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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.1 Union Pacific Railroad GP CITY CLERK File # D[J~@]-~[QJ AGENDA STATEMENT CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: April 1 , 2008 SUBJECT: P A 02-053 General Plan Amendment Study for the 19-Acre Union Pacific Railroad and Alameda County parcels adjacent to the Iron Horse Trail Report prepared by Kristi Bascom, Consulting Planner ATTACHMENTS: 1) 2) RECOMMENDATIO~~ '4 2) 3) FINANCIAL STATEMENT: Proj ect Area Map Transportation Corridor General Plan Amendment Study completed by RBF Consulting Preferred Vision Plan Receive Staff presentation. Receive the General Plan Amendment Study report. Provide Staff with direction on the five General Plan Land Use options presented. None at this time. PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Background In 2002, Trumark Properties submitted a request to the City of Dublin to initiate a General Plan Amendment to consider a residential land use designation on the two subject properties owned by Alameda County and Union Pacific Railroad (See Attachment I). The combined 19-acre properties are undesignated on the City of Dublin General Plan Land Use Map. Therefore, applying any land use designation would require a General Plan Amendment. The properties are identified as "Unclassified" on the City's Zoning Map. The Trumark proposal was not well received by the neighboring community, and Trumark's request was withdrawn before the scheduled City Council meeting. Many residents attended the meeting to voice concerns over a proposal to place a residential land use designation on the properties. As a result of the public comment received, at a subsequent meeting, the City Council authorized the preparation of a General Plan Amendment study to consider ParkslPublic Recreation, Public/Semi Public, or Open Space land use designations only on the property. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COpy TO: Property Owners File ITEM NO.~ Page 1 of 4 G:\PA#\2002\02-053 UP ROW GPA Study\CCSR GPA 4-01-08.DOC C/ In October 2003, the City Council was looking at potential locations for future parks in Dublin in order to correct the City's anticipated 53-acre parkland deficit as detailed in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The Dublin Square Shopping Center and the Alameda CountylUnion Pacific Right of Way sites were determined to be the top two sites to consider. On May 18, 2004, the City Council authorized Staff to proceed with appraisals and environmental work on the two sites and approved a budget change request to fund the studies. Work did not begin immediately on the actual land use/General Plan analysis portion of the study for the Alameda CountylUnion Pacific Right of Way site due to other City Council priorities, but completion of the project was identified as a high priority item on the City Council's Goals and Objectives for Fiscal Year 200612007. In 2006, the City hired RBF Consulting to engage the community in a discussion of possible uses for the Alameda County and Union Pacific properties and create 3 conceptual land use plans that explore a variety of different public-benefit uses (including both active and passive recreational opportunities) on the 19-acre linear site. As part of this community process, the City held two public workshops in October and November 2006 to discuss the community's vision for the project site. More than 60 people attended the two workshops, and sent in written comments. Staff was clear that the only options to be studied were those identified by the City Council, and the community members that attended the workshops were overwhelmingly in support of the site being used for open space and/or passive park-type uses. The full summary of the Community Visioning process, including the Preferred Vision Plan, is included with this staff report for reference (see Attachments 2 and 3). In June 2006 an event happened along this corridor which may also influence land use and acquisition decisions. The high pressure fuel line which runs along the corridor under the Alameda County property developed a leak and spilled into the adjacent soil, a water line trench, storm drain trench and into South San Ramon Creek. There is liability that comes from owning property that has this type of easement and fuel line that should be evaluated as part of the City Council's decision-making. ANALYSIS: Combined together, the properties are 5,900 feet long and 150 feet wide at the widest point - 100 feet of the total width belonging to Union Pacific and 50 feet to Alameda County. Additionally, the properties contain a variety of utilities and, initial biological reports indicate there are sensitive resources on both properties. The following General Plan land use categories (as described below) were studied for the project site: Open Space: Areas dedicated as open space on subdivision maps, slopes greater than 30 percent, stream protection corridors, woodlands, and grazing lands. Parks/Public Recreation: Publicly owned parks and recreation facilities. Public/Semi Public Facilities: A combination land use category of Public Facilities land uses and Semi-Public Facilities land uses. Public Facilities are uses other than parks owned by a public agency or non profit entity that are of sufficient size to warrant differentiation from adjoining uses are labeled. Such uses include public schools, libraries; city office buildings; State, County and other public agency facilities; post offices; fire stations; utilities; and, Civic Center. Semi-Public Facilities uses are quasi-public uses, such as child care centers, youth centers, senior centers, special needs program facilities, religious institutions, clubhouses, community centers, community Page 2 of4 theatres, hospitals, private schools, and other facilities that provide cultural, educational, or other similar services and benefit the community. A Semi-Public Facility may be used for more than one such use. Development of housing on a site designated on the General Plan as Semi-Public Facilities shall be considered consistent with the General Plan when it is developed by a non-profit entity and serves to meet affordable housing needs or the housing needs of an underserved economic segment of the community. Determination as to whether housing should be permitted on a specific Semi-Public Facilities site and the acceptable density and design will be through review of a Planned Development proposal under the Zoning Ordinance. With the current menu of General Plan land use designations, it would be challenging to accommodate the community's desire to have the properties used for limited recreation and/or open space uses. The most appropriate General Plan Land Use Designation would be Open Space. However, given the description of allowable uses in the Open Space Land Use Designation (including slopes greater than 30 percent, stream protection corridors, woodlands, and grazing lands), the subject properties do not fit within the current category. Should the City Council determine that the properties should be designated Open Space, a new category of Open Space would need to be developed in the General Plan. Additionally, it is important to note that if the properties were designated either Open Space or ParkslPublic Recreation, they would likely need to be acquired by the City or a public agency that operates open space. The appraisal conducted in 2004 for the City's Parkland Deficit Study estimated the value of the two properties was several million dollars. Acquisition of the properties would also involve assuming potential liability for future issues that may occur as a result of the location of the high pressure gas line located under the properties. Staff is requesting direction from the City Council to either proceed with a General Plan Amendment for one of the land use designations that were studied, or in the alternative, provide direction to explore other land uses not previously considered as identified below: 1. Accept the General Plan Amendment Study report and the results of the community workshops, and do nothing at this time. 2. Accept the General Plan Amendment Study report and the results of the community workshops, and provide direction to proceed with amending the General Plan land use designation for the two subject properties to a new category of Open Space. 3. Accept the General Plan Amendment Study report and the results of the community workshops, and provide direction to proceed with amending the General Plan land use designation for the two subject properties to Parks/Public Recreation. 4. Accept the General Plan Amendment Study report and the results of the community workshops, and provide direction to proceed with amending the General Plan land use designation for the two subject properties to Public/Semi-Public Facilities. This option would allow for some housing on the site as well as the possibility of governmental or semi- public uses such as houses of worship, or clubhouses. 5. Accept the General Plan Amendment Study report and the results of the community workshops, and provide other direction to Staff. Other direction might include the development of a new general plan designation that would be a type of agriculture designation, but more suited to urban areas. Page 3 of 4 ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW The General Plan Amendment study up to this point has been categorically exempt from CEQA, pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines Section 15306, because this project consisted of data collection and evaluation only. Depending on the direction provided by the City Council, additional environmental review could be conducted to determine the potential environmental impacts of any General Plan land use designation changes prior to any action by the Planning Commission and the City Council. PUBLIC NOTICING: Although this is not a public hearing item, Staff sent notice to all residents and property owners within 500 feet of the project site as well as Alameda County, Union Pacific Railroad, and other interested parties. Notices were sent to nearly 1,000 addresses. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council 1) Receive Staff presentation, 2) Receive the General Plan Amendment Study report, and 3) Provide Staff with direction on the five General Plan land use options presented. Page 4 of 4 cO Q)Q) LL U<( cO~ '-0 cn::J M+-J lJ) ATTACHMENT 1 -i - J-- i~ I -- J - - ll.I. I I I I I - - I I I Ii I I ~j ~ \0\ ::)I 1.. ...p.o' ~, ,'~ o.:n \O\~ ......... E, ~, L, (1)' C ~, " ~..-.' r\'I b .....-. ~ E:; .-aU"~ :;j' "'~. D E (1)' '+"" .,~ ~; r.t ~. [:, \V 0 <(: ~ t' -, .~_ cj E, U' Q1 JJ, V'J' 01., C.......- ~ lJ' ~ ~, r;- (1)' t::: (1)' ~ N ~ Z ~ == U < ~ ~ -< ex:> o o N ';: ~ tiM I L II ...L 1 Table of Contents List of Figures Section 1: Introduction .................................................................................................................1 Figure 1: location Map ................................................................................................................1 Section 2: Existing Conditions....... ........................ ... ................... ............... ...................................2 Figure 2: Existing Conditions. ... ..................................... .................... ................................... ........3 Section 3: Community-Based Planning Process ...........................................................................13 Figure 3: General Plan land Use Designations and Zoning Districts .............................................4 Section 4: Possible Implementation Recommendations................................................................27 Figure 4: Section Drawings ..........................................................................................................5 Appendix A: Biological Reconnaissance Survey Results .............................................................. A-I Figure 5: Potential Wetlands .......................................................................................................7 Figure 6: Infrastructure and Utilities ............................................................................................9 Figure 7: Opportunities and Constraints.................................,...................................................11 Figure 8: Restore Vision Plan......................................................................................................17 Figure 9: Enhance Vision Plan .................................................................................................... 19 Figure 10: Expand Vision Plan ....................................................................................................21 Figure 11: Preferred Vision Plan .................................................................................................25 ~--~. ~~ ~~- ---= ~~~~=- . ~~n I deslQn CO:.~I.T1Na studio .x c a 2i 4: .!! ~ '0 c .2 "E " :5 " '" a a. ~ :c I- ~ t ;;jJjig![ Section 1: Introduction .LI L~ II t... Figure 1: Location Map The Union Pacific Railrood's San Romon Branch Line, stretching from Pleasanton to Pleasont Hill, opened in 1891. Although the Bronch Line wos 0 significant transportation asset for the region, it began ta lase its significance as the automobile grew in popularity. By the 1970s the rail line was a shadow of its former self, ond rail operations along the line ended in 1978. In the summer of 2006, the City Council authorized City Staff and RBF Consulting's Urbon Design Studio to conduct a community-bosed planning process to develop a vision for this segment of the former transportation corridor. The process was used to determine the community's preferred General Plan land use designation(s) for the two properties, and illustrate a conceptual land use plan(s) for future uses. ~ The next several years saw considerable debate about the future of the railroad right.of-way, including a proposal for light rail. Contra Costa County and Alameda County gradually purchased or obtained easements over segments of the right-of-way. Portions of the right-of-way were redeveloped with 0 variety of uses, including the Iron Horse Trail. Today, several segments of the right-of-way remain vacant, including a large segment within the City of Dublin. .,. The project site within Dublin is located just east of the Iron Horse Trail and extends from Alamo Creek to the County line and the City of Dublin/City of San Ramon City limit line (see Figure 1). This project . site covers 19 acres, is approximately 5,900 feet long, and ranges in width from approximately 100 feet to 150 feet. I .~~;.I " .. A substantial public outreach effort was conducted to prepare a community-based vision for the project site (see Sedion 3). local residents developed initial vision concepts at a design workshop in Odaber 2006. R8F Consulting then developed three alternative vision plans based on the concepts and ideas of the local residents (see Sedion 3). Those concepts were presented bock to the community at a design workshop in November 2006. AI this workshop, a preferred vision plan was identified. The community's preferred vision plan involves the restoration of the corridor to a natural state. The projed site could be enhanced with native grasses and trees, expanded and restored wetlands, and a trail connecting Stagecoach Park to the Iron Horse Trail (see Sedion 3). This report summarizes the process and the results of the project. The report is organized into the following sedions: . Section 1: Introdudion . Section 2: Existing Conditions . Sedion 3: Community-Based Planning Process . Section 4: Implementation Recommendations ~--=-:=--=---'~-----==-=----- ---~==-------";'~~~r~ 1 I ~ deslQn ..n",.ul rlNa studfo l ~ l 'I Section 2: Existing Conditions Site Location and Context The former transportation corridor (the project site) consists of a relatively narrow and long strip of land that is immediately east of the Iron Horse Trail between Alamo Creek and the City of Dublin/City of San Ramon City limit line (see Figure 1). Amador Valley Boulevard crosses through the southern segment of the project site. ,. The current zoning district for the site is .unclassified", and the properties do not have General Plan land use designations. The General Plan land use designations and zaning districts for surrounding properties are shown on Figure 3. The project site is located between two established residential neighborhoods. land uses immediately adjacent ta the site include single-family and multi-family homes and Stagecoach Park along the eastern edge of the site, and the Iron Horse Trail and the Zone 7 Drainage Channel along the western edge of the site. Dublin High Schaol and single-family homes are alsa located near the site to west of the Iron Horse Trail and the Zone 7 Drainage Channel (see Figure 2). Alamo Creek defines the southern edge of the property. Vacant property and a storage facility (within the City of San Ramon) are located north of the project site. Site Condition5 The 19-acre project site is approximately 5,900 feet long and ranges in width from approximately 100 feet to 150 feet. The site consists of two parcels. The County of Alameda owns the eastern parcel, and the western parcel is owned by the Union Pacific Railroad. -~l--- Topo';jraphy The project site is relatively Rat when compared to its surroundings. Railing hills are located just east of the site. Single-family and multi-family homes built on the hills overlook the site. Rainwater Rows from the hills, across the project site, and into the Zone 7 Drainage Channel. r r-- Within the project site, there are subtle changes in topography. The site contains a constructed berm that is elevated above the natural grade of the site. The railroad tracks were previously located on the berm. The top of the berm contains gravel and rock deposits. lower depressions are located along both sides of the berm. Figure 4 illustrates five cross section views of the project site. The cross sections show the changing topographic conditions of the site in relationship to the surrounding topography and land uses. ~ -- ~~~-~--~~.""'~---- 2 ~ ... ~ f~iJ!1 IllI w If Figure 2: Existing Conditions ----~---""'----..~-- ----- ~----,,--- . ~~-~-""-..:;,.~, ~~~-~---_..."""".....-- ~. . -------~~--~ ~ ~~,~.~--- ~ urton 3 cn"".Ut-TINO ~~ L t1. Figure 3: General Plan Land Use Designations and Zoning Districts IlII I J L ~~Jffc!??'ll/ll~ ~ffia=\WJfTB3 [[rIIJIIIITl~~ Legend Legend 0 Single Family Residential - Retail I Office 0 Stream Corridor D PO - Medium-Density Residential - Business Park / Industrial IEJ] Parks I Public Reaeation 0 R-l - Med/High-Density Residential - Public I Semi-Public - Open Space 0 R-2 Note: There is no General Plan land use designation for the project site. D R.M I~I C.O _ M-l D Unclassirled 6 -- ...------~.~~-------""...-~~ 4 - ~ t.:M1ielf Figure 4: Section Drawings L III Ajlanmel\lS I 1 1 1 I I ~ '1 ~r... () F... 0plIC 1!11. Projed Ala "oJ ->>1 Power Ule B Apanmenls I I I I I I I ~ '1 1 , ," I'" Fibe< 0plIC I W.... IUle I 1 (0) GasLil10 l!11-ProjoctAla ,( .)00' P~ LiI10 I I I Iron I :) I Hot1e I W_11r"l Uno I I I I I I Ztn17 OraonageChMneI AI ,;J' I~' 1 1 I I 1 1 1 c 1 1 :": 1 ~r... , 1 I ~ '1 no;' o Slng~amIy I _lall I I I ~ 'I ;'I'" E =::'1 I I I ~ '1 Gas Ule lmoo 1!11. ProjoctAr.. :..~ ~r... 1!11 . Projoct Ala () 1!I1.ProjoclAla F... 0plIC :::- F... 0plIC ::) A. I - Lroe cl :::a I I I :) I 1 I W_ I I"', I Ule I I I I I n' n"'5 % -JQT Ztn1 7 Oraonage CM1neI -~ Power LiI10 I I Iron I I :) IHaMI IW-I Trillll I l.ile 1 I I , I % n' -15% Ztn17 Oranage Cl\imeI -lIO' ,:" "oJ 01 ,," E' ,,'" ~ I I I I ,:" ... oJ' ..,. "'15'" -lIO' "oJ' 81 -eq ,,'" ,;" -300' - l.ile W..... lint % %-I~' % -llYJ Ztn17 ~ CI1amoI -lIO' ,.;" ~~-- ~-~---~~~~-- ~~n r.n....uLT"IND s1u 0 Ztn1 7 llralnage CIlannel % "oJ L Vegetation and BiotiC Communities LSA Associotes (LSA) prepared a biological reconnaissance survey of the projed site in Odober of 2006 (see Appendix A). Vegetation on the projed site primarily consists of non-native grasses, including wild oat, Italian ryegross, and ripgut brome. A few small areas also contain creeping wildrye, a native grass. A number of non-native ruderal forbs and several oak and willow trees are scattered throughout the site. Congdon's tarplant, a special-status plant species, could potentially grow on the site but was not identified during the field survey. There are a number of seasonally wet depressions in low-lying areas on both sides of the former' railroad tracks (see Figure 5). These seasonally wet depressions could be classified as jurisdidional wetlands. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is responsible for regulating jurisdidional wetlands. A formal wetlands delineation and permit approvols from the Corps would be required prior to any modifications to these areas. The site provides foraging and nesting habitat for a variety of bird species, including pheasants, wild turkey, hawks, pigeons, hummingbirds, and sparrows. Migratory birds, such as mallards, great blue heron, and green heron, also utilize the projed site and the nearby Zone 7 Drainage Channel. Special status bird species that could nest on the site include the Cooper's Hawk and the white tailed- kite. Burrowing owls could olso nest within squirrel burrows on the site. In addition to birds, the projed site provides hobitat for a variety of wildlife species. These species include frogs and toads, lizards, snakes, squirrels, gophers, mice, rabbits, raccoons, skunk, and deer. Vehicle Access Vehicle access to the projed site is limited to Amador Valley Boulevard. No other public roads provide an opportunity for vehicles to access the site. A lack of access points for emergency vehicles would limit the development potential of the site. This area could be used to access to the back of properties adjacent to the projed site. Pedestrian Access Currently, the projed site is privately owned and pedestrian access through the site is technically prohibited. A chain link fence along Amador Valley Boulevard discourages pedestrian access to the site. However, existing paths along the corridor indicate that pedestrians currently access the site to and from the Iron Horse Trail. Informal access points are located at Stagecoach Park and from the Amador Lakes Apartments located on the eastern edge of the projed site (see Figure 2). If the site were to become a public right-of-way, there would be several opportunities for improved pedestrian access to the site. 1 "111 Potential pedestrian access points could occur at: . Amador Valley Boulevard . Stagecoach Park . Various points along the Iron Horse Trail, including the bridge to Dublin High School . The apartment/condominium complexes along the corridor . The Alamo Creek Trail ~ -=--~-~~--..:~~~~~~_.",,,---- 6 ] ... c Cll ~~ Q '~J a. ~. ~lu; -, ~l Cll ll::::/ :; 4..!! ~ III "0 C .! ... Cll ~ < CD e ~ .. -g ~ II '6' c: ~ g .. ::: ~ E .. 'a ~ C j I l . Infrastructure and Uttl,t,es Within and near the project site, there are a number of overhead and underground utilities (see Figure 4 and Figure 6). An underground petroleum pipeline, extending along the entire length of the site, is located within the project site just west of the eastern boundary of the project site. The line is owned and maintained by Kinder Morgan. Major improvements (buildings) would not likely be feasible above the petroleum pipeline because of safety and access concerns. An underground fiber-optic cable line is located within the center of the project site. The line is owned and maintained by the GST Telecom. Several underground storm drain lines cross the project site and drain into the Zone 7 Drainage Channel, which is located to the west of the project site and the Iron Horse Trail. A number of the single.family properties also have surface storm drainage lines that discharge directly onto the ground surface of the project site. An overhead power line and the Zone 7 Drainage Channel are located just west of the project site, adjacent to the Iron Horse Trail. The surrounding residential neighborhoods are also served by a variety of water lines, storm drain lines, and sewer lines. The water and sewer lines are maintained by the Dublin-San Ramon Services District (DSRSD). The storm drain lines ore maintained by the City of Dublin. The Alameda County Flood Control District maintains the Zone 7 Drainage Channel. IlII -... ------- - ~~-'-'- 8 .. III ~ ... ::J "'Cl I: " III i u :l -= .. " ~, ] ~i~ cu~~ !; ~d ~ ell ~ <( ts CD '0 0.. ~ n U c CD E c: Ql Ql VI E ell Ql W c: ~ ~ CD W ell E CD U :Jl .= .~ ell Qj a. W a. 0 Q; a: co (I) Qj ~ ~ ~ ~ I I Ql c: CD 'e c: c: ~ ~ 0 ... Q; E "C1 CD ~ ?: (; C Ql ii5 G) CJ) m I G) ..I l. L III "111 A. 1 Kev Opportunitie5 and Con5traint5 The key opportunities ond constroints of the site ore illustrated on Figure 7 and ore summarized below: Opportunities . Open space, parks and recreation, and community facilities. . Improved pedestrian connections between the Iran Horse Trail, the Alamo Creek Trail, Stagecoach Park, and various apartments/condominiums along the project site. . Improve natural environment by enhancing and expanding wetlands and planting native grasses, shrubs, and trees. . Passive recreational uses that compliment the Iran Horse Trail (such as exercise stations) Constraints . Vehicle access, which is limited to Amador Valley Boulevard, limits development opportunities . High pressure petroleum line limits development opportunities along eastern edge of the site . Overhead power lines . Narrow corridor limits development opportunities . Existing wetlands limit development potential of the site . Fiber-optic cable line easement . - _.-~~--~-=~~ 10 Yt~iqJ Figure 7: Opportunities and Constraints HII . (" , Potential Link't;, 'Alamo 6eek Trail . Pedrilrian link to Stagecoach Park' ~ \ \ .. \ \ \ \ I/l\ >:::\ ~\ '",,~ ~\ ....... '.:0\ ~ ~... \- .\ \ ~ r' Pedestrian bridge over- '" draina e channel ~ ~ lo.."" ~ r ~lw I':I:C: j <; ~ ::;. ... If' ~ Cl ., ~ ~ ,] n ~ 0.1 1']1 ( }/'-' .:lI 'l .;I 1:1 :a 1 .., r .... c:J)s 6 Vehicle acc:eS$ ~ linkages ~ VI"", to distant hillsides ro c"' ~~ Pedestrian link to Dublin High School 'lI[" 'f .\; ,., & .. Legend Project Area ...... Iron Horse Trail VieWS to distant hillsides Drainage channel ~ Drainage from homes ~ Vegetation ---.. Easement --~.~=----""--~ --.-- ~~--==-=---~~~--1::xJ .--- ----~ .----...-- ~ -~ -- ur n 11 doogn r::n....lH TINR studfO ~ ~ c :c ] ~ '0 ~ .Q "E " ~ " Cl C Q. ~ :;: >- ~ f- 'ifvJiJelJ Section 3: Community-Based Planning Process Desi~n Workshop #1 In October of 2006, community residents, mostly living near the project site, participated in 0 design workshop to create 0 vision for the former railroad corridor. City Stoff and RBF Consulting described the project and various opportunities and constraints related to the project site. A voriety of design exercises were conducted to establish 0 vision for the project site. Exercises included sticky note visioning, a design charrette, and a ranking exercise. Sticky Note V'5,onln<J Exerc'5e Sticky note visioning was the first exercise of this workshop. On sticky notes, each resident was asked to write down the main assets of their community and their visions for the future of the project site. The sticky notes were then clustered on the wall and those with similar ideas or themes were grouped together. The following themes were listed os the main assets of the neighborhood and visions for the future of the corridor: Assets Visions . Natural/Wildlife . Quiet/Privacy . Open Space . Iron Horse Trail . Central Location/Facilities . Views . Community Feel . Landscaping . Natural Open Space . Recreation Improvements . Do Nothing (keep it as it is) 1 I" l -~---... - ~--_.------'---- ~ . --~~-.~._~~~ -........ --. - -------..; ~~- ~- urUJn 13 design cn':.l;ln""o StuolO L 1 r l. L I J De51gn Charrette After the sticky note visioning exercise, 0 design charrene was canduded. The workshop participants were divided into four table groups. Each group was given a base map, tracing paper, pens, markers, and colored poper. The groups were then asked to explore ideas and to develop a conceptual land use plan for the future of the project site. Group 1 . Leave it alone . Add native trees clusters . Natural ponds . Exercise stations near Iron Horse Trail . No more access points to/from Iron Horse Trail Group 2 . Path from Stagecooch Pork to Iron Horse Trail . Restore trestle . Frog ponds . Bird flyway . Drought tolerant/ native plants . No sprinklers Group 3 . Locate major improvements neor Amador Valley Blvd. . Wetlands . Xeroscope park . Formal access to Stagecoach Park . Few Benches . Discourage connections to Iron Horse Trail Group 4 After the concepts were prepared, each table group presented their concept back to the larger group. The following is a summary of the major themes from the four concepts. . Open space . Drought tolerant/ native vegetation . Access to/from apartments, Iron Horse Trail, and Stagecoach Park . Rest stop . Restore train trestle . Children's tile art to display railroad history and wildlife . Olive trees in "Zone 7" triangle ~ . .. ---~.--"'~-------"---"''''''''---''~~ ~:;;...---- 14 ~ f.'il%;OIf -"..._~~\..,.-,.. L Rankin'3 Excrc,c,c After the presentation of the concepts, the residents participated in a ranking exercise. Each individual was given five sticky dots to place on the portians of the concept plans that he/she liked or preferred the most. For example, if a resident really liked the idea of restoring the train trestle, he/she would place a dot next ta the restored train trestle as drawn or labeled in ane of the concept plans. Below is a summary of the majar ideas or themes that were supported by the ranking exercise: . Frog ponds, natural ponds . Restore train trestle . Wetlands, open space . Drought talerant/native plants . Rest stop . Children's tile art to display railroad history and wildlife . Formal access to Stagecoach Park .'J . .',',\~ , ~ , I -1 .J:I Written Comment Forms In addition to the workshop, comment forms were mailed to all property awners within 500 feet of the project site. These farms asked recipients to write down their concerns and ideas related to the project and submit them ta the City. Over 25 comment cards and emails were submitted to the City. The major themes or ideas presented on the comment forms include: Appropriate Uses Inappropriate Uses . Notural Open Space . Tall Buildings . Exercise Stations . Apartments . Vegetation . Churches . Picnic Facilities . Skate Park . Benches . After-Hours Activities . Bathrooms . Traffic Generating Activities . Frisbee Golf . Sport Court . Dog Run East Bav Retlional ParKs Input City Staff invited the East Bay Regional Parks District (EBRPD) to participate in the process. Jamie Perkins, Senior Planner, represented the EBRPD at the first Design Workshop and gave a brief presentation on the Iron Horse Trail and trail facilities. Following the workshop, the EBRPD provided odditional input to the City after visiting the project site. The EBRPD encouraged the following: . The creation of a formalized trail connection between Stagecoach Park and the Iron Horse Trail (to be maintained by the City). . The preservation of the project site as natural open space. . Minimizing the amount of pedestrian amenities (benches, seating orea, picnic tables) to minimize maintenance costs. . Minimizing dense landscaping to maximize visibility along the corridor and to prevent opportunities for inappropriate activity. ~-'"""'--~~ ~- . ~ ~~----- 15 .x::IlI= urtxln I~ design cn":.l~LTIND S1uOIO Conceptual Vision Plan Development Following the lirst design workshop, RBF Consulting's Urban Design Studio prepared three Vision Plans that incorporated the ideas and themes generated at the workshop and from the written comment forms. These Vision Plans incorporated comments ond feedback provided from Design Workshop # 1 and focused on the concepts of Restore, Enhonce, ond Expond. The Vision Plans ore described below and illustrated on Figures 8 through 10. R.estore VISiOn The Restore Vision involves the restoration of the project site to a natural selling. This vision would require some grading to remove the gravel covered railroad berm (as well as other lilled areas) and to replace it with soil that can support new grasses, shrubs, ond trees. The existing wetlands would be expanded and enhanced with new vegetotion to provide habitat for wildlife, including frogs and migratory birds. The seasonal wetlands would be filled with rainwater and off-site stormwoter runoff. They would not be irrigated by sprinklers or artificially lilled with water. In some areas, the existing wetlands would be merged to create a large wetland. In these cases, some grading changes wauld need to occur to connect the wetlands from a hydrologic standpoint. Native grasses, shrubs, and trees would be planted throughout the site to create a natural open space setting. No formal pedestrian access paints would be provided to or through the site under this vision because the intent is to have a relatively natural and undisturbed open space setting. Under this vision, the General Plan land use designation could be Open Space. Figure 8 illustrates the Restore Vision in plan view. Restore Vision Themes . Restore site to natural state with no recreation improvements . Enhance and expand existing wetlands . Grade existing railroad berm and replant with native vegetation . Incorporate native vegetation with a focus on supporting wildlife Ll 'I Existing view of gravel railroad berm I I Potential future view I berm Is removed and replaced with nat ve grass ~ - - --~-~ ,.:,.....~ 16 - c ., c: c Cl OJ ;> 01 .. Cl .... .. ,~l ~ ~~!QO '" I 01 ~, ~ 4.41 ~ '5 .- ~ 7' ~ ~\ '>-:::-~ <( --\ I .\ \S' <( ~'7 ~ o 1I \ \ AJ L J I'll Enhance Vi5ion ~ The Enhance Vision would involve minor improvements to enhance the project site beyond the Restore Vision. Under this vision, a segment of the existing railroad berm would be converted to a formal walking path. Access to this path would be provided from two points olong the Iron Horse Trail; namely, Stagecoach Park and Amador Valley Boulevard. The existing train trestle would also be restored as a pedestrian bridge along the new walking path. The existing wetlands wauld be expanded and/or enhanced with new vegetation to provide hobitat for wildlife. The seasonal wetlands would be filled with rainwater and off-site stormwater runoff. They would not be irrigated by sprinklers or artificially filled with water. Native grasses, shrubs, and trees would be planted throughout the site to create a natural open space setting. I -Segment of the Enh ~ V---u. ".;. i~"':::: -.... - - "...;t,!_~ ~ ~-. ~;;::;- ---- t:;; . L ';J...,;; - -...--- -w.=.:: .";, . .~ '. - l:~...-4.~~:::".":' '" -- ~- -~ t " . :..~, ._..... ~:M- T. j;.I~ ~w ...........::-..........." .....- .;;,;;;:' - 1P"1J"""1Jri. ... ~l -;;;;:-: ' ~ . ~ ::""1 ~ ~~..::.,~ -.' - '~;J:' r'...;~~~... ,~..... ~~~ ~""-.u"- - ~- =_""~ ~ ____ _..... - -;;;;:. -==~_u::- _......;, ". 1 n~VI'lnnl Under this vision, the General Plan land use designation could be Open Space. Figure 9 illustrates the Enhance Vision in plan view. Enhance Vision Themes . Enhance natural features with no recreation improvements . Convert a segment of existing railroad berm ta formal pedestrian path . Expand and enhance existing wetlands . Plant native vegetation throughout the project site Exlstl~g Railroad tJstle: to be resLred as a pedLtrlan bridge Lr the new trail ~~ ~-~--~----~~---- 18 = '" ii: = Cl ;; :> c>> u = '" ~. 'ii .,..,' 1/.1 ~~i" -" :::,;.1 ~ ~! li Ll.1, ~ u. <5 .- \S' .- 7 ~ ~. I....,) .9., ~ <( ~' ~ <X: .,.~\. ~ \D,\ >- ~ ~ " ~l \ 1. L L II ~1 . Enhance natural amenities while providing for expanded recreational and interpretive amenities . Convert existing railroad berm to 0 formal pedestrian path . Restore existing train trestle as a bridge along the pedestrian path . Create new connection trail between railroad berm and the Iron Horse Trail . Provide interpretive plaques and informational displays along pedestrian path . Incorporate tile artwork embedded within pedestrian path . Install exercise stations along the pedestrian path . Construct a playground, community garden, and passive playing field south of Amador Valley Boulevard ----, I I Chlldren's tile art along a trail Expand Vision The Expand Vision would involve more extensive changes to the project site. Under this Vision, the existing railroad berm would be converted to a formal pedestrian path. Access to this path would be provided from three paints along the Iron Horse Trail; namely Stagecoach Park, Amador Valley Boulevard, and the Alamo Creek Trail. The existing train trestle would also be restored as a pedestrian bridge along the path. Interpretive plaques and informational display stands would be provided along the trail to educate people about the natural environment and the railroad history of the site. Tile artwork prepared by local school children would also be embedded within the path. Recreational uses would be located along the path, including exercise stations, benches and rest areas, a small tot.lot or playground, a grass field for informal recreation, and a community garden. Under this vision, the existing wetlands would be expanded and/or enhanced with new vegetation to provide habitat for wildlife, including frogs and migratory birds. The seasonal wetlands would be filled with rainwater and off-site stormwater runoff. They would not be irrigated by sprinklers or artificially filled with water. Native grasses, shrubs, and trees would be planted throughout the site to create a natural open space selling. Under this vision, the General Plan land use designation could be Open Space (north of Amador Volley Boulevard) and Parks and Public Recreation (south of Amador Valley Boulevard). This may require the property to be split into two parcels. Figure 10 illustrates the Expand Vision in plan view. f-. .-.-1 Exerflse station along a trail Expand Vision Themes ""=~ -~--- ~~~~~~-~~..........::-~~ 20 I I i I I I I c '" Ci:: C Q -; :> "Cl c '" I:l. ~l &! ~;~ C()~! Ql !i;:;:i !; Ll..H ~ 6 ,.;..-- \S"- .- 7' ~\ --\S .~\ s:;" <( .' ~' >>~ <( ~\ ~ ~\~ - ~ \ ~J \ L De5icm WorK5hop #2 A second workshop was held in November of 2006 to present the three Vision Plans and to develop a preferred plan. This workshop included a presentation of the Vision Plans, a comfort exercise, and 0 table group exercise that included group presentations. Comfort Exercise After the three Vision Plans were presented, 0 comfort exercise was conducted. Each resident was asked to place a sticky dot on a comfort scale (ranging from "very uncomfortable" to "very comfortable") to gauge the group's collective level of comfort with each concept. ~,JI ~.. How Comfortable are 4C\.1 with thl~ Vision Concept? Verll c..nt~ Vtm! Lh:anfm..u.. Cw,f ort..bI.. . . . .-- I.h:anf~ N=tral o~ ,-1 (1 () "f"""~Z . .."",' .. ~.' "''to ~"J~ . ....~ ~ Table Group Exercise After the comfort exercise, residents were divided into three table groups (each representing one of the Vision Plans). Each group was asked to determine what they liked and disliked about their favorite Vision Plan. A representative from each group then made 0 presentalion summarizing the collective ideas of the table group. Between each presentation and after 011 of the presentations, large group discussions were held to gain consensus on several key points and to develop 0 concept that was generally preferred by the collective group. TJ L 11' II Freferred V,s,on By the end Of the night, there was general agreement that 0 preferred vision for the corridor would include the following components: . Maintain the site os natural open space. . Enhance the natural environment with native, drought tolerant grasses, shrubs, and trees. . . . . Expand and enhance the existing wetlands. Create a trail connection between Stagecoach Pork and the Iron Horse Trail. Preserve the existing train trestle. Provide 0 railroad history and wildlife interpretive area (information stands, plaques, and signage) near the existing railroad trestle. Discourage pedestrian access from Amador Volley Rood. Replace the existing chain. link fence along Amador Volley Rood with 0 decorative fence or wall. Remove the existing gravel railroad berm and replace with 0 natural grade and native vegetation. . . ~ -~~- 22 YL~iQ!1 Preferred Vi5ion Plan Development During the second Design Workshop, the group developed a preferred vision for the corridor. The Preferred Vision involves the restoration of the project site to 0 naturol state. This vision would require some grading to remove the gravel railroad berm (as well as other filled areas) and to replace it with sail that can support new grasses, shrubs, and trees. The existing wetlands would be exponded and enhanced with new native vegetation to provide habitat for wildlife. In some areas, the existing wetlands would be merged to create a large wetland. In these cases, same grading changes would need to occur to connect the wetlands. The seasonal wetlands would be filled with rainwater and off-site stormwater runoff. They would not be irrigated by sprinklers or artificially filled with water. Native grasses, shrubs, and trees would be planted throughout the site to create a natural open spoce setting. A formal pedestrian trail would be established between Stagecoach Park and the Iron Horse Trail. The trail would be constructed of decomposed granite, or other appropriote permeable material, and would be ADA accessible. An interpretive area would be provided along the trail near the existing train trestle, which would be preserved in its existing condition. The interpretive area would have plaques and displays providing informotion about the site's history as a rail corridor ond the natural biological resources on the site. Pedestrian access to the trestle would not be allowed. Basic signage would be provided around sensitive habitat areas to discourage people and dogs from entering those areas. A decorative wall or fence would also be provided on both sides of Amador Valley Boulevard to discouroge pedestrians from walking on the natural habitat of the site and to encourage people to use the Iron Horse trail. Under this vision, the General Plan land use designation could be Open Space. Figure 11 illustrates the Preferred Vision in plan view. Preferred Vision Themes . Expand and enhance existing wetlands . Plant native vegetation . Establish formal pedestrian trail between Stagecoach Park and the Iron Horse Trail . Incorporate interpretive and informal signage . Preserve existing train trestle . Provide decorative fencing along Amador Valley Boulevard J 1 ~ l -1-- -- - H--- t FO,rmal pedes tria trail connecting Stagecoach Park and the Iron Hbrse Trail I I , .' - ..-..,. -- -., ';-- .-.".... ..,..~~ t'\... .,. .~~~ -'" -. -.....---... ,,~ - ~ Zortr 1 Or ,)lfl"9(.' CIl,l,lt'wl . , '. .... '~~ Potential future view If gravel berm Is removed and replaced with native-- . I . grass I I u ~~ -~.. ------ - ~-~ u I~~ cnN.UI TINa sfudfo --+ --- Exlstl~g view of gravel railroad berm = '" is: = o Wi ;> ." .. t: .! .. ~t It '~l .. ~' ~li:: " ~. .. ~l II Ll...li ~ ~ .- o .- 7' ~ ~ \'>- ~, 't;) <( ~\ u-- ~ w'?o ~ ~'>- s:>-- ~ ~l \ \ -'" c o :;; ] ~ c c .2 C ~ ~ ~ Ol o a. :.c >- ~ t ;;;}i.!efJ Section 4: Possible Implementation Recommendations HI Should the City Council decide to move forward with implementation of the preferred Vision Plan (or 0 variation thereo~, the Council and City Stoff could consider any number of the following measures to implement the Preferred Vision: Grant Fundina Opportunities: The City could pursue grant funding to plan and construd the proposed improvements. Below is 0 list of potential grants that the City should research to determine if they would apply to the proposed projed. . Acquire the projed site from Alameda County and the Union Pacific Railroad. . Amend the General Plan to designate the projed site os Open Space and/or Parks and Public Recreation. . Update the City of Dublin Parks and Recreation Moster Plan and the City's Capitol Improvement Program to include the proposed projed. . Consider using the site os 0 mitigation area. Development projeds within the City and/or County often pay mitigation fees to mitigate impads to biological resources. The fees ore then used to create or restore biological habitats within offsite mitigation area. The projed site could be designated os 0 mitigation area and impad fees could be used to help restore the wetlands and native grasslands on the site. . Consider using the enhanced and expanded wetlands os storm water retention facilities and notural biofilters. Currently, the neighborhood to the east of the projed site drains into the City's storm drain system, flows into underground pipes across the projed site, and enters the Zone 7 Drainage Channel. A portion of the stormwater could be discharged into the expanded and enhanced wetlands prior to being discharged into the Zone 7 Drainage Channel. This would serve multiple purposes. First, it would provide more water for the seasonal wetlands and the natural wildlife. Second, it would fundion os 0 retention basin for the Zone 7 Drainage Channel. Third, it would allow the stormwater to be naturally treated prior to entering the Zone 7 Drainage Channel. Stormwater runoff typically has 0 variety of sediments and pollutants. Wetlands con serve os bio filters that naturally reduce the amount of sediments and pollutants in the starmwater. This filtering process could help imprave the quality of water entering the Zone 7 Drainage Channel. . Prepare a master plan and final landscape plan far the propased impravements. This would likely require the services af a habitat restoration biolagist (with experience in wetland restoratian), a landscape archited, and civil engineer. .. California State Parks Non-Motorized Trails Grant Praaram: This campetitive grant program funds the development, improvement, rehabilitation, restoration, and enhancement of non-motorized trails and associated interpretive facilities for the purpose of increasing public access to, and eniC?yment of, public areas for increased recreational opportunities. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, eligible distrids, and eligible local agencies formed for park purposes, and federally recognized California Indian tribes. . California State Parks Recreational Trails Proaram: The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides funds annually for recreational trails and trails-related projeds. The RTP is administered at the federal level by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). lt is administered at the state level by the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). Non-motorized projeds are administered by the Department's Office of Grants and Local Services and motorized projeds are administered by the Department's Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division. The maximum amount of RTP funds allowed for each projed is 88% of the total projed cost. The applicant is responsible for obtaining a match amount that is at least 1 2% of the total projed cost. . California State Parks Habitat Conservation Fund IHCFl: The program provides funds to local governments under the California Wildlife Protedion Ad of 1990. Cities, counties and distrids are eligible to apply. The following categories will be funded during the upcoming grant cycle. 1. Deer/Mountain Lion Habitat 2. Rare, Threatened, Endangered, or Fully Proteded Species Habitot 3. Wetland Habitat 4. Riparian Habitat Funding for the abave categaries will be apprapriated in the 2007/08 FY budget. . Five Star Restoratian Matchina Grants Proaram: The Five-Star Restaration Program provides modest financial assistance on a competitive basis to support community-based wetland, riparian, and coastal habitat restoration projeds that build diverse partnerships and foster local natural resource stewardship thraugh educatian, outreach and training adivities. The grant is administered by the Natianal Associatian of Counties, in callaboration with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the Wildlife Habitat Council, and the U.S. Environmental Protedion Agency. ~~ . ~ -=-:-......-------~-- ~ ~~~~~~~ - ~;..--- ~ urton 27 I~ d~n r.nN.Ul,..H"U:1 stu 10 L tII L I I . North American Wetlands Conservation Act Small Grants: The purpose of the 1989 North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA), as amended, is to promote long-term conservation of North American wetland ecosystems, and the waterfowl and other migrotory birds, fish and wildlife that depend upon such habitat. Principal conservation actions supported by NAWCA are acquisition, establishment, enhancement and restoration of wetlands and wetland-associated uplands. The North American Wetlands Conservation Council (Council) has created a Small Grants program to promote long.term wetlands conservation activities through encouraging participation by new grantees and partners who otherwise may not be able to compete in the Standard Grants program. Also, the Council believes that a Small Grants program can be important in developing a pool of new portners/grantees who eventually might participate in the Standard Grants program. . Environmental Protection Aaencv Reaional and National Wetland Proaram Develooment Grants: The objectives of this grant program are to assist state, tribal, local government agencies, ond interstate/intertribal entities build capacity to protect, manage, and restore wetlands. These grants are intended to encouroge comprehensive wetlands program development by promoting the coordination and acceleration of research, investigations, experiments, training, demonstrations, surveys, and studies relating to the causes, effeds, eldent, prevention, reduction, and elimination of water pollution. Projects build the capacity of states, tribes, and local governments to effectively protect wetland and riparian resources. Projects funded under this program support the initial development of a wetlands protection, restoration, or management program or support enhancement/refinement of an existing program. . Fish and Wildlife Service/Deoartment of the Interior North American Wetlands Conservation Fund: Funds may be used to acquire real property interest in lands or waters, including woter rights. Funds may also be used to restore, manage, ond/or enhance wetland ecosystems and other habitat for migratory birds and other fish and wildlife. Projects must provide long-term conservation for wetlands-associated migratory birds and ather wetlands-associated wildlife. . Fish and Wildlife Service/Deportment of the Interior Partners for Fish and Wildlife: Provides technical and financial assistance to private landowners and Native American Tribes interested in voluntarily restoring or otherwise improving native habitats for fish and wildlife on their lands. Under the grant provisions, private landowners are defined to include individuals, local governments, non-government organizations, and Native American Tribes. Program gool is to achieve a 50 percent cost share on projects with matching funds and in-kind contributions provided by the landowners and other partners. . Environmental Protection Aaencv Wetland Proaram Grants - StatefTribal Environmental Outcome Wetland Demonstration Proaram: The objective of this grant is to assist state and tribal government agencies that want to protect, manage, and restore wetlands. The grant is for demonstration projects that are proposed to demonstrate the eldent to which the implementation of wetland programs (both regulatory and nonregulatory) resulted in positive environmental outcomes, in particular no net loss, net gain, and protection of vulneroble wetlands. The work plans contained at a minimum three basic elements: establishment of baseline data, implementation of wetland programs, and documentation of the environmental outcomes of the implementation of the wetland programs. L III "Ill h L . . Deoartment of Aariculture Wildlife Habitat Incentive Proaram: This program was created to develop upland wildlife hobitat, wetland wildlife habitat, threatened and endangered species habitat, fish habitat and other types of wildlife habitat. Technical assistance is provided to develop a Wildlife Habitat Development Plan for eligible participants. Cost- share payments may be made to implement wildlife habitat practices. . Fish and Wildlife Service/Deoartment of the Interior Miaratorv Bird Joint Ventures: Joint Ventures are public/private partnerships that are guided by a Management Board of public/private representatives and use a Management Boord approved Implementation Plan that establishes Joint Venture priorities. The Implementation Plan typically includes stepped down goals and objectives from a variety of national and international bird planning efforts. A Joint Venture Coordinator facilitates the coordination and implementation of the Joint Venture. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides basic administrative funding to Joint Ventures to cover costs associated with coordination; planning; monitoring, evaluation and applied research; communications and outreach; and project development and implementation. Applicants must participate or intend to participate in strategic conservation planning, implementation and evaluation activities designed to meet Joint Venture objectives as identified in an approved Implementation Plan and all related plans. . California State Parks Statewide Trails Office Trails Grant Fundina Proiects: Grant projects range from trail repoirs to full trail reconstruction, and include improving ADA accessibility compliance, natural habitat protection, and erosion control, as well as increasing usefulness to park and recreation users. . California Deoortment of T ransoortation Safe Routes to Schools Proaram: This new federal funding program is intended to imprave conditions for children in kindergarten through eighth grade, to safely wolk and bicycle to school. Physical improvements must be located within.a two-mile radius of a school. Applications that have the best chance of being selected for funding are those that are developed with community participation and incorporate key elements referred to as the five E's -education, encouragement, engineering, enforcement and evaluation. Some expected outcomes include: increased bicycle, pedestrian, and traffic safety around schools; more children walking and bicycling to and from schools; decreased traffic congestion around schools; reduced childhood obesity; improved air quality, community safety and security, cammunity involvement; and improved partnerships among schools, local ogencies, parents, community groups, nan- profit organizations. . California State Parks Office of Grants & local Services land and Water Conservation Fund: The land and Water Conservation Fund program provides funds to federal agencies, and to the 50 states and 6 territories. The money allocated to the states may be used for statewide planning, and for acquiring and developing outdoor recreation areos and facilities. Eligible projects include acquisition or development of outdoor recreation areas and facilities, with a priority on development projects that include trails, campgrounds, picnic areas, natural areas and cultural areas for recreational use. ~'="""" ~~~..._ .,.,...-______~~-.a-_........~,..-"-~~~~-- ...._~ 28~~-""- ~ t;;f;Jjjq!! l!II HI! lJ . Office of the Secretary Resources Aoenev Environmental Enhoncement ond Mitiaotion Proorom: The Environmentol Enhancement and Mitigation Program (EEMP) was established by the Legislature in 1989. It offers a total of $10 million each year for grants to local, state, and federal governmental agencies and to nonprofit organizations for projects to mitigate the environmental impacts caused by new or modified state transportation facilities. State gasoline tax monies fund the EEMP. Grants are awarded in three categories: Highway Landscape and Urban Forestry (Projects designed improve air quality through the planting of trees and other suitable plants); Resource Lands (Projects for the acquisition, restoration, or enhancement of watersheds, wildlife habitat, wetlands, forests, or other natural areas); and Roadside Recreational (Projects for the acquisition and/or development 01 roadside recreational opportunities.) Additional inlarmation about these grants, as well as other potential grants, may be laund at: huo:/ /www.arants.aov/ ~~ ---~~~ 29~ ~--~ cnN.'h rl""n siu 10 -'" c 0 ::c .t .!! ~ I 0 c .Q i: , ~ .5 ~ 0> 0 0- ~ I :E .... I ~ t~Q'1 J L IlII ~l Appendix A: Biological Reconnaissance Survey Results ~.~---~~-----==-~--~~- A-I I~ ~ban CON.ULTI....Q €SI~n L . 11 III L 1 L S ^ I L.&....OC:Uf."IIU:. ....U.. ",,......,..... f1t.lh.III.UL " ..,......, ~.",..".. ,..., 'It.lIl. .,.. ,., ~ 16.2006 Icctuce (Laclllca serrinla)..nd mumro (Bl"IJ.SJka sp.). Sevnallincar dcpreuions 01 &he base ofthc \/l;'tsl-facins: embankment. which appan to Jcr\'C as I drainage ditch. iUpport plant apcxic:a typical of scasoru.lI)' wet or molS.t soils. ^ similar but brscr depression is present on lhe eutcm side oCme ~il103d grade approximalely 765 r", nor1h or Amador Valley Dook:vud Speci"" observed lP"owing in or around lhc&e dcprcWOClS inc:1Ydc cocklebur (Xa",hiu", 'P'), C'urIy doclt (RUMU CrisPUl). salq;rau (Durit:Mis sp/cola1 rat hen (AlripI<r l,u,ogr.lariJ). nutKdge (C)1"'nu Mlgroslu1 and ~ pricklcgnw (Crypsu 6choenolJes). In addition, malted v.:,clation and dry, erack.c:d $Oils were . ~ in man)' of the depressions. indicatinl the prncnce of standinK wafer during the rainy season. Ms.~ciB3SoCOm CoovnunilY Dc:,elopmenl Oc:panmenl City or Dublin 100 Chic Plua l>Ubhn. CA 94'61 Subject: Result. of Biological Rcwnnainancc Sun-ey Union PacificlAWneda County Parcels., Dublin ^ SlJ);l1l s~d of Youody riparian "q;ctallon dominated by lllUyu willow (Satu lusiolcpu) and IiU1dbar willow (So Cl"iA,ow) is praent on the WMmllide of the railroad grade approximately 100 feet north of Amador Valley Boulcwrd. A (ew immature valley oak.!. (Quercus lobala) and coast b\"c oaks fQ. .~-rlfolia) grow along Ib< lop orlb< grade adj..ml '" Ib< willow sW>d. S<ve<>l ""ks and willow>... also ptesen\ on Ib< =em ,ide .flb< !P">de nor1h .rthe lalJer....d .rriparian w'oodland. A fow anall tren and dvubs of various nati~e and non-nativc species grow alongthC' wcotcm Jitc: boundary at the southern tnd ofthc site near Alamo Creek. Spccil:l observed in \hi. un include walnut (Jug/ans 'P.), co)'UtC bnnh (Bacdu,u pJu/a,u). acacia (Acacia sp.). imd coast live oak. The Count)'- owned portion oftbC' site: consists of. dirt nWntc:rwJCe road thai isl1'JOii1Jy dc\vid 0( vqctation.. Oc:ur Kristi: LS^ Msociatu. In(:. (LSA) has complC1td a biok>pal n:connalssanc:c survey of the abovc-rtfc:n::n<<d mpproximately 19 am projett sile in Dublin. The purpose afme curvey was 10 asseu the biol~Cl.I fCsource& preKI1l un the site and identify potential ~ints to future dcvclopmcnL Spccifically, the wO'cy foc;used 00 a5SeSSina the pokniW presence of spccial-status plant :mdIor animal5pc:c'in. md whether any wct1ands subjc:c1. to Unit,,"d States (U.S.) Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) jurisdJction arc PfCiClll. For the purposei ohhis report. \he project ute is defined as the approximately l.utilc<>loog Uni"" Pacific (UP) rormer railroad right-or-way and the adj<l<<lll Alameda County (Coonly) 1"_ to thcca.\I. METHODS Wildlife. MOIit ofthc animals observed durin, the <>aobcr 3 survey..ue birds, with the follOTting specie. observed WIthin 0It flying OWl' lhe sitel: rin,-neeked pheasant.lurkcy wllure. Cooper'. hawk. American ke'ln:~ rock pi....... """,",ing doVl:. Anno', hummingbinl. belted kingfasher, black phoebe, western saub-jay, Amcric:m crow. northern mockJnehird. common )'l:llo..1hm:al, lincoln's IpUTOw. whltc<rowncd 'puTOw. goIden<rowned 'pano'N. red-winged blackbird, and house finch. Most of lhesc: 'pecies... genmhslJlhat haVl: adapted '" utb:in Iandsapes. The ne:uby Sooth San Ramon Creek, ...hich pMallcls the wcskm .ile boundary, provides fonSinS and ~tin& habital ror tommOf1 waterbirduuch .. mallud, grea. blue heron, great egr<!, and gr<<n hc:mn. all or which were llbser-..d in the aeek on October 3. The wilJOWl and oaks provide foraiIDl and stopover habital for mipa10ry songbilds 50Ch as PaciOc-slop< nycal<her. warbling vin:o. yellow.rumped warbler. and lazuli bunting. The dense IP"U' and ruderal h<."fbocwu. cover or Ib< abandoned r.;lrood riglll-of-way provkko thermal and prolcctiw cover for a wriety ofnati,.c rcptile:s and amphibians. When wet. the drainoJ..'" ditch alung the wntnn .ide oflhc grade could provide breeding habitat for Pacific uccfrog (P.ftldtJCtV ngilllJ). Although wC$lcm fmu liz.;ud (Scelopanu ocdJ~."tali.s) wu the: only s:pccicl obien'Cd during the liUIVC)', lUil4tb1e habital is prcw:nl (ur sc:vera) Ulhcr ..pa.~cs lhat typically 0C(:Ul in or aJjaccnt to rnidcntw naghborhood1, luch as wCltan load (Bufu borras) southern IlbptOJ IiDrd (Elgurl4 Ifful,icarinUIU-f), and gopher snake (PihwpM.I CG'~'ift7'). }Jrior 10 c:ODJJucUnK field work, we 5Cllrchro the California Natunl OlVersh)' Oaubase (CNDDH) fur m:urds of Ipeciil.o$llIuSlpccica in the: VICinity of the lite (I.e:., Dublin USGS 7 .~-minu1c q~&Ie). 1..sA bioloKi..t Man Ri~kc:1l6 ~U\.1~ a field '\ll'VCy un Oclubcr 3.2006 to aNCloS ~uncnt habitat oonditioos and enlualc the site:'s poICntWl to IUppor1. Spocial-SlalUi plant and/or animalspa::ic:s. Although Mr. RJckc1.tl wu not authorized to access the UP portion of the Ate: (former nailrotM! ri&ht~f- way), he waf able 10 view Iho iU'" wtuIc Willk.ing ,IonK the bvn none Trail ,ad Cowuy maimenancc road on e1thcr ,ide or the ria,:ht-of-way. OIb.crnliom; of plant and ammal5pCCie$ ...-ere ttCOfdtd in faeldnol~. RESUI.TS Sc=lII.Id, inactiVl: California gn>und squ;".1 (SpennopirilUl bH<h,>'r) burrows were obJcrved throughoullhc grassland. The grasNand also lik.c:ly IUppotU oIhc:r small rtliU1UJ1;)ls s.uch a$ Cahfornia vole (Ali~rolUS ca/iftlnlica). BoIta's pocket ~ (71romumy.s bOlloe), wesJ.cm h3n'est mouse (ReuhroJOftlomys Itl~QIOli.s), and house mouse (MILl mwculus). A singte (Oll: squirrel (Sciunu ffig~) was Ken in the treel allhe soutbmJ end oflhe site. Other m:unmal speciel that mayocc:asionally Existing Conditions V~d.Uoa. The VI- portion of the .ale i:i an aNn..JonaJ nlilroad sradc tupped ,,"'ith crushed gravel and cobble. Both cmbankmcnIJ ofthe &f3dc arc etneed in non-natm: XflIi>>lmd dominated by wild 001 ("'wnafulua), Italian l)TgTaS5 (Lo/ium ",u/llj1,,,,,m). and ripgut bromc: (8,u",...,. JiallJt1l-"). Cr<<pinl' wddrye (Lc).,,,",, Irt/icoid,'s).. native gr.ua, 'WaJ obtcn-a!, STOWIng in smUl amounts. Non-native ruw."fal (orbs: growing lhroughout lhe ~ include: bristly ox-tongue: (Pit:,u <<hioide6). prickly RECEIVED OCT 1 7 2lXlI I ~ntinc namel for bird lpeete. ani ..,. p'l.J\'idcd in tho \cIllot &inl:e conwnoa namn arc ltandaldiud in tbc Americ_ Omithulogau' tJaioa O<<!./tJ' of Non /a AtIIt'rlCflll Binb {AOU 199.}. . 1~1~{r.aMJ1>>T,,,,,,-(~"""'1 I 1.1..\....'O.Jl17,.,.~('I:mb'8dpl.4gr1 DUBUNPLANIllHG ~--~~-'~~'----- A.2 f.figOI1 J Lh... ... 1- II' L rI" ~ OC4.'UJ' un Sllc mdude bbd.....ikd jackrabbil (Lc:~ culifonlk~). 0ll.'COOI1 (PTUC)'On IUlur). striped d.unk (Mcplliw mcphitu). and blackAaikd deer (Odocotlew ht'miorllU). tailed kites have been observed .IonS Amador Vallcy Houlcvanl immahalely east oflhc .ite (LSA obs.). The grnss,land \\ithin the f2ilrood right..()f~W3Y plo\'idcs mar&inal foraginK habitat for lhis Sp<<1C5, whidl is ~ likely to forage over larger ex~ of gt'"oIiSland $uc:h as thot.e at lhc neacby Dougherty Ifilk Park. Nevenheless. whitlHailed kite, h:ave nnJc:ralc potential to oa::uron the site. Burrowine owls are known to ()(:Cur in the DublinlSan IUmon atea. with ~ records occuninl east or Doughcny Road (o.'ODB 2006, LSA obs.~ Although a rew Califamio ground "lu,rrc. burrows or sulflCiml size: {Of bUITUWing owls (i.e., with cntrancn ifOlU than 4 inches in dWncter) ,,"'m: found sc..tkTC'd. throusbout the ~ and al008 the Count)' maintcnanu road.lhe majority oftbese. bwrowl "'(fC Ql)vm:d by dc:nsc vcgcU1ion And appeared IOfncwhat dcaradcd No cwidc:ncc of ~upation by burrowina o.....ls (i.e., pclku. whitn.'IISh. teathen:) wu found.l ally oflhc burrow cnuanccs. Gh'tO the deruc 'I-ea,cution O\ol:( much ofthc site and the dC'~ conditiOll of eJ.imnB, blmOWs. thc:rc is low polC:l11ia1 for bwto'Aing owb to occur on site. Sp<<I.I....atu. SpC'l'Jn Planl.. Twu lJ.PC":ial....lalu.i plOUlt sptl.-1CS havo been re.;o.~ in the ~mcr.al vi,inity ufthc: ..Ie: Diablo heli.:snthclb. (l/eUiUl/h..'f1/J M.llanca) and Conedon's tllrplanl (C~ItII'(J"'aJia parry/ssp. colts:Joltm (CNDDB 2006). Diablo hcli:anlhella is no! ex.p<<tcd 10 occur on thcllilc due to the abkncc or chap:ura1 and oak woodland habiw. Congdon's tarplant is mo'Ml to occur within the Camp Parts. Reserve: Fortcs Tnining Area, less than I mile ~t ofthc: sile, and allO alonS Uou.ghcrty Road 3.pproxmwely I nule DOI1h-northe.ut oi the site. This species t)'Pically OC(;W'l in annual grusbnd. but is also l<no>m 10 occur in rudml babiuts odjacenllo annual a:nssLmd<< Ihal wen: once annual ~ (prcstQl\ 1999,LSA obs.). Suimblc habibl Cur this spccics is present in lhc ooo-not.tive grassland portions of tile site. Altboudt no wplanu \IIa'C observed durin, the Oclober 3 SUJ'YCf, dIe: bck o(aa.-ea '-'the UP propnt)' pre".c:nlc:d l()()...pcrccnt visualc::overaac ofthc around surface-. As su<h. there is a slillhl tbono:e ""'. Cooldon's Wj>lmlamy have 10IlC undck<led. irpn:scnL Animal.. The: CNODB ~wns r~ for nino 5p"ial-ti~1U$ animal species in thc: vicinity ofthc $jte. California ti..'tT 53lounandcr (Amb,'S/o.w4 cali/om/ellU), California rN-IrJ$cd live (Ranll UIoITVIV Jra)'wnil), and AlamcJa whipsnakc (Maslicopltu wluaJi$ ~lU)'xaIlIJIIU) arc federally lislN as ltuotenc:d. while Sm Joaquin til fox (y.,lpes lfUJC'rolir nlloIliC'a) is fedenl1y liUed as~. lbc five n:mainioll animal 'pccles arc corWdCR:d Species of Special Conc:cm by the California Ocpanmml of !-"ish and Game (CDFG): bwro....iDG owl (A,Jrcne nmicul41ria), California bomod lark (~nlopJrillJ aJ/Ws,rir 4clia), trieo1oo:d hbckbird (Agelaius IricoUH), Amail:aJl hadger (TaxiJea 1ax1U). and Pacif.c (formerly w~) pond lunlc (Aainc.-m)s IPWnrlOTIIla). Although DOl listed in me CNDDB for thil rcpw.. Coopct', hawk. ~ Spcc:iCl ofSpeeW Con<<m, was observed durin.1he ate visit. as noled above. In addition, whitc-t.ailc:d kite (EfanllJ kucunu). a California fully Prol<<kd Species, hu b.,cn ob<cn'cd in the site vicinily (!.SA obs.). Jurisdlctloaa. \Vttlaadl 1be seasonally wet dcprc:ssao.u along the ba5e o(thc nilroad pade may be: subj~ 10 Corps jurbdiction undc:r Scaion 404 oflhc federal Clean Water Al:t. The Corp! ill responsible for rquLatinK Iho dix!larIe offill nwcrial inlO ,,"e.lands and "ocher walen" orlho U.S. Wetlands include marshes. wet meadows. seeps. floodplains, basins, and other areas cxpaicncina: cxlcndcd JC.uona1aa1un.tim, llonile ..other walen" include waterbodies and watercounel such AI rivers, 1U'eUms, lakes. springs. ponds, coastaJ WilleR, and estuaries. Based on the ptcscncc ofhydrophyhc vegetalion and evidc:ncc of uandinK Wiler, tbesc areas appear 10 be scuonal wct1ands ....hicb may be wbjcct to Corps jurisdiction. Oi...mlhe: disturbed nature oflhc site: and its urban .cuing. il is hi;hly unlikely Ihat most oftbc abo,,'C 5p<<ics would OlXur on lhe ..ile. Five orlhcse 5pccics (California tiger sahmwldcr. California f'Cld,. lewd frog. Alameda "hipsnok<.lriculurcd bladbinl. and ""<lil<m pond lunlc) arc nol exp<ctcd \U oc.;ur due to a lack of suitable habitat (i.e., 'trc:'ams. pools, chaparral, frcUlWalc1' manh). San Joaquin kil fVA tw.~ nlJI bcom found durinl K,,'enl in1msi".c 5l.IZVt')'1 in 1bc DublinlSm bmon am., ;nI ....e pn:sunled 10 be absenl from the area. California homN Wb lire- not ex.~led due kllhe lack of short. II'"" !>.bi..", 1lw they IJ'pi<aIIy pn:fCT and !he high Icvel or disturb.nco (i,e., pede...... ami pet n.ffic) on;and :M.IjOlmlt to the ute. Ameril.-.:sn boadlJnI are unbkcly 10 occur due 10 Ihe maD amounl of graubnJ habitat They 8~1I)' occur in areas wich rnud\ J.arver amuunli of grassland. AhhouHh no 'I~k neab wac fuuod durinM Lhc: (ktuber 3 'uney. Lhc lunall ripouian stand providn l5uilJ.blc naling h.:I,bitiU for Cooper', hawk" while-tailed lrile, and Olhtf ReMing bink. A Jingle Cooper', hawk wu 5<<n perched on IlCltphooc pole immediately north of1hc sland during the surve:y. Although this species occurs in nalural cumnwniLie:s J,uch Il3i oo1k and riparian wuudlands, it baa also adapled 10 Ihc urbm environment and is kno\\'ft 10 ncst in sevenJ cenlnll Clllifomia cities (Pe~1CB and Pttlcn 2005). High no'1~ilC avaibbi1ilY (i.e., tall ornamC'nlalllCcl) and an abundant prey hue (c.g., rock pt&COlU. mownina dovn, Amcrian robinJ) arc: the primvy habilal oomponcnlS Ibal allract C~'I hawls to residential ncis,hbuchoods. Although not: obKrved durinS the 5ourvcy. ....hite. POTEI11TIAL CONSTRAIl'IIS A1thoulll> nul obs<n'cd during lhc s"""'y. Congdon's Wj>lmlamy hi,,, gone WldclC<lcd ifpr..... in the inaccessible ponioos oflhe UP propcny. Depmding on the nature offutURl de\'dopmcnt plans, this sp:cica may be impacted by projCC1 ktivitics. ".oc:uscd suncys for this 'PC'Cics durin& ils blooming period lMl.)'-Oc1obcr) ,,"'(Mdd confum 'tlIo"bctha this Ipccia iJ prtialt m Ibe site and fKibble the avoidance of any on4itc populations durin, projcd desip. 1bc stand of riparian "oodland north or Amador Valley IIoulcv;ud providca ncsllOl b>biUt f<< a variety 0/" native bird spc<i... iotludmg Cooper', ba"l (California Spc<i.. or Sp<<iaI Con<<m) and whlle-t.aded kile (California Fully Protected Species). All nah..-c birdJ and Ibeir nests are prol<<tN under the federal Migratory Bird Treat)' Act and California FUoh and Game Code. If conducted during !he bm:dina season (Marth-Aul"'l), constru<llOl1 kll'''''' c:oukl dumly impart....in. birds by rnnovina tn:cI that support active nests. Adj~nl COlutruc:tion activity could also diilurb ncainC birds. rtJuhinl in ncstina failure. If fUIun: dcvelopmc:nt plana include the rtroo....1 ufln:eS or shrubs. such activities should be condw..1:cd duriRl the non-breedinJ season (Scplc:mbc:r-Pebruary). if feasible. Dc:pmdinc on &he: ~ and Jocation of fUlure projea aclivilie:s. prc-consuuction 1oUn'C')'I ma)' be neas.sary to a'o'01d pocenualnnpacu 10 nestlng birdJ. Pre.constructio WI"Ve)'I should be conducted >vi\hin IS daya pnor 10 Iho ..... or work from ~\;tn;b-M.y (since lhcn: is higher poICn.ial f<< birds 10 inmate I~ing dunng thi. pmod), and Wllhin 30 <b15 pnor 10 the start of work from Juno-AugUSl.. 1~1"'(I';0lU1)O,l~r~_) 14WIWIo(,;'UlU7JO,r~con1dll'it"'pc..b:) ~"'"'-=-=-~-_.~-~ ~--~......~--------- A-3 ~ urb::Jn CON..m'NO ~l l M. J 1 LL~ "'L l Although unlikely. there is a sliiht poMibilil)' lhat burro~inB owls could move into anyohcven,l burrov.'S 1100& the: County-owncd mainlC1WlCC road. Depending on the nature and bcauon of future: COnstNC1ioo (i.e.. whether bulTOWS arc presall in work areas)..ll pn::-comtnlction lurvey few burrowinS CWo'ls would ensure lhal project activities do not inad...cnmtly raub in the datruction of occupied 0\111 burrows. The IUI'VCY should be conducted no more than 30 da)'5 prior lo the initialion or c:onstnlCtion by a qualified wildlife biolo.,"t familiar with burrowin& owl siJP1 and Iubila.L Susanal wetland." possibly :wbjcc1 to Corps jurisdic1ion are present on the site. Any lill or modiftc:alion ofthC5Cl ....-etlands may require I Section 404 permit from lhc C0rp5. as ~II as Section 401 water qUilit)' ~ification from the San t'rancisoo Rc:&ional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). To clarify Ill< e..en. ofCorpojurisd;<tioo &OJ mon: ll<<Ul"3IeJydepict _land boundaries. a formal wetland dclin<otioo an a<conIaru:< Wllb Corps m<thodology (c.,ironmcn.ilI LabonlOr)' 1987) would need \0 be conduC1cd before applying for any pmnits or daigning projta fcalures ;rov;nd aistinJ wetlandt. Altcm:uh'ely. if future dc\'clopmen1ls limited to upLmd arcH (Le.. aions: lOp of grade or existing Alamcxb County maintenance ro.d). a formal delineation ....vuld not be required. We hope me above information will be \lSCfulln forming concep1uallilnd use ahcmatio.'CS (or the Transponation Corridor Gmcn) Plan Amcndmmt Study. PJe&iC comact ITlC' if)'OU ha\'C any questions aboYt wr ~iona or rCtluirc further information. Sincerely, !.SA ASSOCIATES, II\C. ~~- ~ A;-J-- M.lrolrn J. Sproul Principal L1TEltATURE CITED AITI<ri<an OmilholoiiW' Union (AOU). 1998. A.O.U. Chc:<t.li<t nfNorth American Birds, Sevm.b Edilion. American OmilholoJim" Union, Was.hi~. D.C. California Na""al Divenily Dal3bau (CNDDB~ 2006. S"",ial"I3'1I3 .p<<iea o<<UJT<n<CI from Ill< Dublin 7.'-minulc USGS q~lc. Wildlife and IbbiQ1. OaL1 A~ysil Branch. Califomiil Dep:utm<nl of Fish and Ganle. Sa<nmen1O. F.nvironm<nlOI1..boratory. 1987. Corps ofEl1iP"""" Wetlands Deli_ion Manual. T,dlOi<al rcpon Y.I7.I, U.S. Ann)' Ensinccrs Walc;l'Ways. Experiment Slalion, Vicbbura. MS. PeeterS. H. and P. PCCIcn. 200S. Rapron ofCa1ifomia. Uni\'cnilY ofCalifomia Prcss.lkrkclcy. Prtston. R. E. 1999. Pttliminary Report on Ihc ConscTvalion Slalus ofCon~don', Spikewced (1I~Iffi;qnla po,..,,'; $ub$p. C'ongJonil) In Ihc Soulh and ~1 S3ll Fran~ Bay Ara .nd Monl<t<y Coumy. California. Unpub!. Rport pn"..n:d fur lb. U.S. Fi>It and Wildlif. Service. VenlUl'it, CA. 23 February. 1~IMllflI~ClJU7>>TI~Cclrridur'lIiullJ:C.4l.:c) ~~ - . ~-~- --~ A-4 Jtlqt! 0, \j \,;,\()'(\ Y( '( e\ e'('( e A-A , ,-,... Gi ,.,.....,.~ APPROXIMATE GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT STUDY PREFERRED VISION POSTER ~ ~'~ ~100 ........ CONSULTING l111Ml6JN1G-10lXl66 ~ n ::r 3 ('t) = ~ w 200FHI Figure 11