REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Consideration of the Schematic Design for the New Public Park located at 2343 Calle Del Mundo (SummerHill Residential Project)
Report
BACKGROUND
On November 13, 2018, the Santa Clara City Council adopted the Tasman East Specific Plan (TESP). The project area is an existing industrial neighborhood 45 acres in size, and is bounded by Tasman Drive to the south, the Guadalupe River to the East, the Santa Clara Golf and Tennis Club to the north, and Lafayette Street to the west. The Tasman East Specific Plan will create a framework for the development of a high density transit-oriented neighborhood along with supportive retail services. The specific plan shows allowed uses, densities, height limits, design criteria, connections to the existing Guadalupe River trail, locations for parkland (Attachment 1), and strategies for better access to transit.
SummerHill Residential Project located at 2343 Calle Del Mundo has an approved project to construct one 347 unit apartment building and has proposed to meet its parkland dedication requirements (SCCC17.35) and the TESP through an 18,200sf (0.4178 acres) public park to be dedicated to the City in fee title, among other items. Public park improvements will be constructed by the developer to the City’s design criteria and specifications in two phases and will be maintained by the developer after dedication. The park will include an off leash dog area, children's play area, walking path, and landscaping. The second phase of the park will be added once shared easements with the adjacent property owner are no longer in effect.
DISCUSSION
The Schematic Design for the Public Park Phase I (Attachment 2) is 15,700sf (0.3604 acres), features an enclosed dog area with a fence separating large and small dogs, play apparatus for children ages 2-5 and 6-12, benches, family picnic area with tables and BBQs, pathways, trees, and landscaping.
The Commission will review the parks and open space guidelines from the TESP and the Schematic Design for the Public Park Phase I, provide feedback and/or make a recommendation to Council.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The CEQA determination for this project will be a statutory exemption pursuant to Government Code Section 65457. The activity covered by this residential development project is consistent with the TESP FEIR that the City certified on November 13, 2018 (after January 1, 1980).
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund for the current action. The developer will construct the public park improvements, provide a park sign, and maintain the park in perpetuity, all to City standards and 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 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, e-mail clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Recommend that City Council approve the proposed Schematic Design for the New Public Park located at 2343 Calle Del Mundo (SummerHill Residential Project).
Staff
Reviewed by: Dale Seale, Deputy Director of Parks & Recreation
Approved by: James Teixeira, Director of Parks & Recreation.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Tasman East Specific Plan Excerpts
2. Neighborhood Park Schematic Design - Tasman Calle Del Mundo