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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES NO 174-87RESOLUTION NO. 174-87 A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAKERSFIELD MAKING FINDINGS, ADOPTING NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND APPROVING PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CIRCULATION COMPONENT OF THE REDEVELOPMENT ELEMENT OF THE BAKERSFIELD METROPOLITAN AREA GENERAL PLAN. WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Bakersfield referred a proposed amendment to the Circulation Component of the Redevelopment Element of the Bakersfield Metropolitan Area General Plan to the Planning Commission; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Bakers- field, in compliance with Section 65351 of the Government Code, held a public hearing on July 16, 1987, on the proposed amendment to the Circulation Component of the Redevelopment Element of the General Plan, notice of the time and place of hearing having been given at least ten (10) calendar days before said hearing by pub- lication in the Bakersfield Californian, a local newspaper of general circulation; and WHEREAS, such proposed amendment to the Circulation Component of the Redevelopment Element of the Bakersfield Metropolitan Area General Plan is as follows: The CITY OF BAKERSFIELD ECONOMIC DEVELOP- MENT DEPARTMENT has applied to amend the Circulation Component of the Redevelopment Element of the Bakersfield Metropolitan Area General Plan by deleting the major collector designation of "M" Street, south of Truxtun Avenue, and subsequent street closing of "M" Street between Truxtun Avenue and the A.T.&S.F. railroad tracks; and WHEREAS, for the above-described amendment, an Initial Study was conducted, and it was determined that, the proposed pro- ject would not have a significant effect on tlhe environment, and a Negative Declaration was prepared; and WHEREAS, the law and regulations relating to the prepar- ation and adoption of Negative Declarations as set forth in CEQA and City of Bakersfield Resolution 107-86 haw~ been duly followed by the City staff and the Planning Commissionl; WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 32-87 on July 16, 1987, the Planning Commission recommended approval and adoption of this amendment by this Council and this Council has fully considered the findings made by the Planning Commission as set forth in that Resolution; and WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Bakersfield, in compliance with Section 65355 of the Government Code, conducted and held a public hearing on September 16, ]_987, on the above- described proposed amendment, notice of time and place of the hearing having been given at least ten (10) calendar days before the hearing by publication in the Bakersfield Californian, a local newspaper of general circulation; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED and found by the Council of the City of Bakersfield as follows: 1. The above recitals and findings, incorporated herein, are true and correct. 2. The Negative Declaration for the project is hereby approved and adopted. 3. The report of the Planning Commission, including maps and all reports and papers relevant thereto, transmitted by the Secretary of the Planning Commission to the City Council, is hereby received, accepted and approved. 4. The City Council hereby approves and adopts the pro- posed amendment to the Circulation Component .of the Redevelopment Element of the Bakersfield Metropolitan Area General Plan. .......... o0o .......... - 2 - I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted by the Council of the City of Bakersfield at a regular meeting thereof held on September 16, 1987 , by the following vote: - AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: CHILDS, CHRISTENSEN, SMIT~{, RA'FI'Y, MOORE, DICKERSONi SALVAGGIO NOES: COUI'~CILM~M~ERS: ABSENT: ABSTAINING: CITY CLERK and Ex Officio Clerk of t~ Council of the City of Bakersfield APPROVED September 16, 1987 MAYOR of the City/of Bakersfield APPROVED as to form: CITY ATTORNEY of the City of Bakersfield AJS/meg R RES 5 CIR.COMP1 - 3 - I J CITY of BAKERSFIELD DISTRICT TRUXTUN AVE. 1 Proposed Amendment to the KERN COUNTY ADMINISTRATION Circulation Component of the BUILDING SITE, INCLUDING PARKING Downtown Redevelopment Element,Bakersfield General Plan 2 Location: 'M" Street from Truxtun Avenue to California Avenue SANTA Iq~__~ OF WAY 3 Amendment to the Circulation ~u ~u Redevelopment Element, ~ ~_ Bakersfield General Plan ~ ~ (To eliminate the Major ! ~ z Collector - Street Classification 14Ih STREET for ~" Street from Truxtun  Avenue to California Avenue) I CALIFORNIA AVE. I I I [ JUNE 1987 RESOLUTION NO. 32-87 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BAKERSFIELD MAKING FINDINGS, ADOPTING NEGATIVE DECLARATION, RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CIRCULATION COMPONENT OF THE REDEVELOPMENT ELEMENT OF THE BAKERSFIELD METROPOLITAN AREA GENERAL PLAN, AND TRANSMITTING REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL). WHEREAS, the Planning Commission of the City of Bakersfield, in accordance with the provisions of Section 65351 of the Government Code, held a public hearing on JULY 16, 1987, to consider proposed amendment to the Circulation Component of the Redevelopment Element of the Bakersfield Metropolitan Area General Plan, notice of the time and place of hearing having been given at least ten (10) calendar days before said hearing by pub- lication in the Bakersfield Californian, a local newspaper of general circulation; and WHEREAS, proposed amendment to the Redevelopment Element of the Bakersfield Metropolitan Area General Plan is described as follows: The City of Bakersfield Economic Development Department has applied to amend the circulation component of the Redevelopment Element of the Bakersfield Metropolitan Area General Plan by deleting the major collector designation of "M" Street south of Truxtun Avenue, and subse- quent street closing of "M" Street between Truxtun Avenue and the A.T.So&F. railroad tracks. WHEREAS, for the above described amendment, an Initial Study was conducted and it was determined that the proposed pro- ject would not have a significant effect on the environment and a Negative Declaration was prepared; and WHEREAS, the law and regulations relating to the prepa- ration and adoption of Negative Declarations as set forth in CEQA and City of Bakersfield Resolution 107-86 have been duly followed by the City staff and the Planning Commission; -2- NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY FOUND AND RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS: 1. Legal public notices have been given. 2. The provisions of CEQA have been followed. A Negative Declaration was posted on July 2, 1987 and advertised on July 4, 1987 in the Bakersfield Californian. Deletion of the Redevelopment Element major collector designation of "M" Street, south of Truxtun Avenue, would facilitate location and devel- opment of the proposed Kern County Administration Building. The estimated traffic volume could be serviced by other adjacent major collector and arterial streets. The maps and all papers relevant thereto, constitut- ing the report of the Planning Commission shall be transmitted by the Secretary of the Planning Commission to the City Council for such action as the Council shall determine. On a motion by Commissioner Patrick and seconded by Commissioner Jarrett, Commission approved the Negative Declaration and the Amendment to the Circulation Component of the Redevelopment Element deleting the major collector designa- tion on "M" Street, south of Truxtun Avenue and recommended same to the City Council by the following roll call vote. AYES: Commissioners Bjorn, Gronbeck, Jarrett, Patrick, Weaver NOES: Commissioners Cohn, Milazzo ABSENT: None -3- I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted by the Planning Commission of the City of Bakersfield at a regular meeting thereof held on the 16th day of July, 1987. DATED: July 16, 1987 ~r/rmsH~ ~ ry PLANNING COMMISSION OF SUSAN WEAVER, Chairman STAFF REPORT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OF JULY 16, 1987 AGENDA ITEM # Proposed amendment to the Circulation Component of the Redevelopment Element Bakersfield[ General Plan to remove the major collector street classification of "M" Street from Truxtun Avenue to California Avenue. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed project is to amend the Circulation Component of the Redevelopment Element of the Bakersfield General Plan by eliminating the major collectoz' classification from "M" Street between Truxtun Avenue and California Avenue. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTliNG The general area surrounding "M" Street contains the Kern County Justice complex, adjacent professional offices, numerous single family with some multiple family residential dwellings and a few low density commercial retail structures. The portion of "M" Street being amended is from Truxtun Avenue to California Avenue, a distance of 1670 feet. "M" Street is 82' wide and currently carries two traffic lanes. According to the Redevelopment Element, "M" Street could ultimately provide six traffic lanes. With the elimination of "M" Street as the major collector, a new emphasis is placed on "N" Street between Truxtun and California Avenue. "N" Street is also recommended to receive an interchange rel- ative to the 178 Freeway study. It would be the new entrance way to downtown. Reclassification of "N" Street to a major collector status, between California and Truxtun Avenue and possibly Truxtun to Golden State, is under further evaluation by the City Traffic Engineer. PROJECT ANALYSIS The County of Kern has selected a site for constructing the County Administration Building. As a part of the County's request to close "M' Street, a General Plan amendment to the Redevelopment Element must be performed. The policy in the element encourages growth and devel- opment of governmental agencies in the project area. The Kern County Administration Building is located south of Truxtun Avenue and north of 16th Street between "M" Street and "N" Street. Proposed is a five level, 225,000 square foot structure. Employee and public parking will be provided in a 800-1,200 space parking structure between 16th Street and the railroad tracks. Major north, south routes to the project area are "N" Street and "L" Street. Truxtun Avenue provides major east-west access. Construction is anticipated to begin in Fall 1988. FINDINGS 1. Legal public notices have been given. 2. The provisions ,of CEQA have followed. 3. A Negative Declaration was posted on July 2, 1987 and advertised on July 4, 1987 in Bakersfield Californian. 4. That deletion of the Redevelopment Element major collector desig- nation of "M" Street, south of Truxtun Avenue would facilitate location and development of the proposed Kern County Administration Building. 5. That the estimated traffic volume could be serviced by other adja- cent major collector and arterial streets. RECOMMENDED ACTION Motion to adopt resolution making findings, approving the Negative Declaration and approving the amendment to the circulation component of the Redevelopment element deleting the major collector designation on "M" Street, south of Truxtun Avenue. krs Z:DB3 TRUXTUN AVE. 14th STREET CAEIFORNIA AVE. ~ I KERN COUNTY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING SITE, INCLUDING PARKING CITY of BAKERSFIELD CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT Proposed Amendment 1o the Circulation Component ol the Downtown Redevelopment Plan Location: 'M" Slreel from Truxfun Avenue to California Avenue Amendment to the Circulation Component ol the Downtown Redevelopment Element, Bakersfield General Plan (To eliminate the Major Collector - Streel Classification for 'M~ Street from Truxtun Avenue to California Avenue) JUNE 1987 PROPOSED 'EGATIVE DECLARATION AND NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NO. 2387 Our File No. Closing of "M" Street 1. Name and address of Sponsor(s) of Project: City of Bakersfield Economic Development 1415 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 2. Location of Project: Between Truxtun Avenue and the A.T.S.&F. railroad tracks. Description of Project as Proposed: Deleting the major collector desiqnation on "M" Street south of Truxtun Avenue and subsequent street closing of "M" Street. 4 o The undersigned, having considered the matters provided in City Council Resolution No. 107-86, City of Bakersfield does hereby find and determine that the above described project will not have a significant effect on the environment. The Initial Study (refer to Appendices "H" and "I") which comprises part of the Negative Declaration, may be inspected at the Office of the Planning Director at City Hall, 1501 Truxtun Avenue; Bakersfield, California. Any member of the public is invited to provide comments on the proposed action, in writing, on or before the 16th day of July, 1987, at the above office. A public hearing for the proposed project will be held before the Planning Commission of the City of Bakersfield at 5 p.m., on the 16th day of July, 1987, in the Council Chamber of City Hall to receive input from the public on the proposed Negative Declaration for the proposed project. Dated: p/ndms July 3, 1987 Posted: July 3, 1987 J~CK ~ HARDI STY // ~Acting Planning ~Director PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CIRCULATION COMPONENT OF THE DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT ELEMENT BAKERSFIELD GENERAL PLAN APPLICANT: County of Kern, Department of Public Works LOCATION: "M" Street from Truxtun Avenue to California Avenue PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Reason for this application is to facilitate development of the Kern County Administration Building. Request for the closure of "M" Street from Truxtun Avenue to the Southern Pacific railroad tracks has been submitted as a part of the project. Before this closure can be approved the CircuLation Component of the Downtown Redevelopment Element Bakersfield General Plan must be amended to eliminate the "M" Street major collector street classification. ENVIRONMENTAL SETTLING: The portion of "M" Street necessitating the amendment is from Truxtun Avenue to California Avenue, a distance of approximately 1670 feet. "M" Street is 82' %~ide and currently carries two lanes of traffic. According to the Redevelopment Element, "M" Street could ultimately provide six traffic lanes. By eliminating the major collector classi- fication, increased traffic capacities would not be proposed in the Circulation Component of the Redevelopment Element. According to the Redevelopment Element, zoning of the affected por- tion of "M" Street is Center District Government, with a Government Center/Urban Commercial land use designation. Existing zoning adja- cent to "M" Street include: C-C Civic Center, from Truxtun Avenue to the railroad tracks; M-1 Light Manufacturing, from the tracks to 14th Street; R-4 High Density Residential, from 14th Street to one-half block north of California Avenue; and C-2 General Commercial, to California Avenue. The area surrounding "M" Street contains the Kern County Justice complex, adjacent professional offices, numerous single family with some multiple family residential units, and a few low-density commer- cial retail structures. PROJECT ANALYSIS: The County of Kern has selected a site for the construction of the County Administration Building. As a part of the County's request to close "M" Street, a General Plan amendment to the Redevelopment Element must be performed. growth and development of ject area. The policy in the Element is to encourage governmental agencies in the proposed pro- The Kern County Administration Building is located south of Truxtun Avenue and north of 16th Street between "M" Street and "N" Street. Proposed is a five level, 225,000 square foot structure. Employee and public parking will be provided in a 800-1,200 space parking structure between 16th Street and the railroad tracks. Major north, south routes to the project area are "N" Street and "L" Street. Truxtun Avenue provides major east-west access. Construction is anticipated to begin in Fall 1988. Z:DB1 II APPENDIX I ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST FORM (lb be completed by Lead Agency) I BACKGROUND 1. Name of Proponent: Cotu~ty of Kern, De~t of Pt~Dlic ~)rk~ Address and Phone Number of Proponent: L. D~e iV~tlls Kern County Director of P~l~W~r~ 1600 Norris Road, Bakersfield, ~A q~08 3. Date of Checklist. Submittal: Jt~ly 3, 1987 4. Agency Requiring Checklist: City of Bakersfield, Rl~in~ Depar~m~mt 5. Name of Proposal, if applicable: ~nenclm~_nt to the CirctfLation c~nqoonent of the Downtc~n P~=develol~t El~ne~nt, Ba]<ersfield C~_neral Plan (to elJm~nate t_he b~]or Co±lector-Street Classification for "M" Street from Tn~w~ Av~n~ t~ C~11forn~a Avenue). ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS (Explanations of all "yes" and "maybe" answers are required on attached sheets.) YES MAYBE NO 1. Earth Will the proposal result in: a. Unstable earth conditions or in changes in geologic substructures? X X X X X b. Disruptions, displacements, compac- tion, or overcovering of the soil? c. Change in topography or ground surface relief features? The destruction, covering, or modification of any unique geologic or physical features? e. Any increase in wind or water erosion of soils, either on or off the site? Changes in deposition or erosion of beach sands, or changes in siltation, deposition or erosion which may modify the channel of a river or stream or the bed of the ocean or any Pay, inlet or lake? X Earth (continued) YES MATBE g. Exposure of people or property to geologic hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, mudsliOes, ground failure, or similar hazards 2. Air Will the proposai~ result in: a. Substantial air emissions or deterioration of amDient air quality? b. The creation of objectionable odors? c. Alteration of air movement, moisture or temperature, or any change in climate, either locally or regionally? Water Will the proposal result in: a. Changes in currents, or the course or direction of water movements, in either marine or fresh water? b. Changes in absorption rates, drainage patterns, or the rate and amount of surface water runoff? c. Alterations to the course or flow of flood waters? d. Change in the amount of surface water in any water body? e. Discharge into surface waters, or in any alteration of surface water quality, including but not limited to temperature, dissolved oxygen or turbidity? f. Alteration of the direction or rate of flow of ground waters? 9. Change in the quantity of ground waters, either tnrouoh direct addlitions or withdrawals, or through i~terception of an aquifer by cuts or excavations? h. Substantial reduction in the amount of water otherwise available for puOlic water supplies? X X X X X X X X X X 3. Water (continued) i. Exposure of people or property to water related hazards such as flooding or tidal waves? j. Will the proposa' result in water service from any public or private entity? 4. Plant Life Will the proposal result in: a. Change in the diversity of species or number of any species of plants (including trees, shrubs, grass, crops,. microflora and aquatic plants)? b. Reduction of the numbers of any unique, rare or endangered species of plants? c. Introduction of new species of plants into an area, or in a barrier to the normal replenishment of existing species? d. Reduction in acreage of any agricultural crop? 5. Animal Life Will the proposal result in: a. Change in the diversity of species or numbers of any species of animals (birds, land animals including reptiles, fish and shellfish, benthic organisms, insects or microfauna)? b. Reduction of the numbers of any unique, rare or endangered species of animals? c. Introduction of new species of animals into an area, or result in a barrier to the migration or movemen'~ of animals? d. Deterioration to existing fish or wild- life habitat? 6. Noise Will the proposal result in: a. Increases in existing noise levels? b. Exposure or people to severe noise levels? YES MAYBE I-3 X X X X X X X X X X X X 10. 11. 12. 13. Light and Glare Will the proposal ~roduce new light or glare? Land Use Will the proposal result in a substa~ial alteration of the present or planned land use of an area? 9. Natural Resources W:ll the proposal result in: a. Increases in the rate of use of any natural resources? b. Substantial depletion of any nonrenewable natural resource? Risk of Upset Does the proposal involve a risk of an explosion or the release of hazardous substances (including, but not limited to, oil, pesticides, chemicals or radiation) in the event of an accident or upset conditions? Population Will the proposal alter the location, dis~r~oution, density or growth rate of the human population of an area? Housing Will the proposal affect existing rousing, or create a demand for additional housing? Transportation/Circulation Will the proposal result in: a. Generation of substantial additional vehicular movement? b. Effects on existing parking facilities, or demand for new pa'-king? c. Substantial impapt upon existing trans- portation systems? d. Alterations to present patterns of circu- lation or movement of people and/or goods? e. Alterations to waterborne, rail or air traffic? f. Increase in traffic hazards to motor vehicles, bicyclists or pedestrains? YES x x x MAYBE X X X X X X X X X X 14. Public Services Will the proposal have an effect upon, or result in a need for new or altered governmental services in any of the following areas: a. Fire protection? b. Police protection? Schools? d. Parks or other recreational facilities? e. Maintenance of public facilities, including roads? f. Other governmental services? !5. Energy Will the proposal result in: a. Use of substantial amounts of fuel or energy? b. Substantial increase in demand upon existing sources of energy, or require the development of new sources of energy? 16. Utilities Will the proposal result in a need for new systems, or substantial alterations to the following utilities: a. Power or natural gas? b. Communications systems? Water? d. Sewer or septic tanks? e. Storm water drainage? f. Solid waste and disposal? i7. Human Health Will the proposal result in: a. Creation of any health hazard or potential health hazard (excluding mental health)? b. Exposure of people to potential health hazards? YES MAYBE I-5 X X X X X X X X ~Design of County Afmuinistraticn Building wilt. provide utility system access for the project. X X X X X X X X 18. 19. 20. Aesthetics Will the proposal result in the obstruction of any scenic vista or view open to the public, or will the proposal result in the creation of an aesthetically offensive site open to public view? Recreation Will the proposal result in an impact upon the Quality or quantity of exist- ing recreational opportunities?. Archeological/Historical Will the proposal result in an alteration of a significant arch- eological or historical site, structure, object or building? 21. Mandatory Findings of Significance (a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of' the environment, sub- stantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or re- strict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or pre- history? (b) Does the project have the potential to achieve short-term, to the disadvantage of long-term, environmental goals? (A short-term impact on the environment is one of which occurs in a relatively brief, definitive period of time while long-term ~mpacts will endure well into the future). (c) Does the project have impacts which are in- dividually limited, but cumulatively considerable? (A project may impact on two or more separate re- sources where the impact on each resource is relatively small, but where the effect of the total of those impacts on the environment is significant.) (d) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly? YES MAYBE ]-6 I-7 III. IV. DISCUSSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION DETERMINATION (7o be completed by the Lead A9ency) On the basis of this initial evaluation: Date I find the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a Negative Declaration will be prepared. I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project plans or proposals made by or agreed to by the applicant before the proposed negative declaration is released for public review (or conditions of project approval) would avoid the effects or mitigate the effects to a point where clearly no significant effects would occur, and there is no substantial evidence before the city that the project as revised (or conditioned) may have a significant effect on the environment and that a NEGATIVE DECLARATION WILL BE PREPARED. I find the proposed project MAY have a sig~icant effect on the environ- ment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPO~/q y' (Si~a~ure) F~r Development Set_vices AMENDMENT TO THE CIRCULATION COMPONENT OF THE DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT ELEMENT BAKERSFIELD GENERAL PLAN (TO ELIMINATE THE MAJOR COLLECTOR STREET CLASSIFICATION FOR "M" STREET FROM TRUXTUN AVENUE TO CALIFORNIA AVENUE). Appendix I - Environmental Checklist Form Explanations of Environmental Impacts. Land Use - yes The Redevelopment Element classifies "M" Street as a major collector capable of providing six traffic lanes or four traffic lanes with on-street parking. Adoption of this proposal will eliminate the classification on "M" Street from Truxtun Avenue to california Avenue. As adopted in the Redevelopment Element, "M" Street was to be improved in a manner to adequately serve the so'~theast quadrant of the downtown area. Proposed land uses in the quadrant are anticipated as very intense office - professional development. Should the proposed amendment be approved, an alternate north/south route would be selected to the satisfaction of the City Traffic Engineer. The new land use for the portion of "M" Street from Truxtun Avenue to the railroad tracks will be a part of the Kern County Administration Building project site. 13. Maybe. On-street parking along "M" Street will be eliminated; however, development of the County Administration Building will include a parking structure that will provide parking spaces. Some public parking will be available in the structure. 13c & d. Yes. "M" Street is designated as a major collector in the Downtown Redevelopment Element. Alternate routes will be provided to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. "~4" Street, from Truxtun Avenue to the tracks, will be closed if this General Plan Amendment is approved. Most likely alternate routes will be available on "N" Street, "L" Street, and "Q" Street. 13f. Maybe. By alterating circulation patterns potential traffic hazards to motor trians due to the initial change. there may be an increase in vehicles, bicyclists, or pedes- 14. 14f. Public Services Maybe. This amendment is to facilitate the Kern County Administration building which provides various government services. krs Z:DB2 17th STREET TRUXTUN ~- AVENUE I 82.5' 82_.5' SCALE: COUNTY C I V I C I~th a STREET VACATING "M" STREET AND 16th STREET ADJACENT TO BLOCKS 310 AND 529, THE ALLEY IN BLOCK 310 AND THE PUBliC UTILITY EASEMENT IN BLOCK 329. "~'°'" ,. CITY OF BAKERSFIELJ3 D.~-. 3-~-~z K{~N ~U~, ~I~NIA ENGINEERING DEPAR~ENT ~cxzo SUBJECT: PLANNING COMMISSION Parks & Environmental Quality Committee Report August 6, 1987 Proposed closure of "M" Street and adjacent alleys bet- ween Truxtun Avenue and 16th Street and possible pedes- trian access across the A.T.S.&F. Railroad tracks. On July 21, 1987, this committee met with Alan Choy, Kern County Public Works Department and City staff to discuss the above-mentioned subject. Alan Choy stated the County wanted assurance the street would be closed when construction starts in spring of 1989. Completion of the proposed project would be in summer of 1991. Art Hartenberger, Economic Development, discussed the relationship of the Redevelopment Element policies, major devel- opment projects, parking, traffic and pedestrian circulation. If "M" Street were to be closed, "L" and "N" Streets would be the main north-south collectors. "N" Street would be the desig- nated interchange for the proposed Highway 178 southern align- ment alternative. Pedestrian access across the railroad tracks should be addressed with any future separation of grade plans on "N" Street. At this time there does not seem to be a need for a pedestrian crossing at "M" Street. Parks & Environmental Quality Committee Report Page 2 SUGGESTED ACTION: (underline indicates change) A motion pursuant to Government Code ~ 65402 to find the vacating of "M" Street and 16th Street adjacent to Blocks 310 and 329, the alley in Block 310 and the Public Utility Easement in Block 329 is consistent with the General Plan of the City of Bakersfield and report the same to the City Council with the fol- lowing recommendations: Adequate easements to be reserved for public utilities, sewers, storm drains or any other remaining and relocated public facilities within the area to be vacated. 2. File parcel map waiver to eliminate all interior lot lines. Street improvements (curb and gutter, sidewalk and paving) to be constructed to City standards a].ong limits of vacated area. Subject area shall be officially vacated and abandoned for public street purposes upon recordation of a Resolution ordering vacation in the Office of the Kern County Recorder at the time the County of Kern has taken possession of all properties within proposed County Administration Building project site. Respectively submitted, Barbara Patrick, Chairman p/peq