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HomeMy WebLinkAboutERC_Report_City_Center_Text_Amendment_170915DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT ERC MEETING DATE: September 18, 2017 Project Name: City Center Community Plan Text Amendment Owner: City of Renton Applicant: City of Renton Contact: Angie Mathias, Long Range Planning Manager File Number: LUA 17-000611, ECF Project Manager: Angie Mathias, Long Range Planning Manager Project Summary: Proposed amendments to the City Center Community Plan strategy 8.3 to revise the concept for a greenway/promenade so that only currently owned public property is utilized for a promenade/greenway. Project Location: City Center Community Planning Area Exist. Bldg. Area SF: N/A Proposed New Bldg. Area (footprint): Proposed New Bldg. Area (gross): N/A N/A Site Area: N/A Total Building Area GSF: N/A STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff Recommends that the Environmental Review Committee issue a Determination of Non-Significance (DNS). PART ONE: PROJECT DESCRIPTION / BACKGROUND The City Center Community Plan strategy 8.3 seeks to create a greenway/promenade between the Cedar River and N 1st Street. This has caused concern for residents in that area because the strategy required acquisition of private property. In response to this concern, the City has developed an alternative concept that utilizes only property that is already in public ownership. This concept also maintains the vision and goal of establishing a greenway/promenade that enhances both the pedestrian experience for users and the natural environment for improved fish habitat. The concept shifts the greenway promenade from the north side of the river to the south side. To accomplish this, one block of existing right of way would be converted from a two lane road to a single drive aisle for half the block and a pedestrian pathway with greenspace the rest of the block. The existing right of way on the north side of the river would become a shared roadway (Woonerf). Enhancement of the existing roadway north of the river would include the addition of planting strips, vehicle pull outs, etc. PART TWO: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW In compliance with RCW 43.21C.240, the following environmental (SEPA) review addresses only those project impacts that are not adequately addressed under existing development standards and environmental regulations. City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Environmental Review Committee Report CITY CENTER COMMUNITY PLAN TEXT AMENDMENT LUA 17-000611, ECF Report of September 18, 2017 Page 2 of 2 ERC Report 17-000611 A. Environmental Threshold Recommendation Based on analysis of probable impacts from the proposal, staff recommends that the Responsible Officials: Issue a DNS with a 14-day Appeal Period. B. Mitigation Measures None. C. Exhibits None. D. Environmental Impacts There are no environmental impacts that are anticipated to occur in conjunction with the proposal. E. Comments of Reviewing Departments The proposal will be circulated to City Department Division Reviewers and appropriate agencies. All substantive comments will be provided to the Responsible Officials for their consideration and possible recommendation that the comments be incorporated as “Advisory Notes to Applicant.” Environmental Determination Appeal Process: Comments and Appeals of the environmental determination must be filed in writin g on or before 5:00 PM on October 13, 2017. Renton Municipal Code Section 4-8-110.B governs appeals to the Hearing Examiner. Appeals must be filed in writing at the City Clerk’s office along with the required fee. Additional information regarding the appeal process may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office, Renton City Hall - 7th Floor, 1055 S. Grady Way, Renton WA 98057.