REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Consideration of the Schematic Design - Master Plan for the New Public Neighborhood East Park at 5155 Stars & Stripes Drive (Related Urban)
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Sports, Recreational and Arts Assets
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
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 (Developer) will 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 development includes 1,680 residential units, a 30-acre community park, and three neighborhood parks located generally on the east, west, and north sides of the project.
On September 20, 2022 the Parks & Recreation Commission received a presentation (Attachment 1) of the proposed schematic design and amenities for the East Neighborhood Park (consistent with the overall City Place project’s Architectural Review approval), received public comment and provided Commission input (RTC #22-1079). The East Neighborhood 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.
DISCUSSION
On November 15, 2022, the Parks & Recreation Commission will receive a presentation (Attachment 2) by Related Urban for the East Neighborhood Park Schematic Design - Master Plan at 5155 Stars & Stripes Drive.
Community Outreach
Community input included a Community Survey that was posted on the City website from September 16 through October 9, and in-person community input at the Art & Wine Festival September 17 and 18, 2022 at Central Park.
The City invited the public to participate in the Community Survey through the City’s GovDelivery system, and announcing it at the September 20, 2022 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting. In addition, Related Santa Clara employed a variety of efforts to drive traffic to the online survey, including public contact at the Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival, sending direct mail to approximately 1,000 city residents, leveraging ACE, Capital Corridor, and VTA’s social media channels, partnering with the Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce to disseminate information to its membership, and leafletting at local parking garages.
Public Input
In total, over 514 responses were tallied. The online survey received 214 responses, equal to about 11 hours of public comment on specific aspects of the park design and amenities. The Art & Wine Festival in person contacts numbered over 300 Santa Clarans and represented a wide/diverse demographic. Residents indicated their preferences on story boards by placing a color sticker next to their preferred neighborhood park uses. Based on the input, residents were positive about the park’s proposed design elements including park accessibility, bike path connectivity, inclusive elements of play, activities for people of all ages, as well as the park location. Young children were notably favorable about the playground and dog park. Teens voiced support for open spaces for informal group sports activities and exercise. Older teens expressed a desire to see a rope climbing structure to challenge older teens.
The proposed design has incorporated design changes to respond to the top areas of feedback. (a) Sport courts were a highly rated park element with inclusion of a pickleball court the most requested; the proposed design replaces one sand volleyball court with two pickleball courts. (b) Ecologically friendly, drought tolerant planting and a pollinator garden were frequently requested; the proposed design includes both. (c) Ample seating and shade were high public priorities; the design has added a seating area and increased the number of shade trees.
The Commission will review the Schematic Design - Master Plan, 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), 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
Recommend that Council approve the proposed Schematic Design - Master Plan for the East Neighborhood Park to be located at 5155 Stars & Stripes Blvd.
Staff
Prepared by: Gina Saporito, Staff Analyst
Approved by: James Teixeira, Director of Parks & Recreation
ATTACHMENTS
1. Schematic Design - Master Plan Presentation