Terraces Shrinks, Waiting for Clarity
Published November 6th, 2013
By Cathy Tyson
It is unclear where the developer is headed with the Terraces of Lafayette project. At a recent Design Review Commission meeting, representatives of O'Brien Land Company did not officially abandon the land use application for the 315-unit version of the project, but expressed interest in garnering feedback for a significantly revised 208-unit proposed project. Project manager Dave Baker agreed that the process is confusing and the "details need to be worked out."
When the original proposal for a 315-unit complex was presented, it garnered a fair amount of negative feedback from commissioners in late September. At the Oct. 29 commission meeting, representatives from O'Brien took to heart the negative comments from their last go round and introduced a new re-vamped preliminary iteration that reduces the number of units by one-third, from 315 to 208.
Acknowledging that the original 315-unit project is a "non-starter," Baker discussed a revised version that shrinks the number of buildings, changes the layout and embraces a number of other suggestions design review commissioners made last month. He invited citizens to talk about the design of the project, and specifically asked for feedback.
As the meeting wrapped up, the commission needed to make a decision on the original building application for the 315-unit project. They unanimously voted to reject that proposal, due to their inability to make the findings to recommend approval to the planning commission.
However, procedurally, the developer is still pursuing the official application of the larger 315-unit concept, though it will surely be denied. It's not uncommon for any project to go through revisions, and Baker said they plan to move forward to find something acceptable.
Architect Norm Dyer outlined how they had responded to concerns and suggestions, presenting a summary of plan changes that included 10 items, from reduced unit count to increased green space and minimized grading that conforms more closely to the hillside.
Pointing out a list of positive new design attributes, commissioner Ken Hertel was cautiously optimistic about the initial look of the more petite project, although he, along with other commissioners also suggested facets that had room for improvement. There was general agreement among the design review commissioners that the process should be re-started focusing on the new, smaller version.
To check out physical models of the proposed project, visit the Terraces of Lafayette Information Center in the Clocktower building, 3569 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Suite E, near Francesca's; open Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m.
By Cathy Tyson
It is unclear where the developer is headed with the Terraces of Lafayette project. At a recent Design Review Commission meeting, representatives of O'Brien Land Company did not officially abandon the land use application for the 315-unit version of the project, but expressed interest in garnering feedback for a significantly revised 208-unit proposed project. Project manager Dave Baker agreed that the process is confusing and the "details need to be worked out."
When the original proposal for a 315-unit complex was presented, it garnered a fair amount of negative feedback from commissioners in late September. At the Oct. 29 commission meeting, representatives from O'Brien took to heart the negative comments from their last go round and introduced a new re-vamped preliminary iteration that reduces the number of units by one-third, from 315 to 208.
Acknowledging that the original 315-unit project is a "non-starter," Baker discussed a revised version that shrinks the number of buildings, changes the layout and embraces a number of other suggestions design review commissioners made last month. He invited citizens to talk about the design of the project, and specifically asked for feedback.
As the meeting wrapped up, the commission needed to make a decision on the original building application for the 315-unit project. They unanimously voted to reject that proposal, due to their inability to make the findings to recommend approval to the planning commission.
However, procedurally, the developer is still pursuing the official application of the larger 315-unit concept, though it will surely be denied. It's not uncommon for any project to go through revisions, and Baker said they plan to move forward to find something acceptable.
Architect Norm Dyer outlined how they had responded to concerns and suggestions, presenting a summary of plan changes that included 10 items, from reduced unit count to increased green space and minimized grading that conforms more closely to the hillside.
Pointing out a list of positive new design attributes, commissioner Ken Hertel was cautiously optimistic about the initial look of the more petite project, although he, along with other commissioners also suggested facets that had room for improvement. There was general agreement among the design review commissioners that the process should be re-started focusing on the new, smaller version.
To check out physical models of the proposed project, visit the Terraces of Lafayette Information Center in the Clocktower building, 3569 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Suite E, near Francesca's; open Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m.
Terraces Of Lafayette Back From Drawing Board - Closer, But Still No Cigar on 26 October 2013.
Under withering fire from residents and the city's design review commission, architects for what has become Lafayette's most contentious apartment project went back to the drawing board and came up with a new, pared-down design for the Terraces of Lafayette.
Architects for the O'Brien Land Company scaled back the number of apartments included in the project to 208 from its original 315, reduced the visual impact of its buildings, cut back the number of parking spaces allocated for the project from 569 to 375, relocated a key access road and ran a new trail through the center of the project so walkers and cyclists could avoid hiking up formidable Deer Hill Road.
Will it be enough to secure approval for the gateway project - the first thing new arrivals will see when entering Lafayette from the east? It doesn't appear so.
The city's Design Review Commission was scathing in its first pass review of the Terraces on Sept. 30 and commission members "suggested" changes be made before the plans were brought back for review this coming Monday night. While significant changes have been made, city staff have indicated that while the 208-unit plan is an improvement, it still "fails to meet the site planning, grading, aesthetic and visibility requirements called for in a project located at a prominent gateway, within the hillside overlay district, and in a restricted ridgeline area."
Whether Terraces designers will take their drawings back to the drafting table for another round of revisions remains to be seen. The City, for its part, continues to encourage revisions be made that bring the project into compliance with the General Plan and zoning regulations.
Architects for the O'Brien Land Company scaled back the number of apartments included in the project to 208 from its original 315, reduced the visual impact of its buildings, cut back the number of parking spaces allocated for the project from 569 to 375, relocated a key access road and ran a new trail through the center of the project so walkers and cyclists could avoid hiking up formidable Deer Hill Road.
Will it be enough to secure approval for the gateway project - the first thing new arrivals will see when entering Lafayette from the east? It doesn't appear so.
The city's Design Review Commission was scathing in its first pass review of the Terraces on Sept. 30 and commission members "suggested" changes be made before the plans were brought back for review this coming Monday night. While significant changes have been made, city staff have indicated that while the 208-unit plan is an improvement, it still "fails to meet the site planning, grading, aesthetic and visibility requirements called for in a project located at a prominent gateway, within the hillside overlay district, and in a restricted ridgeline area."
Whether Terraces designers will take their drawings back to the drafting table for another round of revisions remains to be seen. The City, for its part, continues to encourage revisions be made that bring the project into compliance with the General Plan and zoning regulations.
Fiery public hearing on proposed Lafayette apartment complex pits attorneys against city By Jennifer Modenessi Contra Costa Times
Posted: 05/01/2013 06:31:01 AM PDT
Updated: 05/01/2013 06:31:39 AM PDT
LAFAYETTE -- Amid claims of questionable decision-making and emotional pleas from residents to kill the Terraces of Lafayette complex, Lafayette leaders want more information before deciding on an environmental review of this apartment project the city says is the largest ever proposed there.
Council members on Monday heard an appeal from lawyers representing property owner Anna Maria Dettmer and the O'Brien Land Company, who want to build a 315-unit apartment complex on a hillside at the corner of Pleasant Hill and Deer Hill Roads.
The attorneys argue that 13 "significant unavoidable" traffic, aesthetic, biological and other impacts outlined in the Terraces of Lafayette environmental review have been "misjudged" and "mischaracterized." They are asking the council to certify the environmental report but reject the city's conclusions about the project's impacts, which they say don't line up with expert analysis.
The suggestion by lawyer David Bowie to adopt a modified review came almost an hour into a heated public hearing that began with Councilwoman Traci Reilly recusing herself from the proceedings due to a possible conflict, and city staff turning off the microphone as a resident attempted to speak out of turn.
Attorney Allan Moore then claimed the city was considering the project and its environmental review at the same time it was contemplating "downzoning," or reducing the number of units allowed on the 22-acre parcel. Such activity, he said, is illegal.
The property is currently zoned for administrative and professional offices; multifamily residential is permitted with a land use permit. The owners and developer have applied for such a permit, among others, but those requests have not yet been reviewed or approved by the Planning Commission.
Moore also accused the city of changing language in the draft environmental report before final publication. He cited examples where analysis and expert opinions had been stricken by staff, and said such action was inappropriate. "You're taking the EIR out of the hands of biologists, of experts," he said.
Later, Bowie said a statement last year by outgoing Councilman Carl Anduri about the Terraces and the city's desire to concentrate higher density housing downtown seemed to hint that the council had already decided against the project.
After a public comment period in which residents aired concerns about traffic, air quality, culture and other impacts, Councilman Don Tatzin grilled the attorneys and a consultant about traffic. Councilman Brandt Andersson then addressed some of the geotechnical impacts, including a debate over a ridgeline at the project site.
Andersson later expressed his outrage over suggestions the council was engaging in criminal activity, and said longtime consensus to focus multifamily development downtown did not mean an agreement had been reached to deny the project. Tatzin also addressed concerns about multifamily housing and said the applicant hadn't taken any steps to restrict the Terraces to moderate-income residents or legally make them affordable.
After requesting more information from staff, the applicants and consultants, the council voted to continue the hearing. It is tentatively scheduled for May 29.
TERRACES OF LAFAYETTE
Citywide Controversy Surfaces Over Approval of Apartment Complex
Almost two years after the project was first proposed, it remains unclear whether The Terraces will be approved. Baker is not optimistic that the city will approve it, but is confident the O’Brien Land Company will get their way eventually. “I’m pretty sure the city will deny the project, and then we’ll take it to court, and I’m almost 100 percent sure that we’ll prevail in court. Fortunately, we are protected by the Housing Accountability Act. The city will actually have to reimburse us for all of our legal fees, so that’ll probably cost them one million dollars. The law is very clear on our side. But there’s tremendous pressure on the Lafayette city council to turn [down] the project.”
“Terraces” Environmental Report Approved Police present to keep the peace
https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue0701/Terraces-Environmental-Report-Approved-Police-present-to-keep-the-peace.html
With surprisingly little drama, the Planning Commission approved the environmental impact report (EIR) on the proposed 315-unit Terraces of Lafayette multi-family complex near Acalanes High School. Commissioners and staff pointed out up front that this has nothing to do with a final decision on the project, rather that the completed report complies with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Citywide Controversy Surfaces Over Approval of Apartment Complex
Almost two years after the project was first proposed, it remains unclear whether The Terraces will be approved. Baker is not optimistic that the city will approve it, but is confident the O’Brien Land Company will get their way eventually. “I’m pretty sure the city will deny the project, and then we’ll take it to court, and I’m almost 100 percent sure that we’ll prevail in court. Fortunately, we are protected by the Housing Accountability Act. The city will actually have to reimburse us for all of our legal fees, so that’ll probably cost them one million dollars. The law is very clear on our side. But there’s tremendous pressure on the Lafayette city council to turn [down] the project.”
“Terraces” Environmental Report Approved Police present to keep the peace
https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue0701/Terraces-Environmental-Report-Approved-Police-present-to-keep-the-peace.html
With surprisingly little drama, the Planning Commission approved the environmental impact report (EIR) on the proposed 315-unit Terraces of Lafayette multi-family complex near Acalanes High School. Commissioners and staff pointed out up front that this has nothing to do with a final decision on the project, rather that the completed report complies with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Jan 18, 2013, 3:00am PST
Contra Costa to get dose of urban densityhttp://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/print-edition/2013/01/18/contra-costa-to-get-dose-of-urban.html
In the next year, construction crews will start work on several hundred apartment units in Lafayette and Walnut Creek. The projects set to break ground promise to inject the East Bay cities with a heavy dose of urbanism — higher density buildings close to transit that promote pedestrian activity.
Projects in Walnut Creek include Laconia Development’s 157 units with 23,000 square feet of retail at 1500 N. California St. and Mill Creek Residential Trust’s 126-unit redevelopment of a motor lodge.
One BART stop away in Lafayette, KB Home recently scored a green light to move forward with 82 condos adjacent.
Projects in Walnut Creek include Laconia Development’s 157 units with 23,000 square feet of retail at 1500 N. California St. and Mill Creek Residential Trust’s 126-unit redevelopment of a motor lodge.
One BART stop away in Lafayette, KB Home recently scored a green light to move forward with 82 condos adjacent.
LOCAL
Lafayette sees boom in downtown housing
http://goo.gl/Ts6ZD
In Lafayette, the small city in the center of Contra Costa County, a building boom of apartments and condos is in the works. Developers have proposed adding 677 housing units in eight projects. Many of the projects are slated for the city’s downtown area close to BART, shopping and restaurants, creating a scenario much like a sustainable growth advocate’s dream: strong market demand plus infill sites to build higher-density projects. “The city has mostly had single-family homes at high price points,” said Chris Apostolopolous, president of KB Home’s Northern California division, which has proposed a condo development near Lafayette’s BART station. “Our project offers an alternative lifestyle.” Other projects in the pipeline include O’Brien Land Co.’s 315-unit Terraces of Lafayette, Branagh Development’s 65-unit Woodbury and a 23-unit townhome project by Signature Development Group. Eden Housing and SRM Development have proposed senior housing projects of 46 and 72 units, respectively. The surge in activity is a result of several factors, said Steve Falk, Lafayette’s city manager, such as rising demand from first-time homebuyers, families who want their children to attend the local schools and empty-nesters looking to downsize. The city’s general plan, last revised in 2002, also encouraged more multi-family development in the city’s core. “The best way to preserve our semi-rural nature is to move the growth downtown,” Falk said. Projects like KB Home’s seem to fit the bill. “The key is making everything align: a product that speaks to the consumer in a market they want to live in at a price they can afford,” Apostolopolous said. One project that has drawn some opposition is O’Brien’s Terraces of Lafayette, which is planned for 22 vacant acres north of Highway 24 near the corner of Deer Hill Road and Pleasant Hill Road. The property was once a quarry and Caltrans fill site. The developer expects to build the $100 million project as affordable for moderate-income residents. Falk said some residents see that site as part of the city’s natural landscape. David Baker, project manager for O’Brien, argued that the site is not a natural setting and is zoned for residential. The City Council is considering changing the zoning to allow fewer units, which Baker said his firm would fight in court. The project could be fully entitled before the end of 2012. [This is the entire article]
In Lafayette, the small city in the center of Contra Costa County, a building boom of apartments and condos is in the works. Developers have proposed adding 677 housing units in eight projects. Many of the projects are slated for the city’s downtown area close to BART, shopping and restaurants, creating a scenario much like a sustainable growth advocate’s dream: strong market demand plus infill sites to build higher-density projects. “The city has mostly had single-family homes at high price points,” said Chris Apostolopolous, president of KB Home’s Northern California division, which has proposed a condo development near Lafayette’s BART station. “Our project offers an alternative lifestyle.” Other projects in the pipeline include O’Brien Land Co.’s 315-unit Terraces of Lafayette, Branagh Development’s 65-unit Woodbury and a 23-unit townhome project by Signature Development Group. Eden Housing and SRM Development have proposed senior housing projects of 46 and 72 units, respectively. The surge in activity is a result of several factors, said Steve Falk, Lafayette’s city manager, such as rising demand from first-time homebuyers, families who want their children to attend the local schools and empty-nesters looking to downsize. The city’s general plan, last revised in 2002, also encouraged more multi-family development in the city’s core. “The best way to preserve our semi-rural nature is to move the growth downtown,” Falk said. Projects like KB Home’s seem to fit the bill. “The key is making everything align: a product that speaks to the consumer in a market they want to live in at a price they can afford,” Apostolopolous said. One project that has drawn some opposition is O’Brien’s Terraces of Lafayette, which is planned for 22 vacant acres north of Highway 24 near the corner of Deer Hill Road and Pleasant Hill Road. The property was once a quarry and Caltrans fill site. The developer expects to build the $100 million project as affordable for moderate-income residents. Falk said some residents see that site as part of the city’s natural landscape. David Baker, project manager for O’Brien, argued that the site is not a natural setting and is zoned for residential. The City Council is considering changing the zoning to allow fewer units, which Baker said his firm would fight in court. The project could be fully entitled before the end of 2012. [This is the entire article]
Barnidge: Quaint, little Lafayette is bracing for some big changes
By Tom Barnidge Contra Costa Times Columnist. Posted: 11/29/2012 08:45:15 AM PST. Updated: 11/29/2012 08:45:20 AM PST
What image pops into your head when you envision downtown Lafayette?
A quiet village, with tree-lined streets, that would make Norman Rockwell smile?
A bedroom community, dotted with fine shops and restaurants, where people move to escape the city?
A bustling suburb, with too many cars and too little parking, that could use high-density housing and mass-transit solutions?
If you can't decide, don't worry. Not even the residents can agree.
During a Monday night City Council hearing on the proposed 72-unit Town Center Condominium project near the BART station -- "behind the Panda Express," as locals say -- residents who spoke took turns debating the essence of their community.
"We live in Lafayette, as opposed to Walnut Creek or near the Pleasant Hill BART station, because we like its semirural feeling," said one man opposed to the project.
"I hear people talk about semirural living," said another. "This site is on a freeway and a mass transit station. This is an urban location. It deserves an urban solution."
Twenty-five residents spoke across an hour and 20 minutes -- more opposed than in favor of the project -- but most striking were the differences in their visions for the community.
One saw the proposed four-story, 55-foot-high residence as a "big, ugly building" that would block majestic views of the ridgeline. Another saw it as a "beautiful" solution for those wanting to downsize and shed their dependence on automobiles.
Lafayette was settled in 1848 and incorporated in 1968, but perhaps at no other time has it experienced the growing pains it is confronting now.
Five residential projects along Mt. Diablo Boulevard are in various stages of planning and development. They range from row-house town homes to senior residences to midrange and luxury condos, numbering more than 700 units in all. Plus, a 315-unit apartment complex, Terraces of Lafayette, is proposed for a hilltop south of Deer Hill Road.
Quaint little Lafayette seems to be bracing for population explosion.
"This is a town that's not accustomed to growth," City Manager Steven Falk said. "There was rapid growth from 1950, when we had 5,000 residents, to 1965, when we had 19,000. But then we plateaued at about 24,000, and we've been like that for years."
Falk knows his numbers: The town's population in 2000 was 23,908; in 2010, it was 23,893.
Many residents at Monday's meeting clearly were alarmed by what lies ahead. They presented a laundry list of concerns they foresee in a more densely populated Lafayette: overcrowded schools, obscured views, traffic jams, parking woes.
"I think we have to focus on the number of projects going up on Mt. Diablo Boulevard," one woman said. "We have heard there will be no impact on traffic. But if you look at the whole picture of five projects, how much traffic will there be?"
The reasons behind this phenomenon are open for debate, but Falk thinks Lafayette has become a development target at least partly because of its highly regarded school system.
"Because Lafayette voters have stepped up and funded the schools, housing developers are now rushing the doors," he said. "People who value education are interested in moving here. Developers see the chance to make money."
It's no surprise some residents are resistant to change. But they're going to find out change is a persistent thing.
Contact Tom Barnidge at [email protected].
A bedroom community, dotted with fine shops and restaurants, where people move to escape the city?
A bustling suburb, with too many cars and too little parking, that could use high-density housing and mass-transit solutions?
If you can't decide, don't worry. Not even the residents can agree.
During a Monday night City Council hearing on the proposed 72-unit Town Center Condominium project near the BART station -- "behind the Panda Express," as locals say -- residents who spoke took turns debating the essence of their community.
"We live in Lafayette, as opposed to Walnut Creek or near the Pleasant Hill BART station, because we like its semirural feeling," said one man opposed to the project.
"I hear people talk about semirural living," said another. "This site is on a freeway and a mass transit station. This is an urban location. It deserves an urban solution."
Twenty-five residents spoke across an hour and 20 minutes -- more opposed than in favor of the project -- but most striking were the differences in their visions for the community.
One saw the proposed four-story, 55-foot-high residence as a "big, ugly building" that would block majestic views of the ridgeline. Another saw it as a "beautiful" solution for those wanting to downsize and shed their dependence on automobiles.
Lafayette was settled in 1848 and incorporated in 1968, but perhaps at no other time has it experienced the growing pains it is confronting now.
Five residential projects along Mt. Diablo Boulevard are in various stages of planning and development. They range from row-house town homes to senior residences to midrange and luxury condos, numbering more than 700 units in all. Plus, a 315-unit apartment complex, Terraces of Lafayette, is proposed for a hilltop south of Deer Hill Road.
Quaint little Lafayette seems to be bracing for population explosion.
"This is a town that's not accustomed to growth," City Manager Steven Falk said. "There was rapid growth from 1950, when we had 5,000 residents, to 1965, when we had 19,000. But then we plateaued at about 24,000, and we've been like that for years."
Falk knows his numbers: The town's population in 2000 was 23,908; in 2010, it was 23,893.
Many residents at Monday's meeting clearly were alarmed by what lies ahead. They presented a laundry list of concerns they foresee in a more densely populated Lafayette: overcrowded schools, obscured views, traffic jams, parking woes.
"I think we have to focus on the number of projects going up on Mt. Diablo Boulevard," one woman said. "We have heard there will be no impact on traffic. But if you look at the whole picture of five projects, how much traffic will there be?"
The reasons behind this phenomenon are open for debate, but Falk thinks Lafayette has become a development target at least partly because of its highly regarded school system.
"Because Lafayette voters have stepped up and funded the schools, housing developers are now rushing the doors," he said. "People who value education are interested in moving here. Developers see the chance to make money."
It's no surprise some residents are resistant to change. But they're going to find out change is a persistent thing.
Contact Tom Barnidge at [email protected].
Lamorinda Weekly
Published January 2nd, 2013
"Terraces" Final Environmental Report is Available
Residents looking for some light reading to kick off the year may want to consider the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed 315-unit, multi-family Terraces of Lafayette project near Acalanes High School. The information in the three volume set provides a report summary, revisions to the Draft EIR, lots of exhibits that include everything from the 1976 Major Ridgeline Ordinance to appendices on geology and soils along with responses to comments received on the Draft EIR.
There will be a public meeting of the Planning Commission to consider certification of the Final EIR on Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. in the Community Hall of the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. The focus of this meeting is simply to determine if the Final EIR is in compliance with CEQA - the California Environmental Quality Act. Residents wishing to comment either for or against the proposed project can do so after the environmental review process is completed. The document is rather long, best to read it via the city website at www.ci.lafayette.ca.us, at the City Offices, 3675 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Suite 210, or at the Lafayette Library; or call for a CD copy, (925) 284-1968. C. Tyson.
"Terraces" Final Environmental Report is Available
Residents looking for some light reading to kick off the year may want to consider the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the proposed 315-unit, multi-family Terraces of Lafayette project near Acalanes High School. The information in the three volume set provides a report summary, revisions to the Draft EIR, lots of exhibits that include everything from the 1976 Major Ridgeline Ordinance to appendices on geology and soils along with responses to comments received on the Draft EIR.
There will be a public meeting of the Planning Commission to consider certification of the Final EIR on Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. in the Community Hall of the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. The focus of this meeting is simply to determine if the Final EIR is in compliance with CEQA - the California Environmental Quality Act. Residents wishing to comment either for or against the proposed project can do so after the environmental review process is completed. The document is rather long, best to read it via the city website at www.ci.lafayette.ca.us, at the City Offices, 3675 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, Suite 210, or at the Lafayette Library; or call for a CD copy, (925) 284-1968. C. Tyson.
315-unit Lafayette apartment complex under review By Jennifer Modenessi Contra Costa Times
Posted: 01/04/2013 02:50:12 PM PST
Updated: 01/04/2013 03:37:06 PM PST
LAFAYETTE -- A public hearing to discuss the impacts of building 315 apartments on a Lafayette hillside, including a portion of that land protected from development, will be held Monday.
Planning leaders will meet at 7 p.m. at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Community Hall to discuss an environmental report addressing various concerns about the Terraces of Lafayette, the apartment complex developers are hoping to build on a 22-acre lot on Deer Hill Road.
The O'Brien Land Company wants to place the apartments on the existing terraced hillside near Acalanes High School. The project has drawn numerous objections from residents about its size, its apparent clash with the city's desire to keep development consistent with Lafayette's "semirural" identity and how it may increase traffic in an already congested area.
The city began soliciting comments last year on a draft environmental report outlining possible construction effects on the air quality, biology and geology of the area. The document details what could be done to ease any resulting disruptions or changes, including the movement of 400,000 cubic yards of material.
Some of the major impacts and mitigations outlined in the report include:
Blocked ridgeline views, placing a development on a site many consider a "visual resource" and the visibility of 14 two-and three-story residential buildings from Highway 24, which would diminish views of Lafayette Advertisement
Ridge. The report states that no mitigation measures would reduce those impacts to less-than-significant levels.
An increased volume of police calls that could affect response times. The development would have an outdoor lighting plan and a video surveillance system. A private security company would provide routine patrols. Developers would also pay a police impact fee to support additional personnel and equipment.
Increased traffic delays of up to nine seconds at the Deer Hill Road, Stanley Boulevard and Pleasant Hill Road intersection and other nearby circulation impacts. While the report says there are no ways to remedy the delays at Deer Hill Road/Stanley Boulevard and Pleasant Hill Road, the project's applicants will help pay to install a traffic signal equipped with a special system for emergency vehicles at the Brown Avenue/Deer Hill Road intersection.
The report also details possible measures to ease strains on BART parking, including setting up a shuttle bus to get residents to and from the station during peak commute hours until a bus route is established, widening sidewalks and creating safer bike and pedestrian pathways near the development.
Property owner Anna Maria Dettmer submitted plans in 2011 to develop the former "Christmas tree lot" in an area the city considers the most "significantly underdeveloped" in the community. The land is zoned for offices but multifamily housing is allowed with a permit.
The owner's attorneys also take exception to some aspects of the report. They dispute the project's location in a protected ridgeline zone and believe city leaders are trying to rezone the project to allow one unit per five acres. The project's density is 14 dwelling units per acre, according to city data.
Updated: 01/04/2013 03:37:06 PM PST
LAFAYETTE -- A public hearing to discuss the impacts of building 315 apartments on a Lafayette hillside, including a portion of that land protected from development, will be held Monday.
Planning leaders will meet at 7 p.m. at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Community Hall to discuss an environmental report addressing various concerns about the Terraces of Lafayette, the apartment complex developers are hoping to build on a 22-acre lot on Deer Hill Road.
The O'Brien Land Company wants to place the apartments on the existing terraced hillside near Acalanes High School. The project has drawn numerous objections from residents about its size, its apparent clash with the city's desire to keep development consistent with Lafayette's "semirural" identity and how it may increase traffic in an already congested area.
The city began soliciting comments last year on a draft environmental report outlining possible construction effects on the air quality, biology and geology of the area. The document details what could be done to ease any resulting disruptions or changes, including the movement of 400,000 cubic yards of material.
Some of the major impacts and mitigations outlined in the report include:
Ridge. The report states that no mitigation measures would reduce those impacts to less-than-significant levels.
The report also details possible measures to ease strains on BART parking, including setting up a shuttle bus to get residents to and from the station during peak commute hours until a bus route is established, widening sidewalks and creating safer bike and pedestrian pathways near the development.
Property owner Anna Maria Dettmer submitted plans in 2011 to develop the former "Christmas tree lot" in an area the city considers the most "significantly underdeveloped" in the community. The land is zoned for offices but multifamily housing is allowed with a permit.
The owner's attorneys also take exception to some aspects of the report. They dispute the project's location in a protected ridgeline zone and believe city leaders are trying to rezone the project to allow one unit per five acres. The project's density is 14 dwelling units per acre, according to city data.