REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Consideration of the Schematic Design - Master Plan for the New Public Neighborhood Park at 2200 Calle Del Luna (Holland Partner Group - Tasman East Specific Plan)
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Sports, Recreational and Arts Assets
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
The Santa Clara City Code 17.35 requires new residential development to provide parkland and active recreational amenities (and/or fees in lieu) to serve the needs of residents in the immediate neighborhood of the development and to reduce potential impacts on the City park system. The review and approval process includes several steps. Residential developer applications are submitted to the City. Parks & Recreation Department staff review the application for conformance with the requirements of City Code, the park system facility, program and service needs, research based best practices, park design principles, standards and specifications, as well as compatibility with any City adopted specific plan and adjacent property uses. Following an internal review, a proposed park program and initial schematic design are presented for community input by stakeholders, the public and the Parks & Recreation Commission. The process involves public meetings, an on-line survey, and other opportunities for feedback. A revised/preferred park master plan and schematic design are then presented to the Parks & Recreation Commission for recommendation to the Santa Clara City Council (Council) for review and approval.
On November 13, 2018, City Council adopted the Tasman East Specific Plan which provides guidelines for projects proposed within the 45-acre specific plan area bounded by Tasman Drive to the south, the Guadalupe River to the east, the Related Santa Clara development to the north, and Lafayette Street to the west. The Specific Plan provides detailed guidance for future land uses.
On October 16, 2019, the City approved a redevelopment application from the Holland Partner Group to construct 580 dwelling units on a 3.9-acre site within the Tasman East Specific Plan. The project involves the construction of two 12-story buildings and one 11-story building over a podium with three levels of parking, private recreational amenity spaces, and a neighborhood park. The Project will meet its parkland dedication requirements through the dedication of a 1.09-acre (44,649sf) public neighborhood park (Neighborhood Park), eligible private recreational amenities, and payment of City Mitigation Fee Act (MFA) fees due in-lieu of parkland dedication in compliance with City Code 17.35. The Project’s 1.09 acres of improved parkland will also satisfy the Tasman East Specific Plan (TESP) pro rata requirement of the River District park space. The Neighborhood Park will be designed and constructed by the developer, dedicated to the City in fee title, and will be maintained in perpetuity by the developer after dedication to the City.
On August 15, 2022, the Parks & Recreation Commission received a presentation of the proposed schematic design and amenities for the Neighborhood Park, received public comment and provided Commission input (RTC #23-849). The proposed Holland park dedication will be sited adjacent to the future, not yet designed, Related development park dedication. Since the two public park parcels will be developed and dedicated to the City at separate times by different entities, the preferred outcome is to have a single cohesive park experience for the new neighborhood.
DISCUSSION
At the October 17, 2023 meeting, the Parks & Recreation Commission will receive a presentation (Attachment 1) by Holland Partner Group for the Neighborhood Park Schematic Design - Master Plan at 2200 Calle De Luna in response to the community input.
Community Outreach
Community input included a Community survey that was posted on the City’s Park Projects webpage [Park Projects | City of Santa Clara (santaclaraca.gov) <https://www.santaclaraca.gov/our-city/departments-g-z/parks-recreation/park-projects>] after the Commission Meeting from August 18 through September 10, 2023. Notice was announced at the Commission Meeting and an email was sent using the City’s GovDelivery system.
Public Input
The community responded favorably to the initial schematic park design. Some of the highly requested features including shade, lighting, gathering spaces, and a walking/running loop were already part of the initial schematic park design. The schematic design addresses the community’s priorities as follows:
• Shade and Planting: The extensive tree canopy with an estimated 50+ trees will provide plenty of shade. The adjacent residential building will provide protection from the late afternoon sun. The public was presented with four potential planting schemes for the park, all using primarily climate-ready native plants. The preference was for the two more “lush” schemes (“Cool Purples and Whites” and “Shades of Green”) which will inform the final plant palette.
• Park Lighting: The park will be fully lighted through a combination of overhead light poles, bollards, and tree uplighting fixtures.
• Gathering spaces: The park features numerous spaces for gathering for all ages and abilities. There are tables and chairs and benches scattered throughout the park which offers ample seating opportunities. In addition, the playground invites children and adults to explore natural elements together.
• Circulation: The park is organized along a continuous walking path that weaves through the park and links to the larger open space network within Tasman East via two connection points at Lick Mill Blvd. When combined with the landscaped sidewalk along Lick Mill Blvd., the walking path forms a continuous quarter-mile loop.
The Commission will review the Schematic Design, receive public comment, and make a possible recommendation to 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) for the Tasman East Specific Plan which included the construction of parks, which was approved on November 13, 2018 (Resolution No. 18-8623) 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 construction of the Neighborhood Park. The developer will design and construct the Neighborhood park to City standards, and maintain the park in perpetuity, at no cost to the City.
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>.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Recommend that Council approve the proposed Schematic Design - Master Plan for the New Public Neighborhood Park at 2200 Calle De Luna.
Staff
Prepared by: Gina Saporito, Staff Analyst
Approved by: Dale Seale, Acting Director of Parks & Recreation
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2200 Calle De Luna Park Schematic Design - Master Plan Presentation