REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Recommendation to the Governance and Ethics Committee to Name the New Public Park located at 2343 Calle Del Mundo.
Report
BACKGROUND
On November 13, 2018, the Santa Clara City Council adopted the Tasman East Specific Plan (TESP). The TESP is in an existing industrial neighborhood 45 acres in size, and is bounded by Tasman Drive to the south, the Guadalupe River to the East, the former Santa Clara Golf & Tennis Club property to the north, and Lafayette Street to the west. The TESP provides 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 requirements for parkland dedication (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 standards and specifications in two phases and will be maintained by the developer after dedication. In phase one, the park will feature an enclosed off leash dog area with a fence separating large and small dogs, play apparatus for children ages 2-5 and 6-12, benches, a family picnic area with tables and BBQs, pathways, trees, and landscaping. The second phase of the park will be added once shared easements with the adjacent property owner are no longer in effect and will include additional landscaped areas.
On November 19, 2019, the Parks & Recreation Commission considered the naming of the Public Park at 2343 Calle Del Mundo (Agenda Item 4. File 19-1245). However, the Commission voted to table the item until one month after a comprehensive list of potential names had been developed and provided to the Commission. On September 15, 2020 the Commission reviewed and approved a list of names for consideration in recommending names for public parks (Attachment 2).
DISCUSSION
Under Council Policy 035 (Attachment 3), the Parks & Recreation Commission makes recommendations to the Council Governance and Ethics Committee for names of facilities relating to the Commission’s purview such as parks. Proposed names must be in accordance with at least one of the criteria outlined in Council Policy 035. While staff does not have a recommendation, should the Commission choose to recommend a park name in honor of a person, then the Commission will develop and provide a biographical sketch for each person nominated that provides an accurate account of the life and activities of the individuals under consideration including information about the person's name, place of residence, education, occupation, life, activities and accomplishments and other important details of the person(s) being recommended. Alternatively, the Commission could use a different nomenclature such as landmarks, regional identifiers, native plants or trees or another name that could identify this new park location. Proposed names and reasons for the recommendation(s) should be developed for consideration by the Commission and prior to the Commission making a recommendation to the Governance & Ethics Committee.
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 park associated with the new 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 associated with 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 a Name for the Council Governance and Ethics Committee’s consideration 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. 2343 Calle Del Mundo Park Site Plan
2. RTC 20-356 Potential Park Names
3. Council Policy 035