REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Initiate the Formal Community Input Process on the Proposed Schematic Design of a New Public Neighborhood Park at 2200 Calle De Luna (Holland)
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 1.09-acre (44,649sf) neighborhood park. The neighborhood park will be dedicated to the City.
At the August 15, 2023 meeting, the Parks & Recreation Commission will receive a presentation (Attachment 1) by Holland on the initial schematic design for the Neighborhood Park to be located at 2200 Calle De Luna. The initial design includes a children’s play area, quiet seating areas, an off-leash dog area, informal recreation areas, and landscaping.
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 Neighborhood Park at a future meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission for a possible recommendation to the City Council for approval. Residents can opt in to receive information about the Project and can check on the City’s website park project page to keep informed.
DISCUSSION
The Parks & Recreation Commission will receive a presentation (Attachment 1) by the Developer for the proposed Neighborhood Park schematic design at 2200 Calle De Luna, initiate and invite public comment, and provide Commission feedback. An online survey soliciting community input will be posted on the City website by the end of the week following this meeting and will be open until September 11, 2023. The developer will provide a revised/preferred schematic design and master plan for the Neighborhood Park and respond to the community input at a future meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission for a possible recommendation to 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 and 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
Initiate community outreach and provide input on the initial Schematic Design for a new Neighborhood Park to be located at 2200 Calle De Luna.
Staff
Prepared by: Gina Saporito, Staff Analyst
Reviewed by: James Teixeira, Director of Parks & Recreation
Approved by: Dale Seale, Acting Director of Parks & Recreation
ATTACHMENTS
1. Neighborhood Park Schematic Design Presentation - 2200 Calle De Luna