Item 6-G
COUNCIL MEETING: September 14, 1999 Santa Monica, California
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: City Staff
SUBJECT: Recommendation to Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a Contract to Impact Sciences, Inc. in an Amount not to Exceed $83,170 for Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report on the McDonald=s Mixed Use Project Located at 1540 Second Street. Applicant: Norman J. Kravetz, Realty Bancorp. Property Owner: McDonald=s Corporation.
INTRODUCTION
This staff report recommends the Council authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a contract with Impact Sciences, Inc. in the amount of $83,170 to prepare an Environmental Impact Report for a proposed Mixed Use Project located at 1540 Second Street, at the northwest corner of Colorado Avenue and Second Street.
BACKGROUND
The environmental assessment process is being initiated in conjunction with applications for a Development Review Permit, a Text Amendment, a Variance and a Conditional Use Permit which have been submitted to the City by the project applicant. The proposed project includes the demolition of the existing McDonald
=s fast food restaurant and the construction of a three-story, mixed use building above two levels of subterranean parking. Proposed uses include retail space and a McDonald=s fast food restaurant (with a drive-through service window) on the ground floor, and general offices on the second and third floors.The Planning and Community Development Department has determined that an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be required to evaluate the proposed project. The EIR will examine a number of environmental issues regarding the proposed project. Once an EIR is prepared, there will be a public comment period during which interested persons can review and comment on the environmental analysis. Public hearings on the project will also be conducted by the Planning Commission and the Council will have to approve the proposed text amendment.
A Request for Proposal to prepare the EIR for this project was issued by the Planning and Community Development Department, which is responsible for preparing City environmental documents. Three firms responded with proposals. Staff recommends that Impact Sciences, Inc. be selected to prepare the EIR due to its comprehensive proposal and its experience in preparing environmental documentation. In addition, Kaku Associates Inc., the proposed traffic and circulation sub-consultant, has prepared numerous traffic studies in Santa Monica and on similar projects.
BUDGET/FINANCIAL IMPACT
The City's costs for this EIR will be fully paid in advance by the applicant. Funds from the applicant in the amount of $83,170 will be deposited into the General Trust and Agency Fund Account Number 80.201172.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that upon receipt of $83,170 from the project applicant, the City Council authorize the City Manager to enter into a contract with Impact Sciences, Inc. at a cost of $83,170 for preparation of an EIR for the proposed McDonald
=s Mixed Use project.Prepared by:
Suzanne Frick, Director of PCD
Jay Trevino, AICP, Planning Manager
Amanda Schachter, Acting Principal Planner
Laura Beck, AICP, Associate Planner
Planning And Community Development Department