REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the Closure of Centennial Boulevard and a Portion of Stars and Stripes Drive in Accordance with California Vehicle Code Section 21101(a)(1) and the California Street and Highways Code Section 891.8 [Council Pillar: Enhance Economic, Housing and Transportation Development]
Report
BACKGROUND
The Related Santa Clara project is completing the construction of improvements (Improvements) in the vicinity of the City’s property at the former Santa Clara Golf and Tennis Club and closed landfill. The Improvements consist of a permanent exit ramp (from Tasman Drive down to Stars and Stripes Drive), permanent improvements to the existing Great America Station Transit Center (Transit Center) at 5099 Stars and Stripes Drive, a temporary roadway from the Transit Center through the closed Santa Clara landfill (Parcel 4) to Great America Parkway, and a temporary traffic signal for the interim roadway intersection at Great America Parkway as shown in Attachment 1.
The Improvements are intended as new routes to and from the Transit Center and other existing uses on the south end of Stars and Stripes Drive. All existing buildings and uses along the subject portion of Stars and Stripes Drive north and west of the Transit Center are currently vacant. It is anticipated that the improvements will be completed and open to the public in August 2020.
DISCUSSION
Upon completion of the Improvements shown in Attachment 1, the subject portion of Stars and Stripes Drive and Centennial Boulevard between Tasman Drive and Stars and Stripes Drive will no longer be needed for vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian access. The Improvements will provide the primary access in the area and all properties adjacent to these streets are owned by the City and are vacant. Public safety staff recommends closing the roadway and public access due to the lack of adjacent uses. There is concern that unnecessary through traffic may become an attractive nuisance.
California Vehicle Code section 21101(a)(1) states that local authorities may adopt rules and regulations by ordinance or resolution for highways under their jurisdiction regarding closing roadways when it is no longer needed for vehicular traffic. Additionally, California Streets and Highways Code Section 891.8 provides that the City can establish bikeways and staff has determined that the existing bikeways for the proposed closed roadways are no longer necessary. Finally, consistent with California Streets and Highways Code Section 5610, sidewalks are required to be maintained only when there is an adjacent improved road. Since the roadways will be closed, there is no longer a need for pedestrian access fronting the roadway.
Staff recommends that once the Improvements are completed, that the subject portion of Stars and Stripes and Centennial Boulevard between Stars and Stripes and Tasman Drive be closed to public access in accordance with California Vehicle Code Section 21101(a)(1), California Streets and Highways Code sections 891.8 and 5610. Security fencing and gates will be installed to secure the properties, but emergency response and maintenance access will be allowed for the City and certain utility companies with facilities within Centennial Boulevard and the subject portion of Stars and Stripes Drive. Appropriate signage and advance notification will be performed to clearly inform the public of the proposed changes in travel routes.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The street closures fall within the scope of the project analyzed in the Environmental Impact Report for the City Place Santa Clara Project, SCH # 2014072078, adopted and certified by the City on June 28, 2016 and is categorically exempt from environmental review pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines for operation, repair, maintenance, or minor alteration of existing highways and streets, sidewalks, gutters, bicycle and pedestrian trails, and similar facilities as defined in Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations Section 15301. The analysis of the proposed street closures is set forth under transportation impact TRA-18, and the developer will be subject to Mitigation Measure TRA-18.1, which requires the preparation of a Construction Management Plan for review and approval by the Department of Public Works to reduce traffic congestion during construction of the Project and to develop acceptable detour routes for emergency vehicles and for shuttles to public transit.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no additional cost to the City other than staff time and expense.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Attorney's Office, City Manager’s Office, Police Department and the Fire Department.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov>.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution authorizing the closure of Centennial Boulevard and a portion of Stars and Stripes Drive in accordance with California Vehicle Code Section 21101(a)(1) and California Street and Highways Code Sections 891.8 and 5610.
Staff
Reviewed by: Craig Mobeck, Director of Public Works
Approved by: Deanna J. Santana, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Street Closure Area Map
2. Resolution