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Aera LandUseConcept-SEA.pdf
George Basye Aera Energy LLC 3030 Saturn Street, Suite 101 Brea, CA 92821 Subject: Aera Master Planned Community Dear George: City of Diamond Bar is excited to have the opportunity to work with Aera Energy in creating a 3000-acre master planned community with 2000 acres in the City in the future. With the EIR in process, it is timely to discuss the various objectives of the master planned community. Developing places to live and work requires looking at the "big picture." Our challenge is to create a better built environment that involves the values of cultural, ecological and economic diversity and sustainability. Taking this challenge of creating a better built environmental to reality would involve green infrastructure, resource inventory and analysis, low -impact design techniques, regenerative and restorative design and high performance buildings. In addition to considering a better built environment, the City should look at how this development would provide a connectedness and benefits to the existing City. We have compiled a list of land use issues, development concepts and sustainable elements that represent the objectives and the values mentioned above. They shall be taken into consideration when planning and designing the master planned community. Should you have any questions about the sustainable elements for a better - built environment, please feel free to call me at (909) 839-7030. We look forward to working with you and are confident that the future master planned community will be one of great success for both you and the city. Sincerely, Nancy Fong, AICP Community Development Director Attachments CC: City Council James DeStefano Dave Doyle Brad Buller John Bridges Bobbette Biddulph Bill Halligan Bill Boyd Jeff Maisch Aera Master Planned Community This information is provided to assist in the preparation of a development package for the Aera Master Planned Community. Additional information or comments may be necessary based upon a more thorough analysis during the Development Review Process for the project. Opportunities for the future Aera Master Planned Community: A. EIR and its alternatives: Currently the EIR analysis is still based on "bubble' diagram land uses. If the EIR is to provide environmental clearance for the project, which include a Specific Plan and master subdivision, the land use section should be more specific than a "bubble" diagram. Further, the alternatives section of the EIR should include land use alternatives that are not the traditional type of single-family housing product. It should include a variety of housing types and range of densities for all income levels. B. Create a conservation -based planned community that will serve as a model for better land development in the region. There is abundant of publications regarding the concept of sustainable development. The future Aera planned community is the prime area to apply and use the various concepts and tools for sustainable development. Some of the concepts and tools are listed below: 1. The Ahwahnee principles(www.Igc.org/ahwahnee/princi�ples.html). 2. The importance of densities, mixed land uses, cluster development around transit. Further, connection between commercial land uses, high -density housing and tradition single family could create synergies that accentuate the symbiotic relationship between all of the elements. 3. A range of housing choices including compact neighborhoods and building design. 4. Walkable and connected neighborhoods (Street Design Guidelines for Healthy Neighborhoods by Dan Burden — Center for Livable Communities). 5. The preservation of natural beauty and open space. C. The creative use of renewable (green) materials and alternative energy source for the new planned community: 1. The use of fuel cells technology for providing electricity for the planned community. The by-product of the fuel cells is steam, which could be recycled for water use in the community. 2. Solar access should be considered for passive or natural heating or cooling opportunities. For example, the consideration of lot size and configuration permitting orientation of the structure in an east west alignment for southern exposure; or lot sizes and configuration permitting orientation of a structure to take advantage of shade or prevailing breezes. 3. Water conservation approaches including the use of recycle water for site planning and design strategies. 4. Use recycle materials for construction 5. Use energy efficient products and fixtures for buildings D. An active sport complex: The planning for and developing a 40 to 70 acres sport complex will meet the goals of the City's Comprehensive Parks Master Plan. Not only does it provide a benefit to the City, it also provides a connectedness with the existing City.. E. A technology community: The Aera Planned Community shall have Internet infrastructures. A similar example is Ladera Ranch in Rancho in southern Orange County, 1. FTTS 2. FTTH 3. WiFi II. Specific Plan for Aera Master Planned Community should address the following topics: A. Introduction and plan organization B. Describe physical setting, opportunities and constraints C. Establish a development framework with goals and objectives and community design concept D. Land use plan that include density and intensity of land uses, and the concept for establishing village and neighborhood themes E. Circulation element that include establishing circulation and access policies, a hierarchy of streets and their standards F. Grading concepts that comply with City's Hillside Management Ordinance G. Site development and architectural design standards H. A define list of tools for achieving livable communities or neighborhoods. Tools such as but not limited to green building (LEED), pedestrian environment and safety, public transportation, accessibility, and proximity to health service, shopping, schools and parks. Active recreation, trails, and open space: 1. Parkland 2. Open space 3. Trails that show regional and local connections J. Infrastructure and public facilities concept: 1. Water, sewer, solid waste 2. Flood and drainage 3. Schools 4. Fire and law enforcement 5. Utilities 6. Parks 7. Recycle materials within the community K. Implementation Programs 1. Project and infrastructure phasing plan 2. Regulatory procedures 3. CEQA and public participation III. Technical Requirements: A. The proposed project shall comply with City's General Plan, Development Code Standards. IV. Submittal Requirements: A. In addition to an EIR, the proposed Aera Master Planned Community will requires General Plan Amendment, Pre -Zoning, Development Agreement, Specific Plan and Master Tentative Tract for big block subdivision applications. B. The attached submittal checklist for various applications will assist Aera Energy to prepare the necessary development plans and documents for processing the applications. DRAFT December 14, 2007 George Basye Aera Energy LLC 3030 Saturn Street, Suite 101 Brea, CA 92821 Subject: Preliminary Project Comments for Aera Master Planned Community Mr. Basye: Thank you for the opportunity to review the screencheck draft of the Aera Master Planned Community Specific Plan, dated 9/28/07, During our meeting on November 7, 2007, we provided you with a draft copy of our written screencheck comments to facilitate discussion of what we see as the "big picture" issues that need to be addressed in future drafts of the document. Enclosed, please find our updated comments, which have been refined and expanded (denoted by underscoring) to address issues discussed subsequent to the November 7th meeting. Among those issues are staff's current lack of support for project characteristics that would necessitate a Statement of Overriding Considerations for traffic or biological impacts: the project scope should instead be modified to avoid such impacts. Should you have any questions regarding the attached, please feel free to call me or any of the key City staff involved in the review of this project. Sincerely, James DeStefano City Manager Enclosures cc: City Council Dave Doyle Nancy Fong Greg Gubman Brad Buller John Bridges Bobbette Biddulph Bill Halligan Bill Boyd Jeff Maisch Gene Hsieh Scott Armsworth DRAFT Project Comments for Aera Master Planned Community December 14, 2007 r analysis of the revised proiect maV result in additional comments. Planning Process for the proposed project: A good planning principle and practice is to develop a proposed project that is acceptable by the City before the environmental process. Due to the fact that Aera has completed substantial environmental technical studies on a previously proposed project processed through Los Angeles County, City has agreed to allow the environmental process preceded the review of the proposed project (Specific Plan). Now that a draft Specific Plan is submitted, it is time to focus on the planning process for the Specific Plan so it can catch up with the environmental process. The draft Specific Plan must address the City's concern on the scope of the proposed rp oiect. The City's expectation is to have an acceptable draft Specific Plan before the circulation of the Draft Environmental Impact Report, II. Conformance with the General Plan for Cities of Diamond Bar and Brea Counties of Los Angeles and Orange: The fundamental question City asks is the conformity of the proposed project at this time with the General Plan for Diamond Bar, the two counties and City of Brea. A detailed description and a matrix that clearly demonstratesDthe consistency and t General Plan issues that must be addressed. A. A component of the General Plan Vision Statement is on the preservation of open space resources specifically the Significant Ecological Area (SEA 15). It states the City will play a proactive role in the preservation of this resource by assuring that extensive analysis and review precede any changes from its current uses and possibilities. B. The goals, objectives and strategies of the Land Use Element talk about the offering of a mix of land uses, the City's image of a balance community, the protecting of natural resource, hillside and scenic area, the clustering of units within the most developable portions of project sites, etc. 2 DRAFT C. How does this project meet the affordable housing needs? D. Circulation. A key issue to traffic circulation is how current street infrastructures will be impacted by future development and what future improvements maybe considered to mitigate traffic. Based on the most recent traffic study, a mitigation proposed is to widen Brea Canyon Road south of Pathfinder to current city limits Diamond Bar City Council has established a policy to maintain this segment of Brea Canyon as a two-lane road Furthermore Diamond Bar has spent significant money to improve the street and the City would be against destroying the existing improvements Therefore the proposed miti ation is not acceptable or feasible. Please refer to our consultant's comments on the traffic study. III. Development Agreement IV. A Development Agreement is required. The development of the project will result in substantial private benefits; however, the public needs may not be fully met or satisfied as a result of the project. A development agreement will provide the balance of the private benefits with orderly development of the project site, ensure progress in the installation of improvements, and provide public services and public benefits. Without the details of the project, the City cannot assess what public needs that have not been met or satisfied. Public benefits could include but not limited to a completed turnke 40 to 70 acres sports complex in addition to ... 1r tone nPr ri\NP.illno unit and 5 eCITIG Y'Idn, oaac� v•, such as traffic biology global climate air quality there will be significant impac s n nacac�rtat2 Statement tramc or oioio wai a��. • •�� .-. the otential SOCs as ossible at this time because it will be these issues that wi envelope of the site. V. The proposed project warrants some form of 3-D modelingcho;^athPtleaistna accepted by the City. 3 DRAFT VI. Opportunities for Aera Master Planned Community: A. Create a Vision statement and a set of development and design goals that provide a framework for development within the master planned community. B. Create a conservation -based planned community that will serve as a model for better land development in the region. There is abundant of publications regarding the concept of sustainable development. The future Aera planned community is the prime area to apply and use the various concepts and tools for sustainable development. A list of principles for smart growth and sustainable development concepts were included in the draft Specific Plan document, however, details (words or graphics) have not been provided to support and illustrate smart growth and sustainability. C. Rather than just providing the traditional type of single-family housin products the plan should illustrate and provide for a variety of housing types and range of densities for all income levels. D. The creative use of renewable (green) materials and alternative energy source for the new planned community: 1. of fuel cell technology for providing electricity for the planned The use community. The by-product of the fuel cells is steam, which could be recycled for water use in the community. 2. Solar access should be considered for passive or natural heating or cooling opportunities. For example, the consideration of lot size and configuration permitting orientation of the structure in an east west alignment for southern exposure; or lot sizes and configuration permitting orientation of a structure to take advantage of shade or prevailing breezes. 3. Water conservation approaches including the use of recycle water for site planning and design strategies. 4. Use recycle materials for construction 5. Use energy efficient products and fixtures for buildings E. Provide an active sport complex: The planning and development of a 40 to 70 acres sport complex that will meet the goals of the City's Comprehensive Parks Master Plan. Not only does it provide a benefit to the City, it also provides a connectedness with the existing City. F. A technology community: The Aera Planned Community shall have internet infrastructures. A similar example is Ladera Ranch in Rancho Santa Margarita in southern Orange County. 4 DRAFT 1. FTTS 2. FTTP 3. WiFi VII, Specific Plan for Aera Master Planned Community should address the following topics: A. The Specific Plan format should address the needs of the three jurisdictions; the area within Los Angeles County may not need to have a Specific Plan, the area within Orange County would be referred as Planned Community and the area proposed to be annexed to Diamond Bar would be known as Aera Specific Plan. B. The City intends to have a Specific Plan that is a separate regulatory document that provides the development concept, zoning, development standards and design guidelines specifically for the project site. The Specific Plan should be a long-term document where it could be used for guiding development for the next 15 to 20 years. The draft Specific Plan lacks the level of details that City could provide constructive comments. City offer the following broad topics that the Specific Plan should address. It is paramount that the Specific Plan have details that include written criteria and colorful graphic illustrations: 1. introduction chapter should include authority and scope of the project, project summary with illustrative site plan for the entire project area, and project objectives. 2. Provide a chapter that concentrate on discussing the planning goals and objectives of the project. It should discuss how the goals and objectives of this project relate with Diamond Bar General Plan goals. How this project would meets the diverse mix of housing types and densities and implements the smart growth and sustainable principles. 3. Expand on the physical setting, opportunities and constraints chapter to include maps that show the existing conditions on the following subjects: topography, geology and soils, hydrology, biological resource, land use, General Plan and Zoning, traffic and circulation, cultural resource, utilities rights of way and easements, and a summary of site features and conditions. 4. Expand to include a detailed chapter on EIR and its mitigation measures. It should describe in detail the extensive environmental review in the planning process to consider the project. 5. A chapter on land use plan with details showing an illustrative land use concept that include the density and intensity of land uses, and the concept for establishing village and neighborhood themes. The plan should provide for a diverse mix of land uses that allow innovative housing types such as work/live unit, high density housing, cluster development instead of the traditional single family, small or large lots, subdivisions. 5 DRAFT 6. Expand on the circulation plan to include establishing circulation and access policies, bike and trail circulation plan, the illustrative streetscape within the project, a hierarchy of streets and their details standards. It should include alternatives circulation studies that address the "what if" the second access to Orange County is not feasible or available. It should include discussion on how the circulation plan related to Diamond Bar and the region. 7. Provide details with graphic illustration for grading concepts that comply with City's Hillside Management Ordinance. 8. The design guidelines should establish the community design, the entry statement, the streetscape, the trails and green belts, the parks, the landscape theme, the street scene variety, the village mix description and architecture styles. Further, it should include strong illustrative site planning guidelines taking into consideration the hillside management techniques, for various residential developments such as single family detached and attached, single loaded or rear loaded, cluster products and other innovative housing products, etc. 9. A define list of tools for achieving livable neighborhoods. Tools such as but not limited to green building (LEED), pedestrian environment and safety, public transportation, accessibility, and proximity to health service, shopping, schools and parks. 10. Infrastructure and public facilities concept: a. Water, sewer, solid waste b. Flood and drainage c. Schools d. Fire and law enforcement e. Utilities f. Parks g. Recycle materials within the community 11. Implementation: The program should include sections that talks about the relationship of the Specific Plan with the City`s Development Code, definitions, administration and amendments to the plan. 12. Include a chapter on the "Development and Financing Plan" with three sections Public Facilities Financing Plan Phasing Plan Summate Infrastructure Phasing Program, VIII. In addition to an EIR, the proposed Aera Master Planned Community requires d General Plan Amendment, Pre -Zoning, Development Agreement, Specific Plan an Master Tentative Tract for big block subdivision applications. C I (� a� DRAFT 06A CnIM6 3r�5 December 14, 2007 George Basye Aera Energy LLC 3030 Saturn Street, Suite 101 Brea, CA 92821 Subject: Preliminary Project Comments for Aera Master Planned Community Mr. Basye: Thank you for the opportunity to review the screencheck draft of the Aera Master Planned Community Specific Plan, dated 9/28/07. During our meeting on November 7, 2007, we provided you with a draft copy of our written screencheck comments to facilitate discussion of what we see as the "big picture" issues that need to be addressed in future drafts of the document. Enclosed, please find our updated comments, which have been refined and expanded (denoted by underscoring) to address issues discussed subsequent to the November 7th meeting. Among those issues are staff's current lack of support for project characteristics that would necessitate a Statement of Overriding Considerations for traffic or biological impacts: the project scope should instead be modified to avoid such impacts. Should you have any questions regarding the attached, please feel free to call me or any of the key City staff involved in the review of this project. Sincerely, James DeStefano City Manager Enclosures cc: City Council Dave Doyle Nancy Fong Greg Gubman Brad Buller John Bridges Bobbette Biddulph Bill Halligan Bill Boyd Jeff Maisch Gene Hsieh Scott Armsworth �I(1I6� 0o�1 c��is DRAFT Project Comments for Aera Master Planned Community December 14, 2007 anal sis of the revised proleCL MC11 result in additional comments. Planning Process for the proposed project: 0 VIS( Cifact that Aera / good planning principle and practice is to develop a proposed project that is IP acceptable by the City before the environmental process. Due to the 1tJ��L7 has completed substantial environmental technical studies on a previously roposed project processed through Los Angeles County, City has agreed to allow v � (PPlk�pthe environmental process preceded the review of the proposed project (Specific Plan). Now that a draft Specific Plan is submitted, it is time to focus on the planning " (0 process for the Specific Plan so it can catch up with the environmental process. The draft Specific Plan must address the City's concern on the scope of the proposed /�(Jl`5 �q r�oject. The City's expectation is to have an acceptable draft Specific Plan before 30 ,, the circulation of the Draft Environmental Impact Report. i„ J a� II. Conformance with the General Plan for Cities of Diamond Bar and Brea Counties ��r� he fundamental question City asks is the conformity of the proposed project at this ��R�,( time with the General Plan for Diamond Bar, the two counties and City of Brea. A detailed description and a matrix that clearly demonstrates the consistency and inconsistent with the various elements of the General Plan of the affected unsdictions will be required Specifically for Diamond Bar, the following important General Plan issues that must be addressed. A. A component of the General Plan Vision Statement is on the preservation of open space resources specifically the Significant Ecological Area (SEA 15). It states the City will play a proactive role in the preservation of this resource by assuring that extensive analysis and review precede any changes from its current uses and possibilities. B: The goals, objectives and strategies of the Land Use Element talk about the ,\ offering of a mix of land uses, the City's image of a balance community, the C`�c\ protecting of natural resource, hillside and scenic area, the clustering of units pfl within the most developable portions of project sites, etc. z Za� ' e 4A, ��pJti�G DRAFT How does this project meet the affordable housing needs? D. Circulation. A key issue to traffic circulation is how current street infrastructures will be impacted by future development and what future improvements maybe considered to mitigate traffic. Based on the most recent traffic study, a mitigation proposed is to widen Brea Canyon Road south of Pathfinder to current city limits Diamond Bar City Council has established a policy to maintain this segment of Brea Canyon as a two lane road Furthermore Diamond Bar has spent significant money to improve the street and the City would be against destroying the existing improvements. Therefore the proposed mitigation is not acceptable or feasible. Please refer to our consultant's comments on the traffic study. III. Development Agreement L� A Development Agreement is required. The development of the project will result in substantial private benefits; however, the public needs may not be fully met or satisfied as a result of the project. A development agreement will provide the balance of the private benefits with orderly development of the project site, ensure progress in the installation of improvements, and provide public services and public �S If benefits. Without the details of the project, the City cannot assess what public �1 needs that have not been met or satisfied. Public benefits could include but not LAST limited to a completed (turn 40 to 70 acres sports complex in addition to o;mInhnrhnnri narks. a public golf course residential fees per dwelling unit and envelope of the site. The proposed proiec �-` ;-� t'� analysis The applic V topography of the sit accepted by the City. 3 DRAFT VI Opportunities for Aera Master Planned Community: OA. Create a Vision statement and a set of development and design goals that provide a framework for development within the master planned community. SoD B. gcreate a conservation -based planned community that will serve as a model P1 81�1 etter land development in the region. There is abundant of publications S05 iegrding the concept of sustainable development. The future Aera planned ' 6GvDKL� community is the prime area to apply and use the various concepts and tools for sustainable development. A list of principles for smart growth and sustainable development concepts were included in the draft Specific Plan document, however, details (words or graphics) have not been provided to support and illustrate smart growth and sustainability. le housin C. Rather than lust providing the traditional type of sinafamily products the plan should illustrate and provide for a variety of housing types n��5 and range of densities for all income levels. 1 D. The creative use of renewable (green) materials and alternative energy source for the new planned community: �X 1. The use of fuel cell technology for providing electricity for the planned 1� community. The by-product of the fuel cells is steam, which could be ��'�(� recycled for water use in the community. �\ 2. Solar access should be considered for passive or natural heating or C 90, cooling opportunities. For example, the consideration of lot size and Y� configuration permitting orientation of the structure in an east west alignment for southern exposure; or lot sizes and configuration permitting orientation of a structure to take advantage of shade or prevailing breezes. & Water conservation approaches including the use of recycle water for site planning and design strategies. 4. Use recycle materials for construction 5. Use energy efficient products and fixtures for buildings Provide an active sport complex: The planning and the vela meatComof a 400i to G�P+i�(70 acres sport complex that will meet the goals 1' 'n\VParks Master Plan. Not only does it provide a benefit to the City, it also provides a connectedness with the existing City. l� F. A technology community: The Aera Planned Community shall have internet / infrastructures. A similar example is Ladera Ranch in Rancho Santa l H Margarita in southern Orange County. tJ0i 4 DRAFT 1. FTTS 2, FTTP 3. WiFi VII, Specific Plan for Aera Master Planned Community should address the following topics: �( A. The Specific Plan format should address the needs of the three jurisdictions; �(`( D the area within Los Angeles County may not need to have a Specific Plan, the area within Orange County would be referred as Planned Community and the area proposed to be annexed to Diamond Bar would b known as Aera 'Jpecific Plan B. The City intends to have a Specific Plan that is a separate regulatory document that provides the development concept, zoning, development standards and design guidelines specifically for the project site. The Specific Plan should be a long-term document where it could be used for guiding development for the next 15 to 20 years. The draft Specific Plan lacks the level of details that City could provide constructive comments. City offer the following broad topics that the Specific Plan should address. It is paramount that the Specific Plan have details that include written criteria and colorful graphic illustrations: 1. Introduction chapter should include authority and scope of the project, project summary with illustrative site plan for the entire project area, and project objectives. 2. Provide a chapter that concentrate on discussing the planning goals and objectives of the project. It should discuss how the goals and objectives of this project relate with Diamond Bar General Plan goals. How this project would meets the diverse mix of housing types and densities and implements the smart growth and sustainable principles. 3. Expand on the physical setting, opportunities and constraints chapter to include maps that show the existing conditions on the following subjects: topography, geology and soils, hydrology, biological resource, land use, General Plan and Zoning, traffic and circulation, cultural resource, utilities rights of way and easements, and a summary of site features and conditions. 4. Expand to include a detailed chapter on EIR and its mitigation y�iP�IX measures. It should describe in detail the extensive environmental t review in the planning process to consider the project. 5. A chapter on land use plan with details showing an illustrative land use concept that include the density and intensity of land uses, and the concept for establishing village and neighborhood themes. The plan should provide for a diverse mix of land uses that allow innovative housing types such as work/live unit, high density housing, cluster development instead of the traditional single family, small or large lots, subdivisions. 5 � wwkt� 14r3 DRAFT �6. Expand on the circulation plan to include establishing circulation and access policies, bike and trail circulation plan, the illustrative streetscape within the project, a hierarchy of streets and their details ik IC standards t uld include alternatives circulation studies that S� address th what i the second access to Orange County is not 0�1050 �f feasible or e. It should include discussion on how the a p� circulation plan related to Diamond Bar and the region. A W. Provide details with graphic illustration for grading concepts that comply with City's Hillside Management Ordinance, 8. The design guidelines should establish the community design, the entry statement, the streetscape, the trails and green belts, the parks, the landscape theme, the street scene variety, the village mix description and architecture styles. Further, it should include strong illustrative site planning guidelines taking into consideration the hillside management techniques, for various residential developments such as single family detached and attached, single loaded or rear loaded, cluster products and other innovative housing products, etc. 9. A define list of tools for achieving livable neighborhoods. Tools such as but not limited to green building (LEED), pedestrian environment and safety, public transportation, accessibility, and proximity to health service, shopping, schools and parks. 10. Infrastructure and public facilities concept: a. Water, sewer, solid waste b. Flood and drainage c. Schools d. Fire and law enforcement e. Utilities f. Parks g. Recycle materials within the community 11. Implementation: The program should include sections that talks about the relationship of the Specific Plan with the City`s Development Code, definitions, administration and amendments to the plan. 12. Include a chapter on the "Development and Financing Plan" with three sections Public Facilities Financing Plan Phasing Plan Summa rvL Infrastructure Phasing Program. VIII. In addition to an EIR, the proposed Aera Master Planned Community requires General Plan Amendment, Pre -Zoning, Development Agreement, Specific Plan and Master Tentative Tract for big block subdivision applications. 4Do 5PP U�redS i7tr-a� auepz rz*"mt� Frc � 6 City of Diamond Bar 21825 Copley Drive • Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4178 (909) 839-7000 • Fax (909) 861-311 1 www. C i tyo f D i am o n d B ar. co m February 27, 2008 LSA Associates, Inc. Attn: Ken Wilhelm, 20 Executive Park, Suite 200 Irvine, California 92614 Mr. Wilhelm: The following is the City's response to your recent communication regarding mitigation for Brea Canyon Road. FREEWAY IMPROVEMENTS In the AERA draft traffic report and in the discussions we've had with your firm, you have made a very clear argument, supported by analysis, that the source of the existing traffic problem on Brea Canyon Road is, at least in part, due to a lack of capacity on northbound SR-57 during peak hours. It is difficult to believe that the Jack Tanaka proposed development project will not adversely impact this existing Mayor condition on the freeway as you seem to indicate in your analysis. Ron Everett Over the past several weeks the City has repeatedly requested Mayor Pro Tem AERA, through LSA Associates, investigate mitigating the traffic impacts of the proposed development through "fair -share" Wen P. Chang improvements to the SR -57 freeway. In addition, in a letter dated December 20, 2006, Los Angeles County Public Works Department Council Member stated that Caltrans needed to be consulted regarding potential impacts to nearby freeways. Carol Herrera Council Member Again in a January 10'h conversation with David Liu and Steve Brown, you were directed to explore the option of directly mitigating Steve Tye the traffic issues through freeway widening. As you know, OCTA has Council Member approved funding to add one northbound lane to the north bound SR- 57 freeway from Orange County to one kilometer beyond the Orange/Los Angeles County boundary. It seem likely that there may be an opportunity to extend this project to address our concerns. Mr. Brown provided you with the fact sheet describing the nature and status of that project. To date, you have not provided the City with any evidence that this mitigation option has been explored. Nor has the City received any information stating Caltrans concurs with your finding that there will be no impact to the nearby freeway. Assuming Caltrans does not agree with your findings of no impacts, it is reasonable to engage them in a discussion to explore mitigation measures. If Caltrans does in fact concur that there are no impacts on the freeway, and has provided this in writing, we can reassess our desire to engage Caltrans. If widening the freeway is not viable for whatever reason, then you need to explore other means to directly mitigate the project's traffic impacts (demand management, change in project access, change in project composition/density, etc.) or at a minimum document the analysis of all other options and why they are not viable. It is not acceptable to the City to consider widening Brea Canyon Road, unless and until all other options have been considered, analyzed and documented. Even after all options have been analyzed, we aren't confident that City staff could support or that the City Council would approve a widening of Brea Canyon Road or issue a statement of over-riding concerns for this impact. Beyond the CEQA-related issues, there is a significant public policy question for the City to consider in facilitating and accepting spill -over traffic from the freeway. Further, based on prior discussions and written communications, we fully expect other interested agencies (Caltrans and LA County in particular) will be requesting freeway improvements be explored as a mitigation measure, with a fair share contribution from AERA. It would behoove all parties to explore this option immediately. As such, we are directing Aera, through this communication, to arrange a meeting with the appropriate Caltrans representatives to initiate these discussions. The City will need to be in attendance at all Caltrans meetings. If for whatever reason, you fail to do this within a reasonable timeframe, the City may unilaterally contact Caltrans and initiate these discussions with or without AERA. FAIR SHARE CALCULATIONS Regarding the fair share calculation presented in your communication, the City does not accept no, do we think it appropriate to discount the project's obligation to reflect use of the proposed sports park by existing residents. All external project trips will have one "end" within the project and one "end" external to the project. It doesn't matter whether the external portion of the trip is from Diamond Bar or elsewhere, the project is still causing someone to drive on this stretch of roadway. It is also standard practice for developers to accept the financial responsibility for trips associated with municipal uses within a project (libraries, police/fire, parks, etc.). €.� eh , 2% If for whatever reason we have misinterpreted the information contained in your communication, please contact us immediately so that we can discuss the specifics in more detail. Otherwise we look forward to working with you to develop appropriate mitigation for the proposed project's traffic impacts. Sincerely David Doyle Assistant City Manager CC: AERA Energy EDAW David Liu, Public Works Director James DeStefano, City Manager City of Diamond Bar 21825 Copley Drive • Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4178 (909) 8WVV.CityofDiamondBa86117 om February 27, 2008 LSA Associates, Inc. Attm Ken Wilhelm, 20 Executive Park, Suite 200 Irvine, California 92614 Mr. Wilhelm: is the City's response to your recent communication The following regarding mitigation for Brea Canyon Road, FREEWAY IMPROVEMENTS Dyfed by In the AERA draft traffic report and in the discussions argument, supported eve had with your firm, you have made a very clear atraffic problem on Brea analysis, that the source of tadue existing a lack of capacity on Canyon Road is, at least in p t the northbound SR-57 during peak hours. Itc t is difficult to believe t this existing proposed development project will not adversely imp our analysis. Jack Tanaka as You seem to indicate in y Mayor condition on the freeway Y past several weeks the City has repeatedly requested Over the p „ Ron Everett AERA, through LSA Associates, investigate mitigating traffic Mayor Pro Tern impacts of the proposed development through addition, in a letter dated improvements to the SR 57 freeway. Depart Wen P. Chang 20, December 2006, suited regarding potential Los Angeles County Public Works Department council Member stated that Caltranfreeeded to be con impacts to nearby Carol Herrera 10�' conversation, onversation with David Liu and Steve Council Member Again in a January lore the option of directly mitigating has Brown, you were directed to explore As you know, Steve Tye the traffic issues through freeway approved funding to add one northbound lane to the north bound S -neter beyond the council Member 57 freeway from Orange County to one It seem likely that there may Orange/Los Angeles County boundary.our be an opportunity to extend this project to address the nature statusMr. Brown provided you with the fact sheet describing status of that project. To date, you have not provided the City with any evidence that this mitigation option has been explored. Nor has the City received any information stating Caltrans concurs with your finding that there will be no impact to the nearby freeway. Assuming Caltrans does not agree with your findings of no impacts, it is reasonable to engage them in a discussion to explore mitigation measures. If Caltrans does in fact concur that there are no impacts on the freeway, and has provided this in writing, we can reassess our desire to engage Caltrans. If widening the freeway is not viable for whatever reason, then you need to explore other means to directly mitigate the project's traffic impacts (demand management, change in project access, change in project composition/density, etc.) or at a minimum document the analysis of all other options and why they are not viable. It is not acceptable to the City to consider widening Brea Canyon Road, unless and until all other options have been considered, analyzed and documented. Even after all options have been analyzed, we aren't confident that City staff could support or that the City Council would approve a widening of Brea Canyon Road or issue a statement of over-riding concerns for this impact. Beyond the CEQA-related issues, there is a significant public policy question for the City to consider in facilitating and accepting spill -over traffic from the freeway. Further, based on prior discussions and written communications, we fully expect other interested agencies (Caltrans and LA County in particular) will be requesting freeway improvements be explored as a mitigation measure, with a fair share contribution from AERA. It would behoove all parties to explore this option immediately. As such, we are directing Aera, through this communication, to arrange a meeting with the appropriate Caltrans representatives to initiate these discussions. The City will need to be in attendance at all Caltrans meetings. If for whatever reason, you fail to do this within a reasonable timeframe, the City may unilaterally contact Caltrans and initiate these discussions with or without AERA. FAIR SHARE CALCULATIONS Regarding the fair share calculation presented in your communication, the City does not accept nor do we think it appropriate to discount the project's obligation to reflect use of the proposed sports park by existing residents. All external project trips will have one "end" within the project and one "end" external to the project. It doesn't matter whether the external portion of the trip is from Diamonc Bar or elsewhere, the project is still causing someone to drive on this stretch of roadway. It is also standard practice for developers to accept the financial responsibility for trips associated with municipal uses within a project (libraries, police/fire, parks, etc.). If for whatever reason we have misinterpreted the information contained in your communication, please contact us immediately so that we can discuss the specifics in more detail. Otherwise we look forward to working with you to develop appropriate mitigation for the proposed projects traffic impacts. Sincerely David Doyle Assistant City Manager CC: AERA Energy EDAW David Liu, Public Works Director James DeStefano, City Manager City of Diamond Bar 21825 Copley Drive • Diamond Bar, CA 91765-4178 (909) 839-7000 • Fax (909) 861-3117 www.CityofDiamondB ar.com April 20, 2008 AERA Energy LLC Attention: George Basye, Vice President 3030 Saturn Lane, Suite 101 Brea, CA 92821 Mr. Basye: The following is the City's response to your recent communication regarding mitigation for Brea Canyon Road, FREEWAYIMPROVEMENTS In the AERA draft traffic report and in the discussions we've had with your firm, you have made a very clear argument, supported by analysis, that the source of the existing traffic problem on Brea Canyon Road is, at least in part, due to a lack of capacity on northbound SR-57 during peak hours. It is difficult to believe that the Jack Tanaka proposed development project will not adversely impact this existing Mayor condition on the freeway as you seem to indicate in your analysis. Ron Everett Mayor Pro Tem Over the past several weeks the City has repeatedly requested AERA, through LSA Associates, investigate mitigating the traffic Wen P. Chang impacts of the proposed development through "fair - Council Member improvements to the SR -57 freeway. In addition, in a letter date Carol Herrera December 20, 2006, Los Angeles County Public Works Department Council Member stated that Caltrans needed to be consulted regarding potential impacts to nearby freeways. Steve Tye Council Member Again in a January 10ih conversation with David Liu and Steve Brown, you were directed to explore the option of directly mitigating the traffic issues through freeway widening. As you know, OCTA has approved funding to add one northbound lane to the north bound SR- 57 freeway from Orange County to one kilometer beyond the Orange/Los Angeles County boundary. It seem likely that there may be an opportunity to extend this project to address our concerns. Mr. Brown provided you with the fact sheet describing the nature and status of that project. To date, you have not provided the City with any evidence that this mitigation option has been explored. Nor has the City received any information stating Caltrans concurs with your finding that there will be no impact to the nearby freeway. Assuming Caltrans does not agree with your findings of no impacts, it is reasonable to engage them in a discussion to explore mitigation measures. If Caltrans does in fact concur that there are no impacts on the freeway, and has provided this in writing, we can reassess our desire to engage Caltrans. If widening the freeway is not viable for whatever reason, then you need to explore other means to directly mitigate the project's traffic impacts (demand management, change in project access, change in project composition/density, etc.) or at a minimum document the analysis of all other options and why they are not viable. It is not acceptable to the City to consider widening Brea Canyon Road, unless and until all other options have been considered, analyzed and documented. Even after all options have been analyzed, we aren't confident that City staff could support or that the City Council would approve a widening'. of Brea Canyon Road or issue a statement of over-riding concerns for this impact. Beyond the CEQA-related issues, there is a significant public policy question for the City to consider in facilitating and accepting spill -over traffic from the freeway. rthbased on prior discussions and written communications, we fully expect Fuer, other interested agencies (Caltrans and LA County in particular) will be requesting freeway improvements be explored as a mitigation measure, with a fair share contribution from AERA. It would behoove all parties to explore this option immediately. As such, we are directing Aera, through this communication, to arrange a meeting with the appropriate Caltrans representatives to initiate these discussions. The City will need to be in attendance at all Caltrans meetings. If for whatever reason, you fail to do this within a reasonable timeframe, the City may unilaterally contact Caltrans and initiate these discussions with or without AERA. FAIR SHARE CALCULATIONS Regarding the fair share calculation presented in your communication, the City does not accept nor do we think it appropriate to discount the project's obligation to reflect use of the proposed sports park by existing residents. All external project trips will have one "end" within the project and one "end" external to the project. It doesn't matter whether the external portion of the trip is from Diamond Bar or elsewhere, the project is still causing someone to drive on this stretch of roadway. It is also standard practice for developers to accept the financial responsibility for trips associated with municipal uses within a project (libraries, police/fire, parks, etc.). If for whatever reason we have misinterpreted the information contained in your communication, please contact us immediately so that we can discuss the specifics in more detail. Otherwise we look forward to working with you to develop appropriate mitigation for the proposed project's traffic impacts. Sincerely James DeStefano City Manager CC: LSA EDAW David Liu, Public Works Director Dave Doyle, Assistant City Manager May 7, 2008 AERA Energy LLC Attention: George Bayse, Vice President 3030 Saturn Lane, Suite 101 Brea, CA 92821 Dear Mr. Bayse: In December 2006 the City and Aera Energy LLC entered into a planning and pre -annexation agreement for the approximately 3,000 acres owned by Aera located in unincorporated Los Angeles County. Since entering into the agreement, the City and its consultants have diligently reviewed and critiqued the Environmental Impact Report material submitted by Aera. Over the past year the City has consistently stated that it is not interested in processing a typical hillside subdivision proposal. Your property is unique and the opportunity to master plan a high quality, modern, sustainable development must be explored in good faith. To date, the City has identified numerous opportunities for Aera to include innovative and unique environmentally friendly programs and elements to improve the quality of your project. So far, Aera has not embraced these ideas to the extent desired by the City nor have there been any modification to the developer's original plan to adopt any of these concepts. While the existing proposal contains elements of merit, the City believes it's imperative that Aera prepare a plan of unique hillside neighborhoods that creatively responds to the topographic and environmental challenges of the site. Aera must apply as many of the full range of hillside design topographic techniques as necessary to achieve a beautiful forward thinking hillside site design unique to this site. So while many of the existing technical studies can be utilized as the critical baseline data for the master planning process, we must initiate a thorough design review process to enhance the project. We believe that you need to utilize the latest analysis of future market trends and creatively think about the future character of residential neighborhoods to establish specific project design goals that reflect leadership in development and preservation. We have previously stated that the development plan should become a model for the rest of the State. Certainly one project aspect of particular concern is the overall grading plan and the sheer amount of earth to be moved. By engaging in an interactive process to identify potential development envelops through a multiple -factor analysis we can create a prioritization of areas for preservation and a prioritization of areas for development. Our goal would be to reduce the overall building envelope and overall amount of earthwork through comprehensive site analysis and a planning process that responds to existing landforms to minimize the environmental damage to the existing flora, fauna and natural features. This goal could also have a positive effect for Aera; namely reducing the grading and site work costs which we believe will be astronomical under the current grading concept and could negatively affect your return on investment. Other environmental benefits of a reduced envelope and grading concept would include enlargement of the open spaces seta aside for wildlife, the reduction of fossil fuels consumed by the heavy equipment, reduction in the amount of water that would be required for dust control, and the obvious reduction in particulate matter emissions of airborne dust and diesel exhaust. Also, as you are fully aware, the property contains an area that has been identified as a "significant ecological area' (SEA) and contains biotic habitat that must be maintained and enhanced. As we have mentioned previously, the current development proposal doesn't appear to account for the City General Plan SEA discussion nor is it responsive to the County SEA and doesn't minimize the impacts to the existing oak and walnut woodlands in this area to the extent desired by the City. While we understand and appreciate that over 50% of the project is proposed to be set aside as open space, and that a significant mitigation and restoration plan has been developed, we would like to explore options that can reduce the overall footprint of the project and reduce the amount of earthwork which will protect existing habitat. As stewards of the public trust and advocates for good public policy, the City must achieve an appropriate balance of public and private benefit through carefully planned restoration and development of the Aera property. We believe that we must engage in a master planning process between the City and Aera that results in a consensus plan that has clearly emerged from a comprehensive study of local community issues, existing land forms, and environmental issues. Moreover, we do not believe we can support a proposal unless it demonstrates exemplary forward thinking design, a sincere effort to embrace the principles of green, livable communities, and addresses significant community issues. A community issue of significance is the traffic generated by the project. The City has repeatedly indicated that the conclusions of the draft traffic report are not acceptable. Neither of the proposed solutions to the traffic issues on Brea Canyon Road, namely destroy recent improvements made to that segment of roadway to add an additional traffic lane or issue a Statement of Overriding Consideration, are acceptable to the City. Significant modifications to the current design plan are necessary. The City has provided you with what we believe is a viable option to address this issue which is to approach CalTrans with an offer to contribute financially to the proposed truck lane project that would allow the construction of an additional freeway lane on the SR-57 past the current terminus of the project to the Brea Canyon Road northbound exit. Again, Aera has not accepted this suggestion, has not initiated any contact with CalTrans, nor has any serious investigation begun on your part. As we have stated previously, traffic management and mitigation is the long established primary goal of the City Council. The project must incorporate appropriate land use intensity, design, and mitigation. We have diligently worked to study your proposal, made suggestions for improvements and proposed creative, environmentally friendly programs for inclusion in your development plan. The preannexation agreement contemplates this to be a cooperative effort. We have not found Aera to be an accepting and willing partner. As such, I have directed my staff to suspend working on your proposal until such time that a positive course of action and reasonable timeline can be established. Sincerely, James DeStefano City Manager Cc: City Council 3 DRAFT GOALS OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR FOR PLANNING AND ANNEXATION OF THE AERA PROPERTY Achieve an appropriate balance of public and private benefit through carefully planned restoration and development of the Aera Property. Comment: From Aera standpoint, George Basye would argue his project proposal provide a balance of public and private benefits in that he has preserved 1500 acres for wildlife corridor, open space and enhance its habitat; provided 40 acres community park to DB, etc. This is a broad goal and may be it should be expanded to tell George how and why his current Aera proposal misses the mark, even if his Aera Proposal appears that to have all the parts of public and private benefits. 2. Engage in a master planning process that, between the City staff and Area, results in a consensus plan that has clearly emerged from a comprehensive study of local community issues, the existing land forms, and environmental issues. tween Comment: We need to be careful about "engage in a master planning process be City staff and Aera..." City staff should not be link with Aera so that we are viewed as a project proponent especially when city has not engaged the community to include their voice. 3. Utilize the extensive existing technical studies as the critical baseline data in support of a master planning process. 4. Identify potential development envelopes through a multiple -factor analysis that results in a prioritization of areas for preservation and also prioritization of areas for development. Utilize the latest analysis of future market trends and creative thinking about the future character of residential neighborhoods to establish specific project design goals that reflect leadership in development and preservation. Create community identity by organizing a master plan around well -sited, functional, public benefit elements. Prepare plans for unique hillside neighborhoods that creatively respond to the topographic challenges of the site. Apply as many of the full range of hillside design techniques as necessary to achieve a unique and beautifiil hillside site design. 8. Reduce overall grading quantities through the comprehensive site analysis and planning process that responds to the existing land forms. 9. Include, from the outset of the planning process, concepts for sequential, discrete, neighborhood development phases. To the greatest extent possible, each identified neighborhood should be a separate phase that can be completed, occupied and not significantly disrupted by subsequent construction access and activities. At each phase of development, there must be completed and functional neighborhoods. 10. Prepare an innovative resource conservation program that, for the development, significantly reduces energy use and greenhouse gas emissions [below the energy use of a business as usual development] and, for the open space, provides for the restoration of the natural areas and the long term monitoring and maintenance. Comments: Items 9 and 10 — I could see George responding to say that FORMA is charged with creating the separate neighborhood and already has a concept in place. With respect to resource conservation program, George 07080067 Gonls and Possible Action ltenrs.dac DRAFT POTENTIAL EARLY ACTION ITEMS 1. Aera and the City of Diamond Bar, assisted by appropriate consultants, we to prepare a restoration and development strategy for the property that has very strong potential to positively resonate with a broad range of local residents, public officials/agencies, and environmental groups. This strategy is foundational to the master plan, and all major components of the master plan reference to this strategy. It should also identify a clear path from initial planning concepts through the entitlement process. 2, Working with the Diamond Bar Fire Department, Public Works Department, and other emergency services, identify the appropriate design standards for the main hillside connector road, and other internal local hillside streets and driveways. The Aera site requires special standards that may vary from typical standards elsewhere in the city or region, but standards that still adequately protect public safety. 3. Worldng with the City of Diamond Bar Planning Department, identify a broad range of site design techniques that would be considered appropriate for this site, and contribute to creating the unique hillside community. This "kit of parts" would directly inform the subsequent site design process. 07080067 Goals and Possible Action lrems.doc ���q�sy� <8 7�X s �7 T043 7�� Aj�q( I p IT m cit✓��� CqLQ Ve �- CA Gaor 60 u� . ,,,c 4 Cmkwof �vu ILr w J 7 Ufa d em�k%�` 4'v oftqfl*t� �E��he Sal • OR WL7,11 4 r� 1 City of Diamond Bar Design Charette Agenda 1. Design Elements 2. Green Community Attributes 3. Technology 4. SEA 5. Public Benefits 6. Format of SP 7. Examples fE� A3 Wa I 6ZAy p0040eA f.s 7036 naps s C ci,® �839P70lo5 . C .0 t e ,c.4•J5 r�NCA vo Olt -a e �Ul. s vt . yet %lRy1066® Uga+zoa• raz r S7742S ca 10 5ttp o(P M�GFf�2 i14�1o%3-lP2cY� cavnf LJ �orvnr�covhra,n,i`o on, Green Community Attributes 1, Self Containment a. On site daily services b, on site daily and destination recreation c, on site education d, opportunity far live/work mixed styleessional and life services e. �pP f, Local food markets In drarnae and water quality g Minimal off site impacts fro outh rograms h. Utilize local labor pool — including y p 2. Reduced Vehicle Miles TravOemties for regional employment a, Provide housing Opp b. Encourages telecommuhw ys and streets c, Pedestrian friendly p d, Evaluate feasibility of NEV use � in community e, "e-village" services ' 3 Energy Cons tion a nc a solar o in homes m (PCB « b, rze energy star appliances \k V" Y� 1 c. Minimize use of large expansiveof glass e anopy along travel corridors d. Encourage street tree cgreenbelts to act as natural cooling area "sinks' for e, Provide intermittent development trellises f, Supplement trees with sheltering g, Exceed Title 24 by 15% 4, Water Conservation aI Provide reclaim water to site t common areas b. Utilize reclaim water for comrnumY c. Utilize low flow fixtures d, Utilize tank less water heater drought tolerant p lan materials e. Utilize native and s to minimizeturf f. Evaluate oppO�mtie g, "Smart" irrigation systems ansing of drainage h. Net positive (exceeds site generation) cle i, Surface water managed with strategic detention 5. Recycled a. Recycle building materials from local area b. Re use existing landscape plants and materials c. Net positive use of recycled organic materials d. Site for regional recycling center e. Community compose center £ Recycle construction waste g. Recycle center in homes. 6. Enhanced Habit a. Preserve ax�d enhance existing habitats b. Provide wildlife corridors connections c. Create new habitats d. Buffer habitats e. Mitigation bank sites f. Advertise natural systems education Aera Master Planned Community Public Benefits 1. Sustainable habitat plan a. Studies show the property's habitat value is poor as a result of oil and cattle operations. Aera's open space plan would: o Preserve 55% of the property - which would nearly triple Diamond Bar's current open space acreage - at no cost to the public I' ill" o Create healthy, extensive sustainable oak and walnut woodlands o Provide CSS mitigation and replanting program o Restore Berry Creek to provide riparian habitat, improve water quality and comprehensive flood control o Replace fragmented wildlife habitat with dense, connected native habitats and provide for a wildlife corridor through the property o Ensure success of habitat through long-term management 2. Public benefits and community features a. 9 total miles of trails and 6 miles within the proposed annexation area b. Reserved joint -use site for school ands ort park, K-8 school site c. A number of parks, including a long sought-after major sports park d. Reserved fire station site and ue modification programs increase fire sa ety in the region e. Private recreation centers in attached home neighborhoods f. Runoff currently leaving the site untreated will be controlled and treated to Regional Water Quality Control Board requirements g. Preserve prominent landmarks - SR-57 freeway scenic corridor and "Nike site" ridgeline h. 18 holes golf course in oil remediation area 3. Sustainable community design a. Energy consumption 15% lower than Title 24 requirements b. Reduce VMT (vehicle miles traveled) by placing homes near 1 million jobs e- c -Reduce VMT- (vehicle -miles -traveled) -and car trips -by offering residents c os- by places to shop d. Recycled water system (first in region) to meet 30 percent of irrigation needs e. Incorporate drought -tolerant landscaping and water -conserving systems f. [Something here about domestic water conservation?] g. Recycling program will reduce landfill consumption 4. Fiscal benefits f a. City's independent U1 study showed $1 million annual surplus to City of n VU Diamond Bar as a result of annexation b. Additional operating revenues in the millions of dollars through builder fees and school fees during project build out 5. Infrastructure improvements a. Widening and safety enhancements of Brea Canyon Road b. New reclaimed water infrastructure built as part of the project enhances the opportunity to provide recycled water to other cities in the area c. Improvements to regional drainage system 6. IF principles a. A balanced plan with a wide range of high -quality homes in close proximity to employment centers b. Development of an infill site c. Collaborative planning process includes numerous opportunities for the public to provide feedback 7. City of Diamond Bar Workshop Agenda January 29, 2008 North Entry Concept Neighborhood Commercial Sport Park K.8 School South Entry Concept Neighborhood Matrix Neighborhood Product Types Overall Landscape Concept Walls and Fences Project Illustrative Plan Diamond Bar Annexation Boundary General Plan Consistency Hillside Grading Ordinance Workshop (set date) Other items µv�7 00 feJ (lef Nancy Fong From: David Doyle ent: Monday, January 28, 2008 4:49 PM ro: James DeStefano; Nancy Fong; Greg Gubman; David Liu; Ryan McLean Cc: Basye GL (George) at Aera; 'Gene Hsieh' Subject: TUESDAY, Jan 29, 2008 This is to confirm our schedule for tomorrow 9:30 AM AERA & FORMA arrive and setup for our meeting (tentatively scheduled for CC-2) 10 AM City Manager & staff meet with AERA/FORMA to review the specific plan. Noon Lunch provided 1 PM City Manager, Assistant CM and Community Development staff meet at WVUSD Headquarters for Site D meeting Following the site D meeting, we will briefly meet with Mark Rogers of TRG to discuss his possible assistance 0 with peer review of the AERA project. C� acI CPA • f��� David Doyle I Assistant City Manager City of Diamond Bar C 909-839-7012 aw ) I qo t f� P �� City of Diamond Bar Workshop Agenda January 29, 2008 North Entry Concept Neighborhood Commercial Sport Park K-8 School South Entry Concept Neighborhood Matrix ® Neighborhood Product Types Overall Landscape Concept ® Walls and Fences ® Project Illustrative Plan Diamond Bar Annexation Boundary General Plan Consistency ® Hillside Grading Ordinance Workshop (set date) ® Other items i r' & pr�:+,a IL y a , d' ��' fdZIP ok Coe of to ate �s �trl GLhL Su DIX n. j`AvwkcLI i3s✓. j CA. PC , fly G�kUci 4 ih/* r 'fro te, �i1�� 4 (� A_ X✓ s , DPM6 - J d;� �obb�f�l�+d�vhh S1Moly SN�N pp �ONy 13oMKA*,p `iSl SSt -GY?o 'sell 51` (* GleVkA L �w,j Assoc. �b� 9�t9 837-0�{04 x'41 ZPAW lillilipq ilipilliql;i1pillp 11511,111 �J:fm�v eve ref A,6 `J \6 S \ �AoN Sti.N SIYY( .DDY� DNy IomKA-mp ln#FJ4 ;"OAWZ6 y � ,; ► ,.rya-; Gnbf cf0ow- ve, (7r , kewf tox*� ck� ro�M� ��2t�lr� �.,NKgS �SSOG. Tom' I�OAH-) I111G R� S�2Z -GY?o - �l�•99z. �t� i 7J AM ep t- 26 S 'jl� S77 41`f•6 9�a 837-a�All x41 C!:Fvar�d GV cxww D N6 Bob befft?�B;ddic h l DNy L omKA*p �•�.cm) orvi iE "b r /Aaf�c�, �f J RAW, !>LA>ck. Fo2MPq� �- Gt?Nrn I111G (a49lowp l�s9- �s7 SD�2 -GY?o /oil 2,: �3�� t 6%3-- G2�� ep+ 265 9�q 837-oL{oLf x 141 s`6,�,- 3zq-a-Ts S 6 / I Gi1oa� Bob 8 �h MIM?tiFdL 4 S\�om S\A� �Y11 .D D�eQ - 1 o,v y I omMtop (� k*vrl S2ml-� ��2t1v� (..,�Kps lJ3SoG, Sw&79 -70coot> >� as L5Ij 1-1 � )C5 k 4s1 52�2 _a?o C71� e�t26s Z1�{ s71 1�I�EG 9�ta 837-0Lj0Ll X 141 21825 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 (909)839-7030 nancy.fong@ci.diamond-bar.ca.us -----Original Message ----- From: Wood, Gary [mailto:Gary.Wood@edaw.com] Sent: Friday, April 11, 2008 3:49 PM To: David Doyle; James DeStefano; Nancy Fong; Greg Gubman Cc: Mark Rogers; Biddulph, Bobbette; Bridges, John Subject: All: Attached are the draft proposed talking points you requested. Mark and I have concluded that rather than focus on a critique of the current plan we would focus on goals of the City for this property and also some,potential early action items that could initiate a joint planning process for the property. The approach is that if the "door" is being closed on the current proposed plan and schedule then, at the same time, a general description of another "door" is put forward that allows Aera to proceed [but on a different course]. We hope this is helpful. Gary B. Wood Senior Project Director EDAW 1420 Kettner Boulevard, Suite 500 San Diego, California 92101 T 619.233.1454 F 619.233.0952 www.edaw.com Confidential Communications The information contained in this e-mail message is intended only for the use of the individual or individuals named above. If the person actually receiving this message or any other reader of the message is not the named recipient or the employee or agent responsible to deliver it to the named recipient, any use, dissemination, distribution, or copying of the communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately destroy AND notify us by telephone at 909.839.7058. 4/14/2008 DRAFT GOALS OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR FOR PLANNING AND ANNEXATION OF THE AERA PROPERTY Achieve an appropriate balance of public and private benefit through carefully planned restoration and development of the Aera Property, 2. Engage in a master planning process that, between the City staff and Area, results in a consensus plan that has clearly emerged from a comprehensive study of local community issues, the existing land forms, and environmental issues. 3. Utilize the extensive existing technical studies as the critical baseline data in support of a master planning process. 4. Identify potential development envelopes through a multiple -factor analysis that results in a prioritization of areas for preservation and also prioritization of areas for development. 5. Utilize the latest analysis of future market trends and creative thinking about the future character of residential neighborhoods to establish specific project design goals that reflect leadership in development and preservation. 6. Create community identity by organizing a master plan around well -sited, functional, public benefit elements. 7. Prepare plans for unique hillside neighborhoods that creatively respond to the topographic challenges of the site. Apply as many of the full range of hillside design techniques as necessary to achieve a unique and beautiful hillside site design. 8. Reduce overall grading quantities through the comprehensive site analysis and planning process that responds to the existing land forms. 9. Include, from the outset of the planning process, concepts for sequential, discrete, neighborhood development phases. To the greatest extent possible, each identified neighborhood should be a separate phase that can be completed, occupied and not significantly disrupted by subsequent construction access and activities. At each phase of development, there must be completed and functional neighborhoods. 10. Prepare an innovative resource conservation program that, for the development, significantly reduces energy use and greenhouse gas emissions [below the energy use of a business as usual development] and, for the open space, provides for the restoration of the natural areas and the long term monitoring and maintenance. 07080067 Goals and Possible Action ftems. doc DRAFT POTENTIAL EARLY ACTION ITEMS Aera and the City of Diamond Bar, assisted by appropriate consultants, work to prepare a restoration and development strategy for the property that has very strong potential to positively resonate with a broad range of local residents, public officials/agencies, and environmental groups. This strategy is foundational to the master plan, and all major components of the master plan reference to this strategy. It should also identify a clear path from initial planning concepts through the entitlement process. 2. Working with the Diamond Bar Fire Department, Public Works Department, and other emergency services, identify the appropriate design standards for the main hillside connector road, and other internal local hillside streets and driveways. The Aera site requires special standards that may vary from typical standards elsewhere in the city or region, but standards that still adequately protect public safety. 3. Working with the City of Diamond Bar Planning Department, identify a broad range of site design techniques that would be considered appropriate for this site, and contribute to creating the unique hillside community. This "kit of parts" would directly inform the subsequent site design process. 07030067 Gonls and Possible Action ltmns.doc Assistant City Manager City of Diamond Bar - 909-8394012 ----Original Message ----- From: Herzog, Tina[mailto:therzog@cao.lacounty.gov] Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 5:14 PM To: David Doyle Subject: Thursday Meeting Hello Mr. Doyle, Regarding our meeting on Thursday, I want to ensure we have the appropriate people at the table to answer questions you may have about the annexation process. Were there any other specific issues you want to discuss? Are you clear on the County's instructions for the comparison appraisal of the land you identified for he Diamond Bar Golf Course? Thank you. 'Please note my new a -mail address is therzog@cao.lacounty.gov Tina Marquez Herzog Chief Administrative Office Office of Unincorporated Area Services & Special Projects County of Los Angeles Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, Room 723 (213) 974A 740 FAX (213) 633-5085 Confidential Communications The information contained in this a -mail message is intended only for the use of the individual or individuals named above. If the person actually receiving this message or any other reader of the message is not the named recipient or the employee or agent responsible to deliver it to the named recipient, any use, dissemination, distribution, or copying of the communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately destroy AND notify us by telephone at 909.839.7058, 11,70 fi�� VCL- 4 I� Nancy Fong crom; Herzog, Tina [therzog@cao.lacounty.gov] ant: Wednesday, April 04, 2007 8:53 AM To: David Doyle Cc: James DeStefano; Nancy Fong Subject: RE: Thursday Meeting Great, see you all then! ----Original From: David David Doyle [mailto:David.doyle@ci.diamond-bar.ca.us] Sent: Tuesday, April 03, 2007 10:46 PM To: Herzog, Tina Cc: James DeStefano; Nancy Fong Subject: RE: Thursday Meeting Hi Tina The meeting is intended to be introductory and an opportunity for us to answer any questions you may have regarding the project. I will be joined by City Manager James DeStefano and Community Development Director Nancy Fong. We would like to introduce ourselves and provide you with an overview of our golf course development/re-use project. In addition, if time permits, we can provide you with a status update on the Aera Energy LLC development project and possible annexation to 'he City of Diamond Bar. I'm hopeful we can accomplish the following at our meeting on Thursday: GOLF COURSE 1. City to provide you with an overview of the proposed project 2. Overview of City's Public Participation/Outreach Program 3. City/County discuss process to develop agreement to swap the existing golf course for the new developed golf course. As far as the instructions to the appraiser, I don't recall receiving any information from the County. We would like to confirm the appraised value for both properties will based on the golf course use as this is the only method that can provide an "apples to apples" comparison. 4. Discuss timeline for the project/appraisal AERA ENERGY LLC 1. Status Update 2. Timeline David Doyle RECEIVED Mi - 6 2007 Robert Lewis 2231 Fullerton Road #8 Rowland Heights, CA 91748 Email aiolewis(a�aol.com Phone 5624774105 Diamond Bar City Council 21865 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Subject Area 1 Annex from Rowland CSD March 4, 2007 To the City Council of Diamond Bar I submit a direct the summary of comments I plan to make at your public hearing on this matter March 6, 2007. This is not all before us tonight; this annexation is only the first step in a plan of greater scope and impact. 1) Where is not that Residential Property does not pay fully for the public services they consume, This annexation would have occurred already. 2) Could have happened earlier, but that was not in the interest of the City of Diamond Bar. 3) Not in the interest of the city to assume this negative impact on your budget. So, what happened to make it in the interest of the City of Diamond Bar to now annex Area 1? 1) December 19, 2007 The City of Diamond Bar and Aera Energy, LLC adopted a Planning, Development and Pre -Annexation Agreement. 2) Also the City of Diamond Bar entered escrow agreements with the City of Industry & the Reed Family trusts on properties that are part of the complete program. 3) For The City of Diamond Bar in order to annex and to bring your agreement with Aera valid the City must border the proposed annexation. x i,,�i1W To summarize the Whole Plan; 1) Annex Area 1 2) Complete the Agreements with the City of Industry and the Reed Family Trust. 3) Annex Area 2 the Aera Energy, LLC property. 4) Validating the December 14, 2007 agreement to develop 2,500 units west of the 57 freeway, plus an additional 600 units elsewhere on the Aera Energy property. 5) With the 200,000 square feet of commercial along Brea Canyon Road which will destroy 20 years of effort and waste close to 200 hundred Million dollars of Public taxes and private investment creating the Puente Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor. The Question is "WHY" the big gamble? 1) How does a Budget Negative that is 20 times greater get to be a positive? 2} There is no guarantee that the Commercial revenue taxes will offset the Residential. 3) What of the committing an amount greater than 60% of the Cities annual revenue. 4) Breakdown of point 3, the total cost of the Industry & Reed Properties is 4 million. The LAFCO revenue repayment to the Rowland CSD (LA County) is approx. 10 million over 10 years for a total of 14 million on this gamble. City is at 24 million annual budgets. So, is this a gamble you want to step into? So, why gamble when there is a guaranteed option? Annex the Rowland CSD totally. 1) At the least would triple the tax base. 2) Gain open space for future development. 3) Double voter base and influence. 4) Maintain the knowledge & experience of council by expands the council to 7 or 9 members. To the doubling of residents. 5) Now Diamond Bar & Rowland Heights would have the best local government that conforms to the Principe of economy of scale. ONE 7 to 9 MEMBER COUNCIL ONE CITY STAFF ONE AGENDA TO RESOVE OUR P DBLEMS> The last photo Is one of the goals we should have together? To protect for our future residents and beyond. CIT'� COTJNCIII Agerula # 8.2 MeetingDate: Dec 19. 2006 AGENI?A REPORT' TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Counoif VIA: James CeStefano, City Manager TITLE: Consider Resolution No. 2006-XX Approving a Planning and Pre - Annexation Agreement between the City and Aera Energy, LLC � �A, ` '�' a ,�� "�, l �. — �. � 33 � � r��� � � x � �4,� a < 4 � I t n FFk �'_ �� 4 "°rn� ,ter r"4� �:r �4• raa+°�� y"� $ q A a:T i � �" , Nev f.' 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W Z C C Q U U t0 i�O M O N r� CO CO O d Lq (0 0 M LO co O co 0 r O O N cV N ~ 0 M r 00 O a X O C G N m � � o (D N L Co O E Z00].N 7 W 0 E V% U 7 U O l9 0 U Q c>4 F- w N m O co M M (0 O N N 10 C 0 d O F. co d J O O 0 co E - co - co o 0000 c _ T 0 N m'--r m O O O _ 0 C 6 (O , OR N i Lo O1 N N0 �a rn °� 0 Q p N 2 J Q > 2 0 0 0.0 2 o > J Q Annexation area is 1940 acres Selected parcels 4033.25 AIN AREA (sq. ft.) ACRES 8714029001 616,192.206 14.146 8714030002 1,663,543.693 38.190 8714029003 2,629,628.085 60.368 8714029006 536,389.228 12.314 8714029004 1,205,917.081 27.684 8714028001 3,480,424.405 79.900 8714029005 1,635,548.997 37.547 8714029002 791,035.688 18.160 8714030001 1,371,683.188 31.490 13,930,362.571 319.797 Total 4087.03 1620.203 Total Selected census tracts TRACT AREA (sq. ft.) ACRES 4033.25 172,321,554.563 3,955.959 4087.03 185,636,164.718 4,261.620 357,957,719.281 8,217.578 Total Schweitzer + Associates, Inc. July 27, 2007 David Doyle Assistant City Manager, City of Diamond Bar Diamond Bar City Hall 21825 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Peter Schwartz & Associates, 11C Subject: Draff Proposal for Consulting Services -AERA Energy LLC Energy Infrastructure and Sustainable Development Feasibility Analysis Dear David: an you for the oppo tunity to provide this DRAFT proposal for consulting services to the City of Diamond Bar ("City"). It was a pleasure meeting you and Nancy Fong last month after my presentation on the Dollars + Sense of Sustainability at ULI's Master Planned Community conference in Huntington Beach. We understand that you are considering the feasibility, opportunities and constraints around using fuel cells to help power the new AERA Energy project within your City. In order to best serve the Cities interests in this effort, I am including Peter Schwartz, a colleague of mine who has unique expertise and experience with fuel cells and related utility issues, as a co -consultant to complements my sustainable real estate development experience. Peter and I are also working on a number of other projects together where our collaboration has proved to provide enhanced added -value in implementing sustainable development elsewhere. We understand that you are interested in investigating viable, cost-effective energy infrastructure and sustainable development alternatives associated with AERA Energy LLC's proposed master development ("Project"), namely the feasibility of implementing fuel cells to help power this new community. We also understand that you are looking for an initial draft to review before finalizing and commencing our work scope. Therefore, we are attaching a one - page draft scope of work for your consideration as a starting point for further discussions and refinement. Also attached are biographies for both Peter and I. We look forward to working with you and discussing our proposal in more detail. We will contact you later today to confirm your receipt and to plan next steps. Kind regards, Judi G. Schweitzer Schweitzer+ Associates, Inc. President Enclosures Peter M. Schwartz Schwartz &Associates, LLC Principal Cc: Ryan Mclean, Senior Management Analyst, City of Diamond Bar Nancy Fong, Community Development Director, City of Diamond Bar 25422 Trabuco Road, Suite 105-P Lake Forest, CA 92630 949.859.2020 T 949.472.4436 F v Schweitzer + Associates, Inc. ? Peter Schwartz & Associates, LL.0 EXHIBIT "A" [Draft] Scope of Work INTRODUCTION This is a DRAFT proposal to provide research, guidance and technical support to the City of Diamond Bar relative to the overall energy infrastructure and sustainable development of AERA Energy LLC's master development (including fuel cell feasibility). The proposed work will encompass three phases: • Phase l : Exploratory, Initial Planning and Scoping • Phase 2: Technology Assessment • Phase 3: Summary Report and Ongoing Advisory Services PROPOSED WORK SCOPE Phase 1: Exploratory, Initial Planning and Scoping Mid -August 2007 through October 15, 2007 This phase includes: • Initial project planning and kickoff meetings • Data collection and information sourcing • Investigative research • Project planning and scalping Phase 2: Technology Assessment October 15, 2007 through December 31, 2007 This phase includes: • Assess, analyze and recommend strategic energy infrastructure and sustainable development alternatives • Explore alternative technologies to reduce energy infrastructure demands and environmental impacts Phase 3: Summary Report and Ongoing Advisory Services January 1, 2008 -Ongoing This phase includes: • Draft summary report of strategic energy infrastructure and sustainable development alternatives • Final summary report of strategic energy infrastructure and sustainable development alternatives • Provide ongoing advisory services PRINCIPAL PROJECT TEAM Judi Schweitzer, President, Schweitzer+Associates, Inc. Peter M. Schwartz, Principal, Peter Schwartz & Associates, LLC FEE STRUCTURE These services are proposed on a time and materials basis plus expenses. 25422 Trabuco Road, Suite 105-P 1ake Forest, CA 92630 949.859.2020 T 949.472.4436 F Schweitzer + Associates, Inc. 1CtD fs. SGHWEtTZEk SCNWEIFZER +RSSOCIRTES, INC. Grain: gusla"ndsla 6auatopmors Adrisimg Faandor �Pw:idont than Land lnstitute, Full AGailwrr ,.usxannbto Dovolopronn Ceuadl, Mombar. U3 Greer, Building council, Mambor Howard Univerzi it Graduate Sdwal of Design, Advanced Managem+csd pregram in treat Est 1e, zMDP Groduotar Amid A&u y Ccat Mambor Univerelly of Soril,enr California, Manor of goal Estato Dovatopmoaa humor, State Univerx cy, BS Ecur anics Recant Puhlicatioas: "Mari ing Grain Pay," Urban tend Magnzinot May 2006 "Grain Homobuild'mg: Tho Lost Holdout or R a I oo Frontier," Lassanz Loomod, eanb Day glow York, 00?+ liar 2006 "Duvolopiag Soz:cio abro Cammunircaz" Chapiar co-aue aw, Urban Land lueltu.o, 2007. Earlier Experieacc LaPiwhiar dovaiapmartt Concilting Grrnp, Inc, Capital Pacific ttaldmgs, inc FCPHj, 6caxor Hamw,tnc, t:B Cm[ot, inc Land acquisirions, oriRnamaah, forward plaroangr dm•alopmaM, dosign, mmhuctiary Property nag'�+n urban daiign, oxinCrata nninor design, fatolirios programming. rala Fa A. .suds G. Schweitzer is a pFaneer in creating and appFying emerging gran and sustainable development salutilcm and technosaas to real -estate acquisition pre havelopmentr development and ccnstrucfion of the bullt environment for master -planned communities, resorts, lifestyle and mixed -use camvnercial protects. She founded Schweitzer +Associates, lac to apply liar 2'D+ years of experience in real estate development, .entitlements, -underwriting' and design to the ciaalfanges facing owners of legacy properties and their fieams. With liar clients, tudi creates projects that are anviranmentally responsible, sustaiaabler beaatifui, livable -and valuable. Schweitzer + Assactores assemble and tend muhidiscfpRmtry canothing teams with cutting -edgy expertise to help d'eents navigate the dynamic and Often oxibefng world. of sustaindble development. The firm arms an Integrated systems approach which results in Optimal'4ilple bottom Fine" solutions (benefiting people, profits and planet) for multiple stakeholders (imestor, master developers,. builders and homeowners). The finnes goal is to create the greatest value for .its clFarnxr resulting in ilia highest saving/mIum and mom sustainable business solutions for each development and design opportunity. Selected ehents: NJusterjCammuniy Developers: Rancho Mission Viejo, The {drape Company, Eagle Valley Development LLC, Newland amm relles, Warmington Land, Playa Vista Parnatin, Headlands Reserve, LLC. Institutional Investors! CaIPEPS, tones Long Lasalle, IHP Capita[ Partners. Fiome Builders! Standard Pacific Homes, William Lyon Homes, John Laing Homes, New Urban west. Corporolions! Bank of America,. Rand Corporation-, First interstate &oak, Time Inc, 6ovarnmettisjilkarxldpaldttes! Store of California Green Wove fditintive Judi s ongoing research contributes to the industry's efforts to quantity green and wstataabfe premiums. She is developing proprietary tools thin will enable total life cycle cast valuation and address the costs and beaefits, both market (econont } and external (Ukb o[ impact) for various Stakeholders in development and design dacisians. 25k23 Trabum Raad,Suita ikt05-P, lake honest, CA p2d90 14441650.3020T l44vt472-0496F * f4341385-3397C 25422 Trabuco Road, Suite 105-P Lake Forest, CA 92630 949.859.2020 T 949.472.4436 F F� Schweitzer + Associates, Inc. Peter ScWlartz ) & Associates, LLC 4. Peter Schwartz & Associates; LLC Peter M. Schwari� 361 Chapman Drive Corte Madera, CA 91925 (415)929-6675 originally from in Chicago, IIL, Peter Schwartz, with more Than 30 years' experience in the energy and utility industries, is an intemationa€lyrecognized expert in energy efficiency and building technologies. His energy consulting trial, Peter Schwartz & Associates, LLC, specializes in energy infrastructure, strategic planning, research and -sustainable project deueiopment. He is the former Founding Board President and Senior Pmgram director with the New Buildings institute, promoting advanced building energy technological energy codes, standards and design guidelines. He managed NBI's 2001 Advanced Lighting Guidelines project and NBrs S6 million Public Interest Energy Research (PIER.) program. Priorto NHI, Mr. Schwartzwaa Director of Business Analysis for LAS & Associates, an energy -consulting €arporaffon focusing on integrated infrastructure investments. He managed demand amide and supply-side energy projects for large, muttkfacility institutional clients including: universities, San Francisco International Airport and the Navy Public Works Center—Sgn Diego. Total project value exceeded $500 million. Prior to LAS, he was Director of Business Energy Management and a Senior Program Manager with PG&E's S76 million Commercial Energy Efficiency Programs. Mr. Schvartz also worked as a Senior Marketing Engtneerfc€tire Pacific Energy center, where he educated more than 3,000 design professionals, building developers, facility managers and contractors on energy -efficient technologies and building design_ He received his bachelor's degree in environments physics from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, specializing in technology assessment, energy policy and environmental politics, and his masters degree in environmental planning from Arizona State University, specializing in building energy technology and analysis. He is a.member of the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), the Association of Energy Services Professionals (AESP), American Society of Hearing, Ref igeralirtg and Air-Condtioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA)_ Mr_ Schwartz also serves as Vice chair of Town of Corte Madera's Planning Commission. 25422 Trabuco Road, Suite 105-P Lake Forest, CA 92630 949.859.2020 T 949.472.4436 F ' 1420 42Inc Ketin2r boulevard. Suite 50i1 $an Lne9o. Callfomia 9?101 -r [ii�?. [:C;. i�:5� "r 919.?--33 095C w;v'e adavd com Memorandum Date: February 19, 2008 To: David Doyle, Assistant City Manager, City of Diamond Bar From: Bobbette Biddulph, AICP, EDAW Subject: Aera Master Planned Community, EIR Support Services Distribution: John Bridges, EDAW Pursuant to your request, this memorandum summarizes the additional level of effort EDAW anticipates to provide continued California Environmental Quality Act support services to the City of Diamond Bar in relation to the proposed Aera Master Planned Community. EDAW's existing contract (April 9, 2007) assumes that the Aera team would complete a Draft EIR in July 2007 and a Final EIR in November 2007. To -date, a Draft EIR has not been completed. This contract amendment equest has been made in consideration of our existing contract, the assumptions we made at the initiation of our contract, and the anticipated level of effort necessary to support the City through the remainder of the environmental process. Project Team Meetings and Conference Calls EDAW has remained an active participant of project team meetings and conference calls in order to facilitate the development of an adequate and technically sound EIR. Our original scope of work envisioned a total of 20 team meetings. While the mix of meetings and conference calls has been slightly different than originally anticipated, the level of effort and time necessary for this project coordination on a monthly basis has remained in -step with our original proposal. With an increase in the contract duration, EDAW requests an additional allocation for continued team meetings and conference call coordination. Administrative Draft EIR Review EDAW's current scope of work assumed two rounds of review for each EIR technical section, a preliminary review to identify issues and a second review to ensure that EDAW's previous comments had been adequately addressed. Our support to the Aera team has been less systematic than previously anticipated, as a result of the team requesting our review of the Administrative Draft EIR prior to it being formatted to reflect Diamond Bar as lead agency. In addition, it is anticipated that, on average, each section of the EIR will necessitate more than 2 rounds of review. EDAW has expended approximately�0 percent of our total bude�t allocation for Administrativ .Draft EIR nnri ' lR,ed Adminicttative Draft review. Because of an increase in contract duration and the anticipated need for support, EDAW recommends and increase in allocation for this task. David Doyle, Assistant City Manager February 19, 2008 Page 2 EDAW Billing Rates and Labor Cost Increases As outlined in EDAW's April 9, 2007 contract with the City, our time of performance was anticipated to conclude n November 2007. Due to unanticipated project delays outside of EDAW's responsibility, the contract duration and time of performance has extended. While an exact completion date is not known, it is likely that the City will ook for EDAW's support through the end of 2008, As a result of this extension in the time of performance, EDAW proposes an increase in billing rates commensurate with our increase in direct labor costs. The billing rates reflected in this proposal include this increase. In addition, we are requesting a 5 percent increase in our rcmninlnn authorization to allow for the aoolication of these naw hillinq rates. This alloca Ion aqua saeae Proposed Contract Amendment Budget The following table summarizes our proposed budget for the scope of work and contract amendment described herein. Fee Increase Team Meetin s and Conference Calls $741188 strative Draft EIR Review $26,338 Billin Rates and Labor Cost Increases g This proposal assumes art amendment to the contract to assume completion of the project by December 2008. Should the project extend beyond December 2008, another contract amendment may be necessary. We welcome the opportunity to discuss this proposal with you, and potential changes in our anticipated level of effort or focus. As you know, our goal is to continue to provide support to the City of Diamond Bar on this important project. P:12007107080067Araa Master Plan EIR ReviewliManagementlContractslAmendment t EIftlAera Amend 1 021908.doc Task: Product: Hours: Costs: February 11, 2008 City of Diamond Bar Attn: Jim DeStefano City Manager 21825 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Re: Aera Property First Phase Effort Dear David, TRG Land is pleased to submit this proposal regarding Aera Property, located in the City of Diamond Bar, California. The primary objective of the following scope of services is to efficiently and thoroughly initiate the first phase. Project History and Status Review Coordination with the Project Team to obtro ect s his ory latea information and background materials on the p j Acquisition of project information and preliminary review 0 3 $3,300 B. Engage Task:Project Consultant Team Engage the City's consultant team to supplement evaluation of the project and status of ongoing efforts. Coordination of additional Project Team Members. Product: Hours: Costs: 40 $4,400 the initial TRG Land, Inc. Aera Property, Diamond Bar February 11. 2008 C, Project Site Visit and Orientation Task: Avisit to the on of existing conditions rientation and evaluation Of the site. property for a preliminary Create photo documentatio including the project edge conditions, vistas, circulation and access or'site and site phorto documentation points to the site Product: Orientation toproject Hours: 32 Costs: $3,520 D Opportunities and Constraints opportunities and Task: Preparation of a detailed analysis of the project id the Project Team's efforts. The Opportunities Constraints to a and Constraints an will s study rf callythe xfor sensitive materials tat or the Environmental Stud;es as p adjacent land uses, circulation, hydrology and geology, vista l species .issues as w engineering studies including Y known easements or features that would illustrative opportunities and any findings• otherwise be a prohibition to development areas. exhibit will be created to graphically present the study 200' \ Product: Opportunities and Constraints Analysis and Exhibit @ 1" Hours: 200 Costs: $22,000 E, Entitlement Strategy Analysis Collaborate with the Client and Project Team to devise achievable trTask� Alternative EntitlementStrategies capable of fully addressing all of the Oppo dties and Constraints of the project sitelProduct: Preliminary Entitlement Strategy Hours: Costs: $4,950 F Project Coordination regarding Task: General correspod issues and meetings with Project Teamg the coordination of project relate sues and information.. dination roduct: Meetings, correspondence and coor uM 40 C A $4,400 1 tional eed 4,1570 us le [he costs for computer modelingceffort4can belprovided uat tithe clients' srequestt. Any scopeprior to proceeding with work outside of this additional costs will be discussed with you p scope, for your consideration of TRG Land, Inc. in this effort and we look Thank you very much with you and your staff. forward to working Best regards, TRG Land, Inc. Mark Rogers Principal c.c. David Doyle / //A.A. L 0 February I i, 2008 City of Diamond Bar Attn: Jim DeStefano City Manager 21925 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, CA 91765 Dear Jim We are pleased to submit this scope of work for peer review of the Aera Property project in the City of Diamond Bar, as well as the County of Orange. TRCi band has been involved in numerous large scale hillside projects over the past 13 years, most of which have been award winning projects due to the Project Teaminnovation and s cutting edge technology utilized in their creation. TRG Land envisions integrating itself Project with the e existing team assembled by the City of Diamond Bar for the review of the Aera Property by first obtaining the exc t h the peojcottion that teamat been geund rstandneratthe scheded by the uleJandect tdirect oeamI n for thorough review, engage project to the public, moving forward with environmental work and ultimately introducing the p J an important part of facilitating well crafted and well thought This early stage of the project is out decisions. TRG and its staff uld like to Once we have obtained enough information be infor vto get an understanding otanding of how the current have the opportunity to visit the property g application fits to the ground, and some of the discrete features associated with this large parcel of land. This initial field trip will include photo documentation so once back in our studio we on ea es we may pwill art t to retain as a have a plan opportunity it to reflect the future. aAloniguWa � the f wild tripandthe investigation phase with the project team, TRG Land would also perform a series of analyses, including a slope analysis and begin to stage a visual simulation model that will allow us to analyze the property context of the greater Los Angeles and Orange County basin. This early stage of analysis from the visual to aesthetic consideration will be important in malting decisions that will affect the overall success of the project as it is unveiled in the public arena. On all projects we have been involved with that have the complexity and magnitude of a project mputer modeling as a key resourc such as this, we have project impact as well as project benefited s from the anways engEd point of generating value oe in n site. The goal of TRG Land in the first phase of this project is to become completely familiar with the project and its discrete details as well as the knowledge base that has been created by the project team. TRG Land, Inc. Aera Property, Diamond Bar February 11, 2008 Beyond this first phase TRG Land sees itself moving forward with the project team in a series of charettes that begin to help shape the potential of what the property can be. With the teams' involvement including engineering, geology, biology, traffic engineers etcetera TRG Land hopes to shape various alternatives that both meet the goals of the city and the community as well as the property owner in expediting an approvable project. We see phase two as an alternative generation phase which would involve our ability to craft broad level solutions in an attempt to improve upon certain elements of the plan and discern elements that need to be retained and hopefully focus on the best solution which can be crafted for this unique property. Sincerely, Mark Rogers Principal ce: David Doyle