RECOMMENDATION(S): (CONT'D)
DIRECT the Director of Conservation and Development to file a Notice of Exemption with the County Clerk; and
AUTHORIZE the Public Works Director to arrange for payment of $25 fee to the Department of Conservation and Development for processing, and a $50 fee to the County Clerk for filing the Notice of Exemption.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no impact to the County General Fund. The estimated project cost is $750,000 funded by 68% Bicycle Transportation Account (BTA) Grant, 11% Transportation Development Act (TDA) Grant and 21% Local Funds.
BACKGROUND:
The purpose of this project is to provide a Class II bike lane facility along Viera Avenue. This project is included in the East Contra Costa County Bikeway Plan as part of the Trunkline Route intended to provide connectivity between communities and major activity centers. The Viera Avenue segment connects the residential and commercial areas along East 18th Street and Wilbur Avenue where several industrial employers are located. The project extends the bike lane 2,600 feet and consists of pavement widening, excavation to sub-grade, overlay of existing pavement, striping, signing, and upgrading the paving surface at the railroad crossing.
Viera Avenue will be widened between 3 to 10 feet on the westerly side and 2 to 6 feet on easterly side. This will widen the street to a total pavement width of 32 feet, keeping within the existing 50 to 60 feet of the County right of way. There is a drainage pipe that runs adjacent and parallel to the railroad track that may need to be extended to accommodate the street widening. Relocation of joint poles and mailboxes may also be necessary. Nitrogen and other gas pipelines running parallel to the railroad track will be protected in place during construction. Minor grading will be required to conform to private property access points. Minor tree trimming and brush removal may be necessary. Contruction activities may also impact the root systems of some trees. In order to minimize damage to any trees, any roots exposed during excavation or overhanging branches will be cut cleanly.
Drainage improvements are necessary to address ponding water on the pavement at the intersection of Bown Lane and Viera Avenue. A shallow infiltration basin will be constructed just west of the intersection which will be approximately 50 feet wide by 110 feet long and 5 feet deep. An underground storm drain will be installed to drain the existing ponding area to the new basin. The basin will be gated for safety and security purposes and the Vector Control District will be made aware of the facility for vector control purposes.
Real property transactions will be necessary in support of this project for grading conforms to private driveways and front yards. Full or partial acquisition of a vacant parcel will be necessary for the construction of the infiltration basin. One lane of traffic will be open at all times during construction activities. The improvements are located within the East Contra Costa County HCP/NCCP Service Area (Urban Area, Development Fee Zone 1); however, the project falls exclusively within the urban land cover type and is not subject to HCP Planning Survey requirements or mitigation fees.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Delay in approving the project will result in a delay of design and construction and may jeopardize funding.
CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:
Not Applicable