REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Initiate Community Input Process on the Proposed Schematic Design of a New Public Neighborhood Park at 5155 Stars & Stripes Drive (Related Urban)
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Sports, Recreational and Arts Assets
BACKGROUND
On June 28, 2016, the City Council approved the construction of a new multi-phased, mixed-use development on a 240-acre project site north of Tasman Drive (formerly the site of the City’s Santa Clara Golf & Tennis Club). Related Santa Clara is a unique partnership between the City of Santa Clara and Related Companies to create a LEED-certified, multi-phased, mixed-use destination located at 5155 Stars & Stripes Drive across from Levi’s Stadium. This urban center will incorporate residential units, restaurants, entertainment venues, hotels, retail, and office space to establish a new neighborhood in a pedestrian oriented “live, work, play” environment. The project includes 1,680 residential units, a 30-acre community park, and three neighborhood parks (to the east, west, and north of the project).
Various agreements between the City and the Developer address development rights, terms, and conditions including a Development and Disposition Agreement (DDA) and a Ground Lease between the City as the landowner and Related Santa Clara, LLC, as the Developer. Implementation of the project requires the preparation and submittal of Development Area Plans (DAPs) and Vesting Tentative and/or Tentative Maps to implement the project phases. The DAPs will be submitted in accordance with the provisions established in the Planned Development-Master Planned Community (PD-MC) ordinance, with certain procedures superseded by specific procedures in the Master Community Plan (MCP). The Vesting Tentative and/or Tentative Maps will be submitted consistent with Chapter 17 - Subdivisions of the Santa Clara City Code (SCCC) prior to development with City review and approval.
The Phase I Development Area Plan for Parcel 5 was approved by City Council on March 24, 2020 and received architectural review approval by the Community Development Director on March 5, 2021. The Phase II Development Area Plan for Parcel 4 was approved by City Council on July 13, 2020 and received architectural review approval by the Community Development Director on May 25, 2022.
DISCUSSION
At the September 2022 Regular Meeting, the Parks & Recreation Commission will view a presentation (Attachment 1) by Related Urban of the initial schematic design and amenities for the East Neighborhood Park to be located at 5155 Stars & Stripes Drive consistent with the overall City Place project’s Architectural Review approval. For clarity, the East Park will be located to the west of Lafayette, just north of the VTA station and to the South of the proposed 30-acre Community Park North site. The Commission will receive public comment and provide input. Further opportunities for public input will be shared with the Commission, including an online survey posted on the City website. Once sufficient public comment has been received, the developer will provide a final schematic design for the East Neighborhood Park at a future meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission for a possible recommendation to the City Council for approval.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment. The activity covered by this residential development project falls within the scope of the project analyzed under the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which included the construction of parks, and which was approved on June 28, 2016 (Resolution No. 16-8337) pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.).
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund for the design and construction of the Neighborhood Park. The developer will design and construct the Neighborhood Park to City standards. Park Maintenance costs and responsibility will be established in the first DAP application for Phase 2 and ongoing funding obligation reflected in the Master Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs).
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Parks & Recreation Commission 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> <<mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov>>.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Provide input on the initial Schematic Design for the East Neighborhood Park to be located at 5155 Stars & Stripes.
Staff
Prepared by: Gina Saporito, Staff Analyst
Approved by: James Teixeira, Director of Parks & Recreation
ATTACHMENTS
1. 5155 Stars & Stripes East Park Schematic Design Presentation