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We Make A Difference
MBAKERINTL.COM
3760 Kilroy Airport Way, Suite 270
Long Beach, CA 90806
562.200.7165
April 1, 2022
Danielle Marquez
City of Santa Clarita
23920 Valencia Boulevard
Suite 300
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Re: Proposal # CD-21-22-25, Town Center Specific Plan
Dear Ms. Marquez:
Michael Baker International (Michael Baker) is pleased to submit our proposal to prepare the Town Center Specific Plan for the City of Santa Clarita (City). Our team brings the unique combination of local knowledge and experience, collaborative critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and understanding of market conditions and development trends that are needed to develop a Specific Plan that is not just visionary but is achievable , with the right regulatory tools and developer incentives to be implemented by City staff and the development community. Our team's strengths include the following:
• Proven Team : Our proposed team, led by John Bellas , Project Manager, and Surabhi Barbhaya , Deputy Project Manager, has worked together over the past three years to prepare the City of Rolling Hills Estates General Plan Update and Commercial District Visioning Plan, which is rapidly coming to successful completion. All of the key team members proposed for the Town Center Specific Plan worked seamlessly together on this important and challenging project, which, in addition to John and Surabhi, included Dan Wery, Lead Planner; Peter Quintanilla, Master Planner; Derek Wong, Market Study Lead; Brent Schleck, California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Lead; and transportation consultant Fehr & Peers. The Visioning Plan for the Palos Verdes Peninsula’s Commercial District had similar challenges to the Valencia Town Center, including developing concepts, regulatory tools, and incentives to transition a traditional auto-oriented mall and surrounding commercial area into a mixed-use community that works with the new/evolving retail economy; reimagining a large-block street pattern into a more permeable/walkable district with improved connections for multiple modes of transportation ; and harnessing the potential for mixed -use development and integrated multifamily uses to satisfy housing needs.
• Experience with Santa Clarita and the Specific Plan Area: Michael Baker and Fehr & Peers are intimately familiar with the City and the Specific Plan area . Michael Baker has recently prepared three CEQA documents for projects in the proposed Specific Plan area —the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration ( IS/MND) for the Westfield Valencia Town Center Patios Connection (Costco) Project , the IS/ND for the Jobs Creation Overlay Zone ( which includes the involved area), and the Valencia Suites Hotel Project IS/MND . In addition to these projects, Mi chael Baker has prepared numerous other environmental documents for projects throughout the City, including two recent specific plan projects —the MetroWalk Project Sustainable Communities Environmental Assessment ( SCEA) and the Henry Mayo Hospital Specific Plan/Master Plan Amendment Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Fehr & Peers recently assisted the City of Santa Clarita in establishing new transportation study guidelines that include vehicles miles traveled (VMT) impact thresholds to meet the updated CEQA requirements of Senate Bill 743. Having Fehr & Peers prepare the VMT and traffic analyses both eliminates the traffic consultant's learning curve and ensures the proper methodology is followed and that the studies are prepared right the first time.
We Make A Difference
MBAKERINTL.COM
3760 Kilroy Airport Way, Suite 270
Long Beach, CA 90806
562.200.7165
• Understanding the Retail Market and Development Needs: We have included DLR Group (DLR) on our team as a firm of architects and urban designers who have their “fingers on the pulse” of the mall/commercial center industry. DLR has worked for and with many major mall property owners, developers, proprietors, leasing agents, and investors and has designed and influenced numerous mall/commercial center pro perties across California and beyond . They will provide invaluable insight in the formulation of the vision/concept plans for the Westfield property. In addition, having designed numerous mall property redevelopment projects , including the Macerich Lakewood Mixed -Use Study and the Panorama City Mall Mixed-Use Project and Specific Plan, DLR knows what development standards will attract the right uses and will result in the right architecture for Valencia’s Town Center.
• We Prepare, Implement, Apply, and Utilize Specific Plans and Specific Plan EIRs: With our experience working on a daily basis as planners that not only prepare plans but also work with the plans after they are adopted , we fully understand the frustrations of having long-range plans that are heavy on “big-picture” concepts but light on how the plan is actually to be implemented. We know and appreciate that City staff and developers will be utilizing and applying this Specific Plan for the next decade or more, and we will leverage our experience of serving as contract planning staff and developer representatives to develop a plan that provides the right balance of being visionary/aspirational and functional/realistic.
Similarly, as CEQA practitioners that bot h prepare programmatic EIRs and utilize those EIRs to streamline the CEQA process for subsequent projects, we understand the need to have an EIR that gets the Specific Plan through the CEQA process and sets a solid framework with useful tools to provide CEQA clearance for implementing projects. In our experience, there is not a “one-size -fits-all” approach to streamlining CEQA for future projects. The most successful plan-level EIRs set up multiple options for future , implementing projects , including exemptions, addendums, and tiering approaches.
The Town Center Specific Plan project is an exciting opportunity for the City to envision and shape the heart of Valencia for the next generation. Michael Baker and our partn ers, Fehr & Peers and DLR, would be honored to work with the City on this influential project. If you have any questions or need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact Project Manager John Bellas ([email protected] | 310-890-9537).
Sincerely,
John Bellas, LEED AP William Hoose, AICP
Project Manager/Associate Vice President Office Executive/Associate Vice President
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
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City of
Santa Clarita
Table of Contents
A. Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................... 4 Firm History and Qualifications ........................................................................................................................................... 4 Specific Plans ....................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Environmental Services ....................................................................................................................................................... 5 Representative Projects in Santa Clarita and the Specific Plan Area .................................................................................. 6 Representative Projects With Other Jurisdictions .............................................................................................................. 9 B. Plan of Study/Scope of Work ........................................................................................................................................ 21 Understanding and Approach ........................................................................................................................................... 21 Scope of Work ................................................................................................................................................................... 28 Task 1.0: Project Management and Initiation ............................................................................................................... 28 Task 2.0 Community Outreach and Engagement ......................................................................................................... 29 Task 3.0 Existing Conditions Analysis ............................................................................................................................ 30 Task 4.0 Design Development ....................................................................................................................................... 32 Task 5.0 Specific Plan Preparation ................................................................................................................................ 34 Task 6.0 Environmental Assessment ............................................................................................................................. 36 Task 7.0 Final Plan Adoption ......................................................................................................................................... 44 Task 8.0 Optional Tasks ................................................................................................................................................. 45 C. Schedule ........................................................................................................................................................................ 47 D. Program Management .................................................................................................................................................. 49 E. Personnel ...................................................................................................................................................................... 51 Organization Chart ............................................................................................................................................................ 51 Project Team Qualifications Matrix .................................................................................................................................. 52 Team Member Resumes ................................................................................................................................................... 54 F. Subconsultants .............................................................................................................................................................. 71 G. Statement of Offer and Signature ................................................................................................................................. 80
Documents Submitted under Separate Cover
H. Pricing Structure
Forms:
Notice to Proposers Regarding Indemnity and Insurance Requirements Designation of Subcontractors/Subconsultants
References
Acknowledgement and Acceptance of Scope of Work
Acknowledgement of Addendum 1
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
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City of
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A. Introduction
Firm History and Qualifications
Michael Baker has the team, skills, experience, and capacity to successfully prepare the Valencia Town Center Specific Plan (TCSP) for Santa Clarita .
Our highly motivated professionals have experience in all facets of planning. Our multidisciplinary team of planners, urban designers, engineers, landscape architects, and public engagement specialists has provided planning services to various cities, co unties, and other governmental agencies throughout California.
Michael Baker is a national, full-service planning and engineering consulting firm with a strong local presence in California. We are celebrating more than 80 years of providing professional services. We provide a host of differentiated and innovative services that enhance client projects. We have a collaborative team of professionals devoted to projects that improve the physical, economic, and social environments of the communities they serve. We have experts from various fields of planning and design who develop creative and context-sensitive solutions to represent the consensus of multiple stakeholders.
Although Michael Baker is a large firm with over 3,500 employees in nearly 100 offices, our foundation is built on our local offices. The impact of our local offices is enhanced by our large network utilized for collaborative and innovative solutions.
We strive to create communities that are safer, more accessible, more environmentally sustaina ble, and more livable through transformative projects, technologies, and dedicated employees. We are change agents, leading our partners around the world into the future.
We attribute our success to understanding and meeting our clients' needs in the most efficient and creative manner possible. We offer a local perspective enhanced by our broad experience to help clients achieve a successful outcome.
Subconsultant – DLR Group
DLR Group (DLR) is a global, integrated design firm with a core practice in architecture, engineering, interiors, and planning. For its clients, integrated design delivers global specialization at a local project level. DLR’s promise is to elevate the human experience through design, with integrated teams of multidisciplinary design professionals that bring highly specialized expertise to every project . DLR operates 30 offices from the Pacific to Atlantic coasts, and several international locations to help facilitate collaboration with clients, partners, and fellow employee -owners. DLR will leverage its expertise in mall design and development to provide critical evaluation, guidance, and design concepts for retail, multifamily housing, and mixed-use development to guide and shape the planning area including:
• Review and identification of existing land use, regulatory and design issues and opportunities to test existing and proposed concepts and regulatory parameters
• Technical leadership and support for the Immersive Workshop (charrette) including engagement tools, design studies and concepts
• Development of conceptual mixed-use development alternatives • Peer review testing of proposed development standards
THE MICHAEL BAKER TEAM has the
skills, experience, local knowledge
and understanding, and approach to
create a plan that is practical and
realistic, easy to understand and
implement, and will attract and
facilitate the investment that will
realize the City’s vision for a
renewed, integrated Town Center.
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
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City of
Santa Clarita
Subconsultant - Fehr & Peers
Fehr & Peers is passionate about transforming transportation consulting through innovation and creativity. They derive inspiration by partnering with communities to understand and shape local transportation futures objectively tailored to diverse needs. Clients trust Fehr & Peers to help them overcome barriers and uncertainty by combining the firm’s advanced expertise with curiosity, humility, and initiative to deliver implementable, data -driven solutions that reinforce community values. From the most strai ghtforward to the most complex, the team actively listens to client and community needs and handles every project with diligence and focus.
They maintain a focus on transportation consulting, serving client needs including the following:
• Active transportation • Freight
• Climate resiliency • Land use and transportation
• Communications and engagement • Safety
• Data science • Transit planning
• Emerging technologies • Transportation engineering
• Equity in transportation • Transportation forecasting and operations
Specific Plans
Michael Baker has a strong reputation for innovative, award-winning specific plans, downtown plans, strategic plans, area plans, and vision plans for communities in California as well as nationwide. We believe in a planning philosophy that involves the community and stakeholders in a collaborative relationship, possesses a healthy skepticism for conventional wisdom, and incorporates unique, innovative
approaches to what we do. We believe in plans
that are challenging yet implementable and
achieve community vision. Our unique
combination of planners, landscape architects,
economic development specialists,
transportation, environment al, and regulatory
planners, and architects—all available in -
house—enables effective com munication,
making the process smooth for the team as well
as the client. Many of our plans have won local
and state awards.
Environmental Services
As a leader in the environmental consulting
field, Michael Baker offers an extensive array of
services associated with environmental
compliance and documentation. Our environmental compliance managers have broad resumes of project experience in urban and suburban communities and have worked on numerous complex projects requiring technical expertise, creative solutions, and the development of effective and workable mitigation. Michael Baker has prepared numerous EIR s, IS/MNDs, and categorical exemptions pursuant to CEQA for many municipal clients in Southern California, including the City of Santa Clarita. Our experience as an environmental consultant to hundreds of public agencies throughout California has given us exceptional environmental planning qualifications and a broad range of problem-solving abilities. Our in - house experts understand legal issues, best practices, and special considerations to develop innovative, appropriate, and defensible solutions.
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
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City of
Santa Clarita
In general, our approach to assisting the City of Santa Clarita with the EIR is to first and foremost work collaboratively with City staff to produce CEQA documents that are legally defensible, aid the City in the decision -making process, and meet the City’s needs in terms of quality, budget, and schedule. Further, our approach is to create a CEQA document that will be easy to read and implement, while providing clear mechanisms for the City to use the EIR to streamline environmental review of subsequent projects located within the pr oposed Specific Plan area. To accomplish these objectives, Michael Baker’s approach to preparation of the Specific Plan EIR is founded on the following principles:
• Draw upon our extensive experience preparing CEQA documents for the City and for similar projects in other cities to identify and address the key issues early in the process to prevent delays and setbacks. • Ensure technically adequate and complete environmental analyses. • Create a reader-friendly CEQA document that use a combination of narrative, figures, photographs, maps, tables, and other visual aids to help the reader understand the environmental consequences of the project. • Openly communicate with Planning Division staff as we complete milestones and as we strive to exceed the City’s expectations.
Representative Projects in Santa Clarita and the Specific Plan Area Michael Baker brings seasoned staff with the advantage of nearly 20 years of local experience in Santa Clarita to this project. We have a deep understanding of the Specific Plan area and have enjoyed and developed an excellent working relationship with City staff. Specifically, our in-house team of specialists not only has project experience in Santa Clarita, but also experience within the Valencia Town Center area. The following are examples of projects the Michael Baker team has completed in the Valencia Town Center area and the City of Santa Clarita.
Project Experience in the Proposed Specific Plan Area
Westfield Valencia Town Center Patios Connection Project IS/MND (2021). Micha el Baker prepared an IS/MND for the Westfield Valencia Town Center (WVTC) Patios Connection Project, on the eastern portion of the Valencia Town Center property, near the intersection of Valencia Parkway and Citrus Street. The project proposed to demolish approximately 128,558 square feet of retail space and construct approximately 153,930 square feet of new retail anchor space to be occupied by Costco.
The project also proposed to develop 2,600 square feet of outdoor patio space, a new fueling station with up to 30 pumps, a 34,185 - square-foot health and fitness center, a 32,000-square-foot cinema, and 7,434 square feet of new retail space. At buildout, the project would result in a net increase of 101,129 square feet of retail space.
Jobs Creation Overlay Zone IS/ND (2019). Michael Baker prepared an IS/ND for the City’s proposed Jobs Creation Overlay Zone (JCOZ), which established new procedures for permitting office and industrial development projects that exceed the established heights standards for their underlying zone in eight distinct districts throughout the City, including the Valencia Town Center district. The JCOZ replaced an existing conditional use permit requirement with an appealable, director-level discretionary review process for office buildings up to 5 stories and industrial buildings up to 55 feet in height. The IS focused on aesthetic impacts that can reasonably be expected to result from the project, which may encourage development of buildings taller than those currently requiring a conditional use permit.
With this project experience, Michael Baker has unique insights into the current configuration of the WVTC mall, along with the layout and topography of this important opportunity site.
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
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City of
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Valencia Suites Hotel IS/MND (2016). Michael Baker prepared an IS/MND for a five-story hotel located at 26501 McBean Parkway between Valencia Boulevard and Mall Entrance Drive. Th is entitled hotel project allows for 134 one- and two- bedroom suites along with a 4,000-square-foot restaurant. The entitlement includes a conditional use permit to allow for a building height of 59 feet 9 inches . The approved site plan includes a 219-space surface parking lot on the west side of the building that addresses a fault zone traversing the property.
Project Experience in Santa Clarita
In addition to the above, Michael Baker has prepared numerous CEQA and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents for the City of Santa Clarita in recent years. These include the Henry Mayo Newhall Master Plan Supplemental EIR and the MetroWalk SCEA, both of which involved Specific Plans, as well as over 12 other projects in the City, which are listed below.
Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Master Plan Supplemental EIR, Santa Clarita (2020). Michael Baker prepared a Supplemental EIR for an amendment to the Henry Mayo Hospital Master
Plan. The hospital, located at the intersection of McBean Parkway and Orchard Village Road, proposed to revise the Master Plan to allow an additional 200,000 square feet of building space, as well as expansion of an existing parking facility. The proposed development included an 84,300-
square-foot, three-story diagnostic and treatment building; a 115,700-square-foot, five -story inpatient building; and the addition of three aboveground levels to an existing parking structure for an additional 292 parking spaces.
MetroWalk Specific Plan SCEA (2021) . Michael Baker prepared a SCEA for the MetroWalk Specific Plan, which is a residential project involving the development of 498 residential units comprising a mix of housing types, including market-rate apartments and townhomes, age-qualified apartments, and affordable senior apartments. In addition, the project includes a multi-use path that would link the project site with the future Metrolink Vista Canyon Station to the east and the Vista Canyon Specific Plan development to the north, while connecting various private amenities throughout the project site, including park nodes, open space, a central clubhouse, and a playground. The multi-use path would terminate at a 0.93 -acre public plaza at the far eastern area of the project site, which would provide a publicly accessible outdoor amenity adjacent to the Metrolink station and a connection to commercial uses, trails, and other amenities in the area.
The JCOZ, with its flexible height standard and streamlined approval process, is an excellent starting point for the type of standards and incentives that can be incorporated into the TCSP. Having worked with the City on this project, Michael Baker gained unique insights into certain elements of the City’s Unified Development Code that can be modified to attract the right kind of development to Valencia.
Over the course of this project, Michael Baker gained insights into the concerns of the Woodlands neighborhood to the west, including concerns for east-facing views across the Valencia Town Center area to the mountainous backdrop.
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
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City of
Santa Clarita
Other project experience in Santa Clarita
• Blackhall Studios Project EIR (ongoing)
• Bouquet Canyon Residential Project EIR (2020) and EIR Addendum (ongoing) • Mancara Residential Project EIR (ongoing)
• Sierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project IS/MND (2021) • Dockweiler Residential Development IS/MND (2019)
• Canyon Country Community Center and Park IS/MND (2017) • Kaiser Permanente Medical Office Project IS/MND (2015) • Sierra Highway Street Improvements and Pedestrian Bridge Project IS/MND (2015) • Family Promise Supportive Housing Project CEQA Categorical Exemption (2021) • West Creek Park Improvement Project NEPA Categorical Exclusion (2021)
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Proposal # CD-21-22-25
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City of
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Representative Projects With Other Jurisdictions
General Plan Update and Commercial District Vision Plan and EIR City of Rolling Hills Estates. Michael Baker is currently completing a comprehensive General Plan Update and Commercial District Vision Plan for the City of Rolling Hills Estates. In addition to the Vision Plan, the updated General Plan includes a new Overlay Zone for the Commercial District, which comprises over 90 acres and serves as the primary commercial center for the entire Palos Verdes Peninsula, with a regional mall and two additional major commercial developments. Michael Baker analyzed the Commercial District's market conditions and made recommendations for future absorption of residential and nonresidential uses. Market leakage/surplus analysis was conducted, and comparables were drawn from successful developments to understand sales and tenant mix. Demographic information, as well as Tapestry segmentation analysis, was also conducted for nonresidential development. Pro Formas were developed for various housing types to analyze the residual land value to recommend housing development density. A parking study was also conducted and found that the area is overparked by Urban Land Institute and Institute of Transportation Engineers standards, and recommendations were made for adequate parking standards.
The plan calls for the transformation of the area by creating a mixed -use, pedestrian, and bike-friendly environment that will be vibrant and attractive to all ages. Some recommendations include creating a network of plazas within five-minute walking distance, allowing for ground floor flexible space, creating smaller blocks, reconnecting blocks by reestablishing roadway connections, and providing on-street parking. A mixed-use overlay zone with increased density and a density bonus program for projects with extraordinary community benefits were proposed based on market study findings to incentivize the types of projects and District improvements desired by the City. The plan proposes to develop hybrid zoning standards or a form-based code. An interactive workshop was conducted with the advisory committee with live visualization to discuss options related to massing, orientation, and placemaking elements.
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
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City of
Santa Clarita
Campo Road Revitalization Specific Plan and IS/MND
County of San Diego . Michael Baker is providing s pecific plan services to San Diego County to prepare the Campo Road Corridor Revitalization Specific Plan. The plan is being prepared in three phases. Phase 1 concentrated on understanding existing conditions. Phase 2 was focused on building a vision and reaching out to the community. Phase 3 concentrates on the preparation of Specific Plan documents. When done, this community-based plan will improve the urban form, quality of life, and public safety along the Campo Road Commercial Corridor. The purpose of the Specific Plan is to establish the long-term vision, goals, and strategies and provide an implementable development and mobility plan. The plan also provides hybr id form -based
development standards that
reflect community goals and
design preferences and allow
and encourage a mix of land
uses and businesses that
attract a variety of visitors and
users. It includes a step-by-step
implementation plan with
specific actions, priorities,
responsible parties, and
potential funding sources to
achieve the vision. The
implementation plan also
focuses on simplifying and
expediting the approval
process.
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
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City of
Santa Clarita
South Garfield Specific Plan and Streetscape Improvements City of Monterey Park. Michael Baker provided planning and design services for circulation along an urban village area in the City of Monterey Park. The transportation component of the plan focused on improvements to incorporate Complete Streets elements along South Garfield Avenue and Pomona Boulevard and in the project area. The goal was to create a safe and comfortable environment for pedestrians, bicyclists, and automobile users, as well as connection s to transit facilities, including bus stops and Metr olink. Placemaking elements such as entry features, wayfinding, and signage, landscaping improvements, and safety features such as
bump-outs, parklets, and medians were also part of the
conceptual design. To provide for safe and pedestrian - friendly access to both sides of Garfield Avenue, it was recommended that a mid-block crosswalk be provided
between the long stretch of the roadway. Bump -outs on
both sides of the roadway were recommended to provide
a shorter crossing distance as well as an opportunity to create a parklet or other usable space for enhanced
pedestrian amenities. As an added safety feature, it was suggested to consider adding in the concept plan a
"HAWK" or another pedestrian-activated signal. A 10-foot landscaped median, shared bicycle faci lity, and a 15 -foot landscaped and ADA-compliant sidewalk were part of the
plan.
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
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City of
Santa Clarita
Manhattan Beach Downtown Specific Plan and IS/MND
City of Manhattan Beach . Michael Baker provided a full range of planning , urban design and environmental services to lead the preparation of the Manhattan Beach Downtown Specific Plan. Manhattan Beach had experienced a gradual change in the makeup of its vibrant downtown retail mix over the years. The City and the community expressed the need to preserve the charm that attracts residents and visitors alike.
Key components of the plan included a vision statement, goals, and implementation component that focus on preserving the downtown’s small- town character ; a land use plan that supports the mixing of commercial, residential, and public uses in a manner and at the intensity that complements and enhances the downtown’s character; development standards that will perpetuate the downtown’s small-scale form and require the location of retail, restaurants, and other active uses in ground -floor storefront locations; public realm improvements, including streetscape enhancements and the construction of parklets and drop-off areas, to improve circulation for all users and enhance the pedestrian environment; and s trategies to alleviate parking issues in the downtown, including the designation of remote lots served by a shuttle and a bikeshare program.
The update and amendment recommendatio ns led to a larger strategic evaluation of the downtown subareas and the General Plan.
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
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City of
Santa Clarita
San Marcos Creek Specific Plan Update
City of San Marcos. Michael Baker was selected to review and update the San Marcos Creek Specific Plan (prepared by others ) after little activity after 15 years . The amendment and update of the Specific Plan were necessary to reflect the market realities of a much smaller commercial market than hoped, the advent and impact of e-retail, the loss of redevelopment, and a unique set of extensive infrastructure needs and environmental constraints.
The Specific Plan articulates a clear vision and establishes standards customized to guide future development and redevelopment of a new mixed-use district that will serve as the downtown o f San Marcos. The plan includes regulating plans and standards for blocks, streets, and sidewalks; public parks, plazas, paseos; building location and height; land use and density; and frontages.
The update and amendment process involved background studies, creation of guiding principles, a developer focus group, land use alternative analyses, a retail market analysis, infrastructure analyses, development concept pro forma analyses, and extensive outreach, including over a dozen Steering Committee meetings, workshops with the Planning Commission and City Council, and a public workshop.
The update and amendment recommendations led to a larger strategic evaluation of the downtown subareas and an update to the General Plan.
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
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City of
Santa Clarita
Pueblo Viejo District Vision Plan and Implementation Plan City of Coachella. Michael Baker provided long-term revitalization strategies to counter rapid growth and deterioration of the historic Pueblo Viejo District, the City of Coachella's downtown core primarily located alo ng Sixth Street and in the area of City Hall. The project was funded by the Compass Blueprint Demonstration Grant Program. Specifically, planning efforts included extensive multilingual community outreach, and an assessment of opportunities and constraints related to land uses, underutilized and/or vacant parcels, the local backbone circulation network, and facade rehabilitation of local main street businesses. These
deliverables were developed using market
analysis to get the highest and best use plan
while creating a friendly, pedestrian-friendly,
and vibrant place.
Michael Baker worked with the City to develop
and implement its Pueblo Viejo downtown
vision plan. The project included the
development of public space improvements,
cost opinions, and financial planning for capital
projects and design standards and guidelines
to implement infill mixed-use development
and compatible architecture. The
implementation plan won the APA Ora nge
County Planning Award.
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Proposal # CD-21-22-25
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City of
Santa Clarita
University District Specific Plan Update
City of San Marcos. Michael Baker worked closely with stakeholders to prepare the University District Specific Plan for the City of San Marcos. The project site is approximately 200 acres and located within the heart of San Marcos. The Specific Plan will emphasize the project area as a university-oriented, mixed-use district. The plan includes a form-based code for the District, to allow design flexibility for prospective developers and to provide development standards that respond to changing market condit ions, as well as parking/transportation demand management and low-impact development strategies for reduced parking requirements, a future intra-City shuttle system , and comprehensive stormwater runoff management system.
The project is envisioned as a truly sustainable
development that integrates residential,
employment, educational and recreational functions.
Furthermore, the project anticipates the use of green
building design and alternative energy, and was
conceptualized as a walking, bicycling, and transit use district. The project aims to reduce traffic demand
and operate as a pedestrian and bike-friendly, vibrant, mixed-use community with ease of access to a healthy
balance of community events, plazas, live/work and
recreational activities. The plan is being realized to great success with several blocks including new
mixed-use buildings with student and market -rate
housing, parking garage, new shops and restaurants ,
a science center building, and more to come.
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Proposal # CD-21-22-25
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City of
Santa Clarita
Valley Boulevard Corridor Specific Plan Health and Wellness Elements County of San Bernardino. Michael Baker provided planning services to incorporate a health and wellness focus into the specific plan for the Valley Boulevard Corridor. Services included vision development, corridor planning, and recommendations.
The Valley Corridor is a 1.25-mile area in unincorporated Bloomington characterized by scattered single- family housing, residential structures converted to commercial uses, highway commercial and industrial development, and vacant or underutilized parcels. Zoning is
commercial along Valley Boulevard,
with service commercial to the west
and general commercial to the east. A
handful of parcels are designated for
institutional uses. The County
developed a Specific Plan with a
comprehensive infrastructure program
for the corridor to ensure that future
private development reflects County
goals.
Michael Baker’s role was to incorporate
a health and wellness element into the
Valley Corridor Specific Plan that
provided active mobility opportunities,
open space, and food -oriented
initiatives for Bloomington residents.
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
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City of
Santa Clarita
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Specific Plan Update and EIR Lockheed Martin Aeronautics , City of Palmdale.
Michael Baker is providing design and engineering
services for an update to Lockheed Martin's Specific
Plan for its Plant 10 property in Palmdale. The 681-acre site is surrounded by vacant land, a regional airport,
and several offices. The current plan, wh ich was
adopted in September 1992, regulates development
within the project site; however, development has
exceeded the original buildout requirements. The City
will no longer support additional development
requests without the adoption of a new Specific P lan.
Michael Baker's plan will include existing conditions,
allowable land uses, and development standards
based on the c lient's current needs and future vision.
It will ensure compliance with city and state
regulations and include basic design and engineering for planned facilities and infrastructure. The plan details the allowed uses and the development standards in the Specific Plan area and includes a set of architectural, landscape, lighting, and roadway design guidelines. The list of allowed planting is provided in an easy-to-understand matrix format.
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Proposal # CD-21-22-25
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City of
Santa Clarita
El Rio Specific Plan Area
City of Buckeye, Arizona. As a component to the City’s General Plan, Michael Baker led an extensive Area Plan exercise for the City that included 50 square miles and numerous stakeholder interests. Project objectives included the preparation of land use, circulation, and open space mapping, policies , and design guidelines to provide a desired blend and balance of preservation and restoration locations in the Gila River , along with high intensity employment uses planned adjacent to the S.R. 30 (I-10 reliever) corridor, which is in close proximity to the Gila River and the existing Buckeye Historic Downtown.
This project also included the first of its kind “mitigation b anking” (in collaboration with Arizona Game and Fish), as well as a comprehensive Salt Cedar (tamarisk) Mitigation Plan to promote flood control and restoration strategies in the Gila River. This project included the
development of a mayor -appointed
Steering Committee, multiple community
workshops, and extensive coordination
with environmental preservation and sand
and gravel operators with opposing
viewpoints.
Exhibited in Public Works Magazine
(November/December 2017) and recipient
of the AzAPA Best Master Plan Award
(2017), this Area Plan has gained regional
and national attention for the application
of innovative preservation and restoration
measures in concert with compatible land
use and urban design applications.
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City of
Santa Clarita
Qua lity Development Design Guidelines and Adaptive Reuse Program City of Mesa, Arizona. Michael Baker developed design guidelines and an adaptive reuse program for Mesa, Arizona. These foundational documents work to provide citywide guidance regarding design concepts and policies, community character, and placemaking objectives, as well as economic development strategies that will aid in creating a high- quality, recognizable built environment for the client.
As the 36th largest city in the nation, Mesa is a modern community that covers approximately 132 square miles and is home to almost 500,000 people. Over the course of Mesa’s growth, contemporary planning issues, such as the urbanization of once - suburban development patterns, the introduction of light rail, the expansion of high-capacity transportation corridors, and the advancement of regional employment centers , have all taken hold. In the future, Mesa’s current appeal is anticipated to only magnify given its opportunity and physical location within the metropolitan Phoenix area.
To assist the City in promoting quality development,
Michael Baker created Design Guidelines and an Adaptive Reuse Program that will serve as a tool for the
development community, as well as residents, business
owners, City Council, and staff, to utilize when considering the location, design, and context of new development and redevelopment within the City. Key elements of the project include promoting quality site and building design
practices; retaining flexibility to promote economic
development; establishing more predictable and
consistent application review conditions; aligning
guidelines with existing policy and standards; and
addressing citywide and local neighborhood -based design context and issues.
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City of
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Quality Development Design Guidelines and Ad aptive Reuse Program Town of Carefree, Arizona. Michael Baker conducted a comprehensive existing conditions evaluation of the Village Center area, including a transportation analysis, parking analysis, water resources infrastr ucture review, zoning, and land use review. Michael Baker also performed a demographic analysis; a market analysis for residential, commercial, retail, and recreational opportunities; and a retail and commercial demand analysis.
Michael Baker created GIS maps that depicted land use, zoning, business, property ownership, and other characteristics of the study area. The data collection effort included interviews with stakeholders and a detailed survey of community residents.
Since implementation in June 2015, Town leaders have adapted plan recommendations into initiatives and completed the construction of several projects within the Village Center, including a scorpion -shaped splash pad, public fireplaces, and improved wayfinding signage. The To wn approved new gateway designs for key entrances into the Village Center and construction is underway.
In addition to physical improvements, the Town has moved forward with enhancing its Village Center marketing and promotional program as well as strengthening a schedule of special events. This has generated a new level of excitement about the Village Center, promoting future residential and commercial opportunities.
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City of
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B. Plan of Study/Scope of Work
Understanding and Approach
As described below, we have shaped our project approach and work program based on our understanding of the City, the Specific Plan area, and the broader market conditions to make sure the TCSP will be a timely, effective , and easy to understand and use tool to shape and guide the future of the Town Center.
The City of Santa Clarita is undertaking an exciting project to shape the next generation of the Town Center into a thriving district with a mix of uses, experiential retail spaces, housing options, employment centers, and civic spaces connected with a variety of mobi lity options and accessible to pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and transit riders. This has to be strategically planned while being mindful of the fact that existing commercial uses are vital to the economy of Santa Clarita. As stated in the RFP, the new TCSP plan will:
• Further establish and enhance the Town Center as a regional destination for employment, entertainment, dining, retail, and services;
• Create a balanced mix of uses within the Town Center that combine commercial and service opportunities with a robust residential environment that creates a more livable and pedestrian oriented space; and
• Provide a long-term vision for development within t he most intensive commercial and residential district within the City of Santa Clarita.
As planners that prepare, implement, and utilize of all types of policy and regulatory documents for municipalities and for project developers, we appreciate and understand that the success of the TCSP requires that it reflect market realities and be financially viable ; articulate a clear vision , goals, and desired outcomes; and be easy to understand, implement, and administer. The following sections describe our unders tanding of several key topics that have shaped our approach and work program and preliminary ideas for the planning area.
Design Issues and Opportunities
While our work program, including our immersive three -day workshop, will ensure that we will learn, discover, and test all essential aspects of the project area, we already know a great deal about the City and area. Even at this early stage, we are aware of a number of key design and development issues and opportunities that are generating ideas , possible solutions, and project features.
The study area and sites have tremendous development potential . This potential additional and /or redevelopment provides an opportunity to change the orientation and function of the sites and project area to build upon the existing
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City of
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town center elements of the Specific Plan area and create a truly cohesive and connected town center that is built for success in the new/emerging retail economy.
The large surface parking lots are prime opportunities for a wide variety of infil l development. The project area and sites enjoy extensive frontage and access from regional
arterials, but are also isolated from the
surrounding commercial and residential areas,
except by automobile. The pedestrian bridges
over Magic Mountain, McBean and Valencia are
attractive structures and part of a continuous
pedestrian path, but are isolated both by distance
and elevation from destinations . We envision
future improvements that would possibly replace
or eliminate the need for the long ramps , indirect
paths, and isolated landing areas with new
atracive destinations that anchor and reward use
of the bridges . Likewise, we envision a plan that
creates very strong functional or practical
connections between the Transit Center and the
planning area. A key challenge of the TCSP will be
to integrate, leverage, and magnify the value and
benefits of this tremendous resource and
opportunity.
Much of the surrounding land use and development patterns also isolate themselves from the perimeter roadways and planning area. The CR zone and auto mall district on the north side of Magic Mountain Parkway is oriented toward Creekside Road and turns its back to the planning area. The nature and character of Magic Mountain and McBean Parkways and Valencia
Boulevard are not likely to
change much. We also know
that the intersection of
McBean and Valencia is
heavily impacted and will be
a focus of our traffic, transit
and mobility plans and
recommendations. Although
there are a great number of
residential units in close
proximity, there are barriers
that separate many of these
neighborhoods from the
Specific Plan area including
office buildings, parking, and
arterial roads, which make
pedestrian connections
inconvenient and unpleasant
at best and potentially
dangerous at worst.
Surface parking lots present opportunities for infill development.
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City of
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The TCSP provides a real opportunity and responsibility to create real connectivity, largely through the creation of new, attractive places that directly link and connect to these resources. One way to do this is to anchor the ends of each connection point with active places, buildings, and uses that provide immediate landing points, destinations, and gathering places for people. Using the topographical changes to our advantage, there opportunities to create new links that can be at ground levels on one side of the street and on the second or upper terrace level of a
building.
Connectivity with infill and redevelopment are also
anticipated to play a role in the future of the Town Center East area. This area contains an impressive cluster of
public uses including t he courthouse, library, Sheriff’s Department, L os Angeles County Fire Station, and Los
Angeles County Public Works as well as several banks and medical office uses. Incorporating all these uses, a new high level conceptual plan can create multiple levels o f connectivity. As shown below , in blue is automobile transit, while pedestrian priority paths are shown in beige.
We expect that this area has potential for significant long-term growth and redevelopment. Recent changes to the status of several key uses suggest additional change is likely, creating opportunities that we are excited to explore with you. We understand that the sheriff station has moved and only the administrative offices remain. We understand that the County courthouse could be moving or expanding.
As the largest component, single parcel, common ownership and cent er of the planning area, the WVTC represents the greatest development potential and will influence the future of the entire planning area . The ownership and corporate plans for the Westfield Company are a
major factor that create their own set of
issues and opportunities , discussed later.
With respect to design issues and
opportunities, we see an opportunity to
reinforce, use, and adopt the existing block
pattern to accommodate redevelopment
and infill expansion of the mall toward the
perimeter surface parking lots and
boundary roads. Such expansion and
extension of the block grid will provide
internal connectivity and can create the
anchor destinations for the existing and
possibly additional future pedestrian
bridges. The replacement of the old Sears
site with a Costco, although fully entitled,
is not expected to occur. This creates an
opportunity to modify the approved plan
to create a better connection toward the
Valencia Boulevard bridge and City Hall and
Whole Foods.
McBean Parkway bridge anchor building concept
Building and parking distribution and connectivity targets Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
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City of
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In a similar manner, we see the development of the McBean and Valencia parcel essential to creating a n attractive and active connection to fully realize the potential of the transit center and support the growth of the planning area. The Town Cen ter Drive area is a strong anchor , job center , and entertainment hub to balance and complement the residential development of the WVTC mall. The two large parking structures may support future growth or intensification, and greater flexibility in future us es.
Town Center Drive has a n attractive, active main street -style streetscape design, attractive building massing , architecture, and public realm that can be extended and replicated with future growth of the WVTC.
City-Initiated Specific Plans: Certainty and Flexibility Since Santa Clarita is preparing this plan, it is important to recognize that there are important differences between specific plans that are initiated by a city versus those initiated by a developer. A city -initiated plan must communicate the vision and goals and establish clear development standards to guide future development proposals over a long time period .
Developer-initiated plans bring a level of detail and spec ificity based on firm financial and risk -based calculations and commitments that reflect the current and foreseeable market, and a target completion period.
It is important that city -initiated plans provide room and flexibility that will attract and allo w developers to develop creative responses to the goals of the specific plan that reflect and respond to market realities. City plans also need to allow multiple property owners to implement the plan individually and over different time frames. It is essential to avoid the temptation to over-regulate with rigid or excessive development standards that deter investment. We will work closely with City staff to develop the appropriate level of detail and flexibility.
Time Is of the Essence: Limited Budget
We understand that time is of the essence and that the City has a limited budget to accomplish a broad scope of services.
It will be important to prepare and adopt the TCSP relatively quickly to communicate the vision and attract new owners or developers of the WVTC mall, establish key parameters to shape and guide future development, and help meet Regional Perimeter arterials limit connectivity with speed, traffic volume, and distance.
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City of
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Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) housing goals within the next eight years. The project schedule is also compressed and aggressive so as to comply with the grant funding that requires all consultant fees to be invoiced by August 2023.
Toward this end, we will work closely and collaboratively as a team and extension of City staff. In this manner , we will complement and leverage staff’s skills, local knowledge , and efficiency. We propose a variety of engagement tools and techniques to use public, consultant, staff, and elected officials time efficiently.
We are proposing in-person events for our community and stakeholder engagement, and public workshop and hearings.
If necessary or desired, we are adept at remote and virtual engagement. The latter is an option to save time, reduce costs, and record hearings and presentations for later use and reference.
We also are proposing to combine much of the community and stakeholder engagement , visioning, research, project analysis, concept development and design in a three-day immersive workshop (aka charrette). The immersive workshop will be informed by advance research and stakeholder interviews to make sure we enter the workshop with a strong foundation and a well-organized event . Our team has organized and facilitated several successful similar events. The public, staff, stakeholders, and consultants come together to combine engagement, policy and design and code development in an efficient, interactive, intensive, and transparent manner. This leads to broad support and significant time savings.
Market conditions have widely evolved, and our spending and shopping habits have dramatically changed in the past decade. Many auto-centric retail centers and malls are adapting to increased competition from e-commerce and reduced demand for large floor -plates and brick and mortar stores to cr eate more dynamic, integrated, mixed-use community centers with housing and more experiential retail and services. By planning for a mixed -use Town Center, the proposed project will further support active transportation and transit and a healthy jobs-housing balance, thus reducing local and regional VMT. The TCSP will reinforce Santa Clarita’s reputation as one of the most business-friendly cities in Los Angeles County and reflect its three-part strategy of responsible economic development opportunities.
Future of Westfield
We understand that despite allowing significant
residential development potential, there has been little or no residential activity on the WVTC mall property.
While there may be several reasons for this, t he
changing ownership and future of Westfield is a top
contributor. We understand that the company that
purchased Westfield is planning to sell off the assets and that Westfield is not making further investments and
may pull out or sell the mall. We expect th e mall and
surrounding area will attract significant developer
interest once the ownership has changed. This makes
the preparation of the TCSP particularly timely and
important.
It will be important to work with Westfield and its successor to the extent possible to understand their plans and take advantage of their goals and market perspective. It will be equally important to plan for several scenarios for the development of the property with and without Westfield , but with its successor in mind. Depending on the timing, t he TCSP will be an essential tool in the marketing of the mall site and attraction of a new partner with the City of Santa Clarita.
Flower Hill Promenade Master Plan, DLR Group
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City of
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Our same core project team recently
prepared a new commercial corridor and
town center vision plan for the City of
Rolling Hills Estates , which includes
similar issues associated with an older
mall, including multiple redevelopment
scenarios and economic and feasibility
analyses.
To enhance our team, we have added
DLR Group (DLR). DLR specializes in mall
design and development. They are
intimately familiar with the mall market
place, developers , and operators, and
will serve as a proxy for Westfield and
their successors. DLR will lead the
development of several conceptual plans
based on likely redevelopment scenarios.
They will also inform and test the existing
and proposed development standards.
We will leverage our team knowledge
with direct interviews with trusted industry experts and stakeholders to make sure the plan will achieve its goals.
Housing Choices
Providing housing choices in the Town Center will be a critical element of the Specific Plan and a perfect place to meet the City’s housing needs.
The California Department of Housing and Community Development has dramatically increased the RHNA allocations for the 6th Cycle in response to our state’s housing crisis. Communities are now under pressure to provide substantially more housing to meet their respective RHNA requirements and cater to the regional and local housing demand. In order to make housing affordable, communities are looking toward increasing densities and mixed -use opportunities. A commercial/mixed-use area such as the Town Center in Santa Clarita is an ideal place to accommodate this demand.
Increased housing density will, in turn, support commercial areas , making it a truly mixed-use area both horizontally and vertically.
Understanding demographics, housing affordability, and the c ost of housing will be crucial in determining the housing densities that will make economic sense to future developers. We will identify available infill sites or underdeveloped sites that are appropriate to be set aside for higher -density housing developments, mixed -use, or commercial development.
Our team has been preparing many housing element updates and understands the importance of the TSCP area toward meeting the City’s RHNA, but also the many complicated housing laws, recent legislation and approach es that may influence or help guide the TCSP.
Our approach to market research for residential development as indicated in Task 3.2 of our scope helps us in making informed decisions regarding proposed densities and complementary incentive programs that will attract developers and satisfy community needs.
Lakewood Center Mall Mixed-Use Study, DLR Group
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City of
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Land Uses and Market Research
With the rise of internet-based shopping, the demand for brick-and-mortar retail shops has declined, and more and more communities are finding success with experiential economies. An experience occurs when individual customers are engaged in a way that creates a memorable event. Hence, it is vital to concentrate our efforts on the holistic development of the project area. Public realm development with plazas , paseos, sidewalk -facing dining areas, and other memorable gathering spaces, the architecture of the place, art and design, transportation choices (including transit and active transportation), and housing choices all play a role in creating this experience. However, none of these can be implemented successfully if developers cannot make an economic sense of their investments.
Our approach to market research involves the use of platforms such as CoStar and Esri Business Analyst coupled with our and City staff’s understanding of the current needs of the community. Such analysis, coupled with identifying surplus and leakage in the market trade area of an approximate 3-mile radius and identification of developable land or infill sites, will enable us to generate a powerful market strategy as explained in Task 3.2 of our scope.
Community workshops, stakeholder interviews, and surveys will also inform programming needs to ultimately develop a land use strategy that will be attractive to developers and make economic sense.
Transit-Supportive Development
The TCSP has a tremendous asset in the McBean Regional
Transit Center immediately to the southwest of the
Specific Plan area. It will be important to better integrate this Transit Center with f uture land use and capital
improvement plans . Transit-oriented and transit -
supportive development will be a key approach in the
TCSP. Effective and predictable transit can act as a catalyst for an array of sensible development types. Transit-
supportive developments are distinct from station area
plans as they attempt a broader strategy of coordinating new development, investment, destinations, access, and
other policies across many different transit points instead of one focused area.
Environmental Approach
Michael Baker’s environmental approach will be to use the Specific Plan EIR to streamline the development and redevelopment of the TCSP project area, and pre-clear or minimize the need for future CEQA documentation, to the extent possible. This will require careful development of the project goals, parameters , and descriptions that provide enough detail for a robust and defensible CEQA document, yet provide the necessary flexibility to allow new property owners and developers to implement the plan with fresh ideas and creativity, and to respond to market changes , without extensive additional CEQA studies. We envision a Specific Plan EIR that establishes multiple options for future implementing projects, including exemptions, adden dums, and tiering approaches. The intent is to keep all CEQA streamlining options on the table because the most efficient CEQA process varies on a case-by-case basis. This is the approach that we recently utilized in the Rolling Hills Estates General Plan Update EIR, which includes a detailed section that describes the options for use of the General Plan EIR for future projects, including later activities under a program EIR (CEQA Guidelines Section 15168[c]), tiering (CEQA Guidelines Section 15152), addendums (CEQA Guidelines Section 15164), and consistency with a community plan or zoning (CEQA Guidelines Section 15183).
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City of
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Scope of Work
The consulting team anticipates working closely and collaboratively with the City staff for the successful completion of the TCSP. We have documented the areas of City involvement in the following scope of work under each task.
Task 1.0: Project Management and Initiation
Project management includes regula r coordination with the City to keep the project on track and within budget. It also includes kickoff meeting s and time spent for budget monitoring/ invoicing, schedule changes , and internal team coordination.
1.1 Project Coordination and Management
Mr. Bellas and Ms. Barbhaya will be responsible for the day -to-day management and overall supervision of the Planning and Environmental Team. Mr. Bellas will also provide project oversight and quality assurance/quality control of all deliverables. Mr. Bellas and Ms. Barbhaya will provide overall management of the project and lead task coordination to ensure adherence to schedule and budget. This task will include coordination of Michael Baker’s subconsultants, team leadership, progress monitoring, and maintenance of project files. It is M ichael Baker’s goal to serve as a trusted and dependable extension of City staff throughout the duration of the project.
1.2 Kickoff Meeting and Project Area Tour
The Michael Baker team will attend an in-person kickoff meeting with key City staff to review the scope of work, schedule, and anticipated deliverables. To ensure that the Specific Plan process addresses City objectives, the Michael Baker team will review and revise the scope of work, budget, and schedule in collaboration with City staff. This proposal includes tasks we feel best respond to the RFP, but all items in the budget and scope should be considered “on the table” for discussion.
Additionally, the kickoff meeting will detail the project responsibilities of the Michael Baker team and City staff, and clarify the communications protocol necessary to ensure effective project management and communication. In conjunction with the kickoff meeting, the Michael Baker team will conduct a walking tour of the project area with City staff.
1.3 Project Meetings
Mr. Bellas and/or Ms. Barbhaya will participate in 15- to 30 -minute monthly conference calls with the staff for coordination. We will include team members as necessary during this call. We will cancel the call if coordination is not needed. In addition, we will communicate via email or phone call as needed.
List of Deliverables for Task 1.0
Refined scope, schedule, and budget
Monthly invoices
Kickoff meeting
Project area tour
Meeting agenda, summary notes, and materials
City Involvement
Coordination with other City departments/ agencies, as needed Meeting venue(s) and logistics
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City of
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Task 2.0: Community Outreach and Engagement
The Michael Baker approach to public
engagement offers continuous
opportunities for meaningful
participation and involvement
throughout the life of the project —all
of which are strategically organized to
develop a consensus -based vision,
local ownership, and community
awareness, understanding, and
support for the proposed project
implementation.
We, as a profession, need to recognize
the fact that with the ongoing COVID -
19 pandemic, the nature of restrictions
for in -person meetings may change
anytime. To keep the project on
schedule, the outreach strategy has to
be fluid and flexible to adapt to this
unprecedented and constantly
evolving situation. O ur outreach
strategy proposes a mix of online and in-person engagement.
2.1 Stakeholder Interviews
The Michael Baker team will identify up to
eight stakeholders with the help of the City. We
will conduct a 30- to 45 -minute interview via
phone or video chat platform such as Zoom to
get their feedback on the project. W e may
group multiple stakeholders into small focus
groups. Michael Baker will work with City staff
to identify recommended stakeholders
representing a variety of important
perspectives. Michael Baker will confirm the
list, methodology, questions , and
communications with City staff prior to
contacting the stakeholders.
2.2 Three-Day Immersive Workshop (charrette)
Well-planned and executed workshop serve as
a collaborative laboratory to build consensus
and ownership of ideas, brainstorm and
prioritize solutions, and tackle key critical decision-making points of the planning process in a time-intense and fast-paced manner.
The Michael Baker team will conduct a three -day immersive and interactive workshop with various stakeholders, City staff, and agencies. The idea is to interact with all stakeholders and decision-makers in a focused manner to establish
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consensus and move forward with a clear direction at the end of the workshop. This approach will save time and money and is an effective way of establishing consensus.
We have attempted to list the workshop activities by the days below. However, refinement of the schedule and activities will take place in coordination with the City staff and project progress leading up to the workshop.
1. Day 1: Meeting with stakeholders, City staff, Planning Commission, City Council
2. Day 1: Public meeting workshop/educational session
3. Day 1: Finalize existing conditions analysis with facilitated walking tours if needed
4. Day 2: Alternative concept development/refinement
5. Day 2: Stakeholder/City review of the preferred concept and public open house with facilitated feedback/capturing suggestions
6. Day 3: Develop the preferred concept
7. Day 3: Stakeholder/City review of the preferred concept and public open house to gather feedback Note: Language interpretation and translation services are not assumed in this scope. All materials will be provided , and all meetings will be conducted in English. Should the City require any interpretation and translation services, it can be provided for additional scope and fee.
List of Deliverables for Task 2.0
Stakeholder interviews
3-day Immersive Workshop (charrette)
One electronic copy of the Community Engagement Summary Report
City Involvement
Information dissemination
Help with determining the stakeholders and establishing initial contact Coordination with other City departments/agencies, as needed Inviting key stakeholders and other participants for the three-day workshop Reserving workshop/meeting venue(s) and logistics
Task 3.0: Existing Conditions Analysis
3.1 Review Relevant Documents and Data Collection
We will review relevant past planning efforts related to the project to make sure our proposed plan properly addresses any inconsistencies and complements the planning efforts already on their way. Whenever possible, the Michael Baker team will utilize available baseline materials from the City and other agencies, including data pertaining to traffic counts, base maps, utilities, existing land use, building square footage, vacancies, plans, and other documentation. We will extract relevant data and information from the General Plan, City’s design guidelines, recently completed EIRs, and other relevant documents. The Michael Baker team will utilize previously completed reports and studies within and directly adjacent to the project area. Available data will be requested from the City or collected from Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), County, and other reliable sources.
3.2 Existing Conditions Analysis
Urban Form and Context Assessment
The Michael Baker team will prepare the informational text and a GIS-based database to evaluate the existing physical setting, environmental constraints, and land uses. The land use database will provide the existing baseline data to be utilized in a comparative analysis of the future land use scenarios. The land use database may include:
• Existing floor-area-ratios/dwelling units
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• Existing land use designations and zoning
• Building heights and setbacks
• Streetscape, parking, and connectivity
• Ownership
• Other attributes
We will also document elements of the project area as needed, such as building footprints, character, street furniture and landscaping, lighting, and so on, using photographs and text. Existing housing availability, density, and intensity in the project area will be studied. We will work with the City to understand the local housing needs.
Market Research
Michael Baker will analyze the market conditions affecting the Specific Plan area and make recommendations for the future absorption of residential and nonresidential uses.
The market analysis will provide real estate and market data combined with local land use regulations to help identify the maximum allowable density that can be supported. The analysis will include housing density and nonresidential (commercial, office, retail) components of the project area site. We will formulate baseline data, based on readily available data, to identify the gaps between the existing housing stock and the maximum allowable housing density that can be supported, including affordable housing. We will then bridge the gap by identifying the level of additional housing by type that meets the allowable density and addresses the City’s RHNA requirements.
For the nonresidential portion of the market analysis, we will employ the subscription -based CoStar data analytics to research local and regional real estate data and nonresidential market trends. We will also perform a retail leakage analysis using Esri to determine which types of retail are insufficient to serve demand and other retail activity that has capacity within industry clusters. Net leakage of retail sales in multiple consumer categories, for example, indicates an imbalance of supply and demand. This data will be interpreted with the demographic information to form market-based profiles for the project and overall spending growth.
We will complement the market study with DLR’s experience of working with malls to identify trends that are reshaping mall properties. We will apply this knowledge to alternative concept developments. Specifically, DLR will perform the tasks outlined below:
• Review all project base materials, including code, zoning, and existing retail/mall conditions with a focus on potential guardrails and restrictions that may impact proposed development uses. • Participate in one charrette/workshop with the City and stakeholders as confirmed by Michael Baker. Michael Baker will lead/facilitate the charrette, with DLR providing support in the form of engagement tools, mixed -use design studies, and reference concepts.
• Develop maximum of three alternative options for mixed -use development for the mall site only. This would include high- level conceptual site plans with supporting renderings/illustrations and/or examples from other reference projects. DLR shall provide draft versions to support the review process and final updated versions for the inclusion in the overall TCSP and in potential marketing materials for the City to use with developers. • Peer review of development standards. Michael Baker and City staff shall draft and finalize the development standards. DLR shall review and provide feedback on what is feasible and what may be problematic. If additional drawings are required from DLR to support the development standards, DLR shall provide as an additional service. • Participate in maximum of four review meetings with Michael Baker, the City, and/or stakeholders as coordinated by Michael Baker. Services do not include any community engagement/outreach, which shall be provided as an additional service if required.
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Mobility Analysis
A comprehensive existing conditions analysis of the current street use will be conducted to identify the changes needed for streets, sidewalks, and medians in order to encourage and facilitate pedestrian and bike activity as well as micro - mobility. Multiple aspects of mobility will be documented and analyzed, including current pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and vehicular circulation and physical opportunities and constraints such as street, sidewalk and alley widths, and transit stop locations.
Fehr & Peers will analyze up to five intersections in the vicinity of the Specific Plan area during the AM and PM peak hours.
The purpose of this analysis is to determine if the trip generation of the land uses being proposed result in the need for operational or geometric improvements at intersections providing access to the Specific Plan or within the subareas .
Traffic counts will be collected during both time periods to analyze existing conditions. The level of service (LOS) results for the five study intersections will help determine if improvements should be identified as part of the Specific Plan. Fehr & Peers will also
review the potential pedestrian and trail circulation plan in the Specific Plan and assess how these facilities can effectively connect to the existing and proposed land uses, transit facility, pedestrian paths, trails, and bike lanes in the City.
The existing conditions review will be prepared along the project area and include a review and analysis of adjacencies to evaluate connections and linkages to important destination areas throughout the City. Fehr & Peers will also study the crash data available via Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System/Transportation Injury Mapping System and document findings. VMT analysis and LOS a nalysis of five intersections as documented in Task 6.4.5 will also be included in the mobility analysis. Existing conditions will be documented through mapping, photographs, and text.
Utility Analysis
Based upon existing data provided by the City and utility companies as well as publicly available sources, the Michael Baker team will identify existing utility conditions in the project area. This utility research will provide the information needed to develop final plans for street, alley, and sidewalk improvements.
List of Deliverables for Task 3.0
One electronic copy of the draft and final Existing Conditions Analysis Report
City Involvement
Relevant data and documents
Coordination with other City departments/agencies for relevant information
Task 4.0: Design Development
4.1 Land Use Concept
The land use concept plan will articulate the land use foundations of the City’s overall vision for the Town Center. The land use plan will provide the impetus for the regulatory framework to be developed as part of the Specific Plan. It will be important to establish a balance of detail and specificity to ensure the key elements of future development implement the vision, yet leave adequate room and flexibility for responses to market changes and development of unique design and project details by future developers.
The primary goal of this effort is to affect the functional and economic development of the area by creating a plan that is sensitive to relationships between land uses, considers existing uses, and supports multimodal circulation. We will utilize market research and analysis to propose land uses that are most likely to be successful in the area. We will also work with the City to understand housing needs and identify sites that can accommodate the housing demand.
As part of this task, DLR will develop up to three alternative options for mixed- use development for the WVTC mall site .
This would include high-level conceptual site plans with supporting renderings/illustrations and/or examples from other Town Center Specific Plan
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reference projects. DLR will provide draft versions to support the review process and final updated versions for the inclusion in the overall TCSP.
The issues addressed may include:
• Future infill and redevelopment scenarios for the WVTC mall site • Options for reuse and orientation and optimization of the civic and governmental properties • Specific Plan vision
• Focus on opportunity sites
• Focus on infill development and housing choices
• Land use mix and intensity/density
• Creation of development focal points/gateways
• Transition uses and buffering
• Phasing of proposed land uses and improvements
• Circulation, parking issues, and active transportation • Pedestrian orientation and scale
• Transit-supportive development
4.2 Traffic, Circulation, and Parking Concept
Based on initial circulation analysis and the land use and urban design concepts that emerge from the planning process, an overall circulation concept will be prepared for the project area . This concept will recommend a logical and safe circulation pattern for transit, delivery vehicles, private automobiles, bicycles, and pedestrians, taking into account land uses, opportunity sites, pedestrian priority areas, and linkages to transit stops and surrounding neighborhoods. Streets, pedestrian paths, and bicycle paths will contribute to a system of fully connected and interesting routes to destinations and, through their design, will encourage active, multimodal transportation. As part of this t ask, we will explore the potential closure to a portion of Town Center Drive for vehicle traffic, and the creation of a more pedestrian experience.
The Michael Baker team will prepare an illustrative, conceptual streetscape plan that will complement the land use concept and circulation concept and create a unique character for the project area. Streetscape and urban design elements identified will include street trees and landscape concepts, lighting, safety elements, and weather elements that encourage walking.
A conceptual parking plan will be prepared that illustrates how existing parking lots can be reconfigured and/or consolidated to maximize the efficiency of land used for parking. The parking concept will consider ingress/egress and vehicular circulation within the project area.
As part of this task, Fehr & Peers will support the project team in developing and refining the transportation components of the TCSP. The following elements of the Specific Plan will be considered as part of the transportation analysis:
Land Uses & Trip Generation: Fehr & Peers will estimate the daily and AM /PM peak hour trip generation of the proposed land uses in each subarea of the Specific Plan. The trip generation estimates will consider the type and size of land uses being proposed and utilize the mixed- use trip generation methodology to capture the expected internalization between uses. A table will be created to summarize the trip generation estimates.
Traffic Operations Analysis: Fehr & Peers will analyze up to five intersections in the vicinity of the Specific Plan during the AM and PM peak hours. The purpose of this analysis is to determine if the trip generation of the land uses being proposed result in the need for operational or geometric improvements at intersections providing access to the Specific Plan or within the subareas. Traffic counts will be collected during both time periods to analyze existing conditions. Traffic operations will then be analyzed with the proposed land uses based on the estimated trip Town Center Specific Plan
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generation and trip distribution during the AM and PM peak hours. The LOS results for the five study intersections will be shared with the project team to determine if improvements should be identified as part of the Specific Plan.
Town Center Drive: As part of the traffic operations analysis described above, traffic operations with the potential closure to a portion of Town Center Drive will also be analyzed. Based on the existing traffic volumes collected at the five study intersections, traffic forecasts will be developed to estimate the shift in volumes to other nearby roadways and intersections if a portion of Town Center Drive is closed to vehicles to create a more pedestrian friendly experience. The results of the intersection analysis will be shared with the project team to determine if the roadway closure is a viable option for consideration in the Specific Plan.
Parking: Utilizing Shared Parking principles from the Urban Land Institute, Fehr & Peers will assist the project team in estimating parking demand for the proposed land uses and identifying potential opportunities for shared parking within the subareas.
Transit: Fehr & Peers will assist the project team in identifying transit options to serve the Specific Plan, including how transit can connect the Specific Plan to the adjacent McBean Regional Transit Center. The development of the transit strategy will consider design features and various vehicle types in the City’s transit fleet. In addition, private, subscription, or demand-based transit services can be considered in the Specific Plan.
Active Transportation: Fehr & Peers will assist the project team in reviewing the potential pedestrian and trail circulation plan within the Specific Plan and assessing how these facilities can effectively connect to the existing pedestrian paths, trails, and bike lanes in the City.
4.3 Public Infrastructure
The Michael Baker team will provide a conceptual -level analysis of infrastructure within the Specific Plan area. This infrastructure analysis will be based upon data provided by City staff. It is assumed the existing infrastructure system will provide a sufficient level of service for existing and future land use scenarios. Therefore, the Michael Baker team assumes no infrastructure modeling or extensive analysis will be required. We will gather data and mapping of existing infrastructure conditions through existing plans and studies. It is anticipated that this information will provide a sufficient level of baseline information for qualitative analysis. This analysis will evaluate potable water, stormwater, and wastewater. Should in-depth infrastructure analysis be required, a revised scope of work will be submitted.
List of Deliverables for Task 4.0
One electronic copy of the draft and final Design Development Plan
City Involvement
Relevant data and documents
Coordination with other City departments/agencies for relevant information
Task 5.0: Specific Plan Preparation
The final Specific Plan document will include the following elements.
5.1 Plan Framework
A statement of goals and policies will be develope d that provides the framework for the Specific Plan document. These goals and policies will be developed based on input from the community through the outreach process , including the three-day immersive workshop charrette, stakeholder interviews, and ongoing discussions with City staff.
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5.2 Development Standards
The Michael Baker team will produce an integrated set of development standards to shape and guide future infill or redevelopment of the project area consistent with the desired vision and form of the built environment. These standards will be a chapter of the TCSP. They will build upon the existing regulations and guidelines to illustrate preferred design through text, graphics, and photographs for a range of land uses, building types, landscaping, and site planning, and will describe the streetscape and public space design to establish a clear sense of place for the Town Center area.
The standards and guidelines will be formulated in conjunction with staff input to provide certainty in the TCSP. The proposed design standards and guidelines —which create the “design framework ”—will encourage pedestrian-oriented development and likely emphasize:
• Building setback and orientation;
• Massing and height;
• Circulation, connectivity, mobility;
• Parking and site access;
• Public gathering spaces; and
• Transit-supportive development.
It is possible that recommendations to modify or add to the current underlying zoning may result during the planning process in order to integrate the TCSP into the unified development code. This section will identify those changes as well as General Plan Amendments that might be required. Actual amendments to related documents such as the General Plan and Zoning Code are included as an optional task (Task 8.0).
5.3 Administrative/Screencheck Draft Specific Plan
The preferred land use plan, development standards, and public improvements will be the critical components addressed in the Specific Plan. It is anticipated that the Specific Plan will include the following components:
Introduction
A chapter including background information, authority for the Specific Plan, General Plan consistency, statement of CEQA compliance, planning process, and other pertinent information.
Planning Framework
Planning Framework will be a foundational chapter that includes the vision and key goals, policies, or principles framing the Specific Plan.
Land Use and Mobility Plan
Land Use and Mobility Plan will guide the location and type of new development. The Land Use Plan will establish land use classifications and locate each classification within the project area Land Use Map. The chapter will also include an overview of the infrastructure (using previous infrastructure documents and technical study findings), mobility and circulation, and parking strategies, as well as recommended improvements.
This chapter will include an illustrative plan for the entire planning area to capture elements of urban design such as massing, orientation, desired footprints, open space, and setbacks to depict the dev elopment regulations as well as proposed mobility improvements, streetscapes, and parking strategies. As noted in Task 4.1, DLR will develop conceptual site plans with supporting renderings/illustrations for the WVTC mall site for the inclusion in the overall TCSP.
Development Regulations and Guidelines
Development Regulations and Guidelines will include the development standards developed in Task 5.2. It will identify how the built form should function and look to support the City’s Town Center. These will include development standards, permitted use chart, and permit and approval processes. The mandatory standards as well as the desired character Town Center Specific Plan
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identified in this document will include private and public realm and will shape the urban design character of the project area. The chapter may include development incentives weaved into development regulations.
This chapter will build upon the existing regulations and guidelines to illustrate preferred design through text, graphics, and photographs for a range of land uses, building types, landscaping, and site planning. Thi s chapter will describe the streetscape and public space design to establish a clear sense of place for the Town Center area.
Administrative Process
This chapter will discuss the administrative process and procedures required for review and permitting of land use and development activity within the Specific Plan area and funding mechanisms. With the input from the City, we will look at improving process efficiencies that will be attractive to the developers.
Community Engagement Summary
Community Engagement Summary will provide a record of the workshop, stakeholder interviews, community survey, and open house that will be conducted as a part of the engagement plan detailed in Task 2.0.
The Michael Baker team will prepare the administrative draft Specific Plan for City staff for review and comment. We assume City staff will provide one consolidated set of comments on the administrative draft document. The Michael Baker team will prepare t he screencheck draft document in response to the City’s first round of comments. It is assumed one additional round of revisions (two total rounds of City comments) will be required prior to developing the public review draft Specific Plan. This scope of work assumes all City comments will be provided in one consolidated set.
5.4 Public Review Draft Specific Plan
Upon City review of the screencheck draft Specific Plan, the Michael Baker team will finalize the public review draft Specific Plan for distribution prior to public hearings.
List of Deliverables for Task 5.0
One electronic copy of the administrative draft, screencheck draft, and public review draft Specific Plan
City Involvement
Information dissemination
Review of Specific Plan drafts and consolidation of comments in one set Partnership in the development of development regulations and guidelines
Task 6.0: Environmental Assessment
The Michael Baker team will prepare an EIR for the proposed TCSP in compliance with CEQA, the State CEQA Guidelines, and the City of Santa Clarita local CEQA procedures. The Specific Plan EIR will allow decision-makers to consider impacts, policy alternatives, controversial issues, mitigation measures, regional influences, cumulative impacts, and other factors that apply to the proposed Specific Plan. The document must be comprehensive and address all the environmental issues with a potential to result in significant environmental impacts. However, the Michael Baker t eam anticipates that, given the nature of the City and the characteristics of the proposed Specific Plan area , certain topics such as agricultural and forestry resources, biological resources, mineral resources, and wildfire (the TCSP area is not located within a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, as designated by CalFire) may be adequately addressed at the Initial Study stage, rather than in the EIR. Our approach and budget rely on this assumption.
6.1 Kickoff and Initial Study/Notice of Preparation
The CEQA work program will be initiated with an environmental kickoff meeting with the Specific Plan team and City staff to discuss the environmental considerations for the project in greater detail. This meeting is vital to the success of the Town Center Specific Plan
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CEQA process and will be a key milestone to confirm the parameters of the analysis, project development assumptions, buildout conditions, scheduling, and overall communications.
Following this kickoff meeting, the Michael Baker team will prepare an Initial Study/Noti ce of Preparation (IS/NOP) for City staff review that includes a brief project description and a summary of the probable significant effects on the environment as the result of adoption and implementation of the Specific Plan. The Initial Study will utiliz e the City’s standard Initial Study checklist template. The NOP will describe where relevant project documents are available for review, where written comments on the scope of the EIR may be sent, and the deadline for submitting comments. The NOP will also identify the date and location of a public scoping meeting to be held for the project.
Following staff review, the Michael Baker team will revise the IS/NOP and produce the final document. The IS/NOP will be circulated for public comment for 30 days. As part of the NOP release, we will assist the City in preparing the necessary correspondence requesting Native American consultation associated with compliance with Senate Bill 18 and Assembly Bill 52.
List of Deliverables for Task 6.1
Michael Baker will submit the a dministrative draft IS/NOP and the proofcheck draft IS/NOP to the City electronically, in Word and PDF formats.
Michael Baker will submit the public review IS/NOP to the City electronically, in Word and PDF formats. Michael Baker will submit the IS/NOP to the State Clearinghouse electronically with the required Notice of Completion/Environmental Document Transmittal forms.
Michael Baker will file the NOP with the Los Angeles County Clerk. Michael Baker will distribute the NOP and CD or USB flashdrives copies of the draft IS/NOP via certified mail (or other trackable method) to up to thirty (30) recipients.
6.2 Public Scoping Meeting
The Michael Baker team will conduct a scoping meeting to be held during the Notice of Preparation comment period. For efficiency and to reduce costs, we propose to combine the notice of the scoping meeting with the NOP. The Michael Baker team will prepare comment cards and a PowerPoint presentation for the scoping meeting and will present an overview of the environmental review process for the proposed Specific Plan.
List of Deliverables for Task 6.2
Michael Baker will conduct one (1) scoping meeting for the project. Michael Baker will prepare one (1) electronic PowerPoint presentation and deliver that at the scoping.
6.3 EIR Scoping Memorandum
Immediately following conclusion of the 30 -day public
comment period on the IS/NOP, we will review all comments with City staff and prepare a memorandum to summarize
comments received and define the final scope of the EIR.
Based on our understanding of the project and the
environmental settin g, we have identified the following environmental topics that will likely need to be considered in the project’s EIR:
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Aesthetics
Air Quality
Cultural Resources
Energy
Geology and Soils
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Hazards and Hazardous Materials
Hydrology and Water Quality
Land Use and Planning
Noise
Population and Housing
Public Services
Recreation
Transportation and Traffic
Tribal Cultural Resources
Utilities and Service Systems
List of Deliverables for Task 6.3
Michael Baker will prepare one (1) final scoping memorandum, to be submitted electronically.
6.4 Technical Study Preparation
Michael Baker’s in-house team of technical specialists will prepare air quality, greenhouse gas (GHG), energy, and noise technical analyses in support of the TCSP EIR. These studies are described below.
Section 6.4.1 Air Quality
Michael Baker’s in-house specialists will conduct an air quality analysis. Air quality data will be provided as a technical appendix and used to inform the air quality section of the EIR.
Existing Conditions/Regulatory Framework. The TCSP area is located within the South Coast Air Basin, which is under the jurisdiction of the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). Baseline meteorological and air quality data developed through the California Air Resources Board will be utilized for the descr iption of existing ambient air quality.
The analysis will describe and address the requirements set forth by the SCAQMD CEQA Air Quality Handbook.
Construction-Related Emissions. Construction emissions will be quantified with the California Emissions Estimator Model version 2020.4.0 (CalEEMod). A general description of the major phases of construction and their timing will be required.
The air pollutant emissions during construction will be compared to the SCAQMD regional thresholds of significance.
Naturally occurring asbestos impacts will also be qualitatively discussed.
Long-Term Emissions. Operational (i.e., area, energy, and mobile source) emissions will be quantified with CalEEMod and compared to the SCAQMD regional thresholds of significance. Primary sources of emissions will be related to area sources and local/regional VMT. Project consistency with the 2016 Air Quality Management Plan will also be evaluated.
Localized Emissions. The TCSP area is located within the SCAQMD’s Source Receptor Area (SRA) 13 (Santa Clarita Valley).
Based on localized meteorological data for SRA 13, Michael Baker will analyze localized impacts based upon the SCAQMD’s localized significance thresholds methodology.
Air Emissions Health Impacts . As a result of the California Supreme Court decision for Sierra Club vs. County of Fresno (Friant Ranch L.P.) , the resultant human health impacts from the project’s short -term construction and long -term operational air emissions will be discussed in the EIR.
List of Deliverables for Task 6.4.1
Michael Baker will provide modeling outputs and calculation worksheets used to prepare the air quality section of the Specific Plan EIR for inclusion in the EIR appendix.
Section 6.4.2 Greenhouse Gas
Michael Baker’s in-house specialists will conduct a GHG analysis. Modeling outputs will be provided as a technical appendix and used to inform the GHG section of the EIR.
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GHG Emissions. Michael Baker will review the land use data and will prepare an inventory of the GHG emissions (i.e., nitrous oxide, methane, and carbon dioxide) from both direct (i.e., area and mobile sources) and indirect sources (i.e., energy/water consumption and wastewater/solid waste generation). In addition, total GHG emissions from construction activities will be amortized into the GHG emissions inventory. CalEEMod will be used to quantify GHG emissions.
Reductions from recently adopted programs and regulations will be included, such as improvements in fuel efficiency, state building code energy efficiency, and water efficiency. The analysis will review project consistency with applicable plans for the purpose of reducing GHG emissions, such as the California Air Resources Board 2017 Climate Change Scoping Plan, SCAG
2020–2045 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy , and th e City’s Climate Action Plan. Mitigation measures will be identified and incorporated, as necessary, to reduce potentially significant GHG impacts of the proposed project.
List of Deliverables for Task 6.4.2
Michael Baker will provide modeling outputs and calculation worksheets used to prepare the GHG section of the Specific Plan EIR for inclusion in the EIR appendix.
Section 6.4.3 Energy
Michael Baker will analyze the energy implications of the project pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21100(b)(3 ) and Appendix G and Appendix F of the CEQA Guidelines. These statutes and guidelines require a project to describe, where relevant, the wasteful, inefficient, and unnecessary consumption of energy caused by a project. In addition, Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines requires a consistency analysis with state or local plans for renewable energy or energy efficiency.
The analysis will quantify energy consumption associated with short -term construction activities, long -term building operations, and transportation using CalEEMod based on the project’s land use data. The analysis will also qualitatively discuss the effects of the project on regional and local energy supply, demand, and resources, and the project’s consistency with energy standards and requirements. Additionally, the assessment of environmental impacts on energy resources will include mitigation measures to reduce inefficient and unnecessary consumption of energy, if necessary.
List of Deliverables for Task 6.4.3
Michael Baker will provide modeling outputs and calculation worksheets used to prepare the energy section of the Specific Plan EIR for inclusion in the EIR appendix.
Section 6.4.4 Noise
Existing Conditions. The applicable noise and land use compatibility criteri a for the proposed TCSP area will be reviewed and noise standards regulating noise impacts will be discussed for land uses within and adjacent to the Specific Plan area.
A site visit will be conducted, and short-term noise level measurements will be taken. The noise monitoring survey will be conducted at up to five separate locations to establish baseline noise levels in the Specific Plan area. Noise recording lengths are anticipated to require approximately 10 minutes at each location. This scope excludes long-term (24-hour) measurements.
Construction-Related Noise and Vibration. Noise impacts from construction sources will be analyzed based on the anticipated equipment to be used, length of a specific construction task, equipment power type (gasoline or diesel engine), horsepower, load factor, and percentage of time in use. The construction noise impacts will be evaluated in terms of maximum levels (L
max) and hourly equivalent continuous noise levels (L eq) and the frequency of occurrence at adjacent sensitive locations. An analysis of vibration impacts will be based on the Federal Transit Administration’s vibration analysis guidance. Analysis requirements will be based on the sensitivity of the area, anticipated construction activities, and Noise Ordinance specifications.
Operational Noise and Vibration. The project -generated off-site traffic noise levels will be compared to the applicable Noise Ordinance specifications and/or land use compatibility criteria for off-site uses. On-site noise -generating activities (e.g., stationary sources, parking lot activities) will also be addressed and analyzed for potential impacts to the adjacent uses and assessed against the Noise Ordinance specifications. Compliance with applicable noise standards will be Town Center Specific Plan
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evaluated, with recommended mitigation measures included where appropriate. The operational vibration analysis will be qualitative because the Specific Plan area is not expected to include uses that would generate excessive operational vibration levels.
List of Deliverables for Task 6.4.4
Michael Baker will provide modeling outputs , field data collection, and calculation worksheets used to prepare the noise section of the Specific Plan EIR for inclusion in the EIR appendix.
Section 6.4.5 Transportation/Traffic (Fehr and Peers)
VMT Analysis. Fehr & Peers recently assisted the City of Santa Clarita in establishing their new transportation study guidelines to meet the updated CEQA requirements of SB 743 and determining their VMT impact thresholds. The purpose of this task is to complete the VMT analysis that will be needed for the EIR based on the City’s VMT thresholds.
Fehr & Peers will prepare the VMT analysis for the proposed project. When preparing a VMT analysis , it is important that the methodology being applied matches the methodology used to develop the City’s baseline VMT metrics. The version of the SCAG model developed for the 2016 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communit ies Strategy will be used for the VMT analysis. This version of the model was also used to identify baseline VMT metrics that are used by the City to determine if a VMT impact would occur.
The VMT analysis will focus on vehicle trips and the expected travel distances generated by the various land uses being proposed as part of the Specific Plan . The VMT metrics will be reported based on the City’s required methodology. The SCAG model will be updated to reflect the proposed land uses in the Specific Plan using socioeconomic data for population, households, and employment. The VMT metrics will consider the magnitude of the land uses being proposed and the location of the project and its proximity to nearby uses in the City of Santa Clarita. An impact will occur if the Specific Plan’s VMT per service population exceeds the City’s threshold of 15% below baseline VMT.
If the project site is found to have a significant VMT impact, potential mitigation options will be recommended and discussed with the project team for their inclusion as mitigation. The mitigation strategies will be based on transportation demand management measures that have been found to be effective in reducing VMT for the types of land uses being developed as part of the project and in the context of Santa Clarita.
Traffic Operations Analysis. Fehr & Peers will analyze up to five intersections in the vicinity of the Specific Plan during the AM and PM peak hours. The purpose of this analysis is to determine if the trip generation of the land uses being proposed result in the need for operational or geometric improvements at intersections providing access to the Specific Plan or within the subareas. Traffic counts will be collected during both time periods to analyze existing conditions. Traffic operations will then be analyzed with the proposed land uses based on the estimated trip generation and trip distribution during the AM and PM peak hours.
Transportation Impact Report. Fehr & Peers will prepare a Transportation Impact Report to document the findings of the VMT analysis. In addition, the report will describe existing transportation conditions in the study area and will assess potential impacts to active transportation based on existing facilities and planned improvements in the study area.
A draft Transportation Impact Report will be submitted to the project team for review and comment. Fehr & Peers will address comments received and submit a final version of the Transportation Impact Report.
List of Deliverables for Task 6.4.5
Fehr and Peers will prepare draft and final versions of the Transportation Impact Report for inclusion in the EIR appendix.
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6.5 Prepare and Circulate Draft Environmental Impact Report Section 6.5.1 Administrative Draft EIR
Michael Baker will prepare an Administrative Draft EIR (ADEIR) for review and comment by City staff, along with one set of revisions that responds to City comments. The ADEIR will comply with all specifications for an EIR, set forth in Article 9, Sections 15120 to 15132 of the State CEQA Guidelines, and is anticipated to include the sections listed below.
1. Title Sheet
2. Table of Contents
3. Introduction and Executive Summary
4. Project Description
5. CEQA Streamlining
6. Environmental Setting, Impacts, and Mitigation Measures
6.1. Aesthetics
6.2. Air Quality
6.3. Cultural Resources
6.4. Energy
6.5. Geology and Soils
6.6. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
6.7. Hazards and Hazardous Materials
6.8. Hydrology and Water Quality
6.9. Land Use and Planning
6.10. Noise
6.11. Population and Housing
6.12. Public Services
6.13. Recreation
6.14. Transportation/Traffic
6.15. Tribal Cultural Resources
6.16. Utilities and Services Systems
7. Other Required Topics
7.1. Growth Inducing Effects
7.2. Significant Irreversible Environmental Changes
8. Alternatives
9. Persons and Organizations Consulted
10. EIR Preparers
11. References
12. Appendix
The ADEIR will include up to three alternatives, to provide a reasonable range of alternatives as required by the CEQA Guidelines. A description of our approach to addressing key environmental issue areas (other than air quality, GHG , energy, noise, and traffic/transportation, which will be addressed by the technical studies proposed above) is provided below.
Aesthetics. This section will characterize the existing aesthetic environment and visual resources located in the TCSP area, including a discussion of views within the TCSP area and views from surrounding areas. The analysis will also consider the potential for the project to conflict with policies/regulations pertaining to visual resources and the introduction of new sources of light and glare. This section will also evaluate the proposed Specific Plan development standards for consistency with the General Plan policies pertaining to scenic resources.
Utilities and Water Supply. Michael Baker will contact potentially affected utility agencies to confirm relevant existing conditions, project impacts, and recommended mitigation measures, as necessary. The ability of existing infrastructure Town Center Specific Plan
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facilities to support buildout of the Specific Plan will be considered in terms of increased demand/generation of utilities, including water, wastewater, and solid waste. The water supply analysis will utilize data available in the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency’s latest Urban Water Management Plan . The discussion will focus on the potential alteration of existing facilities, extension, or expansion of new facilities and the increased demand for services based on the proposed Specific Plan
CEQA Streamlining. As stated above, we envision a Specific Plan EIR that establishes multiple options for future , implementing projects, including exemptions, addendums, and tiering approaches. The intent is to keep all CEQA streamlining options on the table because the most efficient CEQA process varies on a case-by-case basis.
List of Deliverables for Task 6.5.1
Working Draft EIR: Michael Baker will submit the working Draft EIR to the City electronically, in Word and PDF formats.
Screencheck Draft EIR: Michael Baker will submit the screencheck Draft EIR and appendices to the City electronically, which responds to all City comments on the working draft iteration. Proofcheck Draft EIR: Michael Baker will submit a proofcheck version of the Draft EIR to the City electronically that addresses all City comments on the screencheck Draft EIR and the appendices.
Section 6.5.2 Publication and Distribution of the Draft EIR for Public Review Once the draft Specific Plan EIR is completed and signed by the responsible City staff, Michael Baker will circulate the document for public review. This task includes preparing a Notice of Availability (NOA) of the Draft EIR and a Notice of Completion (NOC), posting the NOA/NOC with the Los Angeles County Clerk, and assisting the City with the distribution of the NOA and Draft EIR. Michael Baker will also submit the document to the State Clearinghouse along with all the necessary forms.
List of Deliverables for Task 6.5.2
Michael Baker will submit the draft and final versions of the NOC and NOA to the City electronically. Michael Baker will file the NOC/NOA with the Los Angeles County Clerk. Michael Baker will produce ten (10) printed copies (excluding appendices), and an electronic copy (Word and PDF format) of the Draft EIR.
Michael Baker will mail the NOA and CD or USB flash drive copies of the Draft EIR to up to fifty (50) recipients. Michael Baker will submit the Draft EIR and appendix, NOC/NOA, and all necessary forms to the State Clearinghouse electronically
6.6 Final Environmental Impact Report
Section 6.6.1 Responses to Comments
At the conclusion of the 45 -day (minimum) review period, Michael Baker will prepare responses to all environmental - based comments received on the Draft EIR. A summary table identifying persons and agencies that commented on the Draft EIR, a copy of each co mment letter with a code (e.g., A -1, A-2, B-1, B-2) assigned to each comment, a response to each comment, and an errata section containing any Draft EIR text revisions will be prepared. This task assumes up to 48 hours of professional staff time for responding to comments. If the extent of public comments received requires additional effort, Michael Baker will meet with City staff to discuss options for completing the responses to comments, which may include a budget amendment.
As with the ADEIR, Michael Baker’s project manager may attend a meeting with City staff to discuss substantive comments on the administrative version of the response to comments. We will make all appropriate revisions and submit a proofcheck iteration of the response to comments to the City for final approval. Upon City approval, Michael Baker will distribute the responses to comments to all commenting agencies and will incorporate the responses into the Final EIR.
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Section 6.6.2 Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program Michael Baker will prepare a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) for the project pursuant to Section 15097 of the CEQA Guidelines. Michael Baker will submit an administrative version of the MMRP to the City, electronically, for review and comment. We will make all appropriate revisions and submit a proofcheck iteration of the MMRP to the City for final approval. Upon City approval, Michael Baker will incorporate the MMRP into the Final EIR.
Section 6.6.3. Revisions to the Draft EIR
If changes to the text or exhibits of the EIR are warranted as a result of public comments on the Draft EIR, Michael Baker will make the revisions to the Draft EIR in a strikeout/underline format and will summarize the changes in a chapter of the Final EIR. An administrative version of the revisions to the Draft EIR document will be submitted to the City for review and comment. Michael Baker will address all City comments and submit a proofcheck iteration of the revisions to the Draft EIR document to the City for final approval.
Section 6.6.4. Compile Final EIR
Upon approval of all documents, Michael Baker will submit a Final EIR to be presented at certification hearings. The Final EIR will consist of the summary of the revisions to the Draft EIR, responses to comments, and the MMRP.
List of Deliverables for Task 6.6
Preliminary Final EIR: Michael Baker will submit the preliminary Final EIR to the City electronically (Word and PDF formats), for City staff review.
Proofcheck Final EIR: Michael Baker will submit a proofcheck version of the Final EIR to the City electronically that addresses all City comments on the preliminary iterations of the Final EIR chapters. Final EIR: Michael Baker will submit fifteen (15) printed copies and an electronic copy (Word and PDF formats) to the City.
Michael Baker will assist the City in distributing copies of the Final EIR to those public agencies that submit comments on the Draft EIR, and to any other commenters that the City may select to receive copies of the Final EIR or just responses to comments.
6.7 Certification Process
Section 6.7.1 Public Hearings
Michael Baker has budgeted to attend up to four public hearings for the project EIR. We understand that most of these are likely to occur after preparation of the Final EIR; however, the EIR project manager and additional key staff may also attend public hearings prior to this phase, as requested by the City. We assume that the EIR project manager will be required to attend all public hearings and that attendance by additional key staff may be required.
List of Deliverables for Task 6.7.1
Attendance of Michael Baker’s project manager and possibly key additional staff at up to four (4) public hearings.
Section 6.7.2 Facts and Findings
Michael Baker will prepare CEQA Facts and Findings, pursuant to Section 15091 of the State CEQA Guidelines. For each significant project effect identified in the Final EIR, one or more of the following findings will be provided, with a brief rationale for each finding:
1) Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the Final EIR.
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2) Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public agency and not the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such other agency or can and should be adopted by such other agency.
3) Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations, including provision of employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the Final EIR.
We request that the City Attorney provide a sample set of findings with the preferred format to assist in this task, and we also understand that the City Attorney could be involved in review and comment on the draft Findings. Michael Baker will address all City comments and submit a proofcheck iteration of the revisions to the Findings document to the City for final approval.
List of Deliverables for Task 6.7.2
Michael Baker will submit a draft, a proofcheck, and a final set of Findings to the City electronically.
Section 6.7.3 Statement of Overriding Considerations
If any significant and unavoidable impacts are identified in the Final EIR, Michael Baker will prepare a Statement of Overriding Considerations (“Statement”), pursuant to Section 15093 of the State CEQA Guidelines. We will work closely with City staff to prepare this Statement, as it requires a balance of economic, legal, social, technological or other project benefits against the unavoidable environmental consequences, in the consideration of whether to approve the project.
This Statement will express the specific reasons to support project approval, despite the occurrence of unavoidable significant effects.
List of Deliverables for Task 6.7.3
Michael Baker will submit a draft, a proof -check and a final Statement of Overriding Consideration to theCity electronically.
Section 6.7.4 Notice of Determination
Michael Baker will prepare a Notice of Determination in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15094 and file it with the Los Angeles County Clerk. Michael Baker will file the Notice of Determination within five days of City certification of the EIR to establish a 30 -day statute of limitations. Payment of the required County Clerk and CDFW fees is not included in our proposed fee.
List of Deliverables for Task 6.7.4
Michael Baker will file the NOD with the Los Angeles County Clerk.
Task 7.0: Final Plan Adoption
7.1 Planning Commission and City Council Hearings
Michael Baker will represent the project team at public hearings and make presentations as necessary. Per the RFP, this scope of work assumes Michael Baker’s attendance at up to three public hearings for plan adotion. This is in addition to other public meetings mentioned in Task 2.0 Community Engagement. Should additional hearings be necessary beyond those identified above, services will be provided on a time and materials basis.
7.2 Final Town Center Specific Plan and CEQA Document
Should the Specific Plan be adopted by the City Council, Michael Baker will revise the Specific Plan, as appropriate, based on comments received during the public review period and guidance from the Planning Commission and City Council. This task assumes that final revisions involve relatively few and minor revisions and refinements. This task does not include revisions that would require technical studies, redesign, or changes that would warrant additional public review or revisions to the CEQA documentation. The final Specific Plan and environmental document, as well as all associated working files, will be provided to the City in electronic format.
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List of Deliverables for Task 7.0
PowerPoint presentation(s) and meeting materials/handouts, if needed One electronic copy of the final Town Center Specific Plan One electronic copy of the final CEQA document, including the Public Review Draft EIR and Final EIR
City Involvement
Staff report
Information dissemination
Meeting venue(s) and logistics
Task 8.0: Optional Tasks
8.1 Online Survey
Michael Baker will conduct one survey at the beginning of the project to understand the issues and concerns of the community and gather ideas for the changes they would like to see in the project area. We will use SurveyMonkey or a similar platform. We will provide the survey link to the City for distribution via social media, the City’s website, and e-blast.
At the end of the survey period (typically two to three weeks), we will consolidate the results from the survey as well as the workshops in one report. This scope of work assumes any paper surveys received by the City will be entered by City staff through an online survey.
8.2 Social Media Outreach
The Michael Baker team will work directly with the City's communications staff to develop social media outreach messaging at specific milestones during the project. The messages will be provided in English. The goal is to notify the community about upcoming events to drive participation as well as keeping them updated on project progress. Draft messages will be provided to the City to be posted on the City's existing social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
8.3 Open house
We will organize an in-person open house in conjunction with the EIR scoping meeting. The open house will have multiple stations with concept p lans and topical issues, opportunities , and highlights related to development regulations and guidelines. We will begin with a presentation and be available at the various stations to discuss the topic, record comments, and answer any questions.
8.4 Community Workshops
We will conduct two direct community outreach events that may be either community workshops or pop -up events. The first event will be organized at the beginning of the project to provide information, understand the needs of the community, and identify specific areas of concern along with key issues and opportunities . The intent of the second workshop will be to solicit comments on the conceptual land use plan and other aspects of the development plan.
• Pop-up Kiosk at a Communit y Event: Pop-up events take a workshop to the community and are effective in engaging hard-to-reach populations. We will organize a pop-up kiosk at a community event chosen by City staff and the project team. The Michael Baker team will discuss the proposed project one-on-one with public attendees, provide information sheets, and organize a dot, Post-it, or other visioning exercise that will help clarify the vision statement and identify specific areas of concern.
• Community Meetings: We will organize a community workshop at a centralized location in the City. Along with a presentation and exercises related to visioning and identifying issues, Michael Baker may conduct a charrette where break -out teams will discuss specific topics and/or issues with the help of a moderator and identify solutions/technologies that may be best suited to solve such issues.
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• Virtual Workshop/Meeting: In the event that we have to shift to online tools based on the desire of the City or restrictions imposed by the pandemic situation, we will use tools such as Zoom or GoToWebinar to conduct the virtual workshop. These can be coupled with live polling using tools such as Poll Everywhere to get instant results and create momentum. Breakout rooms in Zoom enable small group discussions similar to a charrette setting.
8.5 Existing Parking Counts
Michael Baker will document and analyze current parking within the Specific Plan area to identify opportunities for lot consolidation/reconfiguration. We will estimate the parking demand based on aerial imagery and windshield surveys. We will also refer to other studies in the past three to five years that might have involved parking studies in the project area.
The analysis will recommend parking capacity recommendations to accommodate the Specific Plan.
Michael Baker can also conduct parking counts and document existing typical weekday and Saturday parking demands in the project area on an hourly basis for a 12- hour period. This will include on-street and off -street parking demand. The extent of the study and fee will be refined though discu ssions with City staff. However, it should be noted that with the current COVID-19 pandemic, existing parking demand counts may not reflect actual demand. Michael Baker will strategize an appropriate method to accurately identify existing parking demand with City staff.
8.6 General Plan and Zoning Amendment
Michael Baker’s planning team is fully capable of providing additional services involving any amendments to related documents such as the General Plan and Zoning Code. An additional budget for completing these tasks will be determined based on the nature and scope of the amendments.
8.7 Fiscal and Economic Impact Analysis
Fiscal Impact Analysis: We will perform a fiscal impact analysis that determines the public revenues and services costs generated by the planning area. Newly and redeveloped properties will generate revenue for the City through a variety of taxes and fees but also require general fund services such as public safety, recreation, parks, and enterprise fund services, including roads and utilities. The net fiscal impact to the City will be developed based on the various revenue and cost assumptions and can be expressed on a cash flow basis in different intervals, such as annually for a project period of time or during development phases and buildout.
Economic Impact Analysis: We will conduct an economic impact analysis that helps determine the direct, indirect, and induced impacts from the construction of the project. Construction and the presence of new infrastructure and land use generate degrees of economic benefit not only to the immediate area but to the community and region. We will use the IMPLAN input/output model to derive the different economic impacts resulting from the project , such as changes in employment, income, sales, and other factors to the city. Regional economic impacts to Los Angeles County could also be determined if desired.
List of Deliverables for Task 8.0
Determined per scope and budget
City Involvement
Determined per scope and budget
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C. Schedule
We have proven experience in meeting client schedules and have developed an intimate understanding of the work and time required to perform specific planning and environmental tasks. Michael Baker has prepared an estimated 15-month project schedule starting upon the execution of a professional services agreement and Notice to Proceed. This schedule accounts for time for engagement and input from City staff, responsible agencies, stakeholders, community members, and Planning Commission/City Council members. However, we know that building a consensus requires time. It may become necessary to extend individual tasks that need additional engagement and consensus-building.
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Project Schedule
W1 W2 W3 W4 W1 W2 W3 W4 W1 W2 W3 W4 W1 W2 W3 W4 W1 W2 W3 W4 W1 W2 W3 W4 W1 W2 W3 W4 W1 W2 W3 W4 W1 W2 W3 W4 W1 W2 W3 W4 W1 W2 W3 W4 W1 W2 W3 W4 W1 W2 W3 W4 W1 W2 W3 W4 W1 W2 W3 W4 Task -1.0 Kick-off Meeting and Project Coordination
Task 1.1 Project Coordination and Management
Task 1.2 Kickoff Meeting and Project Area Tour
Task 1.3 Project Meetings
Task 2.0 Community Outreach and Engagement
Task 2.1 Stakeholder Interviews
Task 2.2 Three Day Immersive Workshop
Task 3.0 Existing Conditions Analysis
Task 3.1 Review Relevant Documents and Data Collection
Task 3.2 Existing Conditions Analysis
Task 4.0 Design Development
Task 4.1 Land Use Concept
Task 4.2 Traffic, Circulation, and Parking Concept
v4.3 Public Infrastructure
Task 5.0 Specific Plan Preparation
Task 5.1 Plan Framework
Task 5.2 Design Standards and Guidelines
Task 5.3 Administrative/Screencheck Draft Specific Plan Task 5.4 Public Review Draft Specific Plan
Task 6.0 Environmental Assessment
Task 6.1 Kickoff and Initial Study/Notice of Preparation Task 6.2 Public Scoping Meeting
Task 6.3 EIR Scoping Memorandum
Task 6.4 Technical Study Preparation
Task 6.5 Prepare and Circulate Draft Environmental Impact Report Task 6.6 Final Environmental Impact Report
Task 6.7 Certification Process
Task 7.0 Final Plan Adoption
Task 7.1 Planning Commission and City Council Hearings
Task 7.2 Final Town Center Specific Plan and CEQA Document Public Review Period M ic hael Baker Task
Public Meeting M ic hael Baker Subtask
Month 5 Month 6Month 1Task Number and Name Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 13 Month 14 Month 15Month 7 Month 8 Month 9 Month 10 Month 11 Month 12 Town Center Specific Plan
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D. Program Management
Task Management Approach
Our project managers and technical experts subscribe to a philosophy that is rooted in consistent open communication, responsiveness, and high -quality service. We place a strong emphasis on the consultant -client partnership based on effective communication and a detailed understanding of the City’s overall goals, which provide a clear path to success on each and every assignment.
We will always be available to City staff and quick to respond with a strategy and an appropriately scoped approach to any task by drawing on our expertise and a team of experienced environmental professionals. When developing a strategy, we always seek the most cost-effective and schedule-sensitive approach that provides our clients with the proper level of defensibility. We regularly look beyond the norm to identify innovative and streamlined approaches to solving challenges.
We recognize that every agency has nuances that must be addressed. So, we ask questions first, learn as much as we can about the project, then scope the assignment appropriately. This eliminates last-minute surprises, opens communication early in the project, and minimizes the need to change scopes, budgets, or timelines.
Control of the project schedule and project costs is an important element of contract a dministration. Michael Baker will inform the City as soon as any event occurs that would affect the established budget or project timeline. Michael Baker’s adherence to the original scope of work, timeline, and budget is achieved through timely, open/hones t, and continuous communications with City staff.
Michael Baker has a proven track record of meeting established project timelines and schedules. We do this by working efficiently in the following ways:
• We establish realistic schedules, in consultation with our clients, that are typically based on our experience with comparable projects, client schedule targets, and recognition of “critical path” tasks that affect timely completion of related tasks.
• We apply a variety of tracking tools for timely milestone delivery. • We use available data to the extent feasible.
• We avoid unnecessary analyses and data collection.
• We produce quality documents that get it right the first time to avoid time-consuming rewrites and revisions.
Quality Assurance/Quality Control
Producing high -quality work is an extremely important goal for Michael Baker. The Michael Baker Quality Assurance/Quality Control(QA/QC) Program is a continuous process used not just at project milestones but also daily as work flows from desk to desk, discipline to discipline, and consultant to the client. Michael Baker utilizes this QA/Q C program on each and every project undertaken to ensure that a high -quality product is delivered on schedule and within budget. Our approach ensures that deliverables are free of errors in accordance with the standard of care in the industry.
Key elements of our QA/QC program include the following:
• Assignment of highly experienced technical and management personnel. • Assignment of highly qualified staff, who have proven experience in project administration, planning, and agency and environmental coordination, as well as resource agency coordination. • Assignment of staff with local experience and knowledge of key local issues. • Coordination among team members, including clear direction on assignments, consistent communication of project status, and use of standard templates and style guides to ensure efficient and internally consistent development of the documents.
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Specific to the preparation of legally defensible technical reports and environmental documents associated with the Specific Plan, Michael Baker ensures document quality by adhering to the following QA/QC steps:
• Technical reports and technical sections are reviewed by senior staff knowledgeable in the topic (e.g., senior principal, principal environmental planner) for technical accuracy and completeness.
• After technical sections are approved by senior staff, they are reviewed by the project management team (project
manager and assistant project manager) for accuracy in
addressing the specifics of the project, meeting client expectations, and compliance with the scope of work.
• The final review consists of a thorough read -through by Michael Baker’s technical editor, who checks for consistency in use of terms, facts, references, grammar, spelling, style, and document format.
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E. Personnel
The organization chart demonstrates how we will be organized and managed for continuity to keep the project running smoothly and efficiently. Each team member brings specific expertise to contribute to your project's success.
Organization Chart
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Project Team Qualifications Matrix
Team Member
Role
Yrs of Exp
Hourly Cost
Rate
Education
License/Registration(s)
John Bellas
Project Manager
24 $240
B.S., Environmental Resource Management, Pennsylvania State University
Surabhi Barbhaya
Deputy Project Manager
18 $175
M.C.P., Land Use Planning, University of Cincinnati
B.A., Architecture, Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India William Hoose
Project Principal
18 $300
B.S., Urban and Regional Planning, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Matt Klyszeiko
Technical Advisor QA/QC
20 $240
B.S., Urban Planning, Arizona State University
Plan Development
Dan Wery
Lead Planner
35 $215
B.A., Urban Studies, Columbia University
Peter (Pedro) Quintanilla
Urban Designer
21 $205
M.Arch., Architecture/Urban Design, University of Miami B.A., Chemistry, University of Miami
Mark Giles
Principal/Client Leader,
DLR
30 $150
Bachelor of Architecture
University of Southern California
Chris Bell
Principal/Master Planning
and Design Leader, DLR
25 $150
Bachelor of Architecture
University of Southern California
Jose Sanchez
Principal/Design Leader,
DLR
19 $150
Bachelor of Architecture
University of Southern California
Chayanon Jomvinya
Associate Master Planner,
DLR
19 $150
Bachelor of Architecture
Woodbury University
Derek Wong, AICP
Funding/Market Research
Study Specialist
27 $200
M.B.A., Economics/Business, California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo
B.S., Environmental Analysis and Planning, University of California, Davis
Robert Davis
Parking/Traffic Study
Specialist
44 $215
B.S., Transportation Engineering, California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo
Jim McPherson
GIS/Mapping
24 $145
B.A., Geography, California State University at Long Beach Jeremy Franzini
Landscape Architect
Advisor
26 $220
M.L.A., Landscape Architecture, Texas A&M University
B.S., Environmental Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara Dave Mercier
Stormwater Advisor
19 $300
B.S., Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles
David Christie, AICP
Planning Support
6 $110
Master’s of City and Regional Planning, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo B.S. Environmental Science, University of California, Riverside Jeffrey Graham
Planning Support
7 $125
B.S., Community and Regional Development, University of California, Davis
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Transportation
Sarah Brandenberg,
Principal/Transportation
Planner, Fehr & Peers
25 $200
B.S., Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Biling Liu
Engineer/Planner, Fehr &
Peers 8
$200
Master, Transportation System Engineering, University of California, Irvine
Master, Urban and Regional Planning, University of California, Irvine Bachelor, Road and Bridge Engineering, Hebei University of Technology, China
Nico Boyd
Engineer/Planner, Fehr &
Peers 10
$200
M.S., Transportation Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
Master of City & Regional Planning, Georgia Institute of Technology
B.A, International Development, The Ohio State University
EIR (CEQA)
Brent Schleck
CEQA Lead
9 $145
M.U.P., Environmental Planning, University of Michigan
B.S., Environmental Biology, Purdue University
Madonna Marcelo
Senior Environmental
Planner
31 $210
B.S., Environmental Science, University of California, Riverside Pei-Ming Chou
Senior Environmental
Planner
17 $190
B.A., English Literature, University of Los Angeles, California
Eddie Torres
Senior Principal / Air
Quality and Noise
Technical Lead
23 $300
M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Southern California B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Irvine B.A., Environmental Analysis and Design, University of California, Irvine
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Team Member Resumes
John Bellas
Project Manager/Associate Vice President
Mr. Bellas has 23 years of experience in the planning field. He is a recognized CEQA expert in the Los Angeles area, and has assisted cities and counties across California in developing and implementing unique strategies to comply with CEQA. He has considerable experience with long -range planning projects, both in their development and preparation and in preparing the corresponding CEQA documents. Mr. Bellas is also a skilled project manager, having managed the preparation of numerous planning/environmental planning documents. In addition, he has served as a strategic CEQA advisor for several prominent Southern California cities, including the City of Pasadena, where he has been responsible for all of the City's CEQA documentation, and the City of Los Angele s, where he provides peer review of EIRs for major projects. Mr. Bellas has conducted specialized CEQA training programs for client cities, served as an instructor in AEP's Advanced CEQA and CEQA Essentials series, and presented at AEP and APA conferences.
Notable Santa Clarita Experience:
• Westfield Valencia Town Center Patios Connection (Costco) Project IS/MND. City of Santa Clarita. Project Director.
• Jobs Creation Overlay Zone IS/ND. City of Santa Clarita. Project Director. • Valencia Suites Hotel Project IS/MND. City of Santa Clarita. Project Manager. • McBean Regional Transit Center Project IS/MND and NEPA Categorical Exclusion. City of Santa Clarita. Project Manager. • MetroWalk Specific Plan SCEA. City of Santa Clarita. Project Director. • Henry Mayo Hospital Specific Plan/Master Plan Amendment Supplemental EIR. City of Santa Clarita. Project Director. • Numerous other projects since 2013.
Long-Range Planning Project Experience:
• Rolling Hills Estates General Plan Update, Commerical District Visioning Plan, and EIR. City of Rolling Hills Estates. Project Director (overall) and EIR Task Manager.
• Model Transit-Oriented Development Ordinance. City of Lawndale. Project Manager. • Manhattan Beach Downtown Specific Plan. City of Manhattan Beach. CEQA Task Manager. • Pasadena General Plan EIR. City of Pasadena. CEQA Strategy and Peer Review. • Pasadena General Plan Implementation Program (comprehensive updates of 8 Specific Plans). City of Pasadena. CEQA Strategy and Peer Review.
• Santa Monica High School Campus Plan EIR. Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Project Director. • Laguna Woods General Plan Update. City of Laguna Woods. EIR Project Manager. • South Fair Oaks Specific Plan Amendment IS/MND. City of Pasadena. Project Director. • Santa Barbara County Energy and Climate Action Plan. Santa Barbara County. EIR Project Manager.
Select Mall/Commercial Center and Mixed-Use Project Experience:
• Peninsula Center Mall Revitalization Project IS/MND. City of Rolling Hills Estates. Project Manager. • Mission Place Downtown Mixed-Use Project EIR. City of South Pasadena/South Pasadena USD. Project Manager. • Puente Hills Mall Expansion Project IS/MND. City of Industry. Project Manager. • Paseo Colorado Mall Revitalization Project IS/MND. City of Pasadena. CEQA Strategy and Peer Review. • Westlake Village Lowe’s Home Improvement Store/Commercial Center Project EIR. City of Westlake Village. Project Manager.
Years of Experience:
24 Education
B.S. 1999, Environmental Resource
Management, Penn State University
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Surabhi Barbhaya
AICP, LEED AP, Deputy Project Manager
Ms. Barbhaya is experienced in urban planning, urban design, and active transportation. She has worked on a spectrum of projects, including comprehensive planning, design guidelines, complete streets, bike master plans, trail and greenway planning, and pedestrian studies. Her urban planning background helps her take a holistic approach toward projects by integrating land use, transportation, and sust ainable development to respond to demographic, market, economic, physical, and organizational forces. Her architecture and urban design background further add s to this holistic approach by focusing on the project's aesthetic aspects via design guidelines. She firmly believes that a meaningful public engagement leads to ownership of the project by the community and uses her graphic skills to communicate ideas to the audience during the project's consensus -building phase. Many of her projects have won local a nd state American Planning Association ( APA) and ASLA awards. She has lived and worked in several countries and brings her international experience to the projects. Ms. Barbhaya is also an active member of the planning community and is serving as a board m ember-Vice Director of Information for APA of Orange County. She is also serving as an Advisory Board Member for the University of California Riverside Extension, Design Thinking Program.
Related Experience:
• Rolling Hills Estates General Plan and Commercial District Vision Plan. City of Rolling Hills Estates. Project Manager. • Campo Road Revitalization Specific Plan. San Diego County. Project Manager. • Pueblo Viejo Implementation Plan. City of Coachella. Project Manager. • Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Plant 10 Specific Plan. City of Palmdale. Project Manager. • Laguna Woods General Plan Update. City of Laguna Woods. Senior Planner. • Elk Grove General Plan Update. City of Elk Grove. Senior Planner. • Fontana General Plan. City of Fontana. Transportation Planner, Researcher. • Laguna Woods Mobility Element. City of Laguna Woods. Transportation Planner. • Cape Girardeau Comprehensive Plan. Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Lead Planner. • Woodson Terrace Comprehensive Plan. Woodson Terrace, Missouri. Lead Planner.
Years of Experience: 18
Education
M.C.P., 2005, Land Use Planning,
University of Cincinnati
B.A., 1999, Architecture, Maharaja
Sayajirao University of Baroda, India
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William Hoose
AICP, Project Principal
Mr. Hoose has over 18 years of public and private sector planning experience preparing general plans, specific plans, project entitlement review and processing, policy planning, public participation, and CEQA/NEPA compliance. He has successfully worked with developers a nd agencies at early stages of large and innovative projects to provide guidance on the regulatory strategy and constructability, including a large green infrastructure supply chain, an innovative goods movements system at the Port of Los Angeles, an aeria l tramway project in Downtown Los Angeles, and Project NEOM in Saudi Arabia.
For the past 8.5 years, he has served as operations manager for several large and diverse planning groups in Southern California, including Impact Assessment & Permitting, Housing and Community Development, and Agency Staffing. He currently manages Michael Baker’s Long Beach office and the Environmental Planning Department in Los Angeles.
Related Experience:
• California State University, Long Beach Campus Master Plan EIR . Project Director.
• Santa Ana Transit Zoning Code EIR. City of Santa Ana, Project Manager. • Los Angeles Zoning Code Update (re:Code LA) EIR . Los Angeles , Project Director.
• University of California, San Diego , Long Range Development Plan EIR .
QA/QC.
• The Vil lages of Lakeview Specific Plan EIR . Riverside County . Project Manager.
• CM Ranch Specific Plan EIR. Imperial County. Project Manager. • Majestic Industrial Park Specific Plan EIR. Riverside County. Project Manager. • General Plan Update and EIR. City of Calexico. Project Manager. • General Plan Update and EIR. City of Simi Valley. Environmental Project Manager • General Plan Update and EIR, March Joint Powers Authority. Riverside County. Project Manager. • Land Use and Circulation Element Updates EIR. City of Santa Monica. CEQA Planner. • Beach-Edinger Corridor Specific Plan EIR. City of Huntington Beach. CEQA Planner. • Farmland Conversion Study. Kings County. Project Manager. • Tonner Hills SP Plan Check Services. Orange County Public Works Planned Communities. Zoning Task Manager • Rio Vista Specific Plan EIR. Riverside County. Project Manager.
Years of Experience: 18
Education
B.S., Urban and Regional Planning,
California State Polytechnic University,
Pomona
Certifications
American Institute of Certified Planners,
026231
Professional Affiliations
American Planning Association: former
CA Chapter Vice President and
Executive Board Member; former
Orange Section Vice Chair of
Membership and Diversity and
Inclusion; and a current member
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Matt Klyszeiko
AICP, Technical Advisor
Mr. Klyszeiko is an experienced project manager skilled in several facets of planning, including urban design, visioning, downtown revitalization, design guidelines and master and specific planning, as well as facilitating and integrating public outreach into the planning process. Mr. Klyszeiko offers extensive planning experience with an emphasis in land use planning, land entitlemen t, and public involvement. His background includes project management and development of due diligence reports, feasibility reports, site plans, land use plans, design guidelines, and project theming and preparation of planning policy documents, including zoning ordinances, specific plans, and general/comprehensive plans, for both private and public sector clients.
Related Experience:
• El Rio District Plan. Town of Buckeye, Arizona. Project Manager. • Carefree Village Center Master Plan. Town of Carefree, Arizona. Project Manager.
• Peoria Block Strategy. City of Peoria, Arizona. Project Manager. • City Design Guidelines. City of Mesa, Arizona. Project Manager. • Unified Development Code. City of Glendale, Arizona. Project Manager.
Years of Experience:
20 Education
B.S. 2001, Urban Planning, Arizona
State University
Certifications
American Institute of Certified Planners,
Arizona, 020529
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Dan Wery
AICP, Lead Planner
Mr. Wery has over 30 years of public and private sector planning experience preparing general plans, zoning ordinances, and subdivision codes, project entitlement review and processing, policy planning, public participation, and environmental impact document review and preparation. He applies his experience to solve problems in a holistic, responsible, and pragmatic manner that best serves the community and environment. Principled and pragmatic, he maintains a perspective on long-term goals with a focus on implementation and achieving near- term results.
Related Experience:
• General Plan Update and Commercial District Vision Plan. City of Rolling Hills Estates. Land Use Planning Lead.
• Campo Road Revitalization Specific Plan. San Diego County. Project Manager. • Garden Del Mar Specific Plan. City of Del Mar. Project Manager. • San Marcos Creek Specific Plan. City of San Marcos. Project Manager. • University District (aka North City) Specific Plan Update s. City of San Marcos.
Project Manager.
• SDG&E Mission Control Facilities Master Plan, Mission Valley, California, Richard Yen & Associates. Project Manager. • Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Update. City of Carlsbad. Project Manager. • Placentia General Plan Sustainability Element and Development Code Amendments. City of Placentia. Task Manager. • South Garfield Avenue Specific Plan and Streetscape Improvements. City of Monterey Park. Planner. • Comprehensive Development Code Update (Zoning, Subdivision & Grading Ordinances) . City of Menifee. Program Manager.
• Housing Element Updates (6
th Cycle), Program Manager:
o County of San Diego
o City of Escondido
o City of Redlands
o City of San Juan Capistrano
o City of Gilroy
o City of Los Altos Hills
o City of Monterey
• Alexandria Real Estate Science Village Community Plan Update, Specific Plan Amendment, Rezone, Site Plan Approval. City of San Diego. Project Manager.
• Valley Center South Village Form-Based Code. County of San Diego. Project Manager.
Years of Experience:
35 Education
B.A., 1987, Urban Studies, Columbia
University
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Pedro (Peter) J. Quintanilla
Urban Designer
Mr. Quintanilla is Michael Baker’s Urban Design Studio Lead and has extensive experience working with communities and cities around the world. Mr. Quintani lla is focused on the urban design of master plans, code writing, community participation workshops, and illustrations. He worked on several design projects for cities like Anaheim and Tustin, California, along with regeneration strategies , including the pattern book for community-based regeneration in Clovis.
Mr. Quintanilla was the Director of Design, Theory , and Networks for The Prince 's Foundation for Building Communities in England since February 2008. This foundation is one of 14 char ities of the HRH Prince of Wales. His duties involved working with different communities throughout England to create holistic and sustainable designs for cities and town s using The Prince' s "Enquiry by Design" process
Related Experience:
• Commercial District Vision Plan. City of Rolling Hills Estates. Urban Designer. • Tustin Transit Oriented Development Master P lan. City of Tustin. Urban Designer.
• Beach Boulevard Specific Plan. City of Anaheim. Urban Designer. • Downtown Regeneration and Urban Design. City o f Oxnard. Congress for the New Urbanism California Chapter. Urban Designer.
• Distribution Hub Design Charrette. March Airforce Base. Urban Designer. • Festival Mall Regeneration Design and Strategy. City of Woodland, California. Congress for the New Urbanism California Chapter. Urban Designer.
• Pueblo Viejo Implementation Plan. City of Coachella. Senior Designer. • Comprehensive Planning Services. City of Eastvale. Designer. Responsible for design services. Urban Designer. • Susquehanna Township Comprehensive Plan, Susquehanna Township, Pennsylvania. Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County, PA. Urban Designer.
• Multiphase Flow Control Study, Paxton Creek, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Department o f Transportation, Central Office. Urban Designer.
• Commercial Corridor Pattern Book. City of Clovis. Urban Designer. • El Mirador Master Plan and Architecture Charrette, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos-Ecuador. Urban Designer.
Years of Experience:
21 Education
M.Arch., 2003, Architecture/Urban
Design, University of Miami
B.A., 1999, Chemistry, University of
Miami
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
Page | 60
City of
Santa Clarita
Derek Wong
AICP, Funding/Market Research Study Specialist
Mr. Wong has over 27 years of project management and consulting experience specializing in transportation and infrastructure financing of public facilities. He has managed complex engagements that require the identification and analysis of revenues and costs for local and reg ional projects and programs, including for the transportation and development communities. He has developed various revenue strategies and funding mechanisms that involve consensus building with local community stakeholders and governing boards to bridge f unding shortfalls in operations and with capital facilities. His work includes providing loan underwriting and administration services for economic recovery programs secured by state and federal community and economic development funding. He also conducts organizational performance audits of regional planning agencies and provides recommendations for process improvement and compliance with state law. Mr.
Wong's work focuses on project management, transportation/transit funding, infrastructure financing, mar ket analysis, fiscal and economic analysis, grants, benefit-cost analysis, and development fees.
Related Experience:
• Commercial District Vision Plan. City of Rolling Hills Estates. Market Analyst. • San Marcos Creek Specific Plan. City of San Marcos. Market Analyst. • McCabe Ranch II Specific Plan EIR. Imperial County Planning Department.
Market Analyst.
• Sierra Nevada Science Institute Market Analysis. Friends of Deer Creek. Project Manager. • Central Peoria Revitalization Plan, Arizona. City of Peoria. Market Analyst. • Supplemental Environmental Impact Report for the Santana Ranch Specific Plan . County of San Benito . Market Analyst.
• Pinole General Plan. City of Pinole. Market Analyst.
• General Plan Update Maintenance. City of Willows. Project Manager. • General Plan Update and Program Environmental Impact Report. Mendocino County. Market Analyst.
Years of Experience:
27 Education
M.B.A., 1995, Economics/Business,
California State Polytechnic University,
San Luis Obispo
B.S., 1993, Environmental Analysis and
Planning, University of California, Davis
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
Page | 61
City of
Santa Clarita
Jeremy Franzini
PLA, Landscape Architecture Advisor
Mr. Franzini is a landscape architect with extensive experience managing and designing landscape architectural projects throughout Southern California. His expertise includes landsc ape design, urban design, site planning, community facilitation, conceptual and schematic design, master plans, construction documents, specifications, cost estimates, and project management for public and private projects. His ability to create and balance artistic and scientific principles results in projects that are beautiful, safe, and enjoyable. Many of his projects incorporate sustainable and green design principles that create lasting benefits for both the client and the environment.
Related Experience:
• South Garfield Avenue Specific Plan/South Garfield Avenue Specific Plan and Streetscape Improvements. City of Monterey Park. Landscape Architect. • Valley Boulevard Corridor Specific Plan Health and Wellness Elements, San Bernardino County, California. Southern California Association of Governments. Landscape Architect.
• South Campus Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report. City of El Segundo.
Landscape Architect.
• La Entrada Specific Plan, Coachella, California. PSAV, LLC. Landscape Architect. • North Long Beach Street Enhancement Program. City of Long Beach.
Landscape Architect.
• Apple Valley Road North Improvement Project. Town of Apple ValleyCalifornia. Landscape Architect. • Coachella Downtown Improvements. City of Coachella. Landscape Architect.
Years of Experience:
26 Education
M.L.A., 1996, Landscape Architecture,
Texas A&M University
B.S., 1993, Environmental Studies,
University of California, Santa Barbara
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
Page | 62
City of
Santa Clarita
Jim McPherson
GISP, GIS/Mapping
Mr. McPherson has been utilizing GIS technology to provide support for a wide variety of projects, including utility, environmental, engineering, and planning projects. He is experienced in database design and system design, for which he has helped design and develop GIS geodatabases for cities and counties, as well as for numerous large and small projects. His work has included working on numerous general plans, housing elements, and specific plans for cities and counties. As part of these projects, Mr. Mc Pherson has been responsible for setting up project database templates as well as creating automated routines for data analysis and data creation. Mr. McPherson creates thematic maps to provide support for textual information found in documents. His work h as been represented at several local, state, and regional user conferences. His experience extends to setting up field data collectors for handheld GPS systems as well as utilizing Cloud server technology for mobile devices, including iPad, iPhone, and Android phones. This technology allows field crews to edit live data sets in Michael Baker's offices and have those changes reflected in real time on the web. Mr. McPherson has experience in creating and representing data for online interactive maps utilizing ArcSDE and ArcGIS Server software. Mr. McPherson has a wide range of experience utilizing various systems, including AutoCAD, ArcGIS, ArcInfo, Oracle, SQL Server, SDE, Silverlight, and other web technologies.
Related Experience:
• Transportation Oriented Development Specific Plan and EIR. City of Duarte. GIT Analyst. • La Entrada Specific Plan. City of Coachella, PSAV, LLC. GIT Analyst. • Moorpark Specific Plan. City o fMoorpark. Project Analyst. • Glendora General Plan and EIR Update. City of Glendora. GIS Analyst. • Rolling Hills Estates General Plan Update. City of Rolling Hills Estates. GIS Analyst. • Laguna Woods General Plan Update. City of Laguna Woods. GIS Analyst. • Hazard Mitigation Plan and General Plan Safety Element Update. City of Shasta Lake. GIS Analyst. • Lawndale General Plan Safety Element, Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, and Emergency Operations Plan. City of Lawndale. GIS Analyst.
• General Plan Update and EIR/Garden Grove Citywide Greenhouse Gas Inventory. City of Garden Grove. GIS Analyst. • General Plan Update, EIR, and Climate Action Plan. City of Murrieta. GIS Analyst. • General Plan Safety Element. City of Camarillo. GIT Analyst. • Monterey Park General Plan Healthy Community and Sustainable Community Elements and General Plan EIR and Addendum. City of Monterey Park. GIS Analyst.
Years of Experience: 24
Education
B.A., 2000, Geography, California State
University at Long Beach
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
Page | 63
City of
Santa Clarita
David Mercier
PE, CPESC, LEED AP, QSP/D, IGP ToR, Stormwater Advisor
Mr. Mercier leads the Water Quality Department of nearly twenty engineers and environmental scientists in Michael Baker's Santa Ana office. His background includes a variety of experiences focusing on surface water management and water quality. He manages client stormwater programs across a wide range of industries and water quality concerns. His management process focuses on understanding the client's core business and project needs to drive program development and the generation of practical solutions , and he w orks with clients to implement and enhance their stormwater programs. He has extensive experience with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System ( NPDES) and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System program support services, along with industrial and construction stormwater compliance. He works with clients to write and review post - construction water quality plans, develop and implement stormwater program elements, and conduct facility inspections fo r compliance with municipal and statewide stormwater requirements. He also has experience with hydraulic and hydrologic modeling, writing technical reports, preparing floodplain/floodway analysis, and completing sediment transport and stream stability analyses.
Related Experience:
• Culver City Stormwater Quality Master Plan. City of Culver City. Project Manager.
• Caltrans NPDES and Construction General Permit Review and Assistance, Statewide, California. Caltrans - District 8.
Engineer.
• State Parks Surface Water and NPDES Support Services, Statewide, California. California Department of Parks and Recreation. Engineer.
• Water Quality Management Plan Verification. City of Anaheim. Project Engineer. • Corridor Stormwater Management Studies, Los Angeles & Ventura Counties. Caltrans - District 7. Engineer. • Rancho Mission Viejo Runoff Management Plans. Orange County. Rancho Mission Viejo, LLC. Technical Specialist.
Years of Experience: 19
Education
B.S., 2003, Civil and Environmental
Engineering, University of California,
Los Angeles
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
Page | 64
City of
Santa Clarita
David Christie
AICP, Planning Support
Mr. Christie brings significant planning experience, a background in environmental work and a considerable understanding and familiarity with the development process and long-range planning. Mr. Christie has significant experience with general plans, zoning ordinances, design guidelines, multimodal transit planning, project entitlement processing, community outreach, and environmental documentation. His urban planning background synthesizes disparate elements such as land use, transportation, urban design, and sustainabi lity into a complete plan. He firmly believes in the value of community outreach, and specializes in reaching out to the public with regards to his projects. His projects have won local and state American Planning Association (APA) awards. He is an active member for the Los Angeles Chapter of APA. He is also American Institute Certified Planner.
Related Experience:
• City of Eastvale General Plan Update . City of Eastvale, California. Associate Planner.
• Casa de Oro Specific Plan. San Diego County. Associate Planner. • Barton Road Specific Plan. City of Grand Terrace. Associate Planner. • Highway 74 Multimodal Transit Plan. Riverside County. Associate Planner. • Winchester Community Plan Design Guidelines . Riverside County. Associate Planner.
• City of Fontana General Plan Update . City of Fontana. Stantec. Associate Planner.
• Housing Element Updates (6th Cycle), Associate Planner:
o City of Redlands
o City of Lakewood
o City of Needles
o City of Hesperia
o City of Pinole
• Brownfields Area Wide Plans. Stantec. Associate Planner:
o City of Kodiak
o City of Wasilla
o City of Palmer
o City of Idaho Falls
o City of Philomath
o City of Bremerton
o City of Cosmopolis
Years of Experience: 6
Education
B.S., 2014, Environmental Science,
University of California, Riverside
M.C.R.P., 2018, Master’s of City and
Regional Planning, California State
Polytechic University, San Luis Obispo
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
Page | 65
City of
Santa Clarita
Jeffrey Graham
Planning Support
Mr. Graham has over 7 years of experience in the land use planning and development field, in both the public and private sector sides of planning. He is skilled in customer service, technical/staff report writing, plan review, presentations to public hearing boards, preparing long-range planning documents, ArcGIS, contract staffing, entitlements, and permitting.
Related Experience:
• Managing the completion and creating Objective Development Standards for three specific plans for the City of Monterey.
• Served as Associate Planner and Team Project Manager for the City of Sausalito on-call services contract.
• Served as Associate Planner for the City of Santa Ana with responsibilities, including counter service, writing staff reports, and performing plan check. • Currently serving as an Associate Planner for the City of San Juan Capistrano with responsibilities including performing plan checks, writing staff reports, and taking projects to Planning Commission/Zoning Administrator. • Provided research on policies and best practices for an accessory dwelling unit handbook for the San Bernardino County Transit Authority. • Prepared staff reports, resolutions, and ordinance for a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change for the City of Hawthorne.
• Collected and analyzed a year ’s worth of housing data for the City of Santa Fe Springs’ Annual Housing Progress Report.
• Served as Associate Planner for the City of Pasadena with responsibilities including counter service, performing plan checks, and project review to entitlements.
Years of Experience:
7 Education
B.S., Community and Regional
Development, University of California,
Davis
Licenses/Certifications
LEED Green Associate, US Green
Building Council, 2014
Board Positions
Vice Director of Administration, APA Los
Angeles, 2020
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
Page | 66
City of
Santa Clarita
Robert Davis
Parking/Traffic Study Specialist
Mr. Davis has extensive experience in both transportation planning and traffic engineering. He has prepared studies for agencies throughout both Southern and Northern California. His experience includes the preparation of circulation element plans, environmental traffic impact studies, parking stud ies, and transportation facilities design projects.
Related Experience:
• Commercial District Vision Plan. City of Rolling Hills Estates . Parking Study Lead.
• Casa de Oro Specific Plan. San Diego County. Transportation and Parking Planner.
• San Marcos Creek Sp ecific Plan Traffic Impact Study . City of San Marcos.
Transportation Planner.
• Temecula Creek Inn Specific Plan Environmental Impact Report . City of Temecula. Transportation Planner.
• Downtown National City Specific Plan Update. City of National City.
Transportation Planner.
• San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station Evacuation Plan. City of San Onofre.
Project Manager.
• Carrari Ranch Residential Project Evacuation Study . City of Rancho Cucamonga. Project Manager.
• 2016 Carlsbad Traffic Monitoring Program. City of Carlsbad. Project Manager. • Rolling Hills Estates Commercial District Parking Study. City of Rolling Hills Estates. Project Manager.
Years of Experience:
44 Education
B.S., 1975, Transportation Engineering,
California State Polytechnic University,
San Luis Obispo
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
Page | 67
City of
Santa Clarita
Brent Schleck
CEQA Lead
Mr. Schleck is a Senior Environmental Planner with Michael Baker’s Long Beach Office. He has nine years of experience assisting in and managing the preparation of environmental compliance documentation in accordance with CEQA and NEPA.
Currently, Mr. Schleck assists in and manages the preparation of environmental documentation, such as IS/MNDs and EIRs for residential, industrial, institutional, and commercial projects throughout California. He has extensive experience managing and assisting with preparation of environmental documents for projects in Santa Clarita and throughout Southern California.
Mr. Schleck’s background includes preparing Biological Evaluations required under the Endangered Species Act for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and crafting federal environmental regulations, promulgated under the M arine Mammal Protect Act. Additionally, his experience includes preparing NEPA documentation for NOAA -funded coastal infrastructure improvements and public access projects in the Great Lakes region.
Related Experience:
• General Plan Update and Commercial District Visioning Plan EIR. City of Rolling Hills Estates. Environmental Planner.
• Jobs Creation Overlay Zone IS/ND. City of Santa Clarita. Environmental Planner.
• MetroWalk Specific Plan. City of Santa Clarita. Environmental Planner. • Sierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project IS/MND. City of Santa Clarita. Project Manager. • Bouquet Canyon Residential Project and Roadway Realignment EIR and EIR Addendum. City of Santa Clarita.
Environmental Planner.
• Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Master Plan and Specific Plan Supplemental EIR. City of Santa Clarita. Environmental Planner.
• Dockweiler Residential Development IS/MND. City of Santa Clarita. Environmental Planner. • West Creek Park Improvement Project NEPA CEST. City of Santa Clarita. Project Manager. • Laguna Woods General Plan Update. City of Laguna Woods. Environmental Planner. • NEPA documentation for CDBG- and HOME-funded Projects. Multiple Municipalities. Project Manager. • Salvation Army Hope Center NEPA EA and Affordable Housing Exemption. City of Pasadena. Project Manager. • Heritage Square South Affordable Housing Project NEPA EA and CEQA Categorical Exemption. City of Pasadena.
Project Manager.
Years of Experience:
9 Degrees
M.U.P., 2012, Environmental Planning,
University of Michigan
B.S., 2010, Environmental Biology,
Purdue University
Professional Affiliations
Association of Environmental
Professionals (AEP)
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
Page | 68
City of
Santa Clarita
Madonna Marcelo
Principal Environmental Planner
Ms. Marcelo has 31 years of experience in preparing CEQA/NEPA documentation, including EIR s, ND /MNDs, Initial Studies (IS), Categorical Exemptions/Categorical Exclusions, Environmental Assessments, and Environmental Impact Statements.
Her years in the environmental field have provided her with the knowledge and experience necessary to evaluate the adequacy of technical analyses (e.g., traffic studies, air quality and noise reports, Phase I Environmental Site Assessments, hydrology studies, geotechnical studies, biological resources assessments, and cultural resources assessments). Sh e has an eye for detail, caters to the needs of clients, and delivers quality reports.
Ms. Marcelo has managed a wide range of project types, including redevelopment, institutional (schools and colleges), residential, infrastructure, capital improvement, p ort, transportation, and planning projects. A brief summary of related work experience and previous experience prior to joining Michael Baker International is provided below.
*denotes non-Michael Baker experience
Related Experience:
• General Plan Update and Commercial District Visioning Plan EIR. City of Rolling Hills Estates. EIR Manager.
• Jobs Creation Overlay Zone IS/ND. City of Santa Clarita. Senior Environmental Planner.
• MetroWalk Specific Plan. City of Santa Clarita. Project Manager. • Henry May o Newhall Hospital Master Plan and Specific Plan Supplemental EIR. City of Santa Clarita. Project Manager.
• Sierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project IS/MND. City of Santa Clarita. Principal Planner. • Bouquet Canyon Residential Project and Roadway Realignment EIR and EIR Addendum. City of Santa Clarita.
Principal Planner.
• Artis Senior Living Project IS/MND. City of Arcadia. Project Manager. • *Crossroads Hollywood EIR. City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning. Project Manager. • *LA Plaza Cultura Village Project EIR. County of Los Angeles Department of Regional Planning. Project Manager.
Years of Experience:
31 Education
B.S., 1991, Environmental Science,
University of California, Riverside
Professional Affiliations
Association of Environmental
Professionals (AEP)
American Planning Association (APA)
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
Page | 69
City of
Santa Clarita
Pei-Ming Chou
Senior Environmental Planner
Ms. Chou is a planning professional with a diverse skill set with experience in urban, environmental, and preservation planning. She specializes in preparing CEQA documents for medium to large mixed -use projects and joint CEQA/ NEPA documents for infrastructure projects. Ms. Chou has strong organizational skills with the proven ability to multi -task and successfully handle numerous projects simultaneously and under tight deadlines. In addition, she is highly committed to providing qu ality work products, and has an excellent track record of identifying inconsistencies in complex technical documents. Ms. Chou has also completed the graduate coursework for Cornell University’s Master of Arts in Historic Preservation Planning and has experience conducting historic resources surveys, preparing historic resources reports and contexts, and Section 106 compliance.
Related Experience:
• Valencia Town Center Patios Connection Project IS/MND. City of Santa Clarita.
Senior Environmental Planner.
• General Plan Update and Commercial District Visioning Plan EIR. City of Rolling Hills Estates. Senior Environmental Planner
• MetroWalk Specific Plan. City of Santa Clarita. Senior Environmental Planner • Sierra West Assisted Living and Memory Care Project IS/MND. City of Santa Clarita.Senior Environmental Planner.
• Manhattan Beach Hotel Project Class 32 CEQA Exemption. City of Manhattan Beach. Senior Environmental Planner
• City of Los Angeles EIR Review Services. City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning. Senior Environmental Planner
o Notable peer review experience for Major Projects are listed below and includes mixed use development project, which are noted with (MU), and senior housing projects:
Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment District EIR Addendum Convention Center Expansion and Modernization Project EIR Addendum 4th and Hewitt Project EIR (MU)
670 Mesquite Project EIR (MU)
676 Mateo Street Project EIR (MU)
1111 Sunset Project EIR (MU)
1360 N. Vine Street Project EIR (MU)
Angels Landing Project EIR (MU)
Our Lady of Mt. Lebanon Project EIR (MU)
Hollywood Center Project EIR (MU)
Sunset + Wilcox Project EIR (MU)
Treeland Homes Project EIR (MU with assisted living)
Years of Experience:
17 Education
B.A., 1998, English Literature,
University of Los Angeles, California
Professional Affiliations
Association of Environmental
Professionals (AEP)
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
Page | 70
City of
Santa Clarita
Eddie Torres
Senior Principal/Air Quality and Noise Technical Lead
Mr. Torres oversees and prepares Environmental and Planning studies for public and private sectors clients, under CEQA and NEPA. Mr. Torres' responsibilities also include staff training, public hearing presentations, and coordination of our extensive in -house team of experts as well as various subcontractors. Mr. Torres draws on his broad background and understanding of environmental constraint s to provide technical and CEQA compliance review and environmental documentation, in addition to research, analysis, and writing. Mr. Torres has managed a wide range of environmental planning projects, including environmental documents for major infrastru cture and land development projects, air quality and noise studies, highly controversial hillside development projects, state -of-the-art visual analyses, facility siting and due diligence studies, and coastal development projects.
Mr. Torres also serves as the Director of Technical Studies, with a specialty in acoustics, air quality, climate change, and visual impact assessments. He leads Michael Baker's efforts to be at the forefront of global climate change studies. Mr.
Torres has prepared numerous analys es that are consistent with climate change legislation such as Assembly Bill 32, Senate Bill 97, Executive Order S-3 -05, and Senate Bill 375. In addition to analyzing climate change impacts, Mr. Torres has led the development of numerous greenhouse gas inv entory models which calculate greenhouse gas emissions from such sources as vehicular traffic, stationary sources, electricity consumption, water consumption, wastewater treatment, and construction processes.
Related Experience:
• Soledad Village EIR Technic al Studies. City of Santa Clarita. Senior Principal and Technical Study Manager.
• UCLA Film and Television Archive Preservation Center IS/MND. City of Santa Clarita. Senior Principal and Technical Study Manager.
• Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Master Plan and Specific Plan Supplemental EIR. City of Santa Clarita. Senior Principal and Technical Study Manager. • Mancara Robinson Ranch EIR. City of Santa Clarita. Senior Principal and Technical Study Manager.
• Bouquet Canyon Residential Project and Roadway Realignmen t EIR. City of Santa Clarita. Senior Principal and Technical Study Manager. • Artis Senior Living Project IS/MND. City of Arcadia. Senior Principal and Technical Study Manager.
Years of Experience:
23 Education
M.S., 2005, Mechanical Engineering,
University of Southern California
B.S., 2000, Mechanical Engineering,
University of California, Irvine
B.A., 2000, Environmental Analysis and
Design, University of California, Irvine
Certificate, 2000, Fundamentals of
Mechanical Engineering, University of
California, Irvine
Licenses/Certifications
Institute of Noise Control Engineering,
2002
2.1.1 Traffic Noise Analysis, California
2.2.1 Air Quality Analysis, California
Professional Affiliations
Acoustical Society of America (ASA)
American Institute of Physics (AIP)
American Planning Association (APA)
Association of Environmental
Professionals (AEP)
Institute of Noise Control Engineering
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
Page | 71
City of
Santa Clarita
F. Subconsultants
DLR Group
DLR Group (DLR) is a global, integrated design firm with a core practice in architecture, engineering, interiors, and planning. For our clients, integrated design delivers global specialization at a local project level. Our promise is to elevate the human experience through design. Our integrated design teams of multidisciplinary design professionals bring highly specialized expertise to every project. We operate 30 offices from the Pacific to Atlantic coasts in the United States, and several international locations to help facilitate collaboration with our clients, partners, and fellow employee-owners.
In addition to our core practice, DLR office an unmatched range and depth of specialized design services including:
• Acoustical Design
• High Performance Design
• Lighting Design
• Preservation
• Reality Capture
• Science + Technology
• Sustainability
• Theater Design
Architects Irv Dana and Bill Larson, and engineer Jim Roubal, launched their eponymous firm on April 1, 1966 , from a 12- by-12-foot space in a basement. The integrated practice was found ed on their shared ideals of quality, fairness, opportunity for professional growth, and ownership. Those principles drive our core values today.
Today, everyone at DLR Group has a design voice. And with employee ownership comes the obligation to passionately use that voice in service of our mission. The passion that infuses our design and the partnerships we forge fuel us to keep learning, growing, and creating. Our promise is to elevate the human experience through design. This inspires a culture of design and fuels the work we do around the world. We are 100 percent employee-owned: every employee is literally invested in our clients’ success. At the core of our firm are interdisciplinary employee -owner teams, engaged with all project life -cycle s takeholders. These teams champion true collaboration, open information sharing, shared risk and reward, value-based decision making, and proficient use of technology to elevate design.
DLR architects and urban designers have their “fingers on the pulse” o f the mall/commercial center industry. DLR has worked for and with many of the major mall property owners, developers, proprietors, leasing agents, and investors and has designed and influenced numerous mall/commercial center properties across California and beyond. They will provide invaluable insight in the formulation of the vision/concept plans for the Westfield property. In addition, having designed numerous mall property redevelopment projects including the Macerich Lakewood Mixed -Use Study and the Pa norama City Mall Mixed-Use Project and Specific Plan, DLR knows what development standards will attract the right uses and will result in the right architecture for Valencia’s Town Center.
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
Page | 72
City of
Santa Clarita
Mark Giles
AIA, Principal
Mark brings over 30 years of working experience nationally in multiple market sectors. He manages all aspects of project design beginning with the client relationship, lasting through design direction and delivery of projects. He looks beyond the typical deliverables of a project to bring other individuals and relationships that can add to the success of a project. Mark brings a wide range of project experience from direct tenant relationships to his involvement on retail power centers, residential developments, live venues and master planning for large developments, entitlements, city coordination and client representation Related Experience:
• Confidential Lifestyle Mixed-Use Development; San Diego, CA • DREAM Hotel; Las Vegas, NV
• Freedom West Homes; San Francisco, CA
• Palladium Residential Towers; Los Angeles, CA
• Oakridge Redevelopment Concept; confidential location
Degrees
Bachelor of Architecture
University of Southern California
Certifications
Architect: CA #C27769
Affiliations
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
International Council of Shopping
Centers (ICSC)
Urban Land Institute (ULI)
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
Page | 73
City of
Santa Clarita
Chris Bell
AIA, Master Planner/Urban Designer
Chris Bell has worked around the world on large-scale design and development projects. His expertise includes master planning and desig n for new communities and towns; urban neighborhood development and regeneration; and high -profile headquarters and high -rise buildings. Part of what makes Chris a highly -regarded designer of large-scale places is his talent in organizing ideas and human-s cale considerations of livability, workability, sustainability, and economic viability in alignment with the owners’ and clients’ needs and goals for their projects.
Related Experience:
• Buena Park Master Plan, Buena Park, CA
• Flower Hill Lifestyle Mixed-Use Development, San Diego, CA • Google Campus Phase III; Kirkland WA
• SmartCity Korea Master Plan; Incheon, Korea
• Freedom West Homes; San Francisco, CA
• Seattle Center Arena; Seattle, WA
Degrees
Bachelor of Architecture
University of Southern California
Certifications
Architect: WA
Affiliations
American Institute of Architects
Czech Green Building Council
City of Seattle Northwest Design
Review Board
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
Page | 74
City of
Santa Clarita
Jose Sanchez
Urban Designer
Jose is a Mixed-Use Design Leader with over 19 years of extensive international and domestic project experience. He has proven himself a highly motivated professional with a keen grasp of retail, entertainment and mixed -use properties. He has a passion for design, and has a vision for design excellence, client satisfaction, and encouraging best practices. Jose works with the Mixed-Use studios to heighten the design quality to implement current retail trends into projects and develop new and innovative concepts.
Related Experience:
• 8550 + 8600 Santa Monica Mixed Use; West Hollywood, CA • Oakridge Redevelopment Concept; Confidential Location • Freedom West Homes, San Francisco, CA
• DTP P21, Las Vegas, NV
• Buena Park Master Plan; Buena Park, CA
• Flower Hill Lifestyle Mixed-Use Development, San Diego, CA
Degrees
Bachelor of Architecture, University of
Southern California
Certifications
LEED Accredited Professional BD+C
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
Page | 75
City of
Santa Clarita
Chayanon Jomvinya
Senior Master Planner
Chayanon has been an active part of the architectural industry for 19 years and has diverse experience in multiple sectors , including retail entertainment, hospitality, and housing. He believes that design is about decision-making, and that g ood designs challenge and inspire imagination.
Related Experience:
• 8550 + 8600 Santa Monica Mixed Use; West Hollywood, CA • Oakridge Redevelopment Concept; Confidential Location • KSA Mixed-Use; Abha, Saudi Arabia
• Buena Park Downtown; Buena Park, CA
• Flower Hill Lifestyle Mixed-Use Development, San Diego, CA
Degrees
Bachelor of Architecture, Woodbury
University
Certifications
LEED Accredited Professional BD+C
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
Page | 76
City of
Santa Clarita
Fehr and Peers
Fehr & Peers is passionate about transforming transportation consulting through innovation and creativity. They derive inspiration by partnering with communities to understand and shape local transportation futures objectively tailored to diverse needs. Clients trust Fehr & Peers to help them overcome barriers and uncertainty by combining our advanced expertise with curiosity, humility, and initiative to deliver implementable, data -driven solutions that reinforce community values. From the most straightforward to the most complex, they actively listen to client and community needs and handle every project with diligence and focus.
They maintain a focus on transportation consulting, serving client needs including the following:
• Active Transportation • Freight
• Climate Resiliency • Land Use & Transportation
• Communications & Engagement • Safety
• Data Science • Transit Planning
• Emerging Technologies • Transportation Engineering
• Equity in Transportation • Transportation Forecasting & Operations
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
Page | 77
City of
Santa Clarita
Sarah Brandenberg
PE, Principle/Transportation Planner
Sarah Brandenberg has 20 years of experience with Fehr & Peers and is a licensed Traffic Engineer. Sarah served as the Operations Manager of the Los Angeles office for seven years and is currently the Regiona l Principal-in -Charge of Southern California. Sarah has managed a variety of complex studies, such as transportation impact studies, EIR transportation sections, transportation planning studies, and corridor studies focused on roadway operations, transit and active transportation.
Sarah has worked on multiple studies requiring VMT analysis in adherence with new CEQA guidelines. Other key projects include the City of Los Angeles Mobility Plan 2035 EIR, Beverly Hills On-Call Transportation Services, Westside Mobility Plan, Marina del Rey Mobility Plan, and Hollywood Community Plan Update. Sarah’s ability to work closely with clients, complete a high- quality technical analysis, and clearly communicate study findings have been and will continue to be critical t o project success.
Related Experience:
• SB 743 Implementation, Santa Clarita, California. Project Manager • SB 743 Implementation Services & Screening Studies, Lancaster, California.
Project Manager
• SB 743 Implementation Services, Santa Barbara County, California. Project Manager
• On-Call Engineering Support, Beverly Hills, California. Project Manager • Westside Mobility Plan, Los Angeles, California. Project Manager • South Coast 101 HOV Construction Planning, Santa Barbara, California. Project Manager • Hollywood Community Plan Update, Los Angeles, California. Project Manager
Degrees
B.S., Civil and Environmental
Engineering, California State
Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo
Certifications
Licensed Traffic Engineer, State of
California (#2213)
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
Page | 78
City of
Santa Clarita
Biling Liu
Engineer/Planner
Ms. Liu is an Associate Project Analyst responsible for transportation planning projects including travel demand forecasting, traffic simulation, Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) and related data analysis. Ms. Liu has various project experience working with transportation planning software such as TransCAD, Citilabs Cube, Paramics, TransModeler, Synchro, and geographic information system software ArcGIS. She is also knowledgeable in statistical software including SAS, Stata, and SPSS, and scripting and programming languages including Matlab and VB, design and drafting software AutoCAD, and 3D modeling software SketchUp.
Related Experience:
• SB 743 Implementation, Santa Clarita, California.
• SB 743 Implementation Services & VMT Studies, Lancaster, California. • SR 91 Improvements, Orange County, California.
• SBCTA 1-15 Express Lanes, Riverside County, California • UC Riverside LRDP EIR, Riverside, California
• WRCOG RIVTAM Model Update, Riverside County, California • Moreno Valley General Plan Update, Moreno Valley, California • Coachella Airport Business Park VMT Assessment, Coachella, California • OCTA SR-91 TransModeler Support, Orange County, California
Degrees
Master, Transportation System
Engineering, University of California
Irvine
Master, Urban and Regional Planning,
University of California Irvine
Bachelor, Road and Bridge Engineering,
Hebei University of Technology, China
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
Page | 79
City of
Santa Clarita
Nico Boyd
Engineer/Planner
Nico Boyd joined Fehr & Peers in October 2018. He has experience in traffic impact analysis, transportation demand management, geographic information systems, travel demand modeling, and freight system performance measures assessment.
Nico has experience with a variety of transportation analysis software packages, including Synchro/SimTraffic, Vistro, TransCAD, and macro-based Excel spreadsheet tools.
Prior to joining Fehr & Peers, earned graduate degrees in City & Regional Planning and Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he conducted research involving the development of stati stical models to evaluate the impacts of public parks on obesity and physical activity outcomes in New York City.
Related Experience:
• CEQA Community Workshops, Pasadena, California.
• SB 743 Implementation Services & Screening Studies, Lancaster, California. • Inglewood Basketball and Entertainment Center Traffic Study, Inglewood, California.
• Netflix Transportation Planning Assistance, Los Angeles, California. • Pepperdine University Parking and Traffic Management Support, Malibu, California.
• California Freight Mobility Plan 2019 Update, California.
Degrees
M.S., Transportation Systems
Engineering, Georgia Institute of
Technology, 2018
M.R.P, Georgia Institute of Technology,
2017
B.A., International Development, The
Ohio State University, 2012
B.S., Civil and Environmental
Engineering, California State
Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo
Town Center Specific Plan
Proposal # CD-21-22-25
Page | 80
City of
Santa Clarita
G. Statement of Offer and Signature
CONTRACTING WITH MICHAEL BAKER
We appreciate the opportunity to preview the professional services agreement that will be utilized by the City of Santa Clarita for this project. Michael Baker has contracted on thousands of projects over our 82-year history—including multiple contracts with the City of Santa Clarita —and is confident in our ability to come to mutually acceptable terms with all of our clientele. Upon selection of this proposal, we would respectfully request the opportunity to discuss certain of the contract terms with the City due to the professional standard of care required for performance of services, insurance commercially available, terms which we noted are outside our control to effect, and professional experience.
This proposal is a firm offer for a 120-day period. The proposed work will be performed at the "not -to-exceed" price quoted. This will include all meetings, in cluding but not limited to, a kick-off meeting, a scoping meeting, staff meetings, and community meetings, along with Planning Commission and City Council meetings.
_________________________________________ Date: April 1, 2022 William Hoose
Office Executive/Associate Vice President
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