REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Initiate Community Input Process on the proposed Schematic Design of a New Public Park at 5150 Calle Del Sol & 2350 Calle De Luna (Related - Tasman East Focus Area)
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Sports, Recreational and Arts Assets
BACKGROUND
On November 13, 2018 the Santa Clara City Council adopted the Tasman East Specific Plan (TESP) which provides guidelines for future projects proposed within the 45-acre specific plan area boundaries. The TESP provides a framework for the improvements to streets, the construction of greenways, and the dedication of parkland to support a high-density neighborhood near transit.
On December 4, 2019, the City Council approved the Related development (Project). The Project encompasses approximately 5.52 acres and is bounded by Calle De Luna to the north, Calle Del Sol to the east, and Tasman Drive to the south. The Project site is within the Bridge District of the TESP. The Project is approved to construct two residential towers, one 20-story Home for the Ambulatory Aged, and one 22-story rental housing tower.
The Project will meet its parkland dedication requirements (SCCC 17.35) through a half-acre public mini park (Mini Park), 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 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.
A schematic design for the half-acre Mini Park parcel was developed by Surfacedesign, Inc. landscape architects. The schematic design proposes: a small natural grass area, an enclosed off-leash dog area, play apparatus for children ages 2-5 and 6-12, benches, pathways, trees, and landscaping (Attachment 1). The park and its amenities meet the Parks & Recreation Department’s public park design requirements: an inclusive, age-friendly, sustainable design; playgrounds for ages 2-5 and 6-12, that contain all developmentally appropriate elements of play; provision of safe accessible routes to and through the park, and connectivity to adjacent uses with public access from public right of way.
DISCUSSION
New public parks are designed to meet the needs of the new residents in the immediate vicinity to reduce potential impacts on the City park system. The private on-site amenities complement the public park program. The Parks & Recreation Commission will receive a presentation (Attachment 2) by Related California for the Mini Park schematic design at 5150 Calle Del Sol & 2350 Calle De Luna, receive public comment, and provide Commission input. A community input survey will be announced and posted on the City website November 29, 2021 and will remain open through December 12, 2021. The developer will provide a final schematic design for the Mini Park and responses to the community input at a future meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission for recommendation to the 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 is consistent with the Tasman East Specific Plan EIR.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund for the current action. The developer will design the Mini Park to City standards, construct the public park improvements to code, and maintain the park in perpetuity, 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 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
Provide input on the Schematic Design for the New Public Mini Park at 5150 Calle Del Sol & 2350 Calle De Luna.
Staff
Prepared by: Gina Saporito, Staff Analyst
Reviewed by: Dale Seale, Deputy Parks & Recreation Director
Approved by: James Teixeira, Director of Parks & Recreation
ATTACHMENTS
1. 5150 Calle Del Sol & 2350 Calle De Luna Mini Park Schematic Design
2. 5150 Calle Del Sol & 2350 Calle De Luna Mini Park Schematic Design Presentation