pages: PlanningBoard/2008-11-24.pdf, 10
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PlanningBoard | 2008-11-24 | 10 | Mr. Kahn said that they are using guidelines from AC Transit to measure the potential impacts of automobile traffic on the pedestrian, bicycle, transit modes. Board member Cook stated that a drastic measure must be taken to get people out of their cars and into alternative modes of transportation and if necessary, a statement of overriding consideration may be used to approve a project with significant traffic impacts. Board member Autorino asked if they would have the ability to approve a project even if there are significant traffic impacts and if it goes against the approved Transportation Element. He also asked how that project would come before the Planning Board. He expressed concern that this policy would discourage development in the City. Staff stated that the project would come before the Planning Board through consideration of an EIR. The only way to approve the project would be to find that the positive benefits would outweigh the negative impacts. This is known as a statement of overriding consideration. Board member Lynch would like to see a community with fewer vehicles. He also stated that the departments that have created the document would like to be able to move forward. He stated that for developers, money is an issue when it comes to preparing EIRs. Vice President Ezzy Ashcraft asked if the item could be continued to gather more information to make a better assessment of the levels of service. Mr. Kahn reiterated that they are depending on approval of the EIR so they can approve the Pedestrian Plan to secure grant funding. He also said that the matters at hand have been submitted to the Transportation Commission and are ready to move forward. Mr. White added that with large developments, they do not want to be responsible for having to pay fees later down the road for something that they have no control over, mainly traffic mitigation. He suggested that there are ways to amend the General Plan so it reflects what they want to see. He wants to reduce congestion instead of accommodating more traffic in the community. President Kohlstrand wanted to add language that would account for exceptions and allow improvements if an acceptable level of service can be maintained. She wants the standards in place. Vice President Ezzy Ashcraft asked what would happen if they put standards in place and a developer comes in that might not be able to meet the standards. She is less concerned about developers who might slip through, than her concern for what will happen to the city. She wants more specificity built in to the policy. Page 10 of 12 | PlanningBoard/2008-11-24.pdf |