CITY OF VISALIA
CITY COUNCIL
November 20
,
2023
East Side
Regional
Park Project
North
Nearest Streets:
Mineral King Ave.,
Houston Ave.,
Road 148,
Road 152
Overview
Certification of Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for East Side Regional Park & Groundwater Recharge Project Related Entitlements
• General Plan Amendment (Land use designations & Tier boundary) • Annexation (128 acres out of 286 acres)
Recommendation
That the City Council
Certify the Final EIR
Approve General Plan Amendment No. 2021-16
Initiate Proceedings for Annexation No. 2021-02
Adopted Concept Plan B1
Future Tower St.
North
Hwy.
198
Road 152
Project Overview
Groundwater Recharge Project
City has been proactively acquiring land in area since 2001. Developed to help region’s receding groundwater table. Water Exchange Agreement with other water organizations to help in the effort of groundwater recharge.
7 groundwater recharge basins planned.
Future ESRP
148-acres allocated for future regional park
Council voted to adopt Concept B1 as the ESRP master plan.
Project Overview
Future ESRP
139-ac. of recreational space.
Park programs include:
Lighted adult softball fields
Lighted youth baseball fields
Soccer fields
Tennis courts & Pickleball courts
Dog park
Multi-use trails
Project Overview
Annexation
128 acres of overall 286 acres.
Zoning will be zoned Quasi-Public (Q-P).
Consistent with General Plan Amendment.
General Plan Amendment
42 acres of overall 286 acres.
Low, Medium & High Density Residential to Parks/Recreation. Adjust area from Tier 3 to Tier 1.
General Plan Amendment
Existing General Plan
Proposed General Plan
Project Overview
Completion of EIR
Professional services with Provost & Pritchard began in 2014 Addresses development of entire park & recharge basins Public Comment period Feb. 2 thru March 20, 2023
City Council Work Session held March 6, 2023
General Plan Consistency
Policy PSCU-P-4: “Create one large new park at the City’s eastern edge. . .”
Ground water recharge opportunities.
Project Overview
Consistency with State Law (Housing Crisis Act 2019)
Project was initiated prior to 2019 law.
Consistency with No Net Loss Law
No “Net Loss” law ensures jurisdictions have adequate land supply for their RHNA obligation.
Land in Tier 3 has not been assigned units affiliated with city’s RHNA or sites inventory.
Land to be moved into Tier 1; properties will be zoned Q-P.
Staff Recommended Motion
Move to certify EIR.
Move to approve.
General Plan Amendment No. 2021-16
Move to initiate
Annexation No. 2021-02
East Side Regional Park
North