REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution to Authorize a Priority Development Area in Moffett Park and Find that the action is exempt from CEQA
BACKGROUND
The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) works with local governments to plan sustainable regional growth. A major strategy of this effort is to focus growth near existing transportation, housing and jobs. This strategy links land use and transportation by encouraging the development of complete, livable communities in areas served by transit, and promotes conservation of the region’s most significant resource lands. In addition, maximizing growth in transit-rich communities will help meet local and regional goals to lower vehicle miles traveled and greenhouse gas emissions.
Areas that have high levels of housing, transit and jobs are identified as potential ABAG Priority Development Areas, or PDAs. A local city council or board of supervisors nominates a PDA, which is then adopted by the ABAG Executive Board.
PDAs must be:
• Within an existing community
• Within a half-mile of frequent transit
• In an area planned for future housing and job growth
Sunnyvale currently has five adopted PDAs - the Downtown and Caltrain Station, Lawrence Station Transit Village, the El Camino Real Corridor, Tasman Crossing area and East Sunnyvale. Areas that are adopted as PDAs are eligible for regional grant funding, incentives and technical assistance.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is a feasibility or planning study for possible future actions that have not been approved, adopted, or funded (CEQA Guidelines, Section 15262).
DISCUSSION
Staff has identified and recommended to ABAG that the Moffett Park Area (which is primarily the Moffett Park Specific Plan Area) be included as an additional Sunnyvale PDA. The Moffett Park Area is a job rich area that is served by VTA’s light-rail and bus service. The Moffett Park Specific Plan is currently undergoing an update with direction from the Council to study and potentially include future residential, retail and public service uses. Plan completion is expected in 2021.
Staff submitted a preliminary application to ABAG for the inclusion of the Moffett Park Area as a Sunnyvale PDA; part of the required documentation for the application includes a Council resolution of support for the PDA nomination.
Proposing a PDA does not change the existing General Plan designation nor effect land use control and decisions for the area. Designation as a PDA provides funding opportunities for planning efforts and implementation projects within the PDA.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City's official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall, at the Sunnyvale Senior Center, Community Center and Department of Public Safety; and by making the agenda and report available at the Sunnyvale Public Library, the Office of the City Clerk and on the City's website.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution (Attachment 1 to the report) authorizing the filing of an application for Priority Development Area designation in Moffett Park under the Plan Bay Area 2040 Program and Find that the action is exempt from CEQA.
Staff
Prepared by: Michelle King, Principal Planner
Reviewed by: Trudi Ryan, Director, Community Development
Reviewed by: Teri Silva, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Kent Steffens, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution with Exhibit A (proposed PDA area map)