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Tonight, tonight, there's only you tonight (and the members of the Environmental Planning Commission)

6/27/2012

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Picture
Come to City Hall tonight, June 27th at 7pm to make comments on the General Plan at the Environmental Planning Commission meeting. This is the last time the EPC will discuss the document before sending it off to Council. The question of whether or not there will be housing allowed in North Bayshore still hangs in the balance. Use the MVCSP General Plan Action Guide found below for tonight and for the Council meetings on July 3rd and 10th.




General Plan Issues and Action Guide

North Bayshore Housing

Background:

 
Originally, retail, housing, and office were considered for North Bayshore sopersons could live close to where they work while supporting expanded retail services.
North Bayshore was envisioned as a mixed-use boulevard with frequent transit serviceconnecting to downtown, retail on the ground floor, and apartments and office above.
Allowing housing would give people an option to live close to their jobs, supportexpanded retail services, and justify frequent, all-day transit service between Downtownand North Bayshore. However, City Council recently removed housing from the mix dueto concerns that housing would impact wildlife and exacerbate transportation problems.
The Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) recently stated that allowing housingwould have no additional impact on wildlife compared to existing development (pg82,
B6-4), and additional policies in the General Plan call for concentrating newdevelopment along Shoreline Boulevard which would restore previously built-upon landto wildlife.

Potential Action:

1. Ask Council to restore housing to the North Bayshore area in the General Plan.
2. Consider asking that additional study on housing’s impact on wildlife beconducted in the North Bayshore Precise Plan, but we should not be eliminatinga major solution to our traffic and emissions challenges this early to the process
3. Consider asking that the impacts for a range of housing units be studied in theNorth Bayshore Precise Plan, since additional units may have a positive impacton emissions and traffic.
Flexible Mixed Use

Background:

 
Council recently added a draft policy that would allow greater intensities along ElCamino Real at “key locations” coupled with “significant community benefits.” Thesecriteria would be defined through the zoning, not in the General Plan, but they areexcellent mechanisms to locate growth near transit, jobs, and services. Additionally, it’s
an opportunity for the city to leverage development interest to get new civic amenities
and create great places.

Potential Action:

1. Support the proposed policy

2. Ask that it be expanded to other change areas in addition to El Camino Real
3. Remind Councilmembers that the criteria of “significant community benefits” and“key locations” will be defined during the zoning process.
Transportation

Background:

 
Most of the transportation policies are solidified and unlikely to change prior toadoption of the General Plan. Major studies of new transit service are likely to beundertaken in later, more focused planning efforts. However, there are opportunities toadd some language to existing policies to strengthen outcomes.

Potential Action.

1. Ask that additional language be added to Draft General Plan bicycling policies todefine the city’s ambition as a “leader in bicycling.” Language supporting this
vision could include “development of innovative infrastructure conducive to a low-
stress bicycle transportation network comfortable for all ages and abilities.
2. Support the city’s continued work on the pedestrian master plan and
interventions that make the city more walkable.
Avenues of Action

1.
Attend the Council and/or EPC public hearings on the Draft General Plan andspeak to the above issues during the public comment period.
2.
Write a letter to EPC members prior to their 6/27 meeting addressing theseissues
3.
Write a letter to City Council Members prior to their 6/3 Study Session on theDraft General Plan
Public Hearing Dates

June 27: Environmental Planning Commission meeting– 7PM @ City Hall

July 3: City Council Study Session– 5PM @ City Hall Only time for onemeeting? This is the most important one to speak at.

July 10: City Council Final Meeting– 6:30PM @ City Hall

Councilmember Contact Information

Mayor Mike Kasperzak: mkasperzak@mediates.comVice Mayor John Inks: johninks@sbcglobal.netCouncilmember Margaret Abe Koga: margaret.abekoga@mountainview.govCouncilmember Ronit Bryant: ronit.bryant@mountainview.gov


Councilmember Laura Macias: la.macias@mountainview.gov
Councilmember Jac Siegel: jacsharonsiegel@comcast.netCouncilmember Tom Means: tom.means@mountainview.gov

EPC Member Contact Information

Chair Todd Fernandez: trf@mac.comVice Chair Lisa Matichak: lisa.matichak@gmail.comCommissioner Eric Anderson: eanderson@csaengineering.comCommissioner John McAlister: jrm7357@pacbell.netCommissioner Kathy Trontell: mktrontell.mtvw.gov@gmail.comCommissioner Chris Clark: clarkcr@gmail.comCommissioner Rachel Grossman: grossmanrachel01@gmail.com





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6/27 7pm Environmental Planning Commission meeting re General Plan w/ public comment period

6/27/2012

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Environmental Planning Commission meeting @ 7PM in City Hall, 500 Castro St.
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6/27 4pm Chick-fil-a ZA hearing

6/27/2012

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The Chick-fil-a ZA hearing is on Wednesday, June 27th at 4pm.
http://laserfiche.mountainview.gov/WebLink/0/fol/58723/Row1.aspx
This project would replace the Sizzler at 1962 West El Camino and would include a drive-through addition. Please consider speaking out against this project's including a drive through, as we already have 26 drive-through businesses in our city (https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=215093886093862439511.0004bdab6239ffc3d2a63&msa=0), and adding more would be inconsistent with our vision for Mountain View, the 2030 General Plan, Grand Boulevard and Bus Rapid Transit principles.
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6/26 6:30pm Shell Station expansion appeal Council review

6/26/2012

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City Council reviews the appeal of the Shell Station expansion project at Shoreline Boulevard and El Camino at their regular meeting.
http://laserfiche.mountainview.gov/WebLink/Browse.aspx?startid=35382&&dbid=0
The expansion would entail enlarging the building to include a convenience store and adding a drive-through car wash. Please consider speaking out against this project, as nearby neighbors oppose it and have asked for our support, and because it is inconsistent with our vision for Mountain View, the 2030 General Plan, Grand Boulevard and Bus Rapid Transit principles.
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CDC’s Healthy Community Design Initiative

6/23/2012

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A good resource for CSP members and participants:
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyplaces/
CDC’s Healthy Community Design Initiative is part of the National Center for Environmental Health's Division of Emergency and Environmental Health Services. The Initiative works to improve public health by: 
  • Linking public health surveillance with community design
    decisions;
  • Improving community design decisions through tools such
    as Health Impact Assessment;
  • Educating decision makers on the health impact of community design;
  • Building partnerships with community design decision makers and
    their influencers;
  • Conducting research to identify the links between health and
    community design; and
  • Translating research into best practices.
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June 22nd, 2012

6/22/2012

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IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT  JUNE 27TH!!

We have advertised below the great event with Sustainovation. However, it also conflicts with the important Environmental Planning Commission meeting at the same time on 6/27 at 7PM. We would request that Mountain View residents prioritize EPC meeting instead. We'd still love it if you could spread the word though! 

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June 22nd, 2012

6/22/2012

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SUSTAINOVATION IN DEPTH DIALOGUE - 6/27

"GREENING SILICON VALLEY: SUCCESSES, CHALLENGES, & OPPORTUNITIES"

What do you imagine a sustainable city will look like in the future? Where are the opportunities to collaborate and innovate? How might cross sector partnerships play a role? What are the challenges? How do counties and cities collaborate to accelerate positive change?

Please join us for an exciting evening together. The panelists will provide an overview of recent sustainability efforts in Santa Clara County, Cupertino, Mountain View, and Palo Alto including accomplishments, proposed programs, challenges, and opportunities.  Attendees will have time to ask questions, discuss what’s needed now, and how we can work together to create sustainable communities.

    
An In-depth Dialogue with:

•    Steve Attinger, Environmental Sustainability Coordinator, City of Mountain View
•    Erin Cooke, Sustainability Manager, City of Cupertino
•    Phil Bobel, Assistant Director, Environmental Services &Public Works, City of Palo Alto
•    Demetra J. McBride, Director, Office of Sustainability and Climate Action, Santa     Clara County Office of the County Executive
•    Guest moderator Peter Drekmeier, Former Mayor, City of Palo Alto

6:30  - 7:00 pm Networking
7:00  - 8:00 pm Presentation
8:00  - 9:00 pm Dialogue


Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Location: World Centric
2121 Staunton Court
Palo Alto, CA 94306

Registration
$15 advance online registration (plus processing fees), $20 at the door (Cash only)
For online registration go to:  
http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=231270


For more information: www.sustainovation.org
Sustainovation  is dedicated to inspiring environmentally and socially sustainable business practices.  Our mission is to promote sustainability as the driver of business innovation in Silicon Valley and beyond.  We envision a new industrial revolution led by the principles of sustainable design and development.  Through educational events, we form and inspire networks of innovators who share the belief that sustainable practices are essential to business success and the future of the world we share. 

Read More
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Shani Kleinhaus on trees in Mountain View

6/19/2012

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- Heritage Trees: In Shani's view, Mountain View has good policies, but there need to be better guidelines for tree removals due to nesting seasons for birds; we must seek a diversity of tree types and ages.
- If you see birds in trees to be cut:
Call CalTIP or contact Shani/Audubon Society, take a photo of the tree/nest, and make an anonymous call.
Contact info:
> Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society, Cavity Nesters Recovery Program: http://www.scvas.org/index.php?page=text&id=cbrp
> CalTIP (Californians Turn in Poachers), which takes calls from anyone concerned about impacts on wildlife, including reporting tree trimmers disturbing or destroying nests.
CalTIP (Dept. of Fish and Game):
1-888-DFG-CALTIP (888-334-2258)
> Good resource for tree/shrub removal procedures that minimize impacts to birds:
Los Angeles Audubon Society Guide to Bird-Friendly Tree and Shrub Trimming and Removal
http://losangelesaudubon.org/images/stories/pdf/TTGMay2011/ttg-may-2011-english-read-online.pdf
- San Francisco has a website recommending what to buy (or not) for environmental reasons; they took a strong stand against poison pellets, which impact wildlife and children.
- Birds can collide with windows; issues with glass (in particular where windows face each other across building spaces). The Facebook project required implementation of bird friendly windows as mitigation via CEQA and EIR.
- MV Voice has considered documenting when heritage trees are cut down.
- The 2-for-1 requirement to replace heritage trees shouldn't apply to some areas. For example, the North Bayshore area historically has few trees; new trees attract raptors, which damage shorebird populations. San Francisco is exceptional when it comes to bird-friendly green building design.
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