REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Consideration of the Schematic Design for the New Public Neighborhood Park located at 1205 Coleman Avenue (Gateway Crossings).
Report
BACKGROUND
On July 9, 2019, the Santa Clara City Council approved the Hunter Storm Gateway Crossings mixed-use development (Project) located at 1205 Coleman Avenue. The Project encompasses approximately 21.4 acres and is bounded by Brokaw Road to the north, Coleman Avenue to the east, a parking lot and undeveloped land to the south, and a storage area and railroad tracks to the west. Most of the Project site is in the City of Santa Clara and is part of a larger 244-acre Santa Clara Station Focus Area in the City’s General Plan. The Santa Clara Station Focus Area will serve as a gateway into the City with office, hotel, retail, and high-density residential uses that maximizes the use of existing and planned transit and provides for improved pedestrian, bicycle, and transit connections.
The Project is approved to construct 1565 apartment units and will meet its parkland dedication requirements (SCCC 17.35) through an 87,725sf (2.01 acres) public neighborhood park (Phase I) and a 22,972sf mini park (Phase II). Both public parks will be dedicated to the City in fee title. Public park improvements will be constructed by the developer to the City’s design criteria and specifications and will be maintained by the developer after dedication.
DISCUSSION
The proposed Schematic Design for the Public Neighborhood Park (Attachment 1) is 87,725sf (2.01 acres), features a natural grass play field, a basketball court, an enclosed off-leash dog area, play apparatus for children ages 2-5 and 6-12, benches, fitness stations, family picnic area with tables and BBQs, pathways, trees, and landscaping. The proposed Schematic Design has been reviewed by the Parks & Recreation Department and as configured meets the Department’s requirements for public park design (inclusive age-friendly, sustainable design; playground contains all elements of play; safe routes to and through parks/pathway connectivity/public access from public right of way; off street parking; adjacent restroom; place-making & art features; nature/habitat value; use of an approved plant palette), support of active recreation program elements, operation and lifecycle maintenance.
The Commission will review the Schematic Design for the Public Neighborhood Park, provide feedback, and make a recommendation for approval to City Council.
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 is consistent with the FEIR that the City certified on December 4, 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 Neighborhood Park located at 1205 Coleman Avenue.
Staff
Reviewed by: Dale Seale, Deputy Director of Parks & Recreation
Approved by: James Teixeira, Director of Parks & Recreation.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 1205 Coleman Avenue Neighborhood Park Schematic Design