1 12/23/2025
RiversideCA.gov1
RiversideCA.gov
RIVERSIDE ALIVE EIRPR-2024-001675 (EIR) –APPEAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION AND ENIVORNMENTAL IMPACT REPORTCity CouncilJanuary 6, 2026Community & Economic Development Department RiversideCA.gov2
BACKGROUND
• Issued RFP for the redevelopment of Lot 33 and Riverside Convention Center • Selected a proposal and entered ENA for Riverside Alive mixed-use projectSept. 2018May 2019 • Issued Notice of Prep and started scoping process for EIROct. 2024 1 2
2 12/23/2025
RiversideCA.gov3
BACKGROUNDNo development application being considered at this time•Analysis performed on maximum development envelopes•Any proposal for development will require:–Necessary entitlement/permit reviews–Consistency analysis with EIR RiversideCA.gov4
DEVELOPMENT ENVELOPES STUDIEDMaximum AreaMaximum UnitsLand Use Type55CondominiumsResidential113Mult-Family Residential376HotelNonResidential220,000 sfOffice12,875 sfRestaurant20,690 sfGrocery Store28,416 sfFitness CenterUp to 5 levelsParking Facilities189,000 sfConvention Center Expansion 3 4
3 12/23/2025
RiversideCA.gov5
•Create a dynamic mixed-use district•Attract larger conferences•Facilitate larger events and attract more patrons•Improve economics of Downtown•Assist the city in meeting its RHNA obligation•Place housing near a transit corridor to reduce VMT•Place housing near an existing employment center to encourage pedestrian connectivityPROJECT OBJECTIVES RiversideCA.gov6
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSISLand Use & PlanningAestheticsMineral ResourcesAgriculture & Forestry ResourcesNoiseAir QualityPopulation & HousingBiological ResourcesPublic ServicesCultural ResourcesRecreationEnergyTransportationGeology and SoilsTribal Cultural ResourcesGreenhouse Gas EmissionsUtilities & Service SystemsHazards & Hazardous MaterialWildfireHydrology & Water QualityNo or less than significant impact with project implementation.Significant and unavoidable impact.No or less than significant impact with mitigation measures.5 6 4
12/23/2025
RiversideCA.gov7
SIGNIFICANT AND UNAVOIDABLE IMPACTSAir QualityOperational criteria pollutant emissions exceed SACQMD thresholds for VOC, NOx, CO by up to 74.4 lb/dayGreenhouse Gas EmissionsOperational GHG emissions exceed SACQMD draft thresholds by 20,455.2 MTCO2E/year•Emissions primarily attributed to mobile sources •MM AQ-1 through MM AQ-9 may help reduce emissions•AQ and GHG studied conservatively–Does not account for internal trip capture–Does not account for future State/Federal regulations RiversideCA.gov8
PUBLIC NOTICE, MEETINGS, COMMENTS12/9/20259/5/2025, 9/8/20258/28/20255/23/2025 –7/7/20254/23/2024 –7/2/202510/23/202410/9/2024CC HearingAppeals ReceivedCPC HearingDEIR Public Comment PeriodAB 52 Tribal ConsultationPublic Scoping MeetingISNOP•Notice of Availability circulated to agencies and interest parties•Notice of Hearing mailed to property owners in a 300’ radius•4 comment letters received during Public Review Period•1 comment letter received outside of Public Review Period•2 Appeals of Planning Commission Recommendation Received7 8 5
12/23/2025
RiversideCA.gov9
1. Consider the appeals by Lozeau Drury, LLP and Channel Law Group, LLP and whether to uphold the Planning Commission’s recommendation; and Should City Council deny the appeals then:2. Adopt the attached Resolution certifying the final Environmental Impact Report for the Riverside Alive Project (Project) and find that the Final EIR:A. Has been completed in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA);B. Was presented to the City Council and the City Council reviewed and considered the information contained in the Final EIR prior to approving the project; andC. Reflects the City’s independent judgement and analysis, making certain findings of fact.3. Concur with the findings contained in the Final EIR, the attached CEQA Resolution, the case file and the administrative record.4. Find that no feasible alternatives to the Project have been proposed that will avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effects and meet most project objects, as set forth in the Final EIR. 5. Approve Planning Case PR-2024-001675 (Environmental Impact Report) based on and subject to the Planning Commission findings and recommendations found in the attached staff report. RECOMMENDATIONSRECOMMENDATIONS9