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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05 - Retention of Equestrian Center at the Orange County FairCITY OF NEWPORT BEACH CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT Agenda Item No. ' May 12, 2009 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: Dave Kiff, Assistant City Manager dkiff(a)citv.newport- beach.ca.us or 949 - 644 -3002 SUBJECT: Resolution 2009-: A Resolution in Support of Keeping the Equestrian Center at the Orange County Fair & Event Center ISSUE: Does the City Council want to adopt the proposed Resolution in support of keeping the Equestrian Center at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa? Adopt Resolution 2009 -_ in support of the Orange County Fair and Event Center's equestrian facilities. DISCUSSION: At the April 28, 2009 City Council meeting, Council Member Nancy Gardner requested that staff prepare a Resolution in support of keeping an existing 7.5 -acre Equestrian Center (EQC) at the Orange County Fair and Event Center. The EQC currently provides boarding facilities, arenas, and training opportunities for horses. On February 26, 2009, the Orange County Fair and Event Center's (OC Fair) Board of Directors released a Notice of Preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) associated with amending the OC Fair's adopted (in August 2003) Master Plan. Among other things, the amendments to the Master Plan that will be analyzed by the DEIR propose removing the EQC and associated facilities, removal of some fencing, and construction of flat flexible space, which would then be available for a variety of uses. A more complete description of the project, location, and the potential environmental effects of the project are included in the NOP (see Attachment B). The EQC has five arenas, over 200 horse stalls (about 188 of these available for horse boarding), wash racks, riding lessons, and more. The location of the EQC is as shown in Diagram A. Resolution in Support of Keeping Equestrian Center at OC Fairgrounds May 12, 2009 Page 2 Diagram A Location Map of the Equestrian Center In consideration of the history of the EQC at the Fairgrounds and its recreational, open space and public service value, Council Member Gardner has asked the City Council to consider taking an action supportive of having the existing EQC remain at the OC Fair. That resolution is attached. Environmental Review: The Council's adoption of the Resolution is not a project subject to CEQA. For information about the DEIR, see www.ocfair.com /nop or send comments to seircomments @ocfair.com. Public Notice: This agenda item may be noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the public meeting at which the City Council considers the item). Submitted by, DAVE KIFF Assistant City Manager Attachments: A: Resolution 2009- 6: DEIR NOP Resolution in Support of Keeping Equestrian Center at OC Fairgrounds May 12, 2009 Page 3 RESOLUTION NO. 2009- A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH SUPPORTING THE CONTINUED USE OF THE EXISTING 7.5 ACRE EQUESTRIAN CENTER AT THE ORANGE COUNTY FAIR AND EVENT CENTER WHEREAS, the Orange County Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa, California ( "OC Fair") has been in place for over 118 years; and WHEREAS, the 32nd District Agricultural Association, doing business as the OC Fair, is a state entity within the Division of Fairs and Expositions, California Department of Food and Agriculture; and WHEREAS, horses and livestock have always been part of the history, communities and heritage of Costa Mesa and Orange County; and WHEREAS, equestrian activities have always been a part of the OC Fair; and WHEREAS, the 15 -acre Orange County Fairgrounds Equestrian Center in Costa Mesa, California was constructed in the northeast portion of the Fairgrounds in 1980; WHEREAS, the Fair's Master Plan, adopted by the Board of Directors in 2003 called for the removal of 7.5 acres of the Equestrian Center, with 7.5 acres to remain; and WHEREAS, there is tremendous public benefit in keeping the remaining 7.5 acres of recreational opportunity at the Orange County Fairgrounds Equestrian Center; and WHEREAS, horse - related activities provide wonderful alternatives for children, and horses help to inspire, teach and provide important personal development for all ages; and WHEREAS, th a Orange County Fairgrounds Equestrian Center in Costa Mesa, California provides irreplaceable public benefit to numerous local non - profit youth organizations, including opportunities for disabled youth; and WHEREAS, there continues to be an increasing loss of equestrian facilities throughout Orange County, and removal of the Equestrian Center would eliminate a significant asset that cannot be replaced; and WHEREAS, OC Fair is considering replacing the last remaining 7.5 acre Equestrian Center with a paved parking lot which the original Master Plan EIR considered a significant adverse impact; and WHEREAS, the "net cost" of relocating and replicating the existing Equestrian Center elsewhere in Costa Mesa has not been calculated and is expected to be significant. Costs associated with land acquisition and replacement of facilities will greatly exceed the $65,000 per year in revenue generated by the existing facilities; and Resolution in Support of Keeping Equestrian Center at OC Fairgrounds May 12, 2009 Page 4 WHEREAS, alternative parking options are available to the OC Fair that do not require removing the existing Equestrian Center; and WHEREAS, the benefit of a parking lot does not override the loss of the Equestrian Center in Costa Mesa, and the public benefit and recreational opportunities it provides to our region; and WHEREAS, alternative parking lot locations and options should be considered first before considering removal of the Equestrian Center; now, therefore be it RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Newport Beach hereby supports maintaining the existing 7.5 acre Equestrian Center at the Orange County Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa, California for future generations to enjoy. ADOPTED this 12'" day of May, 2009, ED SELICH Mayor of the City of Newport Beach ATTEST: LEILANI BROWN City Clerk of the City of Newport Beach APPROVED AS TO FORM: DAVID HUNT City Attorney of Newport Beach ORANGE COUNTY FAIR AND EVENT CENTER PUBLIC NOTICE OF INTENT TO PREPARE A DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT Pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21165, the Orange County Fair and Event Center ( OCFEC) is the Lead Agency responsible for preparation of a Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (EIR) addressing potential impacts associated with the proposed amendment to the OCFEC Master Plan in order to implement the proposed Flat Flexible Space project (Project) located in the northeast portion of the OCFEC. The Project is generally located in central Costa Mesa, on the north side of Fair Drive, between Newport Boulevard (southbound) to the east and Fairview road to the west. Arlington Drive is located along the site's north boundary. The specific area affected by the proposed amendment to the Master Plan is the northeastern comer of the Fairgrounds, consisting of the existing 7.5 -acre Equestrian Center (EQC). The EQC currently provides boarding facilities, arenas, and training opportunities for equines. The proposed Project would amend the existing Master Plan by planning for the removal of the EQC and associated facilities, removal of the western and southern fence, and construction of flat flexible space, which would then be available for a variety of uses. A more complete description of the project, location, and the potential environmental effects of the project are included in the Notice of Preparation (NOP), available for review at the locations listed below. Interested agencies, individuals, and groups have been invited to comment on the scope of the Subsequent EIR. At a minimum, the Subsequent EIR will examine the potential impacts generated by the proposed Project in relation to the following Environmental Analysis Checklist categories: Aesthetics, Air Quality, Hydrology and Water Quality, Land Use and Planning, Noise, and Recreation. A more complete description of environmental documentation requirements is included in the NOP, which is available at the reviewing locations listed below. Please submit comments that are germane to your agency's statutory responsibilities in connection with the proposed project. Due to the time limits mandated by State law, your response must be received no later than 30 days after receipt of this notice. Members of the public may also comment on the scope of the environmental document within the 30 -day seeping period. SCOPING MEETING: OCFEC will conduct a public seeping meeting in conjunction with the NOP in order to present the project and the EIR process and to receive public comments. DATE/TIME: 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 11, 2009 ADDRESS: Memorial Gardens of the OCFEC, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (Please enter at Gate 4 off Arlington Drive and park in Lot F.) Reviewing Locations Copies of the NOP are available for Public Review from Friday, February 27, 2009, to Monday, March 30, 2009, at the following locations: OCFECg{ Administration Building �❑�, sanccw x , _, 88 Fair Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Libraries ����� Costa Mesa/Donald Dungan Library 1855 Park Ave.* IT Costa Mesa, CA 92627 sp Online wwwocfair.com/nop w 7 j mvaai armor ddb - w Address Comments to: Steve Beazley 88 Fair Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Email: seireomments oefair.com LSA ASSOCIATES, INC, NOTICE OF PREPARATION FEBRUARY 2001 ORANGE COUNTY FAIR AND EVENT CENTER MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY FAIR AND EVENT CENTER MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT SUMMARY The 32nd District Agricultural Association (DAA) is amending the Orange County Fair and Event Center ( OCFEC) Master Plan for the ±150 -acre (ac) campus, The OCFEC Board adopted the Master Plan in August 2003 which will offer the community a broader range of educational, recreational, and cultural programming and entertainment aimed at showcasing the heritage of Orange County and providing additional opportunities to its growing and evolving constituency. The Master Plan called for the Equestrian Center (EQC) to be reduced from approximately 15 ac to its current size of 7.5 ac. Portions of the Master Plan have been implemented over the past several years, including the EQC reduction. The proposed project would amend the existing Master Plan by planning for the removal of the EQC and associated facilities, removal of the western and southern fence, and construction of flat flexible space, which would then be available for a variety of uses. Under the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the OCFEC is the Lead Agency for environmental review and must evaluate the potentially significant environmental effects of the proposed project. The OCFEC has determined that preparation of a Subsequent Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is necessary to assess the proposed project's effects on the environment, determine significant impacts, and identify feasible mitigation measures to avoid, reduce, or eliminate potentially significant environmental impacts. This Notice of Preparation (NOP) is being circulated pursuant to California Resource Code Section 21153(a) and the State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15082. Public agencies and the public are invited to comment on the proposed scope and content of the environmental information to be included in the EIR. A 30 -day comment period is provided to return written comments to the OCFEC no later than 5:00 p.m., Monday, March 30, 2009. Comments should be directed to the OCFEC at the following address: Steven Beazley, President/CEO Orange County Fair and Event Center 88 Fair Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Comments may also be e- mailed to: seircomments @ocfaiccom PACUOMSubsequent EIR EQC\NOP\Notice of Preparetion.doc ,02/26/09» LSA ASSOCIATES. INC. NOTICE OF PREPARATION FEBRUARY 2009 ORANGE COUNTY PAIR AND EVENT CENTER MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING Project Site and Surrounding Uses The project is generally located in central Costa Mesa, on the north side of Fair Drive, between Newport Boulevard (southbound) to the east and Fairview Road to the west. Arlington Drive is located along the site's north boundary. Regional access to the OCFEC is provided by State Route 55 (SR -55) to the north and east. The specific area affected by the proposed amendment to the Master Plan is the northeastern comer of the Fairgrounds, consisting of the existing EQC. The project area is approximately 7.5 ac. The EQC is bounded by Arlington Drive to the north, Newport Boulevard (southbound) to the east, OCFEC parking and storage to the south, and the OCFEC corporate yard to the west. Orange Coast Community College is located to the northwest across Fairview Road. Costa Mesa High School, Davis Elementary School, and TeWinkle Park are located to the north across Arlington Drive. A single - family residential neighborhood is located north of TeWinkle Park. Vanguard University and the City of Costa Mesa City Hall are located to the south across Fair Drive. West of Fairview Road are single - family residences. Southbound Newport Boulevard and SR -55 are located to the east. The OCFEC has existed at this location for over 50 years and has become a year-round exhibition, conference, and event center. The primary function of the OCFEC is to host the annual summer Fair. Approximately 1,062,673 people attended the 2008 summer Fair. There are, however, events and exhibitions occurring on the OCFEC site each weekend, including the Orange County Marketplace, a swap meet that occupies a portion of the OCFEC's parking lot. Also, the OCFEC campus includes a 8,500- fixed -seat amphitheater, a 5,500 -seat grandstand arena, a series of exhibit buildings totaling over 100,000 square feet, Centennial Farm, administration and meeting buildings, storage and maintenance yards, parking areas, and general open space areas. Equestrian Center As discussed above, the EQC is located in the northeast portion of the Fairgrounds and occupies approximately 7.5 ac. The EQC is isolated from the other OCFEC uses, but open for private use every day from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., providing boarding and training of horses. Several trainers operate within the EQC, providing lessons and equine training. The EQC also periodically hosts shows and other equestrian - related events. A north - south - oriented drive aisle forms the western boundary of the EQC. This drive aisle connects to Arlington Drive at Gate 8. The OCFEC corporate yard building and storage area is located across this drive aisle to the west. The northern boundary of the EQC is separated from Arlington Drive by a chain -link panel fence and a row of mature eucalyptus trees beyond. In addition to Gate 8, Gate 9 provides access to Arlington Drive, but is locked and operated via remote control. The eastern boundary of the EQC consists of a chain -link panel fence along Newport Boulevard (southbound). The southern portion of the EQC, adjacent to an OCFEC parking lot, consists of grass landscaping, portable observation bleachers, approximately 10 Chinese elm trees (Ulmus parvifolia), and three PACCZ030 \Subsequent EIR EQC \NOPWotice of Plepaiation.doc ((0226109» LEA ASSOCIATES, INC, NOTICE OF PREPARATION FEBRUARY 2449 ORANGE COUNTY FAIR AND EVENT CENTER MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT Mexican fan palm trees (Washingtonia robusta). Immediately south of this grass area is a chain -link fence with a wood structure. Beyond the fence, between the EQC and OCFEC parking area, is a narrow area currently being utilized as OCFEC storage. The EQC provides on -site boarding facilities, arena, grooming racks, wash racks, shoeing rack, hot walkers, round pens, and storage facilities. OCFEC Master Plan The OCFEC Board adopted the Master Plan in August 2003, which will offer the community a broader range of educational, recreational, and cultural programming and entertainment aimed at showcasing the heritage of Orange County and providing additional opportunities to its growing and evolving constituency. The Master Plan called for the EQC to be reduced from approximately 15 ac to its current size of 7.5 ac. Portions of the Master Plan have been implemented over the past several years, including the EQC reduction. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed project would amend the existing Master Plan by planning for the removal of the EQC and associated facilities, removal of the western and southern fence, and construction of flat flexible space, which would then be available for a variety of uses. Proposed Project Purpose The OCFEC's Mission Statement is: "Celebration of Orange County's Communities, Interests and Heritage (with results justifying resources expended)." From 1949 to the present, the OCFEC has grown from a small, community, five -day celebration to a 23 -day festival. In addition, the OCFEC hosts several events ranging in size and type throughout the year. The OCFEC is responsible for a large constituency that is growing in size and diversity. The OCFEC has a fixed amount of space (±150 ac), and as the increasing community demands on the OCFEC have grown, so has the need for additional flat flexible space. The combination of this demand and the fixed amount of physical space has compelled the OCFEC to continually assess optimal use opportunities for any portion of the campus in its role as a responsible public entity. In addition, the OCFEC must continually seek means to attempt to reduce potential impacts to the surrounding neighborhoods, such as on- street parking. Flat Flexible Space The proposed flat flexible space would provide the OCFEC a flexible land use with the ability to accommodate additional parking, staging area, exhibit area, large and small events, camp area during the summer Fair, festivals, storage, and other temporary uses. PACUOMSubsequent MR EQC\N0PlNoti" of Prepatation.doo 02 /26!09# LEA ASSOCIATES, INC. NOTICE OF PREPARATION FEBRUARY 2009 ORANGE COUNTY PAIR AND EVENT CENTER WASTER PLAN AMENDMENT Demolition of the existing EQC would include removal of the existing boarding facilities, wash racks, shoeing racks, grooming areas, arenas, fencing, all ornamental vegetation, and the western and southern fencing. The OCFEC storage area located on the southern boundary of the EQC would be relocated to another storage area within the Fairgrounds. The chain -link panel fencing along the northern boundary of the site, adjacent to Arlington Drive, would likely remain. Access Gates 8 and 9 would remain intact. For the purpose of this analysis, proposed flat flexible space would consist of an impermeable surface such as asphalt. The 7.5 ac EQC area would be graded to a relatively flat elevation, consistent with the surrounding parking areas. In addition, this analysis will also consider alternative flat space that will have a reduced amount of impermeable surface. TOPICS TO BE ANALYZED IN THE EIR The EIR will include a section for each of the environmental topics deemed relevant. Each of the environmental topic sections will discuss the potential short-term environmental impacts of project construction, as well as the long -term effects of project operation. If necessary, mitigation measures will be proposed to address identified significant impacts. Aesthetics The EIR will describe the proposed change in views of the site and evaluate the impact of the Proposed changes. If necessary, mitigation measures will be included to reduce potential impacts to public viewsheds to the extent possible. Air Quality The EIR will analyze potential air quality impacts associated with project construction and operation in accordance with South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) CEQA Handbook air quality guidelines. Construction- related emissions will be quantified and discussed in a general format. Biological Resources The Master Plan EIR concluded that the habitat quality associated with the project site is low, based on the disturbed conditions, location within an urban setting, and the predominance of nonnative ornamental plants. Therefore, Biological Resources will not be discussed in the Subsequent EIR, as the proposed amendment to the Master Plan would not change the results of the Master Plan EIR completed in 2003 with regard to Biological Resources. PACCZOWSubsequent EIR EQCWPWotice of Preparation.doo 02126109x LSA ASSOCIATES, INC, NOTICE OF PREPARATION FEBRUARY 2009 ORANGE COUNTY PAIR AND EVENT CENTER MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT Cultural Resources The Master Plan EIR concluded that the OCFEC area has a low potential to encounter cultural resources, and the project area (existing EQC) does not contain any historic resources. Therefore, Cultural Resources will not be discussed in the Subsequent EIR, as the proposed amendment to the Master Plan would not change the results of the Master Plan EIR completed in 2003 with regard to Cultural Resources. Geology and Soils The Master Plan EIR concluded that grading and earthmoving associated with development of the Fairgrounds would alter only pervious modified land and would not pose an impact to geology and soils. In addition, there are no hillsides, slopes, or geologic hazards that could pose a threat to people or property. Therefore, Geology and Soils will not be discussed in the Subsequent EIR, as the proposed amendment to the Master Plan would not change the results of the Master Plan EIR completed in 2003 with regard to Geology and Soils. Hydrology and Water Quality The EIR will estimate the amount of runoff from the existing project site and compare the amount of runoff to the proposed project; determine how the runoff should be handled; and assess the hydraulic impact to the existing storm drain system. Results of the existing runoff and proposed design discharges will be summarized in the EIR. Probable pollutants will be assessed for the construction and operation of the proposed project and alternatives. If necessary, mitigation measures will be recommended. Land Use and Planning The project's compatibility with existing and planned surrounding land uses will be analyzed in the EIR. If necessary, mitigation measures will be identified to reduce possible impacts to the extent possible. Noise The EIR will analyze potential construction and operational noise impacts of the proposed project upon the surrounding land uses. The potential for significant adverse impacts will be evaluated, including any impacts attributable to construction. Mitigation measures will be identified as appropriate. Public Services and Utilities The proposed amendment to the Master Plan would not change the results of the 2003 Master Plan EIR with regards to Public Services and Utilities. Therefore, Public Services and Utilities will not be discussed in the Subsequent EIR. PACUD30 \Subscquent EIR EQC\NOP\Natice of PrepaatioDdoc u02 /26/09» LSA ASSOCIATES, INC. NOTICE OF PRPPARATION PEERUARY 200% ORANGE COUNTY PAIR AND EVENT CENTER MASTER PLAN ANYNONYNT Recreation The proposed project would result in the removal of the existing EQC. The EIR will assess potential impacts to the existing EQC along with cumulative impacts to regional recreational opportunities. Traffic and Circulation The proposed project would not generate additional trips to the OCFEC or substantially alter the circulation of traffic within the OCFEC from the trips planned for and analyzed in the 2003 Master Plan EIR. Other CEQA- Mandated Sections/Topics The following topics will be addressed: • Any Significant Irreversible Environmental Changes that would be Involved in the Proposed Action should it be Implemented • Unavoidable Adverse Impacts • Growth- Inducing Impacts Alternatives. Pursuant to the State CEQA Guidelines 15126.6, the EIR will identify a reasonable range of alternatives to the proposed project. Included within this range will be a no build alternative, an enhanced equestrian center alternative and other potential alternatives. The OCFEC's assessment of these alternatives will be described in the EIR. An analysis of the environmental effects of each alternative will be included in the EIR, and a statement identifying the environmentally superior alternative will be provided. Cumulative Impacts. For most environmental topics addressed in the environmental document, the cumulative impacts of the project will be described based upon build out of the OCFEC Master Plan. ENVIRONMENTAL PROCEDURES This NOP for the proposed project will be submitted to the State Clearinghouse, Responsible Agencies, Trustee Agencies, and other interested parties that will be included in approving or funding the project or that have specifically requested a copy of the NOP. After the 30 -day review period for the NOP is complete, a Draft Subsequent EIR will be prepared in accordance with CEQA, as amended (Public Resources Code, Section 21000 et seq.) and the State Guidelines for Implementation of CEQA (California Code of Regulations, Section 15000 et seq.). PACCZ03Mubsequent EIR EQCWOP \Notice of Preparetion.doo 02/26/090 L9A ASSOCIATES, INC. NOTICE OF PREPARATION FEBRUARY 2009 ORANGE COUNTY PAIR AND EVENT CENTER MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT The EIR will examine the proposed project in the context of the OCFEC's existing Master Plan. Detailed analyses will be conducted in order to ascertain the proposed project's effects on the environment and the relative degree of impact prior to implementation of mitigation measures. Where impacts are determined to be significant, mitigation measures will be prescribed with the purpose of reducing the project's effects on those impacts either completely or to the maximum degree feasible. Once the Draft Subsequent EIR is completed, it will be made available for public review and comment. PACCZ030 \Subsequem EIR EQC \NOP\NQtice Of Prepara iORAOC ((0226/09)5