TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution opposing the establishment of a Los Angeles Unified School District Public High School at 4110 South Santa Fe Avenue, Long Beach; and oppose the certification of the associated EIR (2005041116) by the Los Angeles Unified School District Board, on April 24, 2007. (District 8)
DISCUSSION
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) proposes to build a new high school on a 13.7-acre site, located at 4110 Santa Fe Avenue in the City of Long Beach, While the site is in the City of Long Beach, it is also within LAUSD's service delivery area. The subject property is currently improved with industrial buildings that are used for industrial purposes, This property has both industrial zoning (1M, Medium Industrial) and a General Plan industrial land use designation (9G, General Industry).
The City of Long Beach objected to the selection of this site upon notification that it was being considered. The reasons for this objection include: 1) the City believes the Final EIR is inadequate pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines, 2) the school will not serve students residing in the City of Long Beach, 3) the project will create demands on Long Beach fire, police, gas and water services, and 4) the project will impact traffic and parking in the surrounding areas. Establishment of a high school on an industrial property will also mean the Joss of available industrial property that could support trade and technology-related job production,
As the lead agency, LAUSD staff prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) (SCH# 2005041116) regarding this project. On November 1, 2005, the City Council directed the City Manager to prepare comments in response to the Draft EIR. On May 23, 2006, the City Council directed the City Manager to transmit said comments to the lead agency (Attachment A).
In response to the City's comments, a Recirculated EIR was prepared by the LAUSD.
Again, the City prepared comments to the Recirculated Draft EIR on March 16, 2007(Attachment B). The comments are basically the same as they were on the original Draft EIR.
On April 1 0,2007, the Mayor wrote a letter (Attachment C) to the LAUSD Superintendent and Board Members objecting to the proposed construction of the high school and requested an additional 30 days for staff to review the Final EIR which the City received on April 9, 2007.
The LAUSD School Board Facilities Sub-Committee met on April 12, 2007 to discuss the Final EIR, and denied additional time for the City to review the Final EIR. The Facilities Sub-Committee recommended that the document be sent to the full LAUSD School Board meeting for certification, on April 24, 2007.
Long Beach City staff believes that the Final EIR is inadequate pursuant to CEQA Guidelines, in regards to:
Project Description;
Air quality methodology analysis;
Land Use analysis;
Hazards and Hazardous Materials;
Noise;
Pedestrian Access and Safety' Traffic Impacts;
Parking analysis;
Public Services: Fire and Police Services;
Public Utilities: Water Supply and Wastewater;
Cumulative Analysis; and Alternatives Analysis.
Assistant City Attorney Michael J. Mais reviewed this letter on April 12, 2007.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested immediately as the LAUSD School Board is scheduled to certify the EIR (SCH# 2005041116) on April 24, 2007.
FISCAL IMPACT
The project is expected to have a substantial adverse fiscal impact on the City. All municipal services, including fire, police, emergency medical response, gas and water, would be the responsibility of the City of Long Beach.
In addition to the cost impacts of providing municipal services, the high school would convert an economically viable property from future industrial uses to a tax exempt use.
Surrounding properties would also be subject to the South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1401.1, which restricts the type of land use permits that can be granted within 1,000 feet of an existing school. Therefore, the high school would not only limit the economically productive use of the project site, but also the potential use of nearby industrial properties.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH IN OPPOSITION TO THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF THE SOUTH REGION HIGH SCHOOL NO.4 BY THE LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT (LAUSD), WHICH HIGH SCHOOL IS PROPOSED TO BE LOCATED NEAR THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SANTA FE AVENUE AND CARSON STREET, IN THE CITY OF LONG BEACH
Respectfully Submitted,
SUZANNE FRICK
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND BUILDING
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APPROVED: |
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GERALD R. MILLER |
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CITY MANAGER |