RECOMMENDATION(S): (CONT'D)
FIND the project is a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Class 1(c) Categorical Exemption, pursuant to Article 19, Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines, and
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 Conservation and Development for processing, and a $50 fee to the County Clerk for filing the Notice of Exemption.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Pacifica Avenue Sidewalk Project is funded primarily through a grant from the Safe Routes to School Program (85%). The TDA Grant (10%) and Local Roads Funds (5%) will supplement the remainder.
BACKGROUND:
The project consists of constructing pedestrian facilities along a segment of Pacifica Avenue which students from Rio Vista Elementary School, Shore Acres Elementary School and Riverview Middle School use to walk to and from the school sites. The project will extend the distance of sidewalk along Pacifica Avenue, provide improved access for the mobility of the impaired and provide more paved area for bicyclists. Overall, the project will improve the safety of children walking and biking to the school sites and residences in the surrounding neighborhood.
The project consists of constructing approximately 960 linear feet of curb, gutter and a 5 foot wide sidewalk along the north side of Pacifica Avenue between Mariners Cove Drive and Inlet Drive. The majority of the work can be performed in the existing road right of way; however some properties along the roadway may require fill to be placed adjacent to the edge of the pavement to raise the grades so it is level with the roadway. Temporary grading easements may be needed for this work and any private fences that are impacted by the grading work will be repaired. Driveway conforms will also be required. An ADA compliant curb ramp will be constructed at the crosswalk of Mariners Cove Drive.
A road side embankment will be required to conform the sidewalk into the adjacent embankment from approximately 100 feet west of Inlet Drive to 450 feet west of Inlet Drive. A 6 inch concrete retaining curb at the back of the sidewalk may be necessary to prevent soil on the slope from sloughing onto the concrete sidewalk. Additionally, limited vegetation removal of non-native species may be necessary to accommodate the proposed improvements. The final design details may result in the need to acquire a narrow strip of property from the adjacent school parcel at Shore Acres Elementary School.
Approximately 420 feet east of Mariners Cove Drive, the proposed sidewalk is located adjacent to a drainage ditch that runs parallel to the road. The widening of the sidewalk will require minor filling along the bank of the drainage ditch. Additionally there are two culverts that enter this drainage ditch; a 36 inch culvert that enters from the southeast and a 21 inch culvert that enters from the southwest. Widening for the sidewalk construction may require the construction of a custom headwall at the outfalls of the existing culverts. The potential to extend the culverts is not anticipated at this time. The appropriate regulatory agencies will be consulted as warranted as a result of these improvements and any necessary regulatory permits will be obtained.
Real Property transactions and utility relocations will be necessary in support of this project. At least one lane of traffic will be open at all times during construction activities. Emergency vehicles will have access at all times.
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.