REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on the Schematic Design - Master Plan for the New Public Mini Park at 2263 Calle Del Mundo (Ensemble Investments/Rethink Development - Tasman East Specific Plan)
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Sports, Recreational and Arts Assets
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
On November 4, 2020, the City approved with conditions (Architectural Review Hearing, RTC #20-1095) a 301-unit multi-family residential project with two live-work units and 650 square feet (sf) of co-working space proposed by Ensemble Investments/Rethink Development (Developer) to be located at 2263 Calle Del Mundo (Project). The Project will meet its parkland dedication requirements through a 0.2409-acre public mini park (Mini Park), a 3,442 sf (0.079-acre) community room and terrace, eligible private on-site 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 13,936 sf of improved parkland will also satisfy the Tasman East Specific Plan (TESP) pro rata requirement of 11,700 sf of the Hill District park space. The Mini 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. The public Community Room with public restrooms will be a first-floor condominium unit in the mid-rise building and dedicated to the City.
The proposed park dedication by Developer will be sited adjacent to the Summerhill development park dedication. While the two public park parcels will be developed and dedicated to the City at separate times by different developers, the final park design will be an integrated, cohesive park experience for the new TESP neighborhood.
The Park parcel dedicated by Developer features: a park entry area, pétanque ball courts, open grass area, specimen tree grove with hammock and dual swings, drought tolerant landscaping, elevated patio terrace with game top picnic tables, dedicated park restrooms and community room open to the park area. Staff reviewed the park design for compliance with City park design standards and amenities, research based best practices, and worked with the developer’s design team to maximize the parks utility as well as to integrate the amenities with the adjacent park parcel.
Community Outreach & Public Input
On August 16, 2022, the Parks & Recreation Commission received a presentation of the proposed schematic design and amenities for the Mini Park (consistent with the Architectural Review approval), received public comment and provided Commission input (RTC #22-557). Following the Commission meeting, a community survey was posted on the City website from August 31 through September 20, 2022, with approximately 100 responses. Notice of the survey was announced at the Commission Meeting and an email was sent using the City’s GovDelivery system. In-person community input was also received at the Art & Wine Festival on September 17, 2022 at Central Park.
The community responded favorably to the initial park schematic design. Some of the highly requested features including walking paths, shade trees and drought tolerant plantings, were already part of the park’s initial schematic design. The community desired further, but minor, refinement to three of the program features. A few multi-seat swings were requested and were added at the Hammock Area. The lighting plan was improved with tree “up lighting” adding to the decorative lanterns and pole down lighting. Tables with game tops at the Community Room Terrace were added to the tables on the exterior of this area. A landscaped buffer was added along the streetscape.
DISCUSSION
On January 17, 2023, the Parks & Recreation Commission received a presentation (RTC #23-1527) by Ensemble Investments/Rethink Development of the revised Mini Park Schematic Design - Master Plan at 2263 Calle Del Mundo. The Commission reviewed and liked the revised Schematic Design, finding it modern, very responsive to the community input, and well suited to complement the adjacent park features and the needs of the Tasman East Hill District as a whole. The Commission recommended Council approval of the design. On February 21, 2023, Council will consider the Parks & Recreation Commission recommendation to approve the Mini Park Schematic Design - Master Plan at 2263 Calle Del Mundo.
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 fall 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 Mini Park and community room. The developer will design the Mini Park and the community room to City standards, construct the public park and community room improvements to code, and maintain the park in perpetuity, at no cost to the City. However, the City is responsible for managing the reservations, programming and ongoing janitorial for the community room. Fees for recreational use and programs will be based on the Parks & Recreation Cost Recovery Policy approved by City Council on April 19, 2022. Program fees will help offset ongoing costs.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Finance Department and City Attorney’s Office.
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
Approve the proposed Schematic Design - Master Plan for the New Public Mini Park at 2263 Calle Del Mundo.
Staff
Reviewed by: James Teixeira, Director of Parks & Recreation
Approved by: Office of the City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2263 Calle Del Mundo Park Schematic Design - Master Plan