pages: PlanningBoard/2021-06-14.pdf, 13
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PlanningBoard | 2021-06-14 | 13 | Director Thomas said that both volumes were available and they would be receiving comments on the EIR until June 25th. All of it would be coming back to the board before they had to take an action. Board Member Ruiz had questions concerning Air Quality impacts associated with the construction activities in new development. She wanted to make sure that the EIR specifically addressed construction activities as a short-term impact and not a long-term impact. Director Thomas agreed and said that was the case in the draft document. Board Member Ruiz asked for clarification on why with Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) reduced and the Transportation section still considered it a significant impact. Director Thomas explained it was a confusing situation and it relates to how the state established a threshold of significance. For every project and plan, the threshold is to achieve 15% reduction below the regional average. He added that it was employment trips/work trips (everyone leaving in the morning) that put the VMT over 15%. Board Member Hom asked if it should be clarified that this was a Program EIR and that future development projects would tier off of it. Director Thomas said that was a good suggestion and they would make that clear. Board Member Cisneros commented on how some of these goals seemed challenging to enforce. Director Thomas explained more about what the VMT analysis had shown and how staff would be focusing on larger policy goals. He discussed items that would move them in the right direction for the environment. Board Member Hom asked about comments concerning sea level rise and groundwater and asked to what level the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) required addressing with those issues. Director Thomas said the EIR did address flooding issues and hydrology impacts but the EIR did not spend much time addressing the changing climate and its effect on projects. President Teague believed the EIR was very well written and that he appreciated all the comments from the board. He was interested to see what changes caused by the pandemic will change transportation patterns overall. 8. MINUTES 8-A 2021-1011 Approved Planning Board Minutes Page 13 of 14 June 14, 2021 | PlanningBoard/2021-06-14.pdf |