TITLE
Recommendation to receive supporting documentation into the record, conclude the public hearing, deny the appeal by Glenda Gabel and uphold the decision of the Planning Commission to certify the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR), making certain findings and adopting a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, for the Safran Senior Housing Project located at 3215 East 3rd Street and 304 Obispo Avenue; and adopt resolution re-certifying Environmental Impact Report. (District 2)
DISCUSSION
The subject site is located at the northeast corner of 3rd Street and Obispo Avenue (Exhibit A - Location Map). The proposed project involves conversion of the building that formerly housed the Immanuel Community Church, located at 3215 East 3rd Street, into a senior housing project consisting of 24 independent low- or very-low income senior dwelling units, one manager's unit and associated amenities/common areas in 31,006 square feet of floor area (Exhibit B - Plans and Photos). The project also involves demolition of the existing single-family home and detached garage, located at 304 Obispo Avenue, for construction of a surface parking lot to serve this project. Both properties are located in the Bluff Heights Historic District of Long Beach.
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines, an Environmental Impact Report (EIR 12-01, State Clearinghouse No. 2012091026) was prepared for this project. The Notice of Preparation (NOP) and Initial Study were circulated for a public comment period from September 13, 2012 to October 12, 2012. The Draft EIR public comment period began on October 18, 2012 and closed December 3, 2012.
The Final EIR (Exhibit C - Final EIR 12-01) includes mitigation measures that reduce all identified potentially significant impacts to a less than significant level, except for the Cultural Resource impact involving demolition of the single family residence. Since this residence is considered a contributor to the Bluff Heights Historic District, the Final EIR determined that loss of this contributor would constitute a slight reduction to the design integrity of this historic district and would be a significant and unavoidable adverse impact. While relocation would be preferred to demolition, no relocation site has been identified either within this historic district or anywhere within the City.
On December 20, 2012, the Planning Commission held a public hearing to consider certification of the Final EIR (Exhibit D - Planning Commission December 20, 2012 Staff Report). After taking public comments, including comments in opposition to the project from the appellant, the Planning Commission closed the public hearing and approved the Resolution certifying this Final EIR on a 6-0 vote.
If the City Council chooses to uphold the Planning Commission decision to certify this Final EIR, the next step in the review process would be a public hearing before the Cultural Heritage Commission to consider a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior alterations to the former church building, as well as, demolition or relocation of the single family residence. After that, the Planning Commission would hold a public hearing for consideration of the remaining project entitlements and the Statement of Overriding Considerations, which is required under CEQA whenever an EIR identifies an unavoidable significant adverse project impact. The Statement of Overriding Considerations determines whether specific social, economic or other project benefits outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental impacts.
Staff believes the potential project impacts have been adequately disclosed in accordance with CEQA and, therefore, recommends approval of the attached Resolution Re-certifying Final EIR 12-01.
This matter was reviewed by Assistant City Attorney Michael Mais on January 3, 2013 and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on January 8, 2013.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
The Municipal Code requires City Council action within 60 days of appeals filed on actions taken by the Planning Commission. The subject appeal was filed on December 28, 2012 (Exhibit E - Appeal Form).
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact and no local job impact as a result of the recommended action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH RE-CERTIFYING THAT THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE SAFRAN SENIOR HOUSING PROJECT (STATE CLEARINGHOUSE NO. 2012091026) HAS BEEN COMPLETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT AND STATE AND LOCAL GUIDELINES AND MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS AND DETERMINATIONS RELATIVE THERETO; AND ADOPTING A MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM (MMRP)
Respectfully Submitted,
AMY J. BODEK, AICP
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER