Title:
Title
Adoption of Environmental Document and Streetscape Master Plan and Acceptance of Conceptual Plans for the North 16th Street Streetscape Project (T15165400)
End
FileID
File ID: 2020-01013
Location
Location: 16th Street / North 16th Street, from H Street to Richards Boulevard; Districts 3 and 4
End
Recommendation:
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution: 1) adopting the Mitigated Negative Declaration and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program; 2) adopting the Streetscape Master Plan; and 3) accepting the conceptual plans for the North 16th Street Streetscape Project (T15165400).
FileName
Contact: Qasid Mehirdel, Associate Civil Engineer (916) 808-6842; Nader Kamal, Interim Engineering Services Manager (916) 808-7035, Department of Public Works
Body
Presenter: None
Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
2-Resolution
3-Exhibit A: Mitigated Negative Declaration
4-Exhibit B: Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
5-Exhibit C: Streetscape Master Plan
6-Exhibit D: Conceptual Plans
Description/Analysis
Issue Detail: The North 16th Street Streetscape Project proposes pedestrian improvements along 16th Street / North 16th Street, from H Street to the south to Richards Boulevard to the north. The project includes the reconstruction of curb, gutter, planters, and sidewalk, the installation of street and pedestrian scale lighting, and other improvements at the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) underpass. Bicycle connectivity will also be improved.
The purpose of the project is to create a safe, functional, and aesthetic pedestrian corridor between the River District and other Central City neighborhoods. The proposed improvements are expected to revitalize the area and foster economic growth.
The North 16th Street Streetscape Project was awarded Community Design funds through the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG) to complete the preliminary engineering and environmental clearance phase of the project.
A Streetscape Master Plan was prepared. The purpose of this document is to define a vision for the corridor and serve as a guiding tool for future implementation of the project. The plan details historical context of the project area, policy considerations, existing and proposed conditions, and other critical items that were considered during preliminary engineering.
A set of conceptual plans was also developed, summarizing the proposed improvements.
The project team has prepared California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documentation. A Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program was prepared to comply with CEQA requirements.
Policy Considerations: The actions requested herein are consistent with the City’s goals of improving and expanding public safety, creating walkable communities, and enhancing overall livability. Specific goals the project will achieve are as follows:
M1.2.1 - Multimodal Choices: The City shall develop an integrated, multimodal transportation system that improves the attractiveness of walking, bicycling, and riding transit over time to increase travel choices and aid in achieving a more balanced transportation system and reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
M1.3.2 - Eliminate Gaps: The City shall eliminate “gaps” in roadways, bikeways, and pedestrian networks.
M 2.1.3 Streetscape Design: The City shall require that pedestrian-oriented streets be designed to provide a pleasant environment for walking and other desirable uses of public space, including such elements as shade trees; plantings; well-designed benches, trash receptacles, news racks, and other furniture; pedestrian-scaled lighting fixtures; wayfinding signage; integrated transit shelters; public art; and other amenities.
Economic Impacts: None
Environmental Considerations:
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) / National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): The City prepared an Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the North 16th Street Streetscape Project. In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the MND was circulated for a 30-day public review period which ended on June 5, 2019. The comment period was advertised in a newspaper of general circulation, and a Notice of Availability / Notice of Intent (NOA/NOI) to adopt the MND was posted in the office of the Sacramento County Clerk and sent to regulatory agencies, neighborhood associations, and stakeholders in the project area.
Staff received three comment letters regarding the project during the public review period:
• Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) discussed their facilities and future coordination
• Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) identified locations of their facilities within the project limits and requested that the MND identify any impacts to their easements
• The Office of Planning and Research (OPR) State Clearinghouse letter confirmed the document was circulated to state agencies for review
None of the comments identified any new significant effect, increase in severity of an impact identified in the MND, or provided significant new information. No revision or recirculation of the MND is required.
Since the time of the preparation and circulation of the draft MND, the state requirements for evaluating impacts to transportation have changed from level-of-service (LOS) analysis to vehicle miles travelled (VMT) analysis. The subject project would have no impacts with regards to VMT. The project enhances active transportation and safety by improving pedestrian access and mobility, and improving bicycle connectivity, which would benefit reduced VMT. Consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15073.5(c), recirculation is not required.
The Environmental Services Manager has determined that approval and adoption of the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) are appropriate actions under CEQA. The Final MND and appendices, and MMRP for the project along with the comments and responses are available at the Community Development Department’s webpage using the following link:
<http://www.cityofsacramento.org/Community-Development/Planning/Environmental/Impact-Reports.aspx>
This project has received federal funds. The environmental analysis is being conducted to satisfy the requirements of NEPA as a categorical exclusion with technical studies. No action regarding NEPA compliance is required as part of project approval.
Sustainability: The project is consistent with the Sustainability Master plan goal of promoting walking by developing a universally accessible, safe, convenient, integrated, and well-connected pedestrian system.
Commission/Committee Action: None
Rationale for Recommendation: The adoption of the Mitigated Negative Declaration and the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program are necessary to proceed with the project.
Financial Considerations: The estimated total cost to complete preliminary engineering and environmental documentation for the North 16th Street Streetscape Project (T15165400) is $893,000.
There is sufficient funding in the North 16th Street Streetscape Project (T15165400) to complete preliminary engineering and environmental documentation. There are no General Funds planned or allocated for this project.
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): Not applicable.