REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Consideration of 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
This 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 to be located at 2263 Calle Del Mundo (Project) was approved with conditions at the Architectural Review Hearing held on November 4, 2020 (RTC #20-1095). The Project will meet its parkland dedication requirements through a 0.2409-acre public mini park (Mini Park), a 3,442sf (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 will be a first-floor condominium unit in the mid-rise building and dedicated to the City.
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). The proposed Ensemble park dedication will be sited adjacent to the Summerhill development park dedication. Since the two public park parcels will be developed and dedicated to the City at separate times by different entities, the outcome desired is a single cohesive park experience for the new neighborhood.
DISCUSSION
At the January 17, 2023 meeting, the Parks & Recreation Commission will receive a presentation (Attachment 1) by Ensemble Investments/Rethink Development for the Mini Park Schematic Design - Master Plan at 2263 Calle Del Mundo in response to the community input.
Community Outreach
Community input included a Community survey that was posted on the City website after the Commission Meeting from August 31 through September 20, 2022. Notice 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.
Public Input
The community responded favorably to the initial schematic park design. Some of the highly requested features including walking paths, shade trees and drought tolerant plantings, were already part of the initial schematic park design. The community provided additional input to further refine some of the program features:
• Hammock/Swing: A few multi-seat swings, in addition to the hammocks, were added at the Hammock Area
• Tree Lighting: Tree up lighting was added; tree down lighting was covered by decorative lanterns.
• Tables: Tables with game tops at Community Room Terrace were added to the tables on the exterior of this area.
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 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 will be in control of reservation, scheduling, and janitorial for the community room.
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 Mini Park at 2263 Calle Del Mundo.
Staff
Prepared by: Gina Saporito, Staff Analyst
Approved by: James Teixeira, Director of Parks & Recreation
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2263 Calle Del Mundo Park Schematic Design - Master Plan Presentation