RESPONSE TO COUNCIL QUESTIONS RE: 3/7/23 AGENDA
Agenda Item 4.G: Action on the Agreement with Raimi & Associates, Inc. for Consultant Services to Revise the El Camino Real Specific Plan Draft
Council Question:
I didn’t see in the scope of work an economic analysis comparing the 4500 unit plan with the 2021 plan with 7000 units. Is that included?
Staff Response:
The Economic Analysis is covered in Task 4.2 Feasibility Analysis, as follows:
Task 4.2 Feasibility Analysis
Keyser Marston Associates will use the test fits/prototypes developed in Task 4.1 to conduct a feasibility/proforma analysis for lower-density townhome development along the corridor. As part of this task, they will update the feasibility analysis conducted previously for the existing three land use designations/building prototypes in the Specific Plan to reflect current construction costs. This task assumes a limited comparison of the townhome prototype to another prototype and not broader analysis of the feasibility of the entire Corridor.
Council Question:
What about form based codes? I realize that there is a lot of design info in the 2021 plan but the Downtown Plan is much more specific. My fear is all buildings being mission style stucco.
Staff Response:
Preparation of a comprehensive Form Based Code is not included in the project scope and would add significant time and cost. We are planning to add objective design standards within the Zoning for the El Camino Real corridor and we could address materials or specific design features within the Zoning if there are specific design objectives the City Council wants to address.
Agenda Item 4.M: Action to Adopt a Resolution Approving the Water Supply Assessment for 960 Central Expressway
Council Question:
The map of the recycled water network shows gaps to this location but the document shows that this location is served by recycled water.
Staff Response:
There is a 24-inch recycled water line on Lafayette Street at Central Expressway adjacent to the property, so this location is served by recycled water.
Council Question:
Also, many data centers in Santa Clara used closed cycle water cooling and have minimal water use Why not this location?
Staff Response:
Staff is not aware if the project’s cooling system has been designed yet, although the City typically does not mandate the type of cooling system a data center uses. Staff will discuss and will be reviewing as part of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) document.
2 Council Question:
I believe we currently have a shortage of recycled water. This is covered in Agenda item 4K.
Staff Response:
Currently we have an adequate supply of recycled water, but we encourage using recycled water efficiently.
Council Question:
If this location is to be served by warehouses, then what about diesel truck emissions?
Staff Response:
Air Quality impacts (such as from diesel emissions) will be analyzed in the EIR for the project. The WSA is a precursor to the EIR, but we do not currently have a timeline for the EIR to be available.