NOTICE OF COMPLETION & PUBLIC NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF A DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (DEIR), ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA) AND SECTION 4(f) EVALUATION ON THE SANTA MONICA PIER ACCESS IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

 

 

 

OFFICIAL NOTICE is hereby given on the completion and availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR), Environmental Assessment (EA) and Section 4(f) Evaluation on the following project:

 

PROJECT LOCATION:            SANTA MONICA PIER, SANTA MONICA , CALIFORNIA 90401

 

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT: The Draft EIR /EA analyzes five (5) different alternatives and a No Project alternative for improving both pedestrian and vehicle access to the Santa Monica Pier. Each alternative includes seismic strengthening of the Pier.

 

The alternatives are as follows:

 

1.       Locally Preferred Project: Parallel Vehicular Ramp with ADA Accessible Sidewalk: The Pier would be reinforced and widened to include 8 foot sidewalks on both sides of the Pier Bridge with the north side sidewalk being ADA compliant. The Pier Sign would be relocated 5.5 feet to the north but not structurally altered. A one-way vehicular ramp would be constructed at the northern side of the Pier Bridge to feed traffic to the existing City parking lot at 1550 PCH.

 

2.       Parallel Vehicular Ramp and South Bridge Sidewalk:  The Pier would be reinforced and widened to provide a 16 foot wide sidewalk on the south side of the Pier Bridge only.  A one-way vehicular ramp would be constructed at the northern side of the Pier Bridge to feed traffic to the existing City parking lot at 1550 PCH. The total width of the Pier would be increased by 11 feet on the north side and the Pier Sign would be relocated 13.5 feet to the north to span the roadway, but not be structurally altered.

 

3.      Ramp Through the Pier Deck: This alternative would construct a vehicle access ramp through the Pier Deck to a bay underneath the Pier that feeds into the parking lot at 1550 PCH. The Pier Bridge would be reinforced and widened to include 8 foot wide sidewalks on either side. The Pier Sign would be relocated 5.5 feet to the north but not structurally altered.

 

4.      Pier Bridge Widening with North and South Bridge Sidewalks: This alternative would reinforce and widen the pier by 11 feet on the north side and provides 8 foot sidewalks on both sides of the bridge. There would be no construction of a ramp. The Pier Sign would be relocated 5.5 feet to the north but not structurally altered.

 

5.      Pedestrian-Only Bridge with Service/Emergency Vehicle Access Only and Replacement Parking: This alternative would reinforce and convert the bridge to primarily a pedestrian-only bridge that would allow service and emergency vehicles only. This would result in the loss of 283 parking spaces located on the Pier. This document analyzes the construction of replacement parking nearby. The Pier Bridge would not be widened; therefore, the Pier Sign would not be re-located.

 

The Draft Environmental Impact Report /Environmental Assessment and Section 4(f) Evaluation on this project is available for your review and comment.  This document examines impacts of the proposed project on the City's environment including the historic Pier Sign. 

 

 

Environmental effects of one or more of these options may include:   

Aesthetics, Biological Resources, Historic Resources, Noise (during construction), and Vehicle Circulation.

           

Impact areas analyzed in the Environmental Impact Report are: 

Aesthetics, Air Quality, Archaeological Resources, Biological Resources, Hazardous Materials, Historic Resources, Noise, Access, Pedestrian Circulation and Parking, Land Use.

 

HOW TO COMMENT ON THE DRAFT EIR/EA:  The City of Santa Monica encourages public comment on this and other projects.  A copy of the document is available for your review in the following locations:

 

City Planning Counter, Room 111                   City Clerk, Room 102

1685 Main Street                                             1685 Main Street

Santa Monica, CA 90401                                 Santa Monica, CA 90401

 

Santa Monica Public Library                            Ocean Park Branch Library

601 Santa Monica Blvd.                                   2601 Main Street

Santa Monica, CA 90401                                 Santa Monica, CA 90405

 

If you have comments about the DEIR, you should forward them to Sarah Lejeune, AICP, Senior Planner, so that they can be considered. 

 

COMMENT PERIOD:                          Monday August 7, 2006 through Wednesday, September 20, 2006

 

DUE DATE FOR COMMENTS:            Wednesday, September 20, 2006

                                                            (5:00 p.m.)

 

WHERE TO SEND COMMENTS:        City Planning Division

1685 Main Street, Room 212

Santa Monica, CA  90401-3295

Attention: Sarah Lejeune, AICP, Senior Planner

Telephone:  (310) 458-8341

e-mail: sarah.lejeune@SMGOV.net

 

PUBLIC MEETINGS TO DISCUSS:    

During the time that the EIR is circulating for review, there will be two public meetings at which the public may comment.

                                                            Monday , August 21, 2006 - 6:00PM

Santa Monica Pier Restoration Committee Meeting

                                                            Ken Edwards Center                                                   

                                                            1527 Fourth Street

                                                            Santa Monica, CA 90401

 

Monday, September 11, 2006 -7:00PM

Landmarks Commission Meeting

City Council Chambers, Room 213

1685 Main Street

Santa Monica, CA 90401

 

MORE INFORMATION:  Following the completion of the Final EIR, additional notice will be given upon scheduling a Public Hearing before the City Council to certify the EIR, review the project options and select an option for final design and construction.