieve a fiscally solvent, financially stable community." Objective 2.1; Strategy 2.1.1; 2.1.2 Objective 2.2; Strategy 2.3.1 INTRODUCTION PURPOSE OF THE EIR This environmental impact report (EIR) has been prepared to analyze the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed redevelopment plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area (referred to as the Project Area in the EIR) in the City of Diamond Bar. While many existing uses in the project area will be retained, the Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency intends to facilitate redevelopment and rehabilitation of underutilized and blighted properties with light industrial, office, and uses, retail, and with improvement of public infrastructure including streets, public service facilities, parks, utilities, drainage facilities, and landscape to improve the economic health of the Project Area. All development will be consistent with General Plan land use policy and zoning. This EIR anticipates that build out will occur over a 10 to 20 year period. The EIR is intended to give information to public agencies and the general public regarding the potential short-term and long-term impacts related to the project. Under the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the purpose of an EIR "is to identify the significant effects of a project on the environment, to identify alternatives to the project, and to indicate the manner in which significant effects can be mitigated or avoided." For the purpose of this EIR, the adoption and implementation of the proposed economic revitalization plan is considered "the project". This EIR is considered a Program EIR under the State CEQA Guidelines [Section 15168]. Section 15180(b) of the CEQA Guidelines indicates that an EIR for a redevelopment plan shall be treated as a Program EIR. A Program EIR is an EIR which may be prepared on a series of actions that can be characterized as one large project, such as a redevelopment plan. An EIR is an information document to be used by decision makers, public agencies, and the general public. It is not a policy document of the Redevelopment Agency or the City of Diamond Bar about the desirability of the project or any of the potential alternatives discussed. This EIR will be used by the Agency and the City in assessing impacts of the proposed project. Alternatives and mitigation measures identified in the EIR may be applied to future projects within the Economic Revitalization Area. CONTACT PERSON The primary contact person is Mr. James DeStefano, Community Development Director, Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency, 21660 East Copley Drive, Suite 100, Diamond Bar, CA 91765. Mr. DeStefano can be reached at (909)396-5676. City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area Redevelopment Agency IN -I Environmental Impact Report LEGAL REQUIREMENTS Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, an initial study was prepared for this project. The initial study concluded that the proposed project might have a significant effect on the environment. The initial study checklist and explanations are included in Appendix A. A Notice of Preparation (NOP) was issued by the Agency on November 19, 1996, in accordance with the requirements of the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15082(a), 15103, and 15375. The NOP indicated that the EIR was being prepared and invited comments on the proposed project from public agencies and the general public. This EIR has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (Public Resources Code, Section 21000 et seq.) and the Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act published by the Resources Agency of the State of California (California Code of Regulations, Section 15000 et seq.), and in accordance with the Agency's local CEQA guidelines. The EIR contains all components required by CEQA, as outlined in Table 1. PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT The Draft EIR is available for public inspection at the City of Diamond Bar, Redevelopment Agency, 21660 East Copley Drive, Suite 100, Diamond Bar, CA 91765. Reference copies of the EIR can be reviewed at the Diamond Bar Library located at 1061 South Grand Avenue. Organizations and individuals are invited to comment on the Draft EIR. Where possible, respondents are asked to provide any additional information which they feel is not contained in the Draft EIR, or indicate where the information may be found. Following a 45-day period of circulation and review of the Draft EIR, all comments and the Agency responses to those comments will be incorporated into a Final EIR prior to certification of the document by the Agency. CONTENTS OF THE EIR This EIR is organized into eleven sections. This section is the Introduction. The next section, Summary, provides a brief project description and summarizes project impacts, mitigation measures, and alternatives. Beginning the main body of the text, a detailed project description is presented in Section 1. Section 2 briefly describes the location and environmental setting of the project area. The environmental analysis of project impacts is detailed in Section 3, including mitigation measures, as well as standard Redevelopment Agency and City procedures, for addressing potential impacts. Alternatives to the proposed project are examined in Section 4, and Section 5 briefly lists areas of no significant impact, as concluded in the Initial Study (Appendix A) and EIR. Section 6 discusses potential long-term and growth -inducing effects of the proposed project, and Section 7 describes the cumulative impacts of redevelopment. Section 8 lists persons and documents consulted in researching the EIR, as well as City of Diamond Bar staff and consultants who prepared the EIR. The Appendices include the initial City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area Redevelopment Agency IN-2 Environmental Impact Report environmental study and Notice of Preparation (NOP), letters responding to the NOP, the traffic study, and worksheets used in preparation of the EIR. The format of the EIR is intended to present the project and environmental analysis in individual chapters, or sections, as suggested by CEQA. However, several topics in the EIR are interrelated (e.g., traffic and air quality), and the reader is encouraged to review the entire EIR to better understand the overall scope of the proposed project. Table 1 lists required contents of an EIR. Reference documents and persons which have provided essential data are noted in the EIR text (e.g., Ref. 1, Ref. 2) and listed at the end of each numbered EIR section. Reference documents cited in the EIR are on file at the Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency. Other technical references used in the EIR which are not available at the City are available for review at Cotton/Beland/Associates, 747 East Green Street, Suite 400, Pasadena, CA 91101. Call (818) 304-0102 to make an appointment with Ms. Irena Finkelstein or Mr. Patrick Mann to review these documents. INTENDED USES OF THE EIR Information in this Program EIR will be used in action on approval of the proposed Economic Revitilization Area Redevelopment Plan. Also, the EIR can be used with subsequent environmental review for specific development proposals in the Project Area to determine whether a specific proposed will have any new or additional significant effects not considered in this EIR, and to focus environmental documentation on any such new effects. If subsequent development proposals are found to be within the scope of this EIR, and if no new environmental effects could occur or no new mitigation measures would be required. However, due to the general nature of the proposed redevelopment plan, some individual development proposals within the Project Area may require additional environmental review. City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area Redevelopment Agency IN-3 Environmental Impact Report TABLE 1 REQUIRED CONTENTS OF AN EIR Required Section from CEQA Guidelines Section/Page in EIR Table of Contents (Section 15122) ............................ Table of Contents Summary (Section 15123)............................................... S-1 Project Description (Section 15124).................................. Section 1 Environmental Setting (Section 15125) ....................... Sections 2, 3.1 to 3.5 Environmental Impact (Section 15126)................................ Section 3 Significant Environmental Effects of Proposed Project (Section 15126a)................................................. Section 3 Unavoidable Significant Environmental Effects (Section 15126b) ........... Section 3 Mitigation Measures Proposed to Minimize Significant Effects (Section 15126c)................................................. Section 3 Alternatives to the Proposed Project (Section 15126d) .................... Section 4 Significant Irreversible Environmental Changes Resulting from Implementation of the Proposed Project (Section 15126f) ................. Section 6 Relationship Between Local Short -Term Uses of the Environment and the Maintenance and Enhancement of Long -Term Productivity (15126e)........................................................ Section 6 Growth -Inducing Impacts of the Proposed Project (Section 15126g)................................................. Section 6 Effects Found Not to be Significant (Section 15128) .............. Section 5, App. A Organizations and Persons Consulted (Section 15129) ........... Sections 3.1 to 3.5, 8 Cumulative Impacts (Section 15130).................................. Section 7 Comments on Draft EIR, List of Those Commenting, Responses to Comments (Section 15132) .............................. Final EIR City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area Redevelopment Agency IN-4 Environmental Impact Report EXECUTIVE SUMMARY THE PROJECT The Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency (the Agency) proposes a redevelopment plan for the Economic Revitalization Area to facilitate redevelopment of underutilized and non -conforming properties with retail and other commercial development, office, research and development (R&D), light industrial, and some limited residential uses. The redevelopment plan proposes improvement of public infrastructure, including streets, public service facilities, parks, utilities, drainage facilities, and landscape. The proposed public improvements are listed in Table 4 in Section 1 of this EIR. The proposed redevelopment will occur in the Project Area that contains approximately 1,454 acres of land, including the Route 57 and Route 60, and the City's commercial corridors. In the proposed Project Area, approximately 550 acres is in streets and 309 acres are vacant land, including 89 acres on nonresidential properties. The Project Area is currently developed with commercial, industrial, and public uses including schools and parks. Over the 20-year lifetime of the proposed redevelopment plan, up to 1.506 million square feet of new and revitalized retail and other commercial, office, and light industrial development is anticipated to occur in the Project Area. About one million square feet of this new development is anticipated to occur within the first 10 years of the proposed redevelopment plan. Approximately 260 single-family residential units are also anticipated to be developed during this 10-year period. In the long-term, about half million square feet of development, including the development within the Gateway Corporate Center and infill commercial and light industrial development, is anticipated to incrementally occur in the Project Area. PROJECT OBJECTIVES Through redevelopment activity, the Agency seeks to revitalize existing blighted areas and establish new revenue -generating land uses consistent with the following objectives of the proposed redevelopment plan for the Economic Revitalization Area: 1. Eliminate and prevent the spread of conditions of blight, including but not limited to: underutilized properties and deteriorating buildings, incompatible and uneconomic land uses, deficient infrastructure and facilities, obsolete structures, and other economic deficiencies, in order to create a more favorable environmental for commercial, industrial, office, residential, and recreational development. 2. Provide opportunities for retail and other non-residential commercial and office uses. 3. Promote the economic development of the Project Area by providing an attractive, well -serviced, well -protected environment for all residents and visitors. 4. Improve public facilities and public infrastructure to provide adequate infrastructure facilities and public services. City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area Redevelopment Agency ES-1 Environmental Impact Report 5. Promote local job opportunities in the community. 6. Encourage the cooperation and participation of residents, businesses, business persons, public agencies, and community organizations in the economic revitalization of the Project Area. 7. Implement design and use standards to assure high aesthetic and environmental quality, and provide unity and integrity to developments within the Project Area. Preserve and enhance the unique, open space resources in the community. 9. Provide and regulate the provision of the supply of parking to meet the needs of both residents and commercial businesses. 10. Remove impediments to land disposition and development through the assembly of property into reasonably sized and shaped parcels served by improved infrastructure and public facilities. 11. Recycle and/or develop underutilized parcels to accommodate higher and better economic uses while enhancing the City's financial resources. 12. Increase, improve, and preserve the supply of housing affordable to very low, low and moderate income households. At this time, no specific development proposal or application is before the Agency for consideration. This Program EIR evaluates potential environmental impacts associated with the adoption and subsequent implementation of the proposed redevelopment plan based on an estimated maximum buildout potential for the Project Area. This Program EIR has been prepared pursuant to Section 15168 of the CEQA Guidelines to evaluate environmental effects of adopting and implementing the proposed redevelopment and to streamline the Agency's review of subsequent development proposals within the Project Area. PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS Project Location and Existing Uses The Project Area includes approximately 903 net acres of land (excluding the California 57 and California 60 freeways and other public rights -of -way) focused on commercial corridors and industrial areas within the City of Diamond Bar. The Project Area is surrounded by the City of Diamond Bar, the adjacent cities of Pomona and Industry, and unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. Land uses in the Project Area include commercial, industrial, office park, parks, and some residentiai uses. Approximately 309 acres, including 89 acres of nonresidential properties, are currently vacant. City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area Redevelopment Agency ES-2 Environmental Impact Report Surrounding Uses Surrounding land uses include commercial and light industrial development along arterial streets and single-family and multiple -family residential development in adjacent areas. Project Characteristics The potential for new development in the Project Area was estimated as part of an feasibility study prepared to estimate the revenue potential from the project. Based on available sites and potential development with an aggressive marketing program, approximately 829,000 square feet of retail and other commercial development, and 220,000 square feet of light industrial development, is anticipated to occur within the first 10 years. This new development will for the most part be located on properties that are currently vacant. Over the remainder of the project life, approximately 457,000 square feet of additional development is anticipated for the Project Area, depending on future demand. This includes the 332,000 square feet of office, R&D, retail, and restaurant/entertainment development in the Gateway Corporate Center, and 125,000 square feet of light industrial infill development. Based on available sites and potential development with an aggressive marketing program, up to a little over 400,000 square feet of retail and other commercial development, and up to 260,000 square feet of light industrial development, for a total of a little over 674,000 square feet of new development is anticipated to occur within the next 10 years. This new construction will for the most part be located on lots that are currently vacant. Some renovation of existing shopping centers and minor conversion of existing land uses is also assumed to take place during this time period. The residential development in the Project Area is anticipated to be approximately 260 single-family units. Two existing residential units in the project area could be converted to non-residential uses through market forces or Agency action. In addition, some additional affordable housing could be constructed in the City, in or outside the Project Area, from the redevelopment set -aside housing funds. The proposed project includes a series of public infrastructure improvements, including constructed in the project area or other areas of the City as a result of expenditure of redevelopment housing set -aside funds. Relationship of Project to Existing Land Use Plans Land uses allowed under the proposed redevelopment plan will be those permitted by the General Plan and City zoning ordinances as they exist today or are amended in the future. The proposed redevelopment plan therefore, conforms to the City's General Plan and proposes a consistent pattern of land uses, and includes all highways and public facilities as indicated in the General Plan. City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area Redevelopment Agency ES-3 Environmental Impact Report ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS The City has prepared this EIR to analyze the potentially significant environmental impacts associated with buildout of the Project Area as influenced and encouraged by proposed redevelopment plan for economic revitalization, and to identify mitigation measures capable of avoiding or substantially lessening those impacts. A summary of the environmental impacts and mitigation measures is presented in Table 2 at the end of this section. The analysis contained in this EIR uses the words "significant" and "less than significant" in the discussion of environmental impacts. The words specifically define the degree of impact and coincide with language used in the CEQA Guidelines. As required by CEQA, mitigation measures have been included to avoid or reduce the level of impact. Certain impacts, even with the inclusion of mitigation measures, cannot be completely mitigated. These impacts are identified as "unavoidable significant impacts." Unavoidable Significant Impacts CEQA defines a significant impact on the environment as a "substantial, adverse change in any of the physical conditions within an area affected by the project, including land, air, water, flora, fauna, ambient noise, and objects of historic or aesthetic significance." Approval of a project with unavoidable significant impacts requires adoption of a Statement of Overriding Considerations by the lead agency. Such a statement finds that the lead agency has reviewed the EIR, has balanced the benefits of the project against its unavoidable significant effects. And considered the significant effects to be acceptable. This EIR identifies one area of unavoidable significant impact: Air quality (long-term emissions exceed SCAQMD recommended threshold levels) Potentially Significant Adverse Impacts That Can Be Mitigated The EIR identifies no areas of such potentially significant adverse impact. Impacts Considered Less Than Significant The EIR identifies the following three areas of less -than -significant impact: Land use and planning Population and Housing Schools Citv of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalisation Area Redevelopment Agency ES-4 Environmental Impact Report Impacts Considered But Not Found To Be Potentially Significant The Agency through the Initial Study and Notice of Preparation process (see the checklist contained in Appendix A of this EIR) has determined that proposed project poses no potential for significant effects with regard to: Land Use and Planning - Conflict with the City's General Plan and zoning regulations - Conflict with applicable environmental plans or policies adopted by agencies with jurisdiction over the project - Affect agricultural resources or operations - Disrupt or divide the physical arrangement of an established community Geologic Problems - Fault rupture - Seismic ground shaking - Seismic ground failure, including liquefaction - Seiche, tsunami, or volcanic hazard - Landslides or mudflows - Erosion, changes in topography or unstable soil conditions from excavation, grading, or fill - Subsidence of the land - Expansive soils - Unique geologic or physical features Water - Discharge into surface waters or other alteration of surface water quality - Changes in the amount of surface water in any water body - Changes in currents, or the course or direction of water movements - Change in the quantity of ground waters - Altered direction or rate of flow of groundwater - Impacts to groundwater quality - Substantial reduction in the amount of groundwater otherwise available for public water supplies Air Quality - Alter air movement, moisture, or temperature, or cause any change in climate - Create objectionable odors Transportation/Circulation - Hazards to safety from design features - Inadequate emergency access or access to nearby uses - Hazards or barriers for pedestrians or bicyclists - Conflicts with adopted policies supporting alternative transportation - Rail, waterborne or air traffic impacts City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area Redevelopment Agency ES-5 Environmental Impact Report Biological Resources - Endangered, threatened, or rare species or their habitats - Locally designated species - Locally designated natural communities - Wetland habitat - Wildlife dispersal or migration corridors Energy and Mineral Resources - Conflict with adopted energy conservation plans - Use non-renewable resources in a wasteful and inefficient manner - Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of future value to the region and the residents of the State Hazards - A risk of accidental explosion or release of hazardous substances - Possible interference with an emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan - The creation of any health hazard or potential health hazard - Exposure of people to existing sources of potential health hazards - Increased fire hazard in areas with flammable brush, grass, or trees Noise - Increases in existing noise levels - Exposure of people to severe noise levels Public Services - Fire protection - Police protection - Maintenance of public facilities - Other governmental services Utilities and Service Systems - Power or natural gas - Communications systems - Local or regional water treatment or distribution facilities - Sewer or septic tanks - Storm water drainage - Solid waste disposal - . Local or regional water supplies Aesthetics - Affect a scenic vista or scenic highway - Have a demonstrable negative aesthetic effect - Create light or glare Cultural Resources - Disturb paleontological resources City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area Redevelopment Agency ES-6 Environmental Impact Report Disturb archaeological resources Affect historical resources Have the potential to cause a physical change which would affect unique ethnic cultural values Restrict existing religious or sacred uses within the potential impact area Recreation - Increase the demand for neighborhood or regional parks or other recreational facilities - Affect existing recreational opportunities Beneficial Effects: The EIR analysis found that the proposed amended redevelopment plan will result in the following public benefit: alleviate blighting conditions in the Project Area improve public infrastructure and facilities, including streets circulation, parks, sewer, and storm drain system provide funding for additional affordable housing and for preservation of existing affordable housing in the City City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area Redevelopment Agency ES-7 Environmental Impact Report TABLE 2 SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ISSUE AREA POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES LEVEL OF IMPACT AFTER MITIGATION Unavoidable Significant Environmental Impacts (Lead Agency must issue "Statement of Overriding Considerations" under Sections 15093 and 15126(b) of the State CEQA Guidelines if the Agency determines these effects are significant and approves the project). Air Quality Development in the Project Area For all individual development Significant. will result in additional mobile projects, construction -related exhaust and stationary emissions above and dust emissions will be controlled. the SCAQMD daily thresholds All unpaved demolition and for CO, ROG, and NOx. construction areas shall be wetted as necessary during excavation to reduce dust emissions and meet SCAQMD Rule 403. Wetting twice a day will reduce particulate emissions (dust) by about 50 percent. To the maximum extent feasible, reclaimed water will be used for this purpose. All grading activity shall cease when wind speed exceeds 25 mph. • Individual development projects shall be designed and operated to conserve energy in keeping with Title 24 requirements. • During grading, on major projects [either two acres in site size or at least 100,000 cubic yards of earth movement (cut and fill)] filters on air intakes at sensitive receptors, including schools and other facilities which may be identified by the Community Development Director, within 1,000 feet of and downwind from grading operations will be replaced by filters of nominal removal efficiency for particulates (s 10 microns) of 99.9 percent. Filters will be inspected weekly and changed as necessary to minimize the amount of particulate matter in interior air. The individual project developer shall be responsible for coordinating and funding this mitieation measure. City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area Redevelopment Agency ES-8 Environmental Impact Report ISSUE AREA POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION MEASURES LEVEL OF IMPACT AFTER IMPACT MITIGATION Air Quality During grading for major projects (continued) [either two acres in site size or at least 100,000 cubic yards of earth movement (cut and fill)], at nearby and downwind sensitive receptors, the grounds, tables and benches in exterior play areas used regularly will be inspected daily for accumulation of dust. Under conditions when dust is observed to accumulate, the area will be cleaned to minimize the potential for exposure of people to particulates outside and to minimize the potential for this dust to be carried into the building or to become airborne again and circulated into the building's ventilation system. The individual project developer shall be responsible for coordinating and funding this mitigation measure. • Loading and storage of earth during grading for major projects [either two acres in site size or at least 100,000 cubic yards of earth movement (cut and fill)) will take place at least 500 feet from surrounding residences or sensitive receptors to the extent feasible to minimize impacts. Grading plans will show locations for such loading and storage. Significant Environmental Impacts That Can Be Avoided or Mitigated (Section 15126(c) of the State CEQA Guidelines). None Environmental Impacts That Are Considered Adverse But Less Than Significant (Sections 15126 and 15128 of the State CEQA Guidelines) Land Use The proposed project will result No mitigation measures are required since Less than significant. in development on remaining the new development and will be consistent vacant and underutilized sites with land use policies of the Diamond Bar with modern commercial and General Plan. Each individual project in the light industrial uses, and with Project Area will be developed in accordance residential uses. with the City and Agency current development standards, which include limits on height and mass, required setbacks and landscaping, provision of parking, and other requirements. As a result, new'development on vacant sites and redevelopment of existing underutized sites and sites containing obsolete or incompatible uses, is anticipated to provide more landscaping, better buffering, and better architectural design benefitting the Project Area and the surrounding uses. City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization .Area Redevelopment Agency ES-9 Environmental Impact Report ISSUE AREA POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES LEVEL OF IMPACT AFTER MITIGATION Land Use Consistent with the General Plan strategies, (continued) the Agency and the City will require the following as part of the standard site plan and design review of individual projects within the Project Area : • Major development projects adjacent to existing residential areas, schools, and other sensitive uses shall provide effective buffering from the adjacent uses. The effective buffering shall consist of setbacks, landscaping, barriers, and/or any other features as determined appropriate by the Redevelopment Agency and other City agencies to ensure compatibility with adjacent uses. Traffic/ The proposed project will add Diamond Bar/Golden Springs: Add a Less than significant. Circulation additional traffic to streets and left turn lane to each approach on roadways serving the Project Golden Springs for a total of two in Area. each direction. This can be accomplished within the existing street width but requires elimination of the bicycle lanes at the intersection. • SR 60/57 East -Bound Ramps/Grand Avenue: Change the SR 60/57 off ramp approach stripping and operations to prohibit a through movement (allow left and right turns only). This will allow a right turn overlap signal phase from Grand Avenue (northbound) to SR 60/57 on -ramp. • SR 60/57 West -Bound Ramps/Grand Avenue: Restripe the north Grand Avenue approach to provide a left, through, through/right, and right turn Zane. • Grand Avenue/Golden Springs: On Golden Springs for what was identified as the eastbound approach , add a left turn lane (for a total of two) and improve the eastbound right turn to a free right turn. On westbound Golden Springs, add a right turn lane. City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area Redevelopment Agency ES-10 Environmental Impact Report POTENTIAL LEVEL OF IMPACT ISSUE AREA ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION MEASURES AFTER IMPACT MITIGATION Traffic/ Damond Bar Boulevard/Grand Circulation Avenue: Implement improvements to (continued) provide three through lanes on the Grand Avenue approaches and the southbound Diamond Bar Boulevard approach. The existing southbound right turn lane will be converted into a through lane. For the northbound approach, strip for a through , through/right, and right turn lane to accommodate the high number of northbound right turn during the PM peak hour. • Brea Canyon Road/Golden Springs - Colima: Add a left turn lane to the northbound and southbound approaches on Brea Canyon Road, for a total of two. Eastbound - make improvements to convert the right turn lane to a through lane. Westbound - add a left turn lane to provide a total of two. • Pathfinder Road/Diamond Bar Boulevard: Make modifications to provide an added northbound through lane at intersection. This will impact existine bicycle lane at this location. Population, The project will generate The provision of additional housing and Less than significant Housing, and additional housing and jobs in employment opportunities will be Employment the Project Area. consistent with City General Plan and thus, with employment and population forecast of the regional growth management plans. The project will also provide funding for affordable housing in the City, and for preservation of some of the existing affordable housing stock, Schools The proposed project will No mitigation measures are required. Less than significant. generate additional students to Individual developments will comply with schools that are at capacity or existing requirements for payment of school nearing capacity. fees. The fees will be adequate f'or the estimated additional classrooms needed to accommodate new students. City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area Redevelopment Agency ES-11 Environmental Impact Report ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROJECT The CEQA Guidelines [Section 15126(d)] require that an EIR describe and evaluate the comparative merits of a range of reasonable alternatives to the proposed project. or to the project's location, which would feasibly attain most of the basic objectives of the project. The following alternatives are evaluated in the EIR: 1. No Project Alternative According to CEQA Guidelines, the No Project alternative, required by law to be considered in the EIR, must discuss "existing conditions, as well as what would be reasonably expected to occur in the foreseeable future if the project were not approved, based on current plans and consistent with available infrastructure and community services" [Section 15126(d)(4)]. No Additional Development: This alternative considers retaining the Project Area in its existing condition with no additional development taking place. It is used to establish a baseline against which all other alternatives, including the proposed project, can be comparatively evaluated. The Environmental Setting description in Section 3 of the EIR provided for each impact area constitutes the "No Additional Development" alternative since it describes existing conditions. This alternative is considered environmentally superior to the project because it would not result in any new or additional environmental impacts associated with additional development in the Project Area. However, maintaining existing conditions -- including blighted, underutilized, nonconforming, and vacant properties -- would not meet any of the project objectives and is therefore considered infeasible. In addition, this alternative is inconsistent with the goals and policies established for the Project Area in the City General Plan. The General Plan provides for additional development in the Project Area above the levels that currently exist, and assumes that such development is the ultimate and intended use of the area, including currently vacant and underutilized parcels. This alternative is also considered infeasible because of the severe development limitations that would need to be placed on private property in order to maintain current development levels. Development in the Absence of the Project: This alternative would permit continuing development throughout the Project Area, consistent with the General Plan and zoning, but without the assistance of the proposed redevelopment plan. Although the same uses and the same maximum potential could be developed under this alternative as under the proposed project, the cohesive framework provided by the redevelopment plan for orderly and coordinated development within the Project Area, would not be in place. With no redevelopment plan in place, buildout of the Project Area would be expected to occur over a longer period of time (more than the 20 years assumed for the proposed project), and in piecemeal fashion. Some existing blighting influences and deficiencies, such deteriorated structures, substandard design, lack of landscaping, unimproved parks, street and utility infrastructure deficiencies, would continue. Without tax increment financing, the needed public improvements would not be constructed, maintaining an undesirable environment for the development of new business and City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area Redevelopment Agency ES-12 Environmental Impact Report delaying the improvement of the area. Buildout of the Project Area under this alternative would result in environmental impacts comparable to those of the proposed project because development under this alternative is subject to the same the same General Plan land use designations, and thus, the same maximum delopment potential within the Project Area. Since this alternative will not achieve the stated goals and objectives of the proposed redevelopment plan nor reduce any environmental impacts, it is considered inferior to the proposed project. 2. Smaller Project Alternative This alternative considers a smaller geographic area for the Economic Revitalization Area. Depending on the precise delineation of such smaller area, it could be possible to include all identified blighted areas within the boundary of a reduced Project Area, and implement the proposed redevelopment plan to alleviate blighting conditions. Depending on which portions of the proposed Project Area are eliminated, this alternative could reduce the magnitude, but not the significance, of the proposed project's single unavoidable significant impact on air quality. With less land and therefore, less development, mobile emissions of air pollutants would be also reduced. However, to reduce this significant impact to a less than significant level, the emissions of ROG, NOx, and CO would need to be in a range of 800 to 400 percent reduction to meet the SCAQMD's daily thresholds for these pollutants, which would require a significant curtailment of future development. With less development, less vehicular trips would be generated in the Project Area. Therefore, traffic impacts could be reduced and consequently, the need for street and roadway improvements and traffic mitigation could also be reduced. In addition, a reduced Project Area would limit the potential for collection tax increment revenue. As a result, the needed public infrastructure and facility improvements could be only partially implemented, and some of the existing and future deficiencies and problems would remain. The deficiencies, particularly those related to traffic and parking, could in turn adversely affect the Agency's ability to attract high quality development into the Project Area. With limited revenues, the Agency may not be able to implement park improvements or effectively assemble sites to suit modern development compatible with the existing and surrounding uses. In addition, the Agency's ability to fund affordable housing programs and activities would also be limited. As a result, the preservation, rehabilitation, and production of affordable housing in the City using the set -aside redevelopment housing funds would be reduced. For these reasons, the "Smaller Project" alternative is considered to result in mixed beneficial and adverse environmental impacts in comparison with the proposed project. City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalisation Area Redevelopment Agency ES-I3 Environmental Impact Report 3. Lower Traffic -Generating Development Alternative This alternative considers development of the Project Area with commercial and industrial uses that would generate less vehicular trips than those anticipated for the proposed project. Since in general, retail and entertainment/restaurant uses generate the highest number of vehicular trips per square foot of building space, replacing these uses with office, business park, and research and development which generate lower vehicular trips, would reduce the overall volume of traffic from the Project Area. Therefore, in comparison with the proposed project, this alternative could require fewer mitigation measures to reduce traffic impacts. With less traffic, mobile air pollutant emissions would also be reduced. However, as with Alternative 2, Smaller Project, this reduction would not be sufficient to lower daily emissions below the SCAQMD thresholds of significance. However, this alternative could require the City to impose development limitations on types of permitted commercial uses, and amend its General Plan and Zoning Code to avoid conflict with current land use plans and regulations, for the Project Area. This alternative would also significantly reduce financial benefits to the City because it eliminates sales tax revenue generated by retail, entertainment, and restaurant development. This reduction in revenue could adversely affect the City's ability to provide future municipal services for Diamond Bar residents and businesses. Therefore, this alternative is considered to result in mixed overall effects when compared to the proposed project. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY AND ISSUES TO BE RESOLVED The proposed Redevelopment Plan for the Economic Revitalization Area is not considered controversial, since it does not involve any change in land use policy established for the Project Area in the existing General Plan. The General Plan was adopted by the Diamond Bar City Council in 1995. Issues to be resolved include traffic and circulation, since a number of major intersections in Diamond Bar currently experience considerable peak -hour congestion as a result of commuters using local streets to avoid freeway traffic. Without sufficient mitigation, buildout of the Project Area will exacerbate existing traffic conditions. In addition, there are parking deficiencies in the Project Area including poor distribution of parking facilities and spaces, and properties with limited on -street parking. Buildout of the Project Area over time could cumulatively impact public parking. MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM In accordance with Section 21081 of CEQA, adoption of a mitigation monitoring program by the Agency will be required prior to approval of any project within the scope of this EIR. The monitoring program will be designed to ensure compliance with mitigation measures in this EIR. City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area Redevelopment Agency ES-14 Environmental Impact Report TO: Honorable Chairman and Agency Members FROM: Terrence L. Belanger, Executive Director DATE: March 18, 1997 SUBJECT: Resolution Receiving the Draft Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area, and Authorizing Transmittal of the Proposed Redevelopment Plan to Affected Taxing Agencies, and Persons and Organizations within the Project Area and Submittal to the Planning Commission for Report and Recommendation �a,-1 &Wdovwt Recommendation: That the Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency adopt a resolution receiving the draft Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area, and authorizing transmittal of the proposed Redevelopment Plan. Background: The Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency has undertaken proceedings for the adoption of the Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area ("Redevelopment Plan"). On November 19, 1996, the Agency adopted Resolution No. R-96-09, approving the selection of the area within the boundaries of the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area ("Project Area") and the Preliminary Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area ("Project"). The adoption of this Resolution also directed -the preparation of a redevelopment plan for the Project and the noticing of affected taxing agencies of the proposed adoption of the Redevelopment Plan and Project Area. The Redevelopment Plan is based on the Preliminary Plan, approved by the Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency ("Agency") on November 19, 1996, and provides a framework of goals, powers, duties, and obligations to implement the redevelopment program. Generally, the Redevelopment Plan also allows the Agency to collect tax increment revenues to construct needed public improvements, acquire property for sale and lease, fund affordable housing, and generally rehabilitate and improve the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area. Draft Redevelopment Plan Page 2 The Redevelopment Plan is essentially a legal document (rather than a "plan") that sets forth the Agency's goals, powers, duties, and obligations to implement the redevelopment program within the Project Area. This is underscored by the language in paragraph two on page one, which describes the Redevelopment Plan as presenting a process and framework within which specific development plans will be presented, priorities for specific projects will be established, and specific solutions will be proposed, and by which tools are provided to the Agency to fashion, develop, and proceed with such specific plans,.projects and solutions. More specifically, the Redevelopment Plan provides a framework which allows the Agency to: 1) assist in implementing the policies, goals, objectives and strategies as presented in the General Plan of the City of Diamond Bar; 2) fund property rehabilitation programs; 3) construct public facility and infrastructure improvements (such as those shown in Exhibit C to the Redevelopment Plan); 4) provide for affordable housing opportunities in conjunction with the City's Housing Element; 5) acquire property for sale or lease within the Project Area; 6) collect tax increment to fund rehabilitation programs, public improvements, and other Agency activities; and 7) sell bonds to fund, in whole or in part, rehabilitation programs, public improvements, and other Agency activities. The Redevelopment Plan will remain in effect for 30 years and the Agency will have the ability to collect tax increment revenues for 15 additional years after that point (for a total of 45 years), provided that debt service payments on outstanding bonds are required after the 30 year term of the Redevelopment Plan has•*expired. The draft Redevelopment Plan is being reviewed by the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee: The final Redevelopment Plan will be considered for approval by the City Council at the joint City Council / RedevelopmentAgency public hearing scheduled for May 20, 1997. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM To: .Chairman and Planning Commissioners From: James DeStefano, Community Development Dire Subject: DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT for the DIAMOND BAR ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA Date: April 4, 1997 In accordance with the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) has been prepared for the proposed Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area. The DEIR has been distributed to public agencies and the Planning Commission for review and comment. A Notice of this public hearing, document completion and availability was posted and also published within the Daily Bulletin and the Tribune. The DEIR remains available for public review and comment at City Hall and the Library. The purpose of the public hearing is to receive public comment on the DEIR. Additional comments will be accepted by the Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency through April 25, 1997. It is anticipated that the Redevelopment Agency Board and the City Council will conduct a joint public hearing on the Redevelopment Plan and the EIR on May 20, 1997. Attached please find excerpts from the previously distributed Draft EIR consisting of the Introduction and Executive Summary. RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Planning Commission receive a presentation from the City's environmental consultant Cotton/ Beland/ Associates, conduct a public hearing to receive public input and forward all comments to the Redevelopment Agency. attachments jds INTRODUCTION PURPOSE OF THE EIR This environmental impact report (EIR) has been prepared to analyze the potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed redevelopment plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area (referred to as the Project Area in the EIR) in the City of Diamond Bar. While many existing uses in the project area will be retained, the Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency intends to facilitate redevelopment and rehabilitation of underutilized and blighted properties with light industrial, office, and uses, retail, and with improvement of public infrastructure including streets, public service facilities, parks, utilities, drainage facilities, and landscape to improve the economic health of the Project Area. All development will be consistent with General Plan land use policy and zoning. This EIR anticipates that build out will occur over a 10 to 20 year period. The EIR is intended to give information to public agencies and the general public regarding the potential short-term and long-term impacts related to the project. Under the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the purpose of an EIR "is to identify the significant effects of a project`on the environment, to identify alternatives to the project, and to indicate the manner in which significant effects can be mitigated or avoided." For the purpose of this EIR, the adoption and implementation of the proposed economic revitalization plan is considered "the project". This EIR is considered a Program EIR under the State CEQA Guidelines [Section 15168]. Section 15180(b) of the CEQA Guidelines indicates that an EIR for a redevelopment plan shall be treated as a Program EIR. A Program EIR is an EIR which may be prepared on a series of actions that can be characterized as one large project, such as a redevelopment plan. An EIR is an information document to be used by decision makers, public agencies, and the general public. It is not a policy document of the Redevelopment Agency or.the City of Diamond Bar about the desirability of the project or any of the potential alternatives discussed. This EIR will be used by the Agency and the City in assessing impacts of the proposed project. Alternatives and mitigation measures identified in the EIR may be applied to future projects within the Economic Revitalization Area. CONTACT PERSON The primary contact person is Mr. James DeStefano, Community Development Director, Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency, 21660 East Copley Drive, Suite 100, Diamond Bar, CA 91765. Mr. DeStefano can be reached at (909)396-5676. City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalisation Area Redevelopment Agency IN -I Environmental Impact Report LEGAL REQUIREMENTS Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, an initial study was prepared for this project. The initial study concluded that the proposed project might have a significant effect on the environment. The initial study checklist and explanations are included in Appendix A. A Notice of Preparation (NOP) was issued by the Agency on November 19, 1996, in accordance with the requirements of the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15082(a), 15103, and 15375. The NOP indicated that the EIR was being prepared and invited comments on the proposed project from public agencies and the general public. This EIR has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (Public Resources Code, Section 21000 et seq.) and the Guidelines for Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act published by the Resources Agency of the State of California (California Code of Regulations, Section 15000 et seq.), and in accordance with the Agency's local CEQA guidelines. The EIR contains all components required by CEQA, as outlined in Table 1. PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT The Draft EIR is available for public inspection at the City of Diamond Bar, Redevelopment Agency, 21660 East Copley Drive, Suite 100, Diamond Bar, CA 91765. Reference copies of the EIR can be reviewed at the Diamond Bar Library located at '1061 South Grand Avenue. Organizations and individuals are invited to comment on the Draft EIR. Where possible, respondents are asked to provide any additional information which they feel is not contained in the Draft EIR, or indicate where the information may be found. Following a 45-day period of circulation and review of the Draft EIR, all comments and the Agency responses to those comments will be incorporated into a Final EIR prior to certification of the document by the Agency. CONTENTS OF THE EIR This EIR is organized into eleven sections. This section is the Introduction. The next section, Summary, provides a brief project description and summarizes project impacts, mitigation measures, and alternatives. Beginning the main body of the text, a detailed project description is presented in Section 1. Section 2 briefly describes the location and environmental setting of the project area. The environmental analysis of project impacts is detailed in Section 3, including mitigation measures, as well as standard Redevelopment Agency and City procedures, for addressing potential impacts. Alternatives to the proposed project are examined in Section 4, and Section 5 briefly lists areas of no significant impact, as concluded in the Initial Study (Appendix A) and EIR. Section 6 discusses potential long-term and growth -inducing effects of the proposed project, and Section 7 describes the cumulative impacts of redevelopment. Section 8 lists persons and documents consulted in researching the EIR, as well as City of Diamond Bar staff and consultants who prepared the EIR. The Appendices include the initial City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area Redevelopment Agency IN-2 Environmental Impact Report environmental study and Notice of Preparation (NOP), letters responding to the NOP, the traffic study, and worksheets used in preparation of the EIR. The format of the EIR is intended to present the project and environmental analysis in individual chapters, or sections, as suggested by CEQA. However, several topics in the EIR are interrelated (e.g., traffic and air quality), and the reader is encouraged to review the entire EIR to better understand the overall scope of the proposed project. Table 1 lists required contents of an EIR. Reference documents and persons which have provided. essential data are noted in the EIR text (e.g., Ref. 1, Ref. 2) and listed at the end of each numbered EIR section. Reference documents cited in the EIR are on file at the Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency. Other technical references used in the EIR which are not available at the City are available for review at Cotton/Beland/Associates, 747 East Green Street, Suite 400, Pasadena, CA 91101. Call (818) 304-0102 to make an appointment with Ms. Irena Finkelstein or Mr. Patrick Mann to review these documents. INTENDED USES OF THE EIR Information in this Program EIR will be used in action on approval of the proposed Economic Revitilization Area Redevelopment Plan. Also, the EIR can be used with subsequent environmental review for specific development proposals in the Project Area to determine whether a specific proposed will have any new or additional significant effects not considered in this EIR, and to focus environmental documentation on any such new effects. If subsequent development proposals are found to be within the scope of this EIR, and if no new environmental effects could occur or no new mitigation measures would be required. However, due to the general nature of the proposed redevelopment plan, some individual development proposals within the Project Area may require additional environmental review. City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitali_ation Area Redevelopment Agency 1N-3 Environmental Impact Report TABLE 1 REQUIRED CONTENTS OF AN EIR Required Section from CEQA Guidelines Section/Page in EIR Table of Contents (Section 15122) ............................ Table of Contents Summary (Section 15123)............................................... S-1 Project Description (Section 15124).................................. Section 1 Environmental Setting (Section 15125) ....................... Sections 2, 3.1 to 3.5 Environmental Impact (Section 15126)................................ Section 3 Significant Environmental Effects of Proposed Project (Section 15126a)................................................. Section 3 Unavoidable Significant Environmental Effects (Section 15126b) ........... Section 3 Mitigation Measures Proposed to Minimize Significant Effects (Section 15126c)................................................. Section 3 Alternatives to the Proposed Project (Section 15126d) .................... Section 4 Significant Irreversible'Environmental Changes Resulting from Implementation of the Proposed Project (Section 15126f) ................. Section 6 Relationship Between Local Short -Term Uses of the Environment and the Maintenance and Enhancement of Long -Term Productivity (I5126e)........................................................ Section 6 Growth -Inducing Impacts of the Proposed Project (Section 15126g)................................................. Section 6 Effects Found Not to be Significant (Section 15128) .............. Section 5, App. A Organizations and Persons Consulted (Section 15129) ........... Sections 3.1 to 3.5, 8 Cumulative Impacts (Section 15130).................................. Section 7 Comments on Draft EIR, List of Those Commenting, Responses to Comments (Section 15132) .............................. Final EIR City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area Redevelopment Agency IN-4 Environmental Impact Report EXECUTIVE SUMMARY THE PROJECT The Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency (the Agency) proposes a redevelopment plan for the Economic Revitalization Area to facilitate redevelopment of underutilized and non -conforming properties with retail and other commercial development, office, research and development (R&D), light industrial, and some limited residential uses. The redevelopment plan proposes improvement of public infrastructure, including streets, public service facilities, parks, utilities, drainage facilities, and landscape. The proposed public improvements are listed in Table 4 in Section 1 of this EIR. The proposed redevelopment will occur in the Project Area that contains approximately 1,454 acres of land, including the Route 57 and Route 60, and the City's commercial corridors. In the proposed Project Area, approximately 550 acres is in streets and 309 acres are vacant land, including 89 acres on nonresidential properties. The Project Area is currently developed with commercial, industrial, and public uses including schools and parks. Over the 20-year lifetime of the proposed redevelopment plan, up to 1.506 million square feet of new and revitalized retail and other commercial, office, and light industrial development is anticipated to occur in the Project Area. About one million square feet of this new development is anticipated to occur within the first 10 years of the proposed redevelopment plan. Approximately 260 single-family residential units are also anticipated to be developed during this 10-year period. In the long-term, about half million square feet of development, including the development within the Gateway Corporate Center and infill commercial and light industrial development, is anticipated to incrementally occur- in the Project Area. PROJECT OBJECTIVES Through redevelopment activity, the Agency seeks to revitalize existing blighted areas and establish new revenue -generating land uses consistent with the following objectives of the proposed redevelopment plan for the Economic Revitalization Area: 1. Eliminate and prevent the spread of conditions of blight, including but not limited to: underutilized properties and deteriorating buildings, incompatible and uneconomic land uses, deficient infrastructure and facilities, obsolete structures, and other economic deficiencies, in order to create a more favorable environmental for commercial, industrial, office, residential, and recreational development. 2. Provide opportunities for retail and other non-residential commercial and office uses. Promote the economic development of the Project Area by providing an attractive, well -serviced, well -protected environment for all residents and visitors. 4. Improve public facilities and public infrastructure to provide adequate infrastructure facilities and public services. City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area Redevelopment Agency ES -I Environmental Impact Report 5. Promote local job opportunities in the community. 6. Encourage the cooperation and participation of residents, businesses, business persons, public agencies, and community organizations in the economic revitalization of the Project Area. 7. Implement design and use standards to assure high aesthetic and environmental quality, and provide unity and integrity to developments within the Project Area. 8. Preserve and enhance the unique, open space resources in the community. 9. Provide and regulate the provision of the supply of parking to meet the needs of both residents and commercial businesses. 10. Remove impediments to land disposition and development through the assembly of property into reasonably sized and shaped parcels served by improved infrastructure and public facilities. 11. Recycle and/or develop underutilized parcels to accommodate higher and better economic uses while enhancing the City's financial resources. 12. Increase, improve, and preserve the supply of housing affordable to very low, low and moderate income households. At this time, no specific development proposal or application is before the Agency for consideration. This Program EIR evaluates potential environmental impacts associated with the adoption and subsequent implementation of the proposed redevelopment plan based on an estimated maximum buildout potential for the Project Area. This Program EIR has been prepared pursuant to Section 15168 of the CEQA Guidelines to evaluate environmental effects of adopting and implementing the proposed redevelopment and to streamline the Agency's review of subsequent development proposals within the Project Area. PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS Project Location and Existing Uses The Project Area includes approximately 903 net acres of land (excluding the California 57 and California 60 freeways and other public rights -of -way) focused on commercial corridors and industrial areas within the City of Diamond Bar. The Project Area is surrounded by the City of Diamond Bar, the adjacent cities of Pomona and Industry, and unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. Land uses in the Project Area include commercial, industrial, office park, parks, and some residentiai uses. Approximately 309 acres, including 89 acres of nonresidential properties, are currently vacant. City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area Redevelopment Agency ES-2 Environmental Impact Report Surrounding Uses Surrounding land uses include commercial and light industrial development along arterial streets and single-family and multiple -family residential development in adjacent areas. Project Characteristics The potential for new development in the Project Area was estimated as part of an feasibility study prepared to estimate the revenue potential from the project. Based on available sites and potential development with an aggressive marketing program, approximately 829,000 square feet of retail and other commercial development, and 220,000 square feet of light industrial development, is anticipated to occur within the first 10 years. This new development will for the most part be located on properties that are currently vacant. Over the remainder of the project life, approximately 457,000 square feet of additional development is anticipated for the Project Area, depending on future demand. This includes the 332,000 square feet of office, R&D, retail, and restaurant/entertainment development in the Gateway Corporate Center, and 125,000 square feet of light industrial infill development. Based on available sites and potential development with an aggressive marketing program, up to a little over 400,000 square feet of retail and other commercial development, and up to 260,000 square feet of light industrial development, for a total of a little over 674,000 square feet of new development is anticipated to occur within the next 10 years. This new construction will for the most part be located on lots that are currently vacant. Some renovation of existing shopping centers and minor conversion of existing land uses is also assumed to take -place during this time period. The residential development in the Project Area is anticipated to be approximately 260 single-family units. Two existing residential units in the project area could be converted to non-residential uses through market forces or Agency action. In addition, some additional affordable housing could be constructed in the City, in or outside the Project Area, from the redevelopment set -aside housing funds. The proposed project includes a series of public infrastructure improvements, including constructed in the project area or other areas of the City as a result of expenditure of redevelopment housing set -aside funds. Relationship of Project to Existing Land Use Plans Land uses allowed under the proposed redevelopment plan will be those permitted by the General Plan and City zoning ordinances as they exist today or are amended in the future. The proposed redevelopment plan therefore, conforms to the City's General Plan and proposes a consistent pattern of land uses, and includes all highways and public facilities as indicated in the General Plan. City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area Redevelopment Agency ES-3 Environmental Impact Report ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS The City has prepared this EIR to analyze the potentially significant environmental impacts associated with buildout of the Project Area as influenced and encouraged by proposed redevelopment plan for economic revitalization, and to identify mitigation measures capable of avoiding or substantially lessening those impacts. A summary of the environmental impacts and mitigation measures is presented in Table 2 at the end of this section. The analysis contained in this EIR uses the words "significant" and "less than significant" in the discussion of environmental impacts. The words specifically define the degree of impact and coincide with language used in the CEQA Guidelines. As required by CEQA, mitigation measures have been included to avoid or reduce the level of impact. Certain impacts, even with the inclusion of mitigation measures, cannot be completely mitigated. These impacts are identified as "unavoidable significant impacts." Unavoidable Significant Impacts CEQA defines a significant impact on the environment as a "substantial, adverse change in any of the physical conditions within an area affected by the project, including land, air, water, flora, fauna, ambient noise, and objects of historic or aesthetic significance." Approval of a project with unavoidable significant impacts requires adoption of a Statement of Overriding Considerations by the lead agency. Such a statement finds that the lead agency has reviewed the EIR, has balanced the benefits of the project against its unavoidable significant effects. And considered the -significant effects-tb be acceptable. This EIR identifies one area of unavoidable significant impact: Air quality (long-term emissions exceed SCAQMD recommended threshold levels) Potentially Significant Adverse Impacts That Can Be Mitigated The EIR identifies no areas of such potentially significant adverse impact. Impacts Considered Less Than Significant The EIR identifies the following three areas of less -than -significant impact: • Land use and planning • Population and Housing • Schools City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area Redevelopment Agency ES-4 Environmental Impact Report Impacts Considered But Not Found To Be Potentially Significant The Agency through the Initial Study and Notice of Preparation process (see the checklist contained in Appendix A of this EIR) has determined that proposed project poses no potential for significant effects with regard to: Land Use and Planning - Conflict with the City's General Plan and zoning regulations - Conflict with applicable environmental plans or policies adopted by agencies with jurisdiction over the project - Affect agricultural resources or operations - Disrupt or divide the physical arrangement of an established community Geologic Problems - Fault rupture - Seismic ground shaking - Seismic ground failure, including liquefaction - . Seiche, tsunami, or volcanic hazard Landslides or mudflows Erosion, changes in topography or unstable soil conditions from excavation, grading, or fill Subsidence of the land Expansive soils Unique geologic or physical features Water - Discharge into surface waters or other alteration of surface water quality - Changes in the amount of surface water in any water body - Changes in currents, or the course or direction of water movements - Change in the quantity of ground waters - Altered direction or rate of flow of groundwater - Impacts to groundwater quality - Substantial reduction in the amount of groundwater otherwise available for public water supplies Air Quality - Alter air movement, moisture, or temperature, or cause any change in climate - Create objectionable odors Transportation/Circulation - Hazards to safety from design features - Inadequate emergency access or access to nearby uses - Hazards or barriers for pedestrians or bicyclists . Conflicts with adopted policies supporting alternative transportation Rail, waterborne or air traffic impacts City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalisation .area Redevelopment Agency ES-5 Environmental Impact Report Biological Resources - Endangered, threatened, or rare species or their habitats - Locally designated species - Locally designated natural communities - Wetland habitat - Wildlife dispersal or migration corridors Energy and Mineral Resources - Conflict with adopted energy conservation plans - Use non-renewable resources in a wasteful and inefficient manner - Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of future value to the region and the residents of the State Hazards - A risk of accidental explosion or release of hazardous substances - Possible interference with an emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan The creation of any health hazard or potential health hazard Exposure of people to existing sources of potential health hazards Increased fire hazard in areas with flammable brush, grass, or trees Noise - Increases in existing noise levels - Exposure of people to severe noise levels Public Services - Fire protection - Police protection - Maintenance of public facilities - Other governmental services Utilities and Service Systems - Power or natural gas - Communications systems - Local or regional water treatment or distribution'facilities - Sewer or septic tanks - Storm water drainage - Solid waste disposal - . Local or regional water supplies Aesthetics - Affect a scenic vista or scenic highway - Have a demonstrable negative aesthetic effect - Create light or glare Cultural Resources - Disturb paleontological resources City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalkation Area Redevelopment Agency ES-6 Environmental Impact Report Disturb archaeological resources Affect historical resources Have the potential to cause a physical change which would affect unique ethnic cultural values Restrict existing religious or sacred uses within the potential impact area Recreation - Increase the demand for neighborhood or regional parks or other recreational facilities - Affect existing recreational opportunities Beneficial Effects: The EIR analysis found that the proposed amended redevelopment plan will result in the following public benefit: alleviate blighting conditions in the Project Area improve public infrastructure and facilities, including streets circulation, parks, sewer, and storm drain system provide funding for additional affordable housing and for preservation of existing affordable housing in the City City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization .Area Redevelopment Agency ES-7 Environmental Impact Report TABLE 2 SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ISSUE AREA POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES LEVEL OF IMPACT AFTER MITIGATION Unavoidable Significant Environmental Impacts (Lead Agency must issue "Statement of Overriding Considerations" under Sections 15093 and 15126(b) of the State CEQA Guidelines if the Agency determines these effects are significant and approves the project). Air Quality Development in the Project Area • For all individual development Significant. will result in additional mobile projects, construction -related exhaust and stationary emissions above and dust emissions will be controlled. the SCAQMD daily thresholds All unpaved demolition and for CO, ROG, and NOx. construction areas shall be wetted as necessary during excavation to reduce dust emissions and meet SCAQMD Rule 403. Wetting twice a day will reduce particulate emissions (dust) by about 50 percent. To the maximum extent feasible, reclaimed water will be used for this purpose. All grading activity shall cease when wind speed exceeds 25 mph. • Individual development projects shall be designed and operated to conserve energy in keeping with Title 24 requirements. During grading, on major projects (either two acres in site size or at least 100,000 cubic yards of earth movement (cut and fill)] filters on air intakes at sensitive receptors, including schools and other facilities which may be identified by the Community Development Director, within I,000 feet of and downwind from grading operations will be replaced by filters of nominal removal efficiency for particulates (s 10 microns) of 99.9 percent. Filters will be inspected weekly and changed as necessary to minimize the amount of particulate matter in interior air. The individual project developer shall be responsible for coordinating and funding this mitieation measure. City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area Redevelopment Agencv ES-8 Environmental Impact Report POTENTIAL LEVEL OF IMPACT ISSUE AREA ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION MEASURES AFTER IMPACT MITIGATION Air Quality During grading for major projects (continued) [either two acres in site size or at least 100,000 cubic yards of earth movement (cut and fill)], at nearby and downwind sensitive receptors, the grounds, tables and benches in exterior play areas used regularly will be inspected daily for accumulation of dust. Under conditions when dust is observed to accumulate, the area will be cleaned to minimize the potential for exposure of people to particulates outside and to minimize the potential for this dust to be carried into the building or to become airborne again and circulated into the building's ventilation system. The individual project developer shall be responsible for coordinating and funding this mitigation measure. • Loading and storage ofearth during grading for major projects [either two acres in site size or at least 100,000 cubic yards of earth movement (cut and fill)] will take place at least 500 feet from surrounding residences or sensitive receptors to the extent feasible to minimize impacts. Grading plans will show locations for such loading and storage, Significant Environmental Impacts That Can Be Avoided or Mitigated (Section 15126(c) of the State CEQA Guidelines). None Environmental Impacts That Are Considered Adverse But Less Than Significant (Sections 15126 and 15128 of the State CEQA Guidelines) Land Use The proposed project will result No mitigation measures are required since Less than significant. in development on remaining the new development and will be consistent vacant and underutilized sites with land use policies of the Diamond Bar with modem commercial and General Plan. Each individual project in the light industrial uses, and with Project Area will be developed in accordance residential uses. with the City and Agency current development standards, which include limits on height and mass, required setbacks and landscaping, provision of parking, and other requirements. As a result, new'development on vacant sites and redevelopment of existing underutized sites and sites containing obsolete or incompatible uses, is anticipated to provide more landscaping, better buffering, and better architectural design benefitting the Project Area and the surroundiniz uses. City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalisation Area Redevelopment Agency ES-9 Environmental Impact Report ISSUE AREA POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT MITIGATION MEASURES LEVEL OF IMPACT AFTER MITIGATION Land Use Consistent with the General Plan strategies, (continued) the Agency and the City will require the following as part of the standard site plan and design review of individual projects within the Project Area : • Major development projects adjacent to existing residential areas, schools, and other sensitive uses shall provide effective buffering from the adjacent uses. The effective buffering shall consist of setbacks, landscaping, barriers, and/or any other features as determined appropriate by the Redevelopment Agency and other City agencies to ensure compatibility with adjacent uses. Traffic/ The proposed project will add Diamond Bar/Golden Springs: Add a Less than significant. Circulation additional traffic to streets and left turn lane to each approach on roadways serving the Project Golden Springs for a total of two in Area. each direction. This can be accomplished within the existing street width but requires elimination of the bicycle lanes at the intersection. • SR 60/57 East -Bound Ramps/Grand Avenue: Change the SR 60/57 off ramp approach stripping and operations to prohibit a through movement (allow left and right turns only). This will allow a right turn overlap signal phase from Grand Avenue (northbound) to SR 60/57 on -ramp. • SR 60/57 West -Bound Ramps/Grand Avenue: Restripe the north Grand Avenue approach to provide a left, through, through/right, and right turn lane. • Grand Avenue/Golden Springs: On Golden Springs for what was identified as the eastbound approach , add a left turn lane (for a total of two) and improve the eastbound right turn to a free right turn. On westbound Golden Springs, add a right turn lane. City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area Redevelopment Agency ES-10 Environmental Impact Report POTENTIAL LEVEL OF IMPACT ISSUE AREA ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION MEASURES AFTER IMPACT MITIGATION Traffic/ Damond Bar Boulevard/Grand Circulation Avenue: Implement improvements to (continued) provide three through lanes on the Grand Avenue approaches and the southbound Diamond Bar Boulevard approach. The existing southbound right turn lane will be converted into a through lane. For the northbound approach, strip for a through , through/right, and right turn lane to accommodate the high number of northbound right turn during the PM peak hour. • Brea Canyon Road/Golden Springs - Colima: Add a left turn lane to the northbound and southbound approaches on Brea Canyon Road, for a total of two. Eastbound - make improvements to convert the right turn lane to a through Iane, Westbound - add a left turn lane to provide a total of two. • Pathfinder Road/Diamond Bar Boulevard: Make modifications to provide an added northbound through lane at intersection. This will impact existine bicycle lane at this location. Population, The project will generate The provision of additional housing and Less than significant Housing, and additional housing and jobs in employment opportunities will be Employment the Project Area. consistent with City General Plan and thus, with employment and population forecast of the regional growth management plans. The project will also provide funding for affordable housing in the City, and for preservation of some of the existing affordable housing stock. Schools The proposed project will No mitigation measures are required. Less than significant. generate additional students to Individual developments will comply with schools that are at capacity or existing requirements for payment of school nearing capacity, fees. The fees will be adequate for the estimated additional classrooms needed to accommodate new students. City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area Redevelopment Agency ES-11 Environmental Impact Report ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROJECT The CEQA Guidelines [Section 15126(d)] require that an EIR describe and evaluate the comparative merits of a range of reasonable alternatives to the proposed project, or to the project's location, which would feasibly attain most of the basic objectives of the project. The following alternatives are evaluated in the EIR: 1. No Project Alternative According to CEQA Guidelines, the No Project alternative, required by law to be considered in the EIR, must discuss "existing conditions, as well as what would be reasonably expected to occur in the foreseeable future if the project were not approved, based on current plans and consistent with available infrastructure and community services" [Section 15126(d)(4)]. No Additional Development: This alternative considers retaining the Project Area in its existing condition with no additional development taking place. It is used to establish a baseline against which all other alternatives, including the proposed project, can be comparatively evaluated. The Environmental Setting description in Section 3 of the EIR provided for each impact area constitutes the "No Additional Development" alternative since it describes existing conditions. This alternative is considered environmentally superior to the project because it would not result in any new or additional environmental impacts associated with additional development in the Project Area. However, maintaining existing conditions -- including blighted, underutilized, nonconforming, and vacant properties -- would not meet any of the project objectives and is therefore considered infeasible. In addition, this alternative is inconsistent with the goals and policies established for the Project Area in the City General Plan. The General Plan provides for additional development in the Project Area above the levels that currently exist, and assumes that such development is the ultimate and intended use of the area, including currently vacant and underutilized parcels. This alternative is also considered infeasible because of the severe development limitations that would need to be placed on private property in order to maintain current development levels. Development in the Absence of the Project: This alternative would permit continuing development throughout the Project Area, consistent with the General Plan and zoning, but without the assistance of the proposed redevelopment plan. Although the same uses and the same maximum potential could be developed under this alternative as under the proposed project, the cohesive framework provided by the redevelopment plan for orderly and coordinated development within the Project Area, would not be in place. With no redevelopment plan in place, buildout of the Project Area would be expected to occur over a longer period of time (more than the 20 years assumed for the proposed project), and in piecemeal fashion. Some existing blighting influences and deficiencies, such deteriorated structures, substandard design, lack of landscaping, unimproved parks, street and utility infrastructure deficiencies, would continue. Without tax increment financing, the needed public improvements would not be constructed, maintaining an undesirable environment for the development of new business and City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area Redevelopment Agency ES-12 Environmental Impact Report delaying the improvement of the area. Buildout of the Project Area under this alternative would result in environmental impacts comparable to those of the proposed project because development under this alternative is subject to the same the same General Plan land use designations, and thus, the same maximum delopment potential within the Project Area. Since this alternative will not achieve the stated goals and objectives of the proposed redevelopment plan nor reduce any environmental impacts, it is considered inferior to the proposed project. 2. Smaller Project Alternative This alternative considers a smaller geographic area for the Economic Revitalization Area. Depending on the precise delineation of such smaller area, it could be possible to include all identified blighted areas within the boundary of a reduced Project Area, and implement the proposed redevelopment plan to alleviate blighting conditions. Depending on which portions of the proposed Project Area are eliminated, this alternative could reduce the magnitude, but not the significance, of the proposed project's single unavoidable significant impact on air quality. With less land and therefore, less development, mobile emissions of air pollutants would be also reduced. However, to reduce this significant impact to a less than significant level, the emissions of ROG, NOx, and CO would need to be in a range of 800 to 400 percent reduction to meet the SCAQMD's daily thresholds for these pollutants, which would require a significant curtailment of future development. With less development, less vehicular trips would be generated in the Project Area. Therefore, traffic impacts could be reduced and consequently, the need for street and roadway improvements and traffic mitigation could also be reduced. In addition, a reduced Project Area would limit the potential for collection tax increment revenue. As a result, the needed public infrastructure and facility improvements could be only partially implemented, and some of the existing and future deficiencies and problems would remain. The deficiencies, particularly those related to traffic and parking, could in turn adversely affect the Agency's ability to attract high quality development into the Project Area. With limited revenues, the Agency'may not be able to implement park improvements or effectively assemble sites to suit modern development compatible with the existing and surrounding uses. In addition, the Agency's ability to fund affordable housing programs and activities would also be limited. As a result, the preservation, rehabilitation, and production of affordable housing in the City using the set -aside redevelopment housing funds would be reduced. For these reasons, the "Smaller Project" alternative is considered to result in mixed beneficial and adverse environmental impacts in comparison with the proposed project. City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalkation Area RedevelopmentAgencv ES-13 Environmental Impact Report 3. Lower Traffic -Generating Development Alternative This alternative considers development of the Project Area with commercial and industrial uses that would generate less vehicular trips than those anticipated for the proposed project. Since in general, retail and entertainment/restaurant uses generate the highest number of vehicular trips per square foot of building space, replacing these uses with office, business park, and research and development which generate lower vehicular trips, would reduce the overall volume of traffic from the Project Area. Therefore, in comparison with the proposed project, this alternative could require fewer mitigation measures to reduce traffic impacts. With less traffic, mobile air pollutant emissions would also be reduced. However, as with Alternative 2, Smaller Project, this reduction would not be sufficient to lower daily emissions below the SCAQMD thresholds of significance. However, this alternative could require the City to impose development limitations on types of permitted commercial uses, and amend its General Plan and Zoning Code to avoid conflict with current land use plans and regulations for the Project Area. This alternative would also significantly reduce financial benefits to the City because it eliminates sales tax revenue generated by retail, entertainment, and restaurant development. This reduction in revenue could adversely affect the City's ability to provide future municipal services for Diamond Bar residents and businesses. Therefore, this alternative is considered to result in mixed overall effects when compared to the proposed project. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY AND ISSUES TO BE RESOLVED The proposed Redevelopment Plan for the Economic Revitalization Area is not considered controversial, since it does not involve any change in land use policy established for the Project Area in the existing General Plan. The General Plan was adopted by the Diamond Bar City Council in 1995. Issues to be resolved include traffic and circulation, since a number of major intersections in Diamond Bar currently experience considerable peak -hour congestion as a result of commuters using local streets to avoid freeway traffic. Without sufficient mitigation, buildout of the Project Area will exacerbate existing traffic conditions. In addition, there are parking deficiencies in the ProjectAreaincluding poor distribution of parking facilities and spaces, and properties with limited on -street parking. Buildout of the Project Area over time could cumulatively impact public parking. MITIGATION MONITORING PROGRAM In accordance with Section 21081 of CEQA, adoption of a mitigation monitoring program by the Agency will be required prior to approval of any project within the scope of this EIR. The monitoring program will be designed to ensure compliance with mitigation measures in this EIR. City of Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area Redevelopment Agency ES-I4 Environmental Impact Report RESOLUTION NO. R-97- A RESOLUTION OF THE DIAMOND BAR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY RECEIVING THE PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE DIAMOND BAR ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA, AND AUTHORIZING TRANSMITTAL OF THE PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT PLAN TO AFFECTED TAXING AGENCIES, AND PERSONS AND ORGANIZATIONS WITHIN THE PROJECT AREA AND SUBMITTAL TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION A. RECITALS 1. A draft Redevelopment Plan has been prepared for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area; and 2. The California Community Redevelopment Law (Health and Safety Code Section 33000, et seq.) ("CRL") provides in Section 33385(f) and 33386 that the Agency shall consult with and obtain the advice of persons and organizations within the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area on the proposed Redevelopment Plan prior to its submittal to the City Council; and 3. The CRL provides in Section 33328 that prior to the publication of the notice of a joint Agency/City Council public hearing on the proposed Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area ("Redevelopment Plan"), the Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency ("Agency") shall consult with each affected taxing agency with respect to the proposed Redevelopment Plan; and 4. The CRL further provides in Section 33356 that prior to a joint public hearing on the proposed Redevelopment Plan, the Agency shall submit the proposed Redevelopment Plan to the Planning Commission for its report and recommendation. B. RESOLUTIONS NOW, THEREFORE, it is found, determined, and resolved by the Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency as follows: 1. The proposed Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area, a copy of which is attached hereto as Attachment A, is ordered, received and filed. 2. The Executive Director, Agency staff and consultants are authorized and directed to meet with and make available to residents and community organizations copies of the proposed Redevelopment Plan prior to submitting it to the City Council, and consult with, and obtain the advice of, residents and community organizations in accordance with CRL Section 33386.. Dial„wfluWM -1- 1/6/97 DRAFT 3. 'The Executive Director is authorized and directed to transmit the proposed Redevelopment Plan to each affected taxing agency for purposes of consultations. Agency staff is authorized and directed to consult with the affected taxing agencies with respect to the proposed redevelopment plan and the allocation of taxes pursuant to CRL Section 33670. 4. The Secretary shall refer the proposed Redevelopment Plan to the Diamond Bar Planning Commission for report and recommendation. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this day of , 1997. Chairman I hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency at its regular meeting thereof held on the day of , 1997, by the following vote of the Agency: AYES: AGENCY MEMBERS: NOES: AGENCY MEMBERS: ABSENT: AGENCY MEMBERS: ABSTAINED: AGENCY MEMBERS: Secretary DiMbU\P1"m0 -2- 1/6/97 DRAFT TO: Honorable Chairman and Agency Members FROM: Terrence L. Belanger, Executive Director ' (UJ DATE: March 18, 1997 SUBJECT: Resolution Approving as to Form the Preliminary Report and Authorizing Staff to Circulate the Preliminary Report to Affected Taxing Agencies, County Officials, and the Planning Commission � � 1 � � �t7 i�C-�1� = /�p1^P-�➢ Recommendation: - C+ioll� That the Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency adopt a resolution approving the Preliminary Report for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area and directing the transmittal of the Preliminary Report to the affected taxing agencies. Background: The Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency has undertaken proceedings for the adoption of the Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area ("Redevelopment Plan"). On November 19, 1996, the Agency adopted Resolution No. 96-09 approving the selection of the area within the boundaries of the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area ("Project Area") and the Preliminary Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area ("Project"). The adoption of this Resolution also directed the preparation of a redevelopment plan for the Project and the noticing of affected taxing agencies of the proposed adoption of the Project Area. To date, the required notices pursuant to Sections 33327 and 33328 of the California Community Redevelopment Law ("CRU) were transmitted to affected taxing entities on November 21, 1996, and the Draft Redevelopment Plan, as well as the Draft Rules Governing Owner Participation and Re-entry Preferences.to Property Owners, Operators of Businesses and Business Tenants, and the Draft General Relocation Plan, have been prepared for Agency receipt at this meeting. Additionally, the Agency has initiated the formation of an Ad -Hoc Advisory Committee for the purposes of providing a public forum, advice and recommendation on documents prepared as part of the redevelopment process. Preliminary Report Page 2 The Preliminary Report has been prepared to the prescribed requirements of the CRL, and includes, among other things, a description of the physical and economic conditions in the Project Area, an analysis of the financial feasibility of the Project, a discussion regarding the urbanization of the Project Area, and a description of how projects and programs implemented as part of the Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area will alleviate the adverse physical and economic conditions in the Project Area. More specifically, the'CRL requires that the Preliminary Report contain the following sections: (1) the reasons for the selection of the Project Area; (2) a description of the physical and economic conditions which exist in the proposed Project Area; (3) a determination as to whether the Project Area is predominantly urbanized; (4) a preliminary assessment of the proposed method of financing the redevelopment of the Project Area, including an assessment of the economic feasibility of the Project and the reasons for the provision of tax increments; and (5) a description of how the Redevelopment Plan and the proposed projects to be pursued by the Agency will improve or alleviate blighting conditions. The purpose of the Preliminary Report is to provide information to taxing agencies regarding why the Agency proposed to adopt the Redevelopment Plan for the Project, thereby giving them the opportunity to review the proposed Project and raise questions and make comments, if so desired. The Preliminary Report, along with the proposed Redevelopment Plan and the EIR, will be transmitted to each affected taxing agency. RESOLUTION NO. R-97- A RESOLUTION OF THE DIAMOND BAR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY REPORT FOR THE DIAMOND BAR ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA AND DIRECTING THE TRANSMITTAL OF THE PRELIMINARY REPORT TO THE AFFECTED TAXING AGENCIES A. RECITALS 1. The California Community Redevelopment Law (Health and Safety Code Section 33000, et seq.) ("CRL") provides in Section 33328 that the Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency ("Agency") shall consult with each taxing entity, which levies taxes or for which taxes are levied on property in the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area ("Project Area"), with respect to the Redevelopment Plan for the Project Area and the allocation of taxes pursuant to Section 33670 of the CRL. 2. A Preliminary Report has been prepared on the proposed Redevelopment Plan for the Project Area ("Preliminary Report") for transmittal to the affected taxing agencies for consultation purposes, pursuant to Section 33344.5 of the CRL. 3. The report regarding the proposed base year assessment roll, required by Section 33328 of the CRL ("Base Year Report"), was requested from the. -Los Angeles County Auditor -Controller's Office by the Agency on November 20, 1996 and has not been received as of the date of this resolution. 4. Section 33328 of the CRL allows that in the event the Base Year Report is not received within the 60 day time period required in this Section, the Agency may proceed with the adoption of the Redevelopment Plan for the Project Area. B. RESOLUTIONS NOW, THEREFORE, it is found, determined, and resolved by the Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency as follows: 1. The Preliminary Report, a copy of which is attached hereto as Attachment A, is ordered, received and filed. 2. The Executive Director is authorized and directed to transmit the Preliminary Report to each affected taxing agency for purposes of consultations in accordance with the provisions of the CRL. Di&rnWV1wres2 -1- 03/12/97 DRAFT 3. The Executive Director and Agency staff are authorized and directed to continue consultations with the affected taxing agencies with respect to the proposed Redevelopment Plan and the allocation of taxes pursuant to Section 33670 of the CRL. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this day of 1997. I hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency at its regular meeting thereof held on the day of 1997, by the following vote of the Agency: AYES: AGENCY MEMBERS: NOES: AGENCY MEMBERS: ABSENT: AGENCY MEMBERS: ABSTAINED: AGENCY MEMBERS: Secretary Di&mbu\p1,nm2 -2- 03/12/97 DRAFT TO: Honorable Chairman and Agency Members FROM: Terrence L. Belanger, Executive DirectorI DATE: March 18, 1997 SUBJECT: Resolution Receiving the Draft Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area, and Authorizing Transmittal of the Proposed Redevelopment Plan to Affected Taxing Agencies, and Persons and Organizations within the Project Area and Submittal to the Planning Commission for Report and Recommendation .. Grla Recommendation: That the Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency adopt a resolution receiving the draft Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area, and authorizing transmittal of the proposed Redevelopment Plan. Background: The Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency has undertaken proceedings for the adoption of the Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area ("Redevelopment Plan"). On November 19, 1996, the Agency adopted Resolution No. R-96-09, approving the selection of the area within the boundaries of the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area ("Project Area") and the Preliminary Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area ("Project"), The adoption of this Resolution also directed'thp preparation of a redevelopment plan for the Project and the noticing of affected taxing agencies of the proposed adoption of the Redevelopment Plan and Project Area. The Redevelopment Plan is based on the Preliminary Plan, approved by the Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency ("Agency") on November 19, 1996, and provides a framework of goals, powers, duties, and obligations to implement the redevelopment program. Generally, the Redevelopment Plan also allows the Agency to collect tax increment revenues to construct needed public improvements, acquire property for sale and lease, fund affordable housing, and generally rehabilitate and improve the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area. Draft Redevelopment Plan Page 2 The Redevelopment Plan is essentially a legal document (rather than a "plan") that sets forth the Agency's goals, powers, duties, and obligations to implement the redevelopment program within the Project Area. This is underscored by the language in paragraph two on page one, which describes the Redevelopment Plan as presenting a process and framework within which specific development plans will be presented, priorities for specific projects will be established, and specific solutions will be proposed, and by which tools are provided to the Agency to fashion, develop, and proceed with such specific plans,.projects and solutions. More specifically, the Redevelopment Plan provides a framework which allows the Agency to: 1) assist in implementing the policies, goals, objectives and strategies as presented in the General Plan of the City of Diamond Bar; 2) fund property rehabilitation programs; 3) construct public facility and infrastructure improvements (such as those shown in Exhibit C to the Redevelopment Plan); 4) provide for affordable housing opportunities in conjunction with the City's Housing Element; 5) acquire property for sale or lease within the Project Area; 6) collect tax increment to fund rehabilitation programs, public improvements, and other Agency activities; and 7) sell bonds to fund, .in whole or in part, rehabilitation programs, public improvements, and other Agency activities. - The Redevelopment Plan will remain in effect for 30 years and the Agency will have the ability to collect tax increment revenues for 15 additional years after that point (for a total of 45 years), provided that debt service payments on outstanding bonds are required after the 30 year term of the Redevelopment Plan has --expired. The draft Redevelopment Plan is being reviewed by the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee: The final Redevelopment Plan will be considered for approval by the City Council at the joint City Council / Redevelopment'Agency public hearing scheduled for May 20, 1997. RESOLUTION NO. R-97- A RESOLUTION OF THE DIAMOND BAR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY RECEIVING THE PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE DIAMOND BAR ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA, AND AUTHORIZING TRANSMITTAL OF THE PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT PLAN TO AFFECTED TAXING AGENCIES, AND PERSONS AND ORGANIZATIONS WITHIN THE PROJECT AREA AND SUBMITTAL TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION A. RECITALS 1. A draft Redevelopment Plan has been prepared for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area; and 2. The California Community Redevelopment Law (Health and Safety Code Section 33000, et sea.) ("CRL") provides in Section 33385(f) and 33386 that the Agency shall consult with and obtain the advice of persons and organizations within the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area on the proposed Redevelopment Plan prior to its submittal to the City Council; and 3. The CRL provides in Section 33328 that prior to the publicationof the notice of a joint Agency/City Council public hearing on the proposed Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area ("Redevelopment Plan"), the Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency ("Agency") shall consult with each affected taxing agency with respect to the proposed Redevelopment Plan; and 4. The CRL further provides in Section 33356 that prior to a joint public hearing on the proposed Redevelopment Plan, the Agency shall submit the proposed Redevelopment Plan to the Planning Commission for its report and recommendation. B. RESOLUTIONS NOW, THEREFORE, it is found, determined, and resolved by the Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency as follows: 1. The proposed Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area, a copy of which is attached hereto as Attachment A, is ordered, received and filed. 2. The Executive Director, Agency staff and consultants are authorized and directed to meet with and make available to residents and community organizations copies of the proposed Redevelopment Plan prior to submitting it to the City Council, and consult with, and obtain the advice of, residents and community organizations in accordance with CRL Section 33386.. DiunbukpWrao -1- 1/6/97 DRAFT 3. 'The Executive Director is authorized and directed to transmit the proposed Redevelopment Plan to each affected taxing agency for purposes of consultations. Agency staff is authorized and directed to consult with the affected taxing agencies with respect to the proposed redevelopment plan and the allocation of taxes pursuant to CRL Section 33670. 4. The Secretary shall refer the proposed Redevelopment Plan to the Diamond Bar Planning Commission for report and recommendation. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this day of , 1997. Chairman ' I hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency at its regular meeting thereof held on the day of , 1997, by the following vote of the Agency: AYES: AGENCY MEMBERS: NOES: AGENCY MEMBERS: ABSENT: AGENCY MEMBERS: ABSTAINED: AGENCY MEMBERS: Secretary DivnWplunrno -2- 1/6/97 DRAFT A-1 F- TO: FROM: DATE: Honorable Chairman and Agency Members Terrence L. Belanger, Executive Director 0 March 18, 1997 SUBJECT: Resolution Approving as to Form the Preliminary Report and Authorizing Staff to Circulate the Preliminary Report to Affected Taxing Agencies, County Officials, and the Planning Commission 9 l vi ub,�, Recommendation: C+iall�� That the Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency adopt a resolution approving the Preliminary Report for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area and directing the transmittal of the Preliminary Report to the affected taxing agencies. Background: The Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency has undertaken proceedings for the adoption of the Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area ("Redevelopment Plan"). On November 19, 1996, the Agency adopted Resolution No. 96-09 approving the selection of the area within the boundaries of the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area ("Project Area") and the Preliminary Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area ("Project"). The adoption of this Resolution also directed the preparation of a redevelopment plan for the Project and the noticing of affected taxing agencies of the proposed adoption of the Project Area. To date, the required notices pursuant to Sections 33327 and 33328 of the California Community Redevelopment Law ("CRL") were transmitted to affected taxing entities on November 21, 1996, and the Draft Redevelopment Plan, as well as the Draft Rules Governing Owner Participation and Re-entry Preferences to Property Owners, Operators of Businesses and Business Tenants, and the Draft General Relocation Plan, have been prepared for Agency receipt at this meeting. Additionally, the Agency has initiated the formation of an Ad -Hoc Advisory Committee for the purposes of providing a public forum, advice and recommendation on documents prepared as part of the redevelopment process. Preliminary Report Page 2 The Preliminary Report has been prepared to the prescribed requirements of the CRL, and includes, among other things, a description of the physical and economic conditions in the Project Area, an analysis of the financial feasibility of the Project, a discussion regarding the urbanization of the Project Area, and a description of how projects and programs implemented as part of the Redevelopment Plan for the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area will alleviate the adverse physical and economic conditions in the Project Area. More specifically, the CRL requires that the Preliminary Report contain the following sections: (1) the reasons for the selection of the Project Area; (2) a description of the physical and economic conditions which exist in the proposed Project Area; (3) a determination as to whether the Project Area is predominantly urbanized; (4) a preliminary assessment of the proposed method of financing the redevelopment of the Project Area, including an assessment of the economic feasibility of the Project and the reasons for the provision of tax increments; and (5) a description of how the Redevelopment Planand the proposed projects to be pursued by the Agency will improve or alleviate blighting conditions. The purpose of the Preliminary Report is to provide information to taxing agencies regarding why the Agency proposed to adopt the Redevelopment Plan for the Project, thereby giving them the opportunity to review the proposed Project'and raise questions and make comments, if so desired. The Preliminary Report, along with the proposed Redevelopment Plan and the EIR, will be transmitted to each affected taxing agency. RESOLUTION NO. R-97- A RESOLUTION OF THE DIAMOND BAR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY APPROVING THE PRELIMINARY REPORT FOR THE DIAMOND BAR ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA AND DIRECTING THE TRANSMITTAL OF THE PRELIMINARY REPORT TO THE AFFECTED TAXING AGENCIES A. RECITALS 1. The California Community Redevelopment Law (Health and Safety Code Section 33000, e_ t seq.) ("CRL") provides in Section 33328 that the Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency ("Agency") shall consult with each taxing entity, which levies taxes or for which taxes are levied on property in the Diamond Bar Economic Revitalization Area ("Project Area"), with respect to the Redevelopment Plan for the Project Area and the allocation of taxes pursuant to Section 33670 of the CRL. 2. A Preliminary Report has been prepared on the proposed Redevelopment Plan for the Project Area ("Preliminary Report") for transmittal to the affected taxing agencies for consultation purposes, pursuant to Section 33344.5 of the CRL. 3. The report regarding the proposed base year assessment roll, required by Section 33328 of the CRL ("Base Year Report"), was requested from the..Los Angeles County Auditor -Controller's Office by the Agency on November 20, 1996 and has not been received as of the date of this resolution. 4. Section 33328 of the CRL allows that in the event the Base Year Report is not received within the 60 day time period required in this Section, the Agency may proceed with the adoption of the Redevelopment Plan for the Project Area. B. RESOLUTIONS NOW, THEREFORE, it is found, determined, and resolved by the Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency as follows: 1. The Preliminary Report, a copy of -which is attached hereto as Attachment A, is ordered, received and filed. 2. The Executive Director is authorized and directed to transmit the Preliminary Report to each affected taxing agency for purposes of consultations in accordance with the provisions of the CRL. Diam4utgluva2 -1- 03/12/97 DRAFT 3. The Executive Director and Agency staff are authorized and directed to continue consultations with the affected taxing agencies with respect to the proposed Redevelopment Plan and the allocation of taxes pursuant to Section 33670 of the CRL. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this day of 1997. Chairman I hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency at its regular meeting thereof held on the day of , 1997, by the following vote of the Agency: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAINED: AGENCY MEMBERS: AGENCY MEMBERS: AGENCY MEMBERS: AGENCY MEMBERS: Secretary Diunba Iuaei2 -2- 03/12/97 DRAFT ko M 00 v r, ti A H z Lo DIAMOND BAR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY SCHEDULE OF ACTIONS FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE DIAMOND BAR ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION AREA STATUS ACTION f TARGET DATE ACTION DESCRIPTION/RESPONSIBILITY DOCUMENTS REQUIRED SEPTEMBER 24, 1996 1. SEPTEMBER 24, 1996 Redevelopment Agency Survey Area. Agency DUE by Sept 17,19% designates a redevelopment Survey Area (CRL * Resolution Section 33310). * Survey Area'_blap OCTOBER 11, 1996 OCTOBER 9, 1996 OCTOBER 29, 1996 NOVEMBER 19, 1996 2_ OCTOBER 7, 1996 Censuk=t - Prepare Draft Preliminary Plan. * Preliminary Plan Final drat} prepared by October 21, 1996_ 3. OCTOBER 9, 1996 EIR Cows ant - Begin preparation of Initial Study. 4. OCTOBER 28, 1996 Plnaning Commission - Preliminary Plan or NOVEMBER 11, 1996 Commission adopts Preliminary Plan (CRL Section 33325). 5. NOVEMBER 19, 1996 Redevelopownt Agency - Preliminary Plan - Agency adopts resolution approving selection of Project Area and Preliminary Plan, and commencing activities and directing staff to notice affected taxing entities of the proposed adoption of the Project Ana (CRL Sections 33323, 33327, and 33329). DUE by Oct. 21,19% • Staff Report s Resolution • Preliminary Plan • Project Area Map DUE by Nov_ 8,19% * Staff Report * Resolution * Preliminary Plan • Project Ana Map Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency City Council and Agency Meet on I st ar 3rd Tuesday March 121 1997 Plannbtg Conunission Meets on 2nd and 4di Tuesday 1 oo►,wnsaa,k.aa STATUS ACTION TARGET DATE ACTION DESCRIPTION/RESPONSIBILITY DOCUMENTS REQUIRED NOVEMBER 19, 1996 6. NOWMBER 19, 1996 KIR Consultant - Initial Studyl-Motice of DUE by Nov. 21, 19% (CIRCULATED'NOV. 21 - Preparation. Mail notice of Preparation to * NOP DEC. 21, 1996) taxing entities and responsible agencies. * Initial Study Commence 30-day circulation (CRL Section * Taxing Entities Mailing List 33333.3). Commence preparation of EIR. 7. NOVEMBER 19, 1996 EIR Cousuhsnt - Begin preparation of Draft EIR_ NOVEMBER 21, 1996 H. NOVEMBER 21, 1996 Consallmet - Statement of PFgmra im Mail Statement of Preparation to affected taxing entities (via certified mail) and State Board of Equalization (via overnight mail) and invite them to consult with the Agency indicating intent to use 1996-97 Base Year Assessment Roll (CRL Sections 33327 and 33328). 9. NOVEMBER 26, 1996 thru Auditor-Centroller - Base Year Report - Base JANUARY 29, 1997 Year Report is prepared by County Auditor - Controller and completed within sixty (60) days of receipt of notice (based on 1996-97 roll). DECEMBER 19, 1996 10. DECEMBER 19, 1996 City Council - No AW Resolution - Adopt a resolution determining that the formation of a project area committee (PAC) is not required in connection with the adoption of the Redevelopment Plan and directing that alternative proceedings be followed (CRL Section 33385). DUE by Nov. 14,19% • Statement • Taxing Entities :Mailing List • Project Area Map • Legal Description • State Board of Equalization Filing Fee Due by Nov. 25,19% • Staff Report * Resolution Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency City Council and Agency Meet on Ist a 3rd Tuesday March 12. 1997 Planning Commission Meets on 2nd and 4th Tuesday 2 DIUMW sa■ &d, d t STATUS ACTION # TARGET DATE ACTION DESCRIPTION/RESPONS161LITY DOCUMENTS REQUIRED 11. DECEMBER 23, 1996 EIR Consulkant - Last day for responses to Initial Study/NOP. 12. JANUARY 7, 1997 Consultant and Attorney - Prepare Documents. DUE by San. 7,1997 Prepare the Draft Redevelopment Plan and Draft * Draft Redevelopctear Plan Rules for Owner Participation and General • Draft Rules for Owner Relocation Plan. Final drafts of these doctunents Participation and General prepared by February 25, 1997. Relocation Plan 13. FEBRUARY 6, 1997 EM Consultant - Screencbeck DFJR DUE by Feb. 6,1997 Screenebe& DEIR to City/comw1b Adattorneys. * Screenchock DEIR 14. FEBRUARY 12, 1997 Consultant - Prepare Documents. Prepare the DUE by Feb. 12,1997 Draft Preliminary Report which outlines the 0 Draft Preliminary Report reasons for the Redevelopment Plan_ Final draft prepared by February 25, 1997. l5_ MARCH 14, 1997 Aodiew-CoobvIler - dose Year Report - Transmit to Agency and Consultant the Base Year Report based on 19%-97 roll. Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency City Council and Agency Meet on 1 st & 3rd Tuesday March 12. 1997 Planning Commission Meets on 2nd and 4th Tuesday 3 o�k.� STATUS ACTION # TARGET DATE ACTION DESCRIPTION/RESPONSIBILITY DOCUMENTS REQUIRED MARCH 11, 1997 16. MARCH 11, 1997 EIR Consultant - Final DEIR and Notice of Completion - Mail DEIR to public agencies including trustee agencies and State Clearinghouse CWR"� to affected taxing agencies (CRL Section 33333.4), to Planning Commission, to any bordering city or county, to persons/groups having environmental expertise or who have commented on related or past EIRs or who have requested copy of EIR, and to libraries for public review atd comment. Also post/circulate Notice of Completion (Guidelines Section 15095, 15087). 17. MARCH 12, 1997, thru Public Comment Period - DFUR - 45-day APRa.25, 1997 review and comment period on Draft EIR (Guidelines Section 15097). 18. MARCH 12, 1997 EIR Consultant - Follow-up call to State OPR to confirm rmcipt and log in. DUE by Mar. 11,1997 * DEIR Notice of Compktion 19. MARCH 18. 1997 Redevelopment Agency - Adopt Resolution - DUE by Mar. 12,1997 Adopt resolution receiving and authorizing * Staff Report transmittal of the Draft Redevelopment Plan to * Resolution affected taxing agencies and the Planning * Final Draft Redevelopment Commission. Plan 20. MARCH 18, 1997 Redeveloment Agency - Adopt Resolution - DUE by Mar.12,1997 Adopt resolution approving and directing that the * Staff Report Draft Rules for Ownw Participation be made * Resolution available for public inspection (CRL Sections * Final Draft Owner 33339-40, 33345). Participation Rules Dlansond Bar Redevelopment Agency City Council and Agency Meet on Ist tS 3rd Tuesday March 12, 1997 Planning Corrind lon Meets on 2nd and 41h Tuesday 4 0&W&z%S(b4*A "" STATUS ACTION # TARGET DATE ACTION DESCRIPTION/RESPONSIBILITY DOCUMENTS REQUIRED 0 21. MARCH 18, 1997 Redevelopment Agency - Adopt Resolution - Adopt resolution approving and directing that tie Draft General Relocation Plan be made available for the public inspection. 22. MARCH 18, 1997 Redevelopment Ageacy - Adopt Resolution - Adopt resolution approving as to form the Preliminary Report and audkwiziag staff to circulate Preliminary Report to affected taxing agencies, County officials, and Planning Commission (CRL Section 33344.5)_ Note; This date is subiect to ch"" if County Fiscal Officer's Report transmittal is delayed or the County Fiscal OW'wr's 992W nccds to be reconcil-ed 23. MARCH 19, 1997 Consultant - Traxsink Docamwx& - Transmit Preliminary Report - (CRL Section 33344.5), Draft Redevelopment Plan to affectod taxing entities (certified mail) and to the Planning Commission (CRL Section 33346). Invite affecW taxing entities to consait "informally" with the Agency regarding objections or concerns Witt► the prbposed Project Area [CRL 33352(a)(1)). DUE by Mar.12,1997 y Staff Repoli • Resolution • Final Draft General Relocation Plan DUE by Mar. 12,1997 • Staff Report • Resolution • Finial Pndimituy Report DUE by Mar. 13,1997 • Cover Letter • Draft Redevelopment Plan • Preliminary Report Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency City Council and Agency Meet on 1 st er 3rd Tuesday March 12. 1997 Planning Commission Meets on 2nd and 4th Tuesday 5 OWNWssNAAM ad c STATUS ACTION # TARGET DATE ACTION DESCRIPTION/RESPONSIBILITY DOCUMENTS REQUIRED 24. MARCH 21, 1997, (To Be Determisted) - Mail Notices - Mail the APRIL 1, 1997 or Notices of Public Forum meeting to be held on APRIL 8, 1997 either April 26, May 3 or May 10, 1997 to all residents, businesses and community organizations in the Project Area. 25. APRIL 9,1997 Planing Commission - Recommendation - Commission adopts a resolution approving its report 'and recommoodations on the proposed Redevelopment Plan, and the Redevelopment Plan's conformity with the General Plan (CRL Section 33346). 26. APRIL 14. 19977, APRIL 23, 1997 or APRIL 23, 1997 27. APRQ, 15, 1997 Staff - Publish Notice - Staff coordinates the publication of the Notice of Public Forum meeting at least 10 days prior to tpeeting_ City CeuneWRedevelopment Agency - Set Joint Public Hearing for May 20, 1997 and Adopt Housing Resolutions - Adopt resolutions calling for a joint public heating on the proposed Redevelopment Plan and the EIR. Adopt resolutions funding that the use of taxes allocated from the Project Area for the purpose of improving and increasing the community's supply of low and moderate income housing outside the Project Area ,anll be of benefit to the Project [CRL Section 33334.2(g)]. DUE by Mar. 18,1"7 Cover Letter " Mailing List " Meeting Notice Project Area Map " Affidavit of Mailing DUE by Apr. 1, 1997 " Resolution Staff Report " Redevelopment Plan DUE by Apr. 1, 1997 • Meeting Notice ' Project Area Map Affidavit of Publication DUE by Apr- 8,1997 • Staff Report • Agency and Cite Council Joint Public Hearing Resolutions " Agency Housing Resolution " City Housing Resolution Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency City Council and Agency Meet on 1st a 3rd Tuesday March 12, 1997 Planning Commission Meets on 2nd and 4th Tuesday 6 %W0b&ASAKo,kA" STATUS ACTION # TARGET DATE ACTION DESCRIPTION/RESPONSIBILITY DOCUMENTS REQUIRED 28. Starting On: APRIL 16, 1997 Completed By: APRIL 18, 1997 (To Be Determined) - .'plaid Notices - Mail the Notices of Joint Public Hearing (via first class mail) to the last known assessee of each, parcel in the Project Area, and to all residents aad businesses within the Project Area at least thirty (30) days prior to the Public.Hearing [CRL Section 33349(b) & (c)]. DUE by Apr. 16,1997 Mailing List of Property Owners ' Cover Letter * Notice of Joint Public Hearing 29. BY APRIL 18, 1997 Coasakant - Mail notices of Joint Public Hearing " Mailing List of County (via certified mail) to the County Officials, State Officials, State Board of Board of Equalization and governing bodies of the Equalization and Governing • taxing entities that levy taxes upon any property in Bodies of Taxing Entities the Project Area [CRL Section 33349(d]. 30. WEEK OF: Staff - Publish Notice - Publish Notice of Joint DUE by Apr. 4,1997 APRIL 22, 1997, Public Hearing for four (4) consecutive weeks in a * Notice of Joint Public Hearing APRIL 29, 1997, newspaper of general circulation [(CRL Section * Affidavit of Publication MAY 6, 1997, 33349(a)]. MAY 13, 1997 3 t . APRIL 26, 1997, Public Forum Meeting -Hold a public information MAY 3, 1997 or meeting for all interested property owners, MAY 10, 1997 residents, businesses, and community organizations. [CRL Section 33385(f)]. Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency City Council and Agency Meet on 1st s 3rd Tuesday March 12, 1997 Planning Commis4on Meets on 2nd and 4th Tuesday 7.� STATUS ACTION # TARGET DATE ACTION DESCRIPTION/RESPONSIBILITY DOCUMENTS REQUIRED 32. APRIL 30, 1997 EIR Consultant - Provide staff a draft of written responses to public agencies commenting on Draft EIR. Final written responses must be available at least 10 days prior to certifying EIR, or by -lay 10, 1997 (Public Resources Code §21092.5). 33. MAY 7, 1997 KHt Consultant - Provide flag written responses to EIR comments. Mail responses to agencies commenting on EIR. 34. MAY 20, 1997 Redevelopment Agency - Approve Dwwnmu - DUE by May 13,1997 Agency approves by resolution the Agency Report * Staff Report to the City Council on the Redevelopment Plan and * Resolution authorizes transmittal of said documents to the City * Report to Council Council. 35. MAY 20, 1997 Redevelopment Agency and City Council * Financial Interest Statements members file amended written statements of direct and indirect financial Wtereas in property in the Project Area (for inclusion in the minutes of each body). Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency City Council and Agency Meet on I st a 3rd Tuesday March 12, 1997 Planning Convnisdon Meets on 2nd and 4th Tuesday 8 STATUS ACTION # TARGET DATE ACTION DESCRIPTION/RESPONSINUTY DOCUMENTS REQUIRED 36. MAY 20, 1997 City Council and Redevelopment Agency - Hold a joint public hearing on the proposed Redevelopment Plan and Final EIR. If written objections are received from property owners or affected taxing agencies, after all presentations have been made and public testimony taken and responded to, the bearing is closed and the joint meeting is continued on June 3, 1997- If no written objections are received, after all presentations have been made and public testimony ceoeived and responded to, die bearing is closed and the Council and Agency proceed with Action -No. 37B on the following page. 37. MAY 20, 1997 City Council and Redevelopment Agency - (if no written objectives Hold a continued joint public bearing and consider are roc'd) or the following aetions.1documents= JLNE 3, 1997 (if written objectives A. City Council - adopts resolution ruling on are rec'd) objections to the proposed Redevelopment Plan, and, if necessary, approving written findings in response to all written objections from property owners and affected taxing agencies. DUE by May 13,1"7 * Agenda Program Document Binders with - Report to council - Redevelopment Plan - Final EIR DUE by May 13,1"7 ' Agency Resolutions approving Redevelopment Plan and EIR ' Council Resolutions certifying Final EIR • Ordinance • Written Responses Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency City Council and Agency Meet on 1st & 3rd Tuesday Much 12, 1997 Punning Commission Meets on 2nd and 4th Tuesday 9 DQMbW%SCh*dVW&X STATUS ACTION # TARGET DATE ACTION DESCRIPTION/RESPONSISIUTY DOCUMENTS REQUIRED B_ Cify Cosacil - adopts resolution making findings regarding the Final EIR, (which identifies the location and custodian of documents and materials that con.9titute the record of proceedings) approving the Agency's adopted reporting or monitoring program for adopted mitigation measures and, if necessary, adopting Statement of Ovariding Coosidaations. C. City Cord - gives first reading to ordinance adopting Redevelopment Plan. 38. (If written objections rec'd) Attorney and Consultant - IYriam Responses - if MAY 21, 1997 then necessary, prepare written responses to written TUNE 2, 1997 objections as presented at joint public hearing, if any (CRL Section 33363). 39. MAY 21, 1997) (If no written objectives are rec'd) or JUNE 4, 199? (If written objectives are reed) Staff - AWke of Deurmin doN - EIR Consultant * Notice of Determination prepares Notice of Deterinuu tioa. Staff files with • Fee the County Clerk the Final EIR Notice of Determination for both City and Agency (following hearing certifying the EIR). Diamond Bar Redewelopment Agency Clty Council and Agency Meet on I st 8 3rd Tuesday Mxch 12, 1997 Planning Commission Meets on 2nd and 4th Tuesday 10 k,,UK STATUS ACTION # TARGET DATE ACTION DESCRIPTION/RESPONSIBILITY DOCUMENTS REQUIRED 40. JUNE 3, 1997 City Ceencil -Second Reading -Second reading * Ordinance (If Do written objectives to and thereby adopts ordinance adopting are rec'd) Redevelopment Plan_ or RUNE 17, 1997 (If written objectives are rec'd) 41. RUNE 4, 1997 (If no written objectives are reed) or JUNE 18, 1997 (if written objectives are mc'd) 42. RINE 4, 1997 (If no written objectives an ree'd) or JUNE 19, 1997 (If written objectives are mc'd) 43. RJNE 4. 1997 (If no written objectives are need) or NNE 18, 1997 (If written objectives are reed) Staff (City Cleric) - Transmit Ordinance - * Confirm Publication Transmit copies of ordmaaeo to Agency and publish the adopted ordinance (CRL Sectios 33372). Staff - Record Documents - Consultant ptepams * Cover Letter documenb and staff records with County * Legal Description Recorder (head delivered) a doemneat describing * Document the Redevelopment Plan (CRL Section 33373). Coasaltaat - Tra wmit A'otices - Transmit (certified mail) copies of the ordinance, recorded document and Project Area map to tho governing bodies of all concerned taxing entities, the County Assessor, County Auditor, and the State Board of Equalization (CRL Section 33375). * Ordinance * Recorded Document * Project Area Map * Transmittal Letter Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency City Council and Agency Meet on 1st a[ 3rd Tuesday March 12, 1997 Planning Commission Meets on 2nd and 4th Tuesday STATUS ACTION # TARGET DATE ACTION DESCRIPTION/RESPONSIBILITY DOCUMENTS REQUIRED 44. JUNE 4, 1997 Staff - Transmit Notices - Transmit notices to the + Transmittal Letter (If no written objectives Building Department requesting them to advise are rec'd) all applicants for building permits in the Project or Area that the Redevelopment Plan has been RUNE 19, 1997 adopted (CRL Section 33374). (If written objectives are r oc'd) 45. Within IS days City Clerk - Publicarrou of Ordinance - of second reading Ordinance adopting Redevelopmmt Plan is of Ordinance published in newspaper of general circulation. 46. JUNE 21, 1997 EiR challenge period expires (30 days after (If no written objectives Notice of Determination has been fined). are reed) or JULY 4, 1997 (If written objectives are. reed) 47. JULY 3, 1997 Ordinance effective 30 days after "opt of (If no written objectives ordinance (second readlntJ. are rec'd) or DULY 17, 1997 (If written objectives are rec'd) Diamond Bar Redevelopment Agency Cky Coundl and Agency Meet on 1st a 3rd Tuesday March 12, 1997 Planning Commission Meets on 2nd and 4th Tuesday 12 oismuo %Sd aukam STATUS ACTION 8 TARGET DATE ACTION DESCRIPTION/RESPONSIBILITY DOCUMENTS REQUIRED 42. AUGUST 2, 1997 Period for filing challenges to the ordinance (If no written objectives expires 60 days after adoptioa of ordinance are reed) (second reading) (CRL Section 335W). or AUGUST 16, 1997 (if written objectives are rec'd) Diammi Bar Redevelopment Agency City Council and Agency Meet on 1 st 8t 3rd Tuesday March 12, 1997 Planning Commission Meets on 2nd and 4ch Tuesday 13 0&&LLW 60 - 90 days 90 - 120 days 90 - 180 days 30 days 7 to 14 days 7 to 14 days 30 days PROPOSED PROJECT ADOPTION SCHEDULE September, 1996 Redevelopment Agency Adopt Survey Area November, 1996 Redevelopment Agency & Planning Commission Select boundaries, approve Preliminary Plan, and transmit to affected taxing agencies Project Area Map, Preliminary Plan March, 1997 i Redevelopment Agency i Approve Preliminary Report and draft documents. Transmit Preliminary Report to affected taxing agencies Preliminary Report, draft Redevelopment Plan, draft Method of Relocation, draft Owner Participation Rules and draft EIR April, 1997 Draft Agency Report to Council MAY, 1997 PUBLIC HEARING City Council & Agency Approve final documents. Adopt ordinance to establish Project Area Final Agency Report to City Council, final EIR final Redevelopment Plan, final Method of Relocation and final Owner Participation Rules June,1997 City Council First reading of ordinance No Later Than June 17, 1997 City Council Second reading of ordinance By July 17, 1997 I Ordinance effective By July 17, 1997 Last Day to File Ordinance with County Recorder diambar\Adproc First increment received December of following SUMMARY REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT ADOPTION PROCESS WHAT IS REDEVELOPMENT? Redevelopment is a process by which a city or county can improve certain areas of the community. Redevelopment is used to promote private development, and to improve streets, utility systems, drainage facilities, parks, public buildings, and schools. Redevelopment is also used to promote housing affordable to low and moderate income families. Redevelopment can provide money to areas of need in the community. REDEVELOPMENT DOCUMENTS A variety of documents are prepared as part of the project adoption process to guide the Agency as it implements the redevelopment program. These documents are listed below. Preliminary Plan The Preliminary Plan is a brief document that outlines the basic concept for redevelopment of the Project Area. The Preliminary Plan describes the boundaries of the Project Area, and contains a general statement of the land uses, the layout of principal streets, population densities, and building intensities and standards proposed as the basis for the redevelopment of the Project Area. Project Area Map The Project Area map outlines the boundaries of the Project Area. The boundaries are selected because problem conditions exist within these areas. It is within these boundaries that the Agency can use its redevelopment authority and collect tax increment revenue. Redevelopment Plan The purpose of the Redevelopment Plan is to establish the Agency's powers, authority and responsibilities as it carries out redevelopment in the Project Area. The Plan also outlines the boundaries of the Project Area and contains a general list of the projects and programs the Agency may implement to improve the Project Area. The Redevelopment Plan is the most important document the Agency prepares. Preliminary Report The Preliminary Report is prepared for the taxing agencies which levy taxes in the Project Area. Information contained in the Preliminary Report includes: the reasons for the selection of the Project Area; a description of the physical, social and economic conditions existing in the Project Area; a preliminary method of financing the redevelopment of the Project Area; and a description of specific projects proposed by the Agency and how these projects will improve or alleviate conditions of blight. Owner Participation Rules The California Redevelopment Law requires that the Redevelopment Plan allow property and business owners a chance to participate in the redevelopment program. The Agency adopts rules to guide owner participation activities. These rules are generally used when the Agency wants to redevelop property that is owned by a variety of people. Relocation Plan The Agency must have a plan for relocation in cases where projects cause the relocation of business or residential uses. The Agency generally adopts the "California Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Guidelines" as its Relocation Plan. Draft and Final Environmental Impact Reports (EIR) Since the Redevelopment Plan lists projects and programs that can affect the entire Project Area, the State requires that it undergo an environmental review. As such, a Program EIR will be prepared. A Program EIR looks at the entire redevelopment program rather than specific projects or programs. Each specific project will have to undergo additional environmental review when it is constructed. Agency Report to City Council This Report contains the reasons why a Redevelopment Plan should be adopted. It outlines the problem conditions that redevelopment can remedy, describes the existing social and economic conditions in the community, and reviews how the Agency is going to pay for the redevelopment improvements. It also summarizes meetings with the Planning Commission, Project Area Committee, and affected taxing agencies. The Report also studies possible impacts on neighborhoods in or near the Project Area. Woptsum W J Redevelopment Project Area Created 1 I Tax Base Value Set a W New Private y y Investment W y y a V Start Project Redevelopment Project Period Completed ■ Increase In Assessed a Valuation Accrues to I Other Agencies Increase Assessed - Valuatlon For a Redevelopment a 30 40 YEARS REDEVELOPMENT WILL NOT INCREASE TAXES Redevelopment Agencies do not have the authority to levy taxes, fees or assessments on property in a Redevelopment Project Area. Tax Increment is the primary source of revenue Redevelopment Agencies have to spend on redevelopment projects. In short, tax increment is the difference between the property tax revenue generated now and the property tax revenue anticipated in the future. This difference, or increment, is retained by the Redevelopment Agency. Increases in property taxes are determined by Proposition 13, not the Redevelopment Agency. Proposition 13 set a statewide formula which states that your property taxes will equal 1% of the assessed value of your property. The assessed value is set by the County Assessor when property is sold or new construction is completed. Proposition 13 also states that if your property is not improved or sold, its assessed value can only be increased by up to 2% a year. However, if your property is improved or sold, then it is reassessed up to the sales price of the property or up the total of the current assessed value plus the value of the improvements. Then, you (or the new owner) are taxed 1% of the new assessed value of the property. TAX INCREMENT BONDS Redevelopment Agencies issue tax increment bonds to finance most of the projects contained within their Redevelopment Plan. The principal and interest payments for these bonds are paid from the tax increment revenue generated in the Project Area. The Agency may issue long term bonds. These bonds typically last from 10-30 years and the principal and interest are paid by the Agency for the life of the bond. Additionally, agencies may issue short-term notes whose term typically last from five to seven years. These bonds are solely the responsibility of the Agency and not the City. HOW TAX INCREMENT IS GENERATED When a Redevelopment Project Area is adopted, the current assessed value of all the property within the Project Area is added up. The total figure is called the Base Year Value. As property is improved or resold, the assessed value increases in accordance with the limitations established by Proposition 13. The property tax revenue generated by the valuation increase (above the Base Year Value) is called tax increment revenue. The tax increment revenue is what is distributed to the Redevelopment Agency. For example, Mrs. Smith owns property valued at $100,000 this year, and her taxes paid at the rate of I% would be $1,000. Mrs. Smith sells her property to Mr. Roberts at the price of $500,000. The taxes paid by Mr. Roberts at the same 1% rate would be $5,000. The difference between $1,000 and $5,000, or $4,000, is called tax increment. These funds are distributed to the Redevelopment Agency for reinvestment in the Project Area. Above is a picture of how tax increment works PARTICIPATION OF OTHER TAXING AGENCIES Redevelopment programs are funded through redirecting future property tax revenue to the Redevelopment Agency. This revenue would otherwise flow to other taxing agencies. The taxing agencies include the county, water and fire districts and schools. Because of this, the Redevelopment Law requires the Redevelopment Agency to pass through to each taxing entity a portion of the tax increment. The amount paid to the taxing entities increases over time. Redevelopment agencies are also required to allocate 20% of the Project Area Tax Increment to a Housing Fund. These funds must be used to expand and preserve the supply of low and moderate income housing. Txchartdoc 'ESS REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT AREA ADOPTION PROLo PRELIMINARY PLAN/ PROJECT AREA MAPS • identify & Refine Project Area • Prepare Legal Description/Maps Per State Board of Pqualiwtion Requirements Review by Planning Commission, Approval by Redevelopment Agency s COUNTY FISCAL OFFICER PREPARES BASE YEAR REPORT (60 Days) DOCUMENT PREPARATION • Prepare Redevelopment Plan • Prepare Owner Participation Rules & Guidelines • Prepare Relocation Plan Rules & Guidelines • Prepare Preliminary Report • Report to City Council Substantiating Bligbi ESTABLISH PUBLIC PARTICIPATION -AD HOC COMMITTEE FORMED• • COMMUNITY MEETING i PLANNED • • :............ NOTICE OF PREPARATION PREPARE EIR NOTICE OF EIRANITIAL STUDY _ . > COMPLETION FOR EIR TRANSMIT PRELIMINARY REPORT TO TAXING MEETING AS ENTITIES INVITING INPUT ON REDEVELOPMENT > REQUIRED WITH PLAN TAXING ENTITIES AGENCY ADOPTS RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PLANNING COMMISSION ADOPTS FINALIZE TRANSMITTAL OF REDEVELOPMENT PLAN, ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTS, AGENCY ADOPTS OWNER PARTICIPATION RULES & RESOLUTION APPROVING REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON REPORT TO PRELIMINARY REPORT, PLAN/RULES COUNCIL ETC, TO CITY COUNCIL, PLANNING RELOCATION REDEVELOPMENT PLAN COMMISSION, AND TAXING AGENCIES ILA A AD HOC COMMITTEE MALES AGENCY K COUNCIL PUBLISH K MAIL RECOMMENDATION SET DATE FOR JOINT NOTICES ' ON PLAN PUBLIC HEARING ' i • . _ ..... .... ` EIR TRAN$MITTEDTo . .. . ....... .. > FINALIZE . . . .......... _ . f REVIEWING AGENCIES - EIR FILE ALL DOCUMENTS WITH COUNTY ORDINANCE' EFFECTIVE_s . (30 Days) - JOINT PUBLIC HEARING SECOND READING OF LEGAL CHALLENGE C,"tfy EIR ORDINANCE PERIOD � Adopt Plan &Ordinance ;',(60Days) . LEGEND IN-HOUSE PROCESSING OUTSIDE AGENCY REVIEW APPROVAL ENVIRONMENTAL _> PROCESS c C O M M {U N I T Y N E W S L E T T E R A N d R E c R E AT I O N G U f CI £ S P R I N q 1997 .57 3 3 S{ THIS ISSUE: rz IT Diamond Bar Rotary puts others first r '' City launches new marketing program There's apart), goin' on! f .^, t• e ? � r � r r i t au r t C! # J{ - TV i si r c u r Soft landing Y A feathery friend greets Tiny Tot student Breanna McKendall. _, .l'rstliit;jtvl- ,,t,_- "ht .��I,I ties ; I` c.rlt, :'Iut r:rrunirIC, I ,--' rrtc"rlt Attuw(i "uti I 'I t' r._;lc'r'c'lufl- he following informa- tion addresses more of the most common questions individuals may have, with regard to redevel- opment, and how the redevel- opment process can benefit the residents and businesses in Diamond Bar. Specifically, this article provides additional insight into the process, including economic impacts. _/. How do Redevelop- ment Agencies secure funds? >, > The state law makes available to redevelopment agencies a method of obtain- ing funds called "tax incre- ment financing." On the date the city council approves a re- development plan, the proper- ties within the boundaries of the plan have a certain total property tax value. If this to- tal assessed valuation in- creases, a portion of the taxes that are derived from the in- crease go to the redevelopment agency. These funds are called "tax increments." Usually, the flow of tax increment revenues to the agency will not be suf- ficient, in itself, to finance the full scope of redevelopment activities and development projects. Therefore, agencies issue bonds. These bonds are not a debt of the city or county, and are repaid solely from tax increment revenue. Tax incre- ments can be used only in the same project that generates them, except for residential projects that benefit low- and - estoration ejuvination ehabilitation'��� evitalization - .J _a moderate -income households. Diamond Bar's tax increment is likely to be utilized to enhance, upgrade, and revitalize its com- mercial centers, and to improve the public infrastructure that serves them. Will property taxes be raised? " -_' It is important to note that higher taxes from the sale, development or rehabilitation of property reflects a rise in prop- erty value and not an increase in the tax rate. Assessed values and tax rates in redevelopment areas are restricted by Proposition 13 limitations until a property is im- proved or sold. As property in the City's com- mercial areas increase in value, so too will the marketability of the area, thus increasing the op- portunityfor additional business investment. 6;I Are school revenues adversely affected by redevelop- ment? ,..- School financing in California has dramatically changed during the last fifteen years. Consequently, school dis- tricts have become more aggres- sive in exploring alternative av- enues to finance capital facility needs. Tax increment financing does not reduce revenue allo- cated to schools because existing state .school funding formulas offset any gain or loss in prop- erty tax revenue. In addition, school districts and community college districts receive a portion of the redevelopment tax incre- ments. Both the Pomona Unified and Walnut Valley Unified school dis- tricts would receive a portion of redevelopment tax increments. t>� 7 y Why does the Agency have the power of eminent do- main (condemnation of prop- erty)? Private developers sel- dom can assemble many separate parcels of land into a site suitable for their needs. One small "hold out" can refuse to sell at any price and block an entire development. The agency can, if necessary, use its power of eminent domain to acquire the holdout parcel, and permit the development to pro- ceed in order to reduce or elimi- nate a blighting condition. Based on the City's proposed redevelopment project area, it is very unlikely that any residential property would be affected. What is relocation? X' Relocation is the dis- placement of a business or fam- ily for the purpose of clearing land and preparing it for its des- ignated use. When a person or business meets the legal qualifications, the redevelop- ment agency pays for: assis- tance in finding a new loca- tion, payments to help cover moving costs, and payments for certain other costs as pro- vided by law. The City is committed to ensuring that any businesses requiring relocation will be impacted as little as possible. If a citizen should de- cide to sell property to the Agency, who determines the selling price? The agency would hire an independent appraiser to establish the fair market value of the property. If the owner is not satisfied with the appraised value of the prop- erty, he may hire his own ap- praiser to reevaluate the prop- erty, after which both apprais- als will be compared and a selling price negotiated. Again, almost all of the property contained within the City's proposed project area is commercial property. How will this affect the city/county and other tax- ing agencies with regard to tax revenue loss? „rz A Other taxing agen- cies will experience a delay in receiving part of the new prop- erty taxes generated by rede- velopment, but will continue to receive base revenues. These agencies will also re- ceive non -property tax rev- enues, along with revenues generated outside the project area as a direct result of rede- velopment activities. These types of revenues include sales and hotel room taxes. r (Source: California Redevelopment Association's Citizen Guide to Redevefopmenl B6 Daily Bulletin, Wednesday, April 2, 1997 EDITORIALL, everal small-business owners in Diamond Bar's new redevelopment area wonder just when they became "blighted." They have thriving businesses and don't think of their operations at all in need of urban renewal. They may be right, but that 'doesn't matter, because it's not the •reason for Diamond Bar's ==redevelopment activity. In Diamond Bar, as in most California cities, redevelopment has ,,,little to do with actual blight and -- everything to do with economic competitiveness. Ever since Proposition 13 limited property taxes in 1978, cities have used ,redevelopment as a tool for economic development instead of ;,.classic urban renewal projects. Cities, faced with limited property tax revenue at a time of rising demand for services, had to find other ways of bringing in money. Redevelopment filled the bill, for it not only allowed cities to entice retail operations that provided big sales tax returns, it also allowed . cities to keep more property tax money within the city instead of sending it elsewhere. Diamond Bar is no different. As a new city with a relatively affluent population, it's hardly a likely candidate for blight, but without a redevelopment agency, it can't compete in luring lucrative commercial operations. Redevelopment enables cities to offer developers help by assembling property, paying for surrounding infrastructure or even providing loans. Diamond -Bar formed its redevelopment agency just last summer, so this whole process is still new. While some missing letters on a store sign may seem like a code enforcement problem and not blight, that's not the point. Blight isn't the reason for redevelopment; ensuring the city's strong economic future is. That may seem crazy, but it's the way California's local revenue system works. r,N ,rty" from page 2) able services. Visitors will also have the opportunity to visit the City's information booth, and find out about everything from the popular Diamond Ride, pro- gram, to recycling used motor oil. There will also be plenty of handouts and other great goodies available to visitors. Off -site parking will be available at Golden Springs El- ementary and Diamond Point Elementary schools, where convenient shuttle service will whisk attendees to Peterson Park (and back) free of charge. So mark your calendars, tell your family and friends, and come enjoy the party. It's free, and it's just for you! 0 0 0 0 0 0 41 Citizen input important to new Development Code ince the adoption of the City of Diamond Bar's 0 General Plan in 1995, a top priority has been the cre- ation of the City's new devel- opment code. Previously, the City relied on the standards and guidelines that were implemented in ac- cordance with the County of Los Angeles' development regulations. However, to bet- ter meet the needs of the com- munity, both now and in the future, it has become nec- k ` � essary to draft a new develop- ment code. Last October, resi- dents were surveyed about then preferences regarding different types of development -related issues. Survey results indicated that residents felt a need to in- troduce stronger development regulations to help ensure bet- ter, higher quality development in the future. Respondents also suggested that superior archi- tectural design was the most important aspect of a develop- ment project, when compared to access, parking, landscap- ing, etc. The survey was just the first step in a comprehensive pro- cess that is intended to involve the entire community. Several workshops will be held with residents, Council Members, Planning Commissioners, and City staff over the next few months, to help forge a fresh approach to the development code. Some of A r the issues ,�� ` WIN that may be v NO N ) addressed in upcoming workshops include hillside development, tree pres- ervation, housing density ranges, parking and access for existing uses, sign require- ments, and home -based busi- nesses. The development re- view and approval process, zoning clearances, public notice requirements, and noncon- forming uses and structures could also become part of fu- ture discussions. Diamond Bar residents and business owners are encour- aged to take part in the City's ongoing workshops and public meetings to present their views, and to help craft a development code that will provide the basis for future development in the community. For more information on up- coming meetings, and how you can take part in the development code process, contact the Com- munity Development Depart- ment at 396-5676. n an ef- fort to ssistf,. local busi- nesses in marketing their prod- nets and services, the City of Diamond Bar has introduced a new Internet business marketing program called the "Diamond Bar Mar- ketplace." The City, in association with its Internet Service Pro- vider, C1ubNET, Inc., has de- veloped a unique marketing opportunity that will allow lo- cal businesses to advertise 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The low- cost program maximizes a company's exposure by tak- ing advantage of the Internet, and bringing their product or service to millionsof poten- tial 'customers around the world. When a business signs up as a participant in the pro- gram, it becomes an integral 4 part of the City's award -win- ning web site, and receives a prominent listing in the Dia- mond Bar Marketplace. The business listing (by category) is "hot -:linked" to ' the company's; personal business page, which describes their product or service in greater detail. One of the attractive fea- tures of the City's business marketing program is its "too -good -to -pass -up" price. For just $95.00, business owners can have a personal business page created for their business, and have it posted in the Diamond Bar Marketplace for an entire year. Or, if the company al- ready has its own " h o''m e page, it I can have a r hot link added to ' the Mar- ketplace for only,$35.00 per year. Diamond 'Bar Market- place participants also enjoy the benefit of being associ- ated with the city's web site, which has experienced fre- quent activity since it was ini- tially launched in November, 1995. Statistics have shown that the City's site receives an electronic visit about ev- ery 45 seconds. In general, the Internet has posted some pretty ex- citing figures of its own — es- pecially in the area of on-line buying.' One survey has in- dicated that >2.5 million people have purchased something on line in the past year (Nielsen Media Re- search). Another study esti- mates that worldwide sales on the Internet are expected to grow from $436 million in 1995, to $46 billion in 1998. Although there are no guarantees that local business owners will see huge in- creases in their sales as - members of the Market- place, the program does of- fer increased exposure for businesses looking to expand their customer base. That, combined with the attractive price, makes the Diamond Bar Marketplace the ideal venue for displaying prod- ucts and services. For more information about the Marketplace, busi- ness owners/managers may call the City at 396-5691. Citizen Guide to Redevetopmeno enerally speaking, all service organizations tend to have one common goal: serving the community. In Diamond Bar, there is one organization that has certainly demon- strated this philosophy, and perhaps, even taken the theme to a whole new level. This service group is known as the Diamond Bar Rotary. Members of the local chapter of Rotary International have a lot to be excited about these days. Their parent organization has ex- perienced phenomenal growth, which includes over 1 million busi- ness and professional men and women, representing 27, 500 Ro- tary clubs in 154 countries worldwide; Rotary International is near- ing its 100'h anniversary, since fc �a "� ' Harris introduced the concept rent Rotary members proudly pc the Diamond Bar club is cele years of serving the local corm But what really seems to ins bers, and attract newcomers, is total dedication to each and ev that is initiated to help individu mond Bar, the surrounding around the world. By far, the most visible even ever fund-raiser) is the group's , tournament. Through local busi sorships, entry fees, and other the Rotary has been able to $80,000 during the last severa. Y — . , — of it going to the community's S.A.N.E. (Substance Abuse Narcotics Education) program. It is anticipated that this year's tournament, scheduled for March 20, should be just as successful. Future Rotarians vidual family throughout the year; and donating funds to sehool projects, the Special Olympics, and other local programs and events. The organization has provided mini -grants to teachers, and each year awards an annual $1,500 college scholarship to a deserving high school student. Diamond Bar Rotary's current president, Karla Adams, notes that financial contributions only provide a partial glimpse of the picture. "We provide a lot of in -kind assistance, and our members donate a great deal of time to assisting individuals and groups in need," says Karla. Some of the best examples include a Rotarian effort in which the group facilitated an immunization campaign targeting low-in- come, non -English-speaking residents in a nearby community. The Diamond Bar club recently assisted a local children's home in re- modeling some of its facilities, too. Rotary members were assisted by the Diamond Bar High School Junior Rotary in a recent outreach visit to Mexico. Other local projects have included assisting Diamond Bar -area families through the distribution of food baskets at Thanksgiving and Christmas; adopting and lending financial support to an indi- o paraphrase a well- known song lyric, "It's your party, and you can have fun when you want to." That's the feeling that resi- dents will get when they take part in the City of Diamond Bar's upcoming eighth anniver- sary celebration. The gala will be held on Sunday, April 2011 at Peterson Park (24142 Sylvan Glen Road), from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm. This special event marks the eighth year since the city was incorporated, and, as in the past, residents attending the City's, birthday party will be treated to a variety of activities, entertain - On the international front, the club joined with "Interact" (Diamond Bar High School's Junior Rotary club) to assist needy families in Mexico. The outreach project brought food, clothing, and toys to the lo- cal residents, and a whole lot of smiles to everyone involved. The pace that the Diamond Bar Rotary has maintained over the years isn't likely to change much in the future. The club is considering taking an active role in the Habi- tat for Humanity effort, which may include assisting in the construction of homes for people in the local area who are in need of housing. Another potential project area could in- volve providing support to the elderly. The Diamond Bar Rotary would also like to ex- plore the possibility of pooling resources with other service -oriented groups, to in- crease the level of aid given to individuals and organizations. If previous efforts are any indication of the Diamond Bar Rotary's commitment to service, then it won't be long before oth- ers benefit from their dedication and kindness as well. ment, and great food. There will also be an opportunity for locals to learn more about the and the services In addition to planned ac- ies for younger children, this' year's event will offer some interesting activities for older children and teenagers, too. These surprise activities are certain to be both challeng- ing and fun! Entertainment, scheduled throughout the afternoon, will add to the festive atmosphere, and once again, many local or- ganizations will be selling deli- cious food items as a fund-rais- ing effort. Representatives of several other community groups will be on hand to pro- vide information on their avail - (See "Party" on page 3) THIS ISSUE: Soft landing A feathery friend greets Tiny Tot student Breanna McKendall.