Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Report

Transcription

1 Notice of Availability of a Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Janeway House property Project Title: In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and CEQA Guidelines, as the designated Lead Agency, the City of Yorba Linda has prepared a draft EIR (Environmental Impact Report) for the proposed Chavez Residential Project (Janeway House property). Project Location: The roughly 7,100 square-foot site is located at 4801 Park Avenue, Yorba Linda, California, at the southwest corner of the intersection of Park Avenue and Lemon Street. Project Description: The proposed project includes demolition of the existing deteriorated (historic) house on the lot and construction of a new two-story 4,185 square foot single-family residence. The Notice of Completion of the draft EIR for the Chavez Residential Project was filed with the State Office of Planning and Research on February 13, Public Review: Pursuant to State law, the draft EIR for the Chavez Residential Project will be available for public review during which time the City of Yorba Linda, as Lead Agency, will accept comments on the contents of the draft EIR. Review period starting and ending dates are as follows: Starting date: February 14, 2007 Ending date: March 16, 2007 Comments: Send written comments to: Bruce Cook, Principal Planner Planning Division City of Yorba Linda 4845 Casa Loma Avenue Yorba Linda, California bcook@yorba-linda.org Document Review: Copies of the draft EIR are on file for review at the City of Yorba Linda Planning Division (at the address above) and at the: Yorba Linda Public Library Imperial Highway Yorba Linda, California The draft EIR can also be viewed on the Internet at: In addition, a copy has been sent to the: Historic Society of Yorba Linda 5700 Susanna Bryant Drive Yorba Linda, Ca Significant Environmental Effects of the Project: The existing dwelling on the property is identified as a significant historic resource. The project proposal is to demolish the existing structure to replace it with a new single family residence. Two unavoidable significant impacts would result with project implementation. One is to Cultural Resources for the irreplaceable loss of a historic resource. The other is to Land Use Resources as the project would be inconsistent with the General Plan policy to protect identified historic resources. Project Alternatives: Pursuant to Section of CEQA Guidelines, Project Alternatives were considered as a part of the draft EIR as follows: 1) No Project / No Development 2) Reduced Size of the Proposed New House 3) Restoration of the Existing Structure 4) A Similar New House on an Alternate Site 5) Relocation of the Existing Structure Section Listing: There is no known presence of the project site on any of the lists of sites enumerated under Section of the Government Code. Discretionary Approvals: Prior to development, the proposed project requires approvals by the City of Yorba Linda of a Design Review (Application DR to consider site planning and building architecture for the proposed new single-family residence on property within the Park Avenue/Park Place historic district) and a Conditional Use Permit (Application CUP to construct a two-story residence, the area of second-story construction within seventy feet of another residence). These matters will be considered at a future, but yet undetermined, date at a duly noticed public hearing.

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4 NOC - Chavez Residential Project - Attachment 1 Project Description The applicant proposes to demolish the existing, deteriorated, historic Trueblood-Janeway Residence and construct a new two-story single-family residence comprised of the following: A residence with 2,131 square feet of living area on the first floor and 1,654 square feet on the second floor (3,785 square feet total) A front porch occupying 133 square feet on the first floor level A garage occupying 400 square feet The structure footprint (2, = 2,664 square feet) would occupy approximately 38 percent of the 7,100 square foot lot. These numbers are taken from the architectural plans drawn by Luis Carrillo and delivered during spring The drawings were not dated. The project includes two components: A Conditional Use Permit (CUP ) that would allow construction of a two story (or greater) structure within seventy (70) feet of an existing residence A Design Review (DR ) to consider site planning and building architecture for the proposed new single-family residence within the Park Avenue/Park Place Historic District. This District is defined by the Yorba Linda General Plan as a historic preservation zone in which all proposed development shall be subject to the design review process. Site Location and Description The proposed project site is located at 4801 Park Avenue in the City of Yorba Linda, in Orange County within the Park Avenue/Park Place residential neighborhood in the Core Residential District of the Community Core Area Plan land use section depicted in the Land Use Diagram of the Land Use Element of the General Plan. The site is situated north of Yorba Linda Boulevard, south of Imperial Highway, and east of Eureka Avenue. The corner lot occupies 7,100 square feet and is currently developed with a centrally placed, unoccupied, deteriorated, single-family residence. Historic Significance The 1918 Craftsman Aeroplane style bungalow single-family Trueblood-Janeway residence is a historical resource for the purposes of CEQA because it meets Criterion 3 of the California Register of Historical Resources. The property continues to meet Criterion 3 for its association as a contributing element to the local historic district, Park Avenue-Park Place Neighborhood. in the City of Yorba Linda. This property was given the National Register Status Code 2D, determined eligible for the National Register as a contributor to a district, as part of the Yorba Linda Historic Survey of Historic Resources.

5 NOC - Chavez Residential Project - Attachment 2 EIR DISTRIBUTION LIST (EIR Copies sent by the City) California Department of Parks & Recreation Office of Historic Preservation P.O. Box Sacramento, CA Cal State Fullerton Center for Oral & Public History Pollak Library South 363 P.O. Box 6846 Fullerton, CA Federation of Orange County Historical Organizations P.O. Box 4048 Santa Ana, CA Historic Society of Yorba Linda Attn: JoAnn Ardanaz P.O. Box 396 Yorba Linda, CA Orange County Historical Society Historic Howe-Waffle House 120 W. Civic Center Drive Santa Ana, CA Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District Attn: Mike Bailey, Director of Facilities & Planning 1301 Orangethorpe Avenue Placentia, CA Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce Yorba Linda Boulevard Yorba Linda, CA Yorba Linda Heritage Museum 4802 Olinda Street Yorba Linda, CA Yorba Linda Public Library Imperial Highway Yorba Linda, CA Yorba Linda Water District 4622 Plumosa Drive Yorba Linda, CA 92886

6 Comment #1 From: Brian Sauls Sent: Monday, March 12, :34 PM To: Bruce Cook Subject: Chavez Residential Project (Janeway House) Mr. Cook: This comment is in response to the Draft EIR on the referenced project. As an alternative to the project, we could like for the City and Project owners to consider a reduced size of the proposed new house. The adjacent properties in the Presidential Walk development are approximately 2,200 sq. ft. Our position is that the current proposed project size would dwarf and not blend in with its neighbors or other homes in the nearby area. In the interim, the current project site is most likely a fire and safety hazard to the nearby homes and would ask that the already destroyed home be torn down, at the city's expense, to reduce the risk of personal and/or property damage to the community. Thank you for your consideration. Brian Sauls & Katherine Vasilj 4854 Roosevelt Court Yorba Linda, CA (714) brian.sauls@sbcglobal.net

7 Comment #2 From: Donald Gjesdal Sent: Wednesday, March 07, :43 PM To: Bruce Cook Subject: The Janeway House Dear Mr. Cook: In the twenty-four years that I have lived in Yorba Linda I have watched the Janeway house deteriorate to its present state of disrepair. I do not believe that the house has enough historical significance to justify the expense that would obviously be required to restore it. The current owner should be allowed to build a house of similar size on the site in my opinion. Sincerely, Donald Gjesdal, MD

8 Comment #3 From: Sent: Monday, March 12, :07 PM To: Bruce Cook Subject: Chavez-EIR Dear Mr. Cook and staff, The Janeway house is located in a very prominent place in the heart of our city, and reminds us of Yorba Linda's historic roots because of its location and appearance. Interested citizens have been addressing the issue of restoring this house for several years, repeatedly requested that our civic leaders recognize its importance. I've heard many people request that it be restored and put to good use. Over the past several years, it seems that the house has been allowed to stand vacant and neglected, and more recently, it has been allowed to seriously deteriorate by the current owners. I feel that it's a travesty and totally unacceptable that measures were not taken by the current owners and the city to protect the structure from becoming blighted. Any other resident in Yorba Linda would have been cited by the city if they had allowed weeds to grow, broken boarded up windows, and an inadequate tarp barely covering the roof. I don't believe relocating the building should be considered, since the location of this house is one of the key factors of the historical element. Demolishing it and replacing it with a new home would be out of character for the historic neighborhood. I feel that the building should be left in its present location, restored, and be honored as a tie to our historical past. Rather than a residence, perhaps it should be used as a museum, chamber of commerce, and tourist welcome building. Page 57 of the E.I.R. states that "Galvin Preservation Associates determined the integrity of the evaluated building is good. Its condition is poor." They have also determined that the building is eligible for the National Register. Many old buildings across our county, some in even worse condition than the Janeway house, are being lovingly restored by people who appreciate the historical and aesthetic value of them. I hope you would consider doing the same in Yorba Linda. Thank you, Gabriella Rollins

9 4801 Brookway Ave. Yorba Linda, Ca AOL now offers free to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com.

10 Comment #4 From: Sent: Tuesday, March 13, :28 PM To: Bruce Cook Subject: The Trueblood/Janeway Home Mr. Cook: Just another from a citizen of Yorba Linda (for 39 years) that cannot believe that City Hall let the Janeway home fall into such disrepair these past few years by concentrating on a loser of a plan for our downtown area. The Home should have been bought by the City Hall when they were into buying homes and property for their defeated plan. It would have been a better investment of money. As citizens we worked hard to solve the most eminent problem, which gave us a vote to prevent another fiasco, but we can't do it all. We need additional help from those that hold a position of making citywide decisions. Now the owner of the Janeway house wants to tear it down. The building should NEVER have been allowed to get to the condition it is now, so it is time to right a wrong and save the Historic House. A museum of Yorba Linda's History would be a perfect use of the home, with tours of the house and rooms available for use by Yorba Linda organizations. It's beauty and position at the corner of Imperial Highway would make it a perfect welcome entrance to Yorba Linda, "The Land of Gracious Living. I am asking for your assistance in this matter. Gladys Sifter 5121 Club Terrace Drive Yorba Linda, CA Ph: mmminemm@aol.com ************************************** AOL now offers free to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at

11 Comment #5 March 15, 2007 Nancy J. Rikel 4666 Yorba Lane Yorba Linda, CA Mr. Bruce Cook Planning Department City of Yorba Linda 4845 Casa Loma Avenue Yorba Linda, CA Dear Mr. Cook, I am very disappointed in the handling of the Trueblood/Janeway Home. I don t understand why it has been left to literally rot for months and years until salvaging becomes a huge issue. There is no question that the EIR is correct when it states, The existing building requires a significant amount of work to bring the building up to current code. I feel that this is the way we eliminate certain structures in our city and I find that very sad. As I am sure you are aware, the Trueblood/Janeway Home is a qualified historic structure under the California Historic Building Code (CHBC) and Section of the California Health & Human Safety Code. That, of course, means that any restoration done to the home would not be required to comply with the Uniform Building Code. No discussion regarding this issue was included in the EIR. Since the new owner wants to rebuild, I would like to suggest that a land swamp be made by the city council and redevelopment agency. This procedure has been repeatedly used in other cities to solve such issues. This is not mentioned in the ERA. Is the city again trying to just demolish this property? There is also a possibility of redevelopment funds that could be used and funds are also available from organizations such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The trust offers grants to rehabilitate historic structures provided they are used as affordable housing. This has been done by Pasadena Heritage. Again, my opinion is that the city wants this property to be razed and the EIR has been written in such a way that it will definitely happen. I cannot accept the findings of the ERI and I am greatly disappointed in this entire matter. Nancy Rikel

12 Comment #6 March 14, 2007 Bruce Cook (Chavez EIR) Planning Department City of Yorba Linda 4845 Casa Loma Ave. Yorba Linda, CA Dear Mr. Cook, The applicant for the Chavez EIR proposes to demolish the existing, deteriorated, historic Trueblood-Janeway Residence and replace it with a new, larger structure. The Trueblood- Janeway Residence is identified in 1.3 of the EIR as a historical resource and a contributing element to the local historic district of the city. In fact, the location of the house, as well as its position on the property, is just as important a contributing resource as the house itself. Therefore, demolition and/or relocation of this structure would significantly impact the historical Park Place neighborhood and deprive the city of Yorba Linda of yet another piece of history. The house is in poor condition. Local citizens, myself included, have repeatedly addressed the house s deteriorating condition to city officials over the last several years. City officials purportedly contacted the property owner re: the deterioration of the structure, but very little seemed to be done by the property owner to protect and/or preserve the historic structure. In addition, the city did not enforce any codes or cite the property owner for broken windows, an open roof, or even weeds. These conditions are not acceptable anywhere else in the city, especially for such a long periods of time. Therefore, it seems contraindicated to reward a property owner with a desired demolition permit when demolition-by-neglect is the real reason this structure is in such poor condition. Alternative #4 under Title and Project Description is essentially build a new structure somewhere else. This alternative was considered an infeasible one, due to the expense of purchasing a new site. I would suggest this alternative be revisited with the possible solution of a land swap with the city. The city could trade this site for another comparably-sized, cityowned site and the applicant could build on that one. The city would retain the land and the Trueblood-Janeway structure, which could then be preserved and restored, possibly for public use as a museum, much like the city s treasured Susanna Bixby Bryant Ranch house. As a historical resource, current codes do not apply, and the city could certainly take some immediate preservation actions to prevent further deterioration. Yorba Linda city officials have an opportunity and an obligation to protect and preserve this important historic structure. In this case, the city should go the extra step to preserve this structure as the extent of the deterioration is, in part, due to the lack of intervention on the city s part. It is my sincere desire to see this accomplished.

13 Sincerely, Pat Nelson Chicago Ave. Yorba Linda, CA year resident

14 Comment #7 From: Sharon Rehmeyer Sent: Thursday, March 08, :52 PM To: Bruce Cook Subject: Historic Trueblood/Janeway House in Yorba Linda TO: Bruce Cook (Chavez-EIR) Planning Division City of Yorba Linda 4845 Casa Loma Ave. Yorba Linda, CA FROM: Sharon & Ted Rehmeyer 4795 Via De La Roca Yorba Linda, CA (714) DATE: March 8, 2007 RE: Historic Trueblood / Janeway House We understand that the City of Yorba Linda is accepting written comments on the Environmental Impact Report prepared for the Historic Trueblood / Janeway House located behind Polly's Restaurant on Imperial Highway. We would like the City to consider the purchase of this historic home and utilizing the property as a foundation for the establishment of a Yorba Linda Historical Society and Museum. We feel this home could thus be kept intact and serve a creative, useful, educational purpose in Yorba Linda. Thank you for considering our request. Sincerely, Sharon and Ted Rehmeyer

15 Comment #8 From: Steven J Walters [twobitranch@sbcglobal.net] Sent: Wednesday, March 07, :57 PM To: Bruce Cook Subject: demo house Hi, I have to say its a sad day in Yorba Linda when we just keep tearing down our history. These people purchased this home for one reason, to tear it down. They purchased it at very minimal amount and just let it sit and did nothing to take care of it, then they claimed it could no longer be saved. Well that maybe true now, but I have seen worse homes in city's and they have saved them. I think the city should keep this home and tell its history to all that come. This is just my opinion and I don't want to see anymore new homes in that area, as the people on Park St don't either..keep Yorba Linda's history...fix the house up and do what you were suppose to do when the owner purchased it..thank you for your time...

16 Comment #9 From: Susan Barrett Sent: Saturday, March 10, :39 AM To: Bruce Cook Subject: Trueblood/Janeway House Dear Mr. Cook, Regarding the Trueblood/Janeway House, I want to voice my opinion that the property owners should be able to do what they want with their own property (within zoning protocols). If the house is truly of some great historic significance, let an historic society raise the money to purchase it from the owner. Susan Barrett YL resident since 1992

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33 Comment #11 (comment received by fax - begins on following page)

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