From: Hala Alshahwany
To: Pancholi, Diana
Cc: City Council; , City Manager
Subject: Re: 555 W Middlefield Road- Project Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) Availability Date: Thursday, November 4, 2021 1:23:07 PM
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Good afternoon Diana,
Thank you for providing the final EIR for 555 Middlefield Road project.
The response to draft EIR public comments addressed several environmental impacts of this proposal, most importantly the removal of 62 heritage trees along project site that is adjacent to HWY 85, where two thirds of the proposed units are to be built.
When comparing your response to the Sierra Club (SC) and Audubon Society (AS) assessments of the tree removal impacts, I find many discrepancies where the FEIR claims are scientifically and environmentally not supported.
- Steven’s Creek Trail corridor is not exactly transposed on the tree canopy line proposed for removal, BUT it is only 270 feet away from it!! (FEIR photo p.4-17) Animal’s including Bats, Butterflies, Birds, Invertebrates and others, logically use vegetation and land near the corridor. The project proposes clearcutting of ALL trees near HWY 85 (over 70 trees mature and juvenile as shown in FEIR map p.4-17) which will most certainly affect the wildlife and habitat in nearby natural corridor. Animals are not cognizant of human drawn lines and boarders.
- CalTran short sound wall and remaining 10 heritage trees (FEIR photo p.4-21) are insufficient to keep the noise attenuated at an acceptable level. Per SC & AS testimony’s scientific reference, 30m width of trees and shrubs can reduce noise 5-10 decibels, especially sharp tones, which reduces noise to the human ear by approximately 50%. Since the tree buffer is estimated at 80-100 feet wide, then it’s functionality in reducing freeway noise is significant and critical to the current and new residents in that area. - Biological impacts from tree canopy buffer on removal of airborne toxics from auto exhaust and tire dust were not addressed in the FEIR. There is clear scientific evidence of increased incidence and severity of health problems associated with air pollution exposures related to proximity to roadway traffic. Again, CalTran short wall and remaining 10 mature trees will be significantly less affective in protecting current and new residents from these toxic particulates.
Additionally, the Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) is an emerging global environmental concern that is increasingly showing adverse effects on the environment and human health from light exposure. Considering the proximity of freeway lights, the removal of natural canopy will impact current and future residents as well as nearby habitats and wildlife. - Finally, replacing existing trees and shrubs with new saplings is not an equivalent mitigation or fair solution for current or future residents, for at least 20-30 years. Ignoring today’s climate Attachment 14
change and extremes, while waiting for new growth to provide the benefits we get today from the mature heritage trees, is irresponsible and environmentally inequitable.
This project has great potential in providing much needed housing near transit in our city.
However, the developer choosing to build over 200 units in close proximity to HWY 85 and in this process clearcutting over 70 trees (of which 62 are heritage trees forming natural buffer from air, noise and light pollution), is a huge miscalculation and mistake. Developer should consider building these units in this sizable project site of 14.5 acres, where the irreplaceable tree canopy should stay.
Thank you for your support of our community and concerns.
Hala Alshahwany
ESTF-2 Member & MV Resident
On Mon, Oct 25, 2021 at 3:25 PM Pancholi, Diana <[email protected] >
wrote:
Good Afternoon,
This email is to inform you that as the Lead Agency, the City of Mountain View has prepared a Final Environmental Impact Report per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines for the Development Project at 555 W Middlefield Road . A Notice of
Availability of the Draft Environmental Impact Report was released for a 45-day public review and comment period, which concluded on August 12, 2021. A Final Environmental Impact Report for the project has been prepared including response to DEIR Comments and is now available on the project webpage
for public review. All comments on the Final EIR
must be sent in writing to the project Planner Diana Pancholi at [email protected]
. Please contact Project Planner Diana Pancholi if you
have any questions.
Sincerely,
Diana
Diana Pancholi
Senior Planner | City of Mountain View
(650)903-6306 | [email protected]
500 Castro Street, Mountain View, CA- 94039