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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSt. Andrews Presbyterian Church (PA2002-265)CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Agenda Item No. 7 May 20, 2004 TO: Planning Commission FROM: James Campbell, Senior Planner, (949) 644 -3210 jcampbellacity newport-beach ca.us SUBJECT: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Expansion (PA2002 -265) General Plan Amendment, Zone Change & Use Permit 600 St. Andrews Road APPLICANT: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church INTRODUCTION This proposal is to expand and modernize existing facilities at the St. Andrews Presbyterian Church campus located at 600 St. Andrews Road. The project consists of the replacement of the existing fellowship hall and construction of a new multi - purpose gymnasium & youth center, classrooms and a below grade parking structure. Implementation of the project requires a General Plan Amendment to increase the maximum allowable floor area that could be built on the site by approximately 39,950 square feet. No change to the existing land use designation of Governmental, Educational & Institutional Facilities is requested or required. The application also includes a request to change the existing zoning designations from R -1 and R -2 (residential) to GEIF (Governmental, Educational & Institutional Facilities) to gain consistency with the General Plan land use designation. The consideration of a Use Permit for construction and operation of the proposed development includes establishing the maximum height for the. proposed fellowship hall building and the multi - purpose gymnasium building at 40 feet from grade. RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Planning Commission conduct a public hearing and continue the hearing to June 3, 2004. St. Andrews Church Expansion May 20, 2004 Page 2 Current Development: Religious Institution To the north: Newport Harbor High School, fraternal organization facility To the east: Single family residential To the south: Single family & two family residential To the west: Multiple Family Residential t ,.. I .. dot r '�i,l�h _1►M 7 11 J .. .�, l IIE p li �i 1111 I glp s i it HIP 1 , v SuNect Pro e li 1 it ��. � 7E 1 _ . � v _ u4111124,Enu .«.. �,,,,. � � .. �, w. _.. _ � . 1 it Feet � 0 20618 Current Development: Religious Institution To the north: Newport Harbor High School, fraternal organization facility To the east: Single family residential To the south: Single family & two family residential To the west: Multiple Family Residential St. Andrews Church Expansion May 20, 2004 Page 3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION Background St. Andrews Church has been operating at the subject property since early 1950. In 1962, the City approved Use Permit No: 822 for additions to the church. In 1974, the Use Permit was amended to expand the campus once again. During the 1980s, the church campus underwent significant expansions in buildings and land area. The use permit was amended in 1982 and again in 1985. Ten homes along Clay Street were removed to make way for the existing 250 space parking lot. The existing sanctuary and chapel /administration building were the two latest major construction projects completed in the mid 1980s. In 1988, the City adopted the present General Plan Land Use Element that permits no additional floor area at the site. The applicant now desires to increase the floor area allocation to accommodate additional construction. The church campus operates pursuant to two permit applications today: Use Permit No. 822 and Site Plan Review No. 31. The use permit covers the entire campus and the site °plan review related to the construction of the main sanctuary. Staff has compiled 'a full list of applicable conditions of approval given the various amendments and applications over time (Exhibit No. 1). The proposed project has precipitated a significant amount of correspondence, which is attached as Exhibit No. 2. Proposed Construction The applicant proposes to demolish the existing fellowship hall and southern classroom building. New construction will consist of a 27,996 square foot fellowship hall building that will occupy the same approximate location as the existing fellowship hall. The three level building will have a full basement below existing grade for storage and the overall height of the building will be 40 feet from existing grade. A second new building houses a youth center, multi - purpose gymnasium and classrooms is proposed to be constructed in the same approximate location as the classroom building proposed to be demolished. The total area of this building is approximately 32,744 square feet and it too will have a full basement level below grade. The height of this proposed building would also be 40 feet from existing grade. Lastly, the applicant proposes to construct a below grade parking garage along Clay Street that will increase on -site parking from 250 to 400 spaces. Vehicular site access is not changing and is presently provided by three driveways; one on 15"' Street, one on Clay Street at Pirate Road and one on St. Andrews Road. The applicant has prepared a complete set of plans for review (Exhibit No. 3). A full and complete project description appears within the Draft Environmental Impact Report (SCH# 2003 -08 -1065) on pages 3 -1 to 3 -21 and is incorporated herein by reference. If the proposed project is approved, demolition and construction activities are planned to occur over an 11 month period with occupancy of the project anticipated in the first half of 2006. St. Andrews Church Expansion May 20, 2004 Page 4 The applicant plans to close the preschool during the construction period. Additionally, the church plans to conduct regular worship services during construction during which time the existing parking lot will not be available. Interim parking is planned at Newport Harbor High School and other off -site locations. DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS Environmental Review The City contracted with Keeton Kreitzer Consulting for the preparation of an .Initial Study and EIR for the proposed project. The Initial Study was prepared in accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Based upon the analysis of the Initial Study, the following environmental topics were identified as potentially affected with the implementation of the proposed project: Land.. Use and Planning, Transportation & Parking, Air Quality, Noise, Aesthetics and! Police: Services. The remaining issue areas were determined to be affected at either a less than "significant level or that the project would have no impact: Agriculture, Biological 'Resources,: Cultural::: Resources, Geologic & Soils, Hazards, Hydrology & Water Quality, Mineral Resources Population and Housing, Public Services, Recreation and Utilrt ervice systems..: Kreitzer Consulting then prepared a Draft EIR (State Clearinghouse No. 2003081065) that focused upon the environmental issues identified as "potentially affected." The DEIR was completed and circulated for a mandatory 45-day review period that began on March 17th and concluded on April 30, 2004, and was previously transmitted to the Commission. Comments were received by a utility company, the Environmental Quality: Affairs Committee and many interested parties. The DEIR provides a detailed project description and a description of the environmental setting. The document also discusses project alternatives as required pursuant to CEQA. These alternatives include a "no project' or no expansion alternative, a "renovation or replacement" aftemative with no expansion of facilities, a "reduced intensity" alternative with the proposed project minus the proposed gymnasium, an "off -site parking" atemative with a parking structure at Newport Harbor High School and an " alternative site" where the proposed gymnasium/youth center is located at an off -site location. The following discussion provides a summary of the significant environmental issues evaluated in the DEIR. Land Use and Plannina — This section focuses upon whether or not the proposed project is consistent with established land use plans, zoning provisions and habitat conservation plans. The conclusion of the analysis is that the project can be found consistent with applicable land use plans and zoning provisions so long as the requested General Plan and Zoning Amendments are approved. No habitat conservation plans are applicable to the project. St. Andrews Church Expansion May 20, 2004 Page 5 Transportation & Parkin — A traffic analysis was performed in accordance with the Traffic Phasing Ordinance. A cumulative analysis was also performed that included reasonably foreseeable projects. The project is expected to increase average daily trips by 327 with 26 trips expected in the AM peak hour and 24 trips anticipated in the PM peak hour. Nine intersections were studied and the analysis concludes that no significant impacts will result with the exception of the unsignalized intersection at 15�h Street and Irvine Avenue related to construction traffic when school is in session. The potential impact can be mitigated by scheduling construction traffic outside the peak school traffic period. Parking is one of the main areas of concern of nearby residents. Area streets are used heavily during the week by students at NHHS and St. Andrews utilizes street parking on weekends. Surrounding streets are posted for 2 -hour parking in an effort to ensure that vehicles are moved periodically so residents can have access to spaces. A preferential parking program for residents has also been implemented. On -site parking will be increased from 250 spaces to 400 spaces; however, this total falls short of the minimum required for the largest assembly room, .the main sanctuary. Based upon the maximum approved occupancy of 1,387 seats, a total of 463 parking spaces are required using the current required parking ratio of 1 space per each 3 seats. The City granted a partial parking waiver in 1982 when the main sanctuary was authorized when the parking requirement was based upon a 1 space per 5 seat standard. The waiver was based upon the availability of parking at Newport Harbor High School (NHHS). The parking study took into account the increased on -site supply and the availability of on- street parking and parking that is available at NHHS. The key factors that lead staff to the initial conclusion that no significant environmental impact would result is the. increase in on -site parking supply of 150 spaces and that off -site parking at NHHS and in. adjacent public streets remains available. This conclusion is also based upon limiting maximum assembly occupancy to that afforded by the main sanctuary. The two new buildings do not have occupancy levels that would require more parking than the main sanctuary. Therefore, staff suggests that no concurrent assembly occupancy be permitted on a regular basis. Parking during construction was also evaluated since the applicant plans to conduct regular worship services when the on -site parking lot is not available. The applicant has made arrangements for off-site parking at the Lighthouse Coastal Community Church located at 300 Magnolia Street in Costa Mesa and at NHHS in the le Street and 15th Street lot. Church employees will park at Lighthouse during the week and church vehicles will shuttle people to the site. Church members will be directed to use NHHS lots with the consent of the School District through a permit process and church vehicles will be used as necessary to shuttle people to the site. Even with this off-site parking arrangement and a parking management plan required as a mitigation measure, increased use of street parking in the area of the project is likely occur during construction. Air Qua l" — Emissions related to construction activity have the potential to create a short term impact. The potential impact arises from truck hauling activities related to excavation and export of dirt for the proposed parking garage. This impact can be St. Andrews Church Expansion May 20, 2004 Page 6 mitigated by limiting the vehicle miles traveled per day; however this mitigation measure would have the effect of lengthening the grading period, possibly creating other undesirable impacts. Export of dirt is planned during the summer months when school is not in session and conducting the dirt haul when school is in session is something staff would like to avoid. There is one possibility to avoid the air quality impact and not conduct the grading during the school session and that is to reduce the vehicle miles traveled by finding a disposal site '/z the distance away than was assumed for analytical purposes. This scenario is a likely outcome as the consultant assumed that the dirt would need to travel 18 miles to a local landfill. Closer disposal sites are likely; however, one cannot be identified at this time. Therefore, staff is suggesting that the City accept the air quality impact so that we are assured of avoiding export operations during the fall school session. Despite this, staff will work with the applicant to find local disposal sites such that the air quality impact is avoided while avoiding the fall school session. Staff recommends a condition of approval be applied to require this effort. Noise — Noise associated with construction and operations of the project was evaluated. Construction related noise is controlled by existing provisions of the Municipal Code which prohibits construction- related noise between 6:30PM and TOOAM weekdays, 6:OOPM and 8:OOAM Saturday and all times on Sunday and holidays. This standard, which is applicable.to any construction project within the city, would permit any construction related noise during the non - prohibited hours. Noise associated with increased traffic was also considered and was found to be less than significant due to the limited increase in traffic. The remaining issue with respect to noise is to ensure that mechanical equipment be quiet or that adequate sound attenuation be provided. A mitigation measure requiring this is included. Aesthetics — Visual simulations were not prepared for the project because? The consultant has concluded that the proposed buildings would not prove to be an aesthetic impact. No scenic vistas or public views would be impacted, the proposed buildings are of similar scale to the existing buildings, and landscape setbacks and streets should provide an adequate buffer for the project. Police Services — This section was included due to a comment on the Notice of Preparation suggesting that the proposed parking garage will become a "haven" for criminal activity. Although staff does not concur with the comments, staff had the crime prevention specialist of the Newport Beach Police Department evaluate the project and the Department does not believe a significant environmental impact will result with implementation of the project. They have provided recommended security and design requirements that will reduce the likelihood that the parking garage will become a nuisance. The DER concludes that no significant unavoidable impacts will result with the implementation of the project. However, short-term air emissions may present a significant impact should the disposal site for the dirt from the garage excavation be located sufficiently far away and/or the City chooses to require that the dirt haul to be scheduled to St. Andrews Church Expansion May 20, 2004 Page 7 avoid the fall school session. Based upon the final decision of the City in this regard, staff will prepare a statement of overriding considerations for short-term air quality impacts if necessary. As noted, the DER looked at several alternatives as required. The environmentally superior alternative other than the "no project" atemative is a "reduced intensity" alternative where all of the features of the proposed project are constructed with the exception of the gymnasium. Staff and the environmental consultant believe that this alternative meets most of the applicant's objectives while reducing less than significant impacts of the project. The potential air quality impact is not reduced significantly as the parking garage was included in the analysis and it is the single most contributing element to the potential air quality impact. The City has received many comment letters on the DEIR. Staff is preparing written responses to those comments and they will be forwarded to the Commission as soon as available. Staffs preliminary conclusion is that none of the comments have raised significant new information that would lead staff to conclude that the DER is inadequate or would require significant revision. Clarification of some items and additional information will be presented in the responses to the comments, which will be made part of the Final EIR. Lastly, it is important to note that the EIR is a draft and additional issues may be raised during the hearing. General Plan Analysis The Land Use Element has 12 general policies to guide consideration of the potential amendments. The following discussion relates to those general land use policies that are applicable to the proposed project. A. The City shall provide for sufficient diversity of land uses so that schools, employment, recreation areas, public facilities, churches and neighborhood shopping centers are in close proximity to each resident of the community. The proposed project is located in an area of the City that is characterized by single - family residential development. Institutional uses are also present in that Newport Harbor High School and St. Andrews are also part of the community. Although a general plan amendment is proposed to accommodate the increase in floor area proposed by the applicant, no change to the land use designation (Governmental, Educational & Institutional Facilities) is proposed. The proposed expansion and modernization program will facilitate continuation of the church in the neighborhood, and therefore, the project is consistent with this policy. B. To insure redevelopment of older or underutilized properties, and to preserve the value of properly, the floor area limits specified in the Land Use Element allow for some modest growth. To insure that traffic does not exceed the level of service St. Andrews Church Expansion May 20, 2004 Page 8 desired by the City, variable floor area limits shall be established based upon the trip generation characteristics of the use or uses proposed for the site. Redevelopment and modernization of the existing church as proposed is generally consistent with this policy, which suggests that some modest increase in floor area may be permitted if adequate capacity exists in the infrastructure (e.g., circulation, sewer and water, etc.). Based on the detailed traffic analysis that was prepared for the proposed project, all of the primary intersections are forecasted to operate at Level of Service A or B when project- related traffic is added to future growth and approved project traffic. Similarly, the increase in traffic generated by the proposed increase in floor area will not result in any significant cumulative impacts. D. The siting of new buildings and structures shall be controlled and regulated to ensure, to the extent practical, the preservation of public views, the preservation of unique natural resources, and to minimize the alteration of natural landforms along bluffs and cliffs. The St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church site and surrounding neighborhood are located within an area of the City that is virtually built out; no noteworthy visual resources and/or natural features (e.g., bluffs and cliffs, landmark trees, shoreline, etc.) are present. Therefore, development of the site as proposed is consistent with this policy. F. The City shall develop and maintain suitable and adequate standards for landscaping, sign control, site and building design, parking and undergrounding of utilities and other development standards to ensure that the beauty and charm of existing residential neighborhoods are maintained, that commercial and office projects are aesthetically pleasing and compatible with surrounding land uses and that the appearance of and activities conducted within industrial developments are also compatible with surrounding land uses and consistent with the public health, safety and welfare. Although this policy does not specifically mention institutional land uses, the general goal of the policy is applicable to any project. The City maintains and implements development standards through the Zoning Ordinance. The change in zone from R -1 & R -2 to GEIF does change applicable development standards. The only two development standards that change are setbacks and building height since parking requirements are not changed. Residential setbacks are exchanged for setbacks determined through the Use Permit process based upon the speck facts of a development proposal. Building height limits change from the 24/28 height limitation zone to the 32/50 height limitation zone. Although the potential height of a building is increased, these height standards are more suitable for an institutional development as opposed to a residential height limit. Institutional or educational use of the site is what the Land Use Element call for. The suitability of development standards is discussed in subsequent sections of this report. St. Andrews Church Expansion May 20, 2004 Page 9 Zone Change Analysis As noted above, the application includes consideration of changing the zoning of the property from R -1 & R -2 to GEIF to match the General Plan Land Use Element designation of the property. The residential zoning is a remnant of the past uses at the site. The church began with the northerly portion of the property that is zoned R -2. A church is a permitted use in a residential zone pursuant to a Use Permit. The church expanded its campus in the early 1980s with the demolition of 10 homes along Clay Street that were zoned R -1. The residential zoning was not addressed with the expansion at that time since a church remained a permitted use pursuant to a Use Permit that was under consideration at that time. In 1988, the City adopted an update of the Land Use Element of the General Plan that designated the site for Governmental, Educational and Institutional Facilities to reflect the existing institutional land use. The City did not pursue a follow up zone change to match the land use designation. Staff requested the zone change application to be made a part of the applicant's proposal and the applicant has included the zone change request. The zone change has the effect of applying different use and development standards. For instance, typical residential setbacks are changed to setbacks established by a Use Permit. A Use Permit is also required for the expansion of any existing use. The height limitation zone changes from 24/28 feet to 32/50 feet. The base height limit, at which a structure is permitted by right, would be increased by 8 feet. The upper height limit is increased by 22 feet, which requires the Commission to make certain findings, also through the approval of a Use Permit. The main portions of the two proposed buildings are 32 feet in height with each building having a mechanical enclosure or screen at 40 feet from grade, thus requiring this type of consideration. The height of the buildings is discussed further below. The last significant change in circumstances related to the zone change is the elimination of the residential zoning designations that are inconsistent with the General Plan designation. A religious institution is a permitted use in the proposed GEIF zone. Use Permit Analysis The Use Permit application relates to the overall expansion plan and the height of the two proposed buildings. The following general findings are applicable to any use that requires the approval of a Use Permit. 1. That the proposed location of the use is in accord with the objectives of this code and the purposes of the district in which the site is located. The objective of the Zoning Code is "to promote the growth of the City of Newport Beach in an orderly manner and to promote and protect the public health, safety, peace, comfort and general welfare, and to protect the character and social and economic St. Andrews Church Expansion May 20, 2004 Page 10 vitality of all districts within the City, and to assure the orderly and beneficial development of such areas." The City decided in 1998 that the appropriate land use designation of the project site is for governmental, educational and institutional facilities. A religious institution is consistent with the purpose of the proposed GEIF zoning for the property. In general, increased activity at the site will likely occur over the life of the project. This activity will have an impact on the surrounding residential community. Many of the issues can be mitigated through conditions of approval; however, residual impacts will remain. 2. That the proposed location of the use permit and the proposed conditions under which it would be operated or maintained will be consistent with the General Plan and the purpose of the district in which the site is located, will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, peace, morals, comfort, or welfare of persons residing or working in or adjacent to the neighborhood of such use, and will not be detrimental to the properties or improvements in the vicinity or to the general welfare of the city. With the approval of the proposed General Plan Amendment and Zone Change and with the application of conditions of approval designed to mitigate or avoid areas of concern, staff believes that the use can be found consistent with the General Plan and proposed GEIF zone. Staff believes that the implementation of the project will generate both positive and negative results depending upon an individual's perspective. The enhanced facilities to support existing and future programs at the site may have a beneficial social impact upon the community. The increased on -site parking supply with proper parking management will assist to alleviate parking issues. The gymnasium will allow existing outdoor athletic activities to be moved indoors, which will reduce nuisances to nearby residents. The project will provide the opportunity for increased activity at the site possibly on a more regular basis, which will bring people and cars to the site more often. The gymnasium facility will facilitate a broader range of assembly activities that may have the potential to cause impacts. Increased traffic, although not predicted to be a significant environmental impact, will occur. Construction of the project will generate short term noise, safety, parking and air quality issues. The two proposed buildings are 32-40 feet in height and their height and mass will be larger than existing buildings. Staff does not consider the increased height to be out of character as there are buildings of similar size nearby, including the existing sanctuary and NHHS buildings. The height of the buildings is discussed in more depth in subsequent sections of this report. The project will have impacts to the community, both positive and negative. Environmental impacts are predicted to be less than significant with the possible exception of air quality (see below). After careful consideration of all aspects of the project, staff believes that facts both in support and against the finding are in evidence. St. Andrews Church Expansion May 20, 2004 Page 11 3. That the proposed use will comply with the provisions of this Code, including any specific condition required for the proposed use in the district in which it would be located. The proposed use, with the approval of the pending applications will comply with the provisions of the Zoning Code. No specific conditions of the Zoning Code related to religious institutions are applicable. The following four required findings relate to the issue of building height. A. The increased building height would result in more public visual open space and views than is required by the basic height limit in any zone. Particular attention shall be given to the location of the structure on the lot, the percentage of ground cover, and the treatment of all setback and open areas. The increased height provides an area for mechanical equipment screening and elevators only. The two proposed buildings are primarily 32 feet in height with 8 -foot high mechanical screens. The area occupied by these features is less than the area of each of the building footprints. The screened mechanical area of the gymnasium building is approximately 750 square feet and is located roughly in the center of the proposed building, as compared to the building footprint of approximately 14,200 square feet. The gymnasium portion of the building is 32 feet in height with the educational portion being an average of approximately 24 feet in height. The proposed fellowship hall has a screened mechanical area that is approximately 1,350 square feet and is located on the west side of the proposed building while being setback from the edge of the building. There is also a building element on the east side of the proposed fellowship hall that is 35 feet high and occupies roughly 750 square feet and houses an elevator and stairs. The two building elements exceeding the basic height limit are approximately 2,100 square feet as compared to the building footprint of approximately 10,400 square feet. Although these areas are limited in size and are set back from the property lines in excess of the distances shown on the site plan (building setbacks), the only open area provided is the limited volume below the 32 foot height limit above other proposed building areas. Assuming the same basic building design without the screens, mechanical equipment would be visible or would need to be ground based, which would occupy other areas of the site now proposed to be open. The proposed fellowship hall has a slightly larger footprint than the existing fellowship hall and it is located in the same basic location and it will maintain the same setback to Clay Street. The gymnasium /youth center /classroom building would occupy more of the site than the educational building it would replace. The parking garage is below the grade of Clay Street and most of the open space that the present parking lot provides is retained. The two new buildings will occupy more of the site than the existing conditions. The proposal does not provide increased open St. Andrews Church Expansion May 20, 2004 Page 12 space; however a large amount of open space will remain along Clay Street B. The increased building height would result in a more desirable architectural treatment of the building and a stronger and more appealing visual character of the area than is required by the basic height limit in any zone. The increased height of the buildings is in scale with the design of the proposed buildings in staffs opinion, although the applicant has not demonstrated how the increased height is more architecturally appealing than that what could be designed within the 32 -foot height limit other than the function of screening the mechanical equipment, which is a standard requirement of the zoning code. The architectural style is in keeping with the design of the existing buildings in terms of materials and form. Should the mechanical screens or other portions of the fellowship hall be required to conform to the 32 -foot height limit, the vertical and horizontal articulation of the building will be affected with the elimination of the mechanical screen or its relocation to a lower roof area. Alternatives might include locating mechanical equipment on the ground or atop a lower portion of the buildings. The mechanical screen and the elevator /stair area of the proposed fellowship hall building balance each other. If one feature is eliminated, the building is out of balance and if both are eliminated, the building will be a simple box without other potential offsetting changes. The gymnasium building has different roof elements, building masses that are separate and lower and a variety of exterior treatments (windows, brick, stucco . & trellis) all of which would minimize the impact of its elimination. Whether or not either alternative is more desirable or has a more appealing visual character is difficult to assess without a revised elevation. C. The increased building height would not result in undesirable or abrupt scale relationships being created between the structure and existing developments or public spaces. Particular attention shall be given to the total bulk of the structure including both horizontal and vertical dimensions. The height of the sanctuary is approximately 45 feet height and the height of the chapel is approximately 26 feet, 6 inches. The 25 foot high educational building is proposed to remain. The bulk of the two proposed buildings are comparable to the existing chapel building and both are smaller than the sanctuary. The proposed fellowship hall is located approximately 130 feet from Clay Street and its increased height and mass should not prove detrimental to residential properties located across Clay Street, which would be approximately 210 feet away. The gymnasium building will be approximately 75 feet from Clay Street with the nearest residence being approximately 145 feet away. The gymnasium building will be setback 42 feet from St. Andrews Road and the existing residential buildings across St. Andrews are approximately 105 feet away. Given the setbacks from nearby structures, the increased height should not prove abrupt or detrimental. St. Andrews Church Expansion May 20, 2004 Page 13 D. The structure shall have no more floor area than could have been achieved without the use permit. The areas of the building that would exceed the 32 -foot basic height limit are mechanical areas. With the approval of the increased development allocation (GPA), the structures will have no more floor area than what could be achievable with the basic height limit. Public Notice Notice of this hearing was published in the Daily Pilot, mailed to property owners within 300 feet of the property (excluding roads and waterways) and posted at the site a minimum of 10 days in advance of this hearing consistent with the Municipal Code. Additionally, the item appeared upon the agenda for this meeting, which was posted at City Hall and on the city website. Public Controversy The following discussion is intended to provide a brief summary of some of the major areas of controversy. It is not intended to be an all encompassing discussion of all areas of concern. Some residents have suggested that the existing church is in violation of the present conditions of approval by not adequately monitoring parking or reporting attendance. The relevant condition is: "The applicant shall monitor attendance and semi - annually report attendance figures to the Planning Department. The applicant shall also monitor usage of the high school and on- site%ff- street parking areas. During any four (4) week period where attendance exceeds 1040 persons per worship service or concurrent use of chapel and sanctuary for other activities, or if attendance exceeds 915 and usage is less than 85% of capacity for the high school and on- site%ff- -street parking areas, the applicant shall modify the project's operational characteristics to lessen parking demand in a manner acceptable to the Planning Department or apply for an amendment to this Use Permit to provide additional on- site%ff- -street parking." The church has submitted the required attendance reports on a regular basis that cite the attendance during Sunday worship services. Members of the public believe the church to be violating this condition by not reporting attendance at all events and by not including information related to parking usage. It is staffs belief that the attendance reporting requirement related to Sunday worship services only. Staff also believes that there was a general understanding at the time when the condition was applied that other activities on days other than Sunday would have lower occupancy levels, and therefore a lower parking demand. Although the church has not submitted any St. Andrews Church Expansion May 20, 2004 Page 14 information related to their obligation to monitor parking usage, reporting parking usage is not specifically required by the condition. Since the average reported attendance over the past several years has been below 915, monitoring parking is not necessary for compliance with the condition. Staff had the traffic consultant evaluate the parking usage for a typical Sunday. The results of the parking availability study indicate that street parking is heavily used on Sunday, but with the combined parking supply (on -site, NHHS and on the street), parking demand does not exceed 85% of available supply. The complete study is contained within the traffic & parking study that is an appendix to the EIR. Members of the public have complained that the increased traffic and the presence of the parking garage will exacerbate traffic and parking conditions in the area. Staff has received complaints that people speed on abutting residential streets when they are late for a scheduled activity at St. Andrews. They often park on the street since the on -site lot is full on Sunday. Even with the increased supply of parking on -site, there is a perception that the parking garage will be too inconvenient and people will not utilize it to the maximum extent. The traffic consultant looked at this issue and recommends an aggressive parking management and educational plan where members of St. Andrews are directed where and where not to park. Included with that recommendation is the possible use of parking attendants and a minimum of 45 minutes between services so the parking structure can empty and then fill. The size and capacity of the proposed gymnasium and its possible use as a venue has been expressed as an issue of concern. The DER incorrectly states the occupancy load of the gymnasium at 1,333 people. This number is the total occupant load of the entire building, which is comprised of the youth center, gymnasium and classrooms. The gymnasium itself has an occupant load of approximately 460 people based upon a 1 person per 15 square feet ratio pursuant to the Building Code. The applicant indicates that the gymnasium will be used for athletic activities for the youth ministry and not be used for local basketball leagues or other large public gatherings. However, the church wants the flexibility to use the space for a wide variety of church- related social or religious functions. A worst case scenario might be a dance or a function with contemporary rock music. The applicant plans to incorporate building materials and construction techniques that will attenuate sound to meet or exceed community noise ordinance standards. The facility has a foyer and a double set of doors, which should help alleviate noise issues. Use and occupancy of the gymnasium in this fashion will be accommodated with available on -site parking and parking at NHHS provided concurrent occupancy of other assembly rooms does not exceed anticipated levels. Several long time residents have expressed the belief that the church promised not to physically expand again after the expansions in the 1980s. There is no evidence in the public record of such a promise or pledge, but even if there were, it would not be St. Andrews Church Expansion May 20, 2004 Page 15 binding and there is no such provision in the approved Use Permit or Site Plan Review application. Other complaints have been received ranging from lighting nuisances and outdoor evening activities. Complaints have also been received regarding evening noise from young people returning by bus from off -site activities. The church has attempted to address these issues when they come up. CONCLUSION In consideration of the overall project, the Planning Commission must find consistency with the General Plan, zoning including the additional findings for increased building height and that the project is not detrimental to the neighborhood or the City. Many residents would suggest that the existing facility is not compatible with the abutting neighborhood and by expanding the facilities and increasing future activity levels will lead to increased land use conflicts by increasing traffic, parking demands, noise, etc. However, construction related issues will be temporary and increased on- site parking will result in reduced on- street parking demand. The project should also result in social benefits to the community as well as provide a meeting place for community groups. Staff further believes that mitigation measures will reduce or avoid significant environmental effects and conditions of approval can be crafted to alleviate most other areas of concern. In closing, staff believes that there are facts both in support of the application and facts against it. The public hearing will provide an opportunity to hear from the community directly, and staff will prepare findings and conditions for project approval or findings for denial pursuant to the Commission's direction. Prepared by: Submitted by: W p- a 'Jdmes W. Ca pbell, S nior Planner Patricia L. Temple, Pla ning Director Exhibits 1. History and Conditions compilation 2. Correspondence received 3. Project plans (Separate large format drawings) This Page Left Intentionally Blank Exhibit No. 1 History and Conditions compilation This Page Left Intentionally Blank Fj CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH PLANNING DEPARTMENT Patricia L. Temple, Director April 1, 2004 St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Summary of Permit History and Compilation of Conditions of Approval Prepared by Jim Campbell, Senior Planner UP-822 was first approved on February 15, 1962 at a regular meeting of the Planning Commission. St. Andrews Presbyterian Church — 600 St. Andrews Road, Portion of Lot 171 Block 54, Irvine Subdivision Zone R -1 Applicant requests permission to make an addition to the Sanctuary (1) to increase the seating capacity by approximately 280. (2) Enlarge existing lounge. (3) Addition of new Pastor's study and counseling room. The existing church pre -dates this use permit as it was established prior to the requirement for a use permit. There are no Conditions of Approval; however, a report entitled "Charts and Research of Growth, Construction Phasing and Parking for Environmental Impact Studies" is part of the application description. Use Permit No. 822 was brought to the Planning Commission on 01 -03 -74 for an amendment, and was approved with (10) conditions. The applicant then appealed Condition No. 2 (concerning parking) to the City Council on 02- 25 -74, whereby Planning Commission's decision was overruled and the City Council made an amendment to Condition No. 2, which is reflected in the following list. Use Permit No. 822 (Amended 1974) conditions: 1. That development be in substantial compliance with the approved plot plans. 2. In the event applicant is precluded from use of the Newport Harbor High School parking lot prior to construction of the new sanctuary, no building permit shall be issued for said sanctuary unless applicant simultaneously provides the 147 vehicle parking spaces shown on the approved master plan as fronting on Clay Street. 3. That the design of all new structures, including elevations by approved by the Director of Community Development. 3300 Newport Boulevard • Post Office Box 1768 • Newport Beach, California 92658 -8915 Telephone: (949) 644 -3200 • Fax: (949) 644 -3229 • www.city.newport- beach.ca.us St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Summary of Permit History and Compilation of Conditions of Approval April 1, 2004 4. That landscape and irrigation plans shall be submitted to and approved by the Director of Parks, Beaches, and Recreation. All landscaped areas shall be continually maintained. 5. That on -site parking areas shall be screened from the public right -of -way by the utilization of walls or fencing or mounding or landscape planting or any combination thereof. 6. All building, landscaping, parking area and service area illumination shall be directed away from adjacent properties, and in no case shall lighting standards or fixtures outside the building be installed above a height of twelve feet. 7. All signs shall be approved by the Director of Community Development. 8. That the location and design of the access points to the off - street parking areas shall be approved by the Community Development Department and the Public Works Department. However, no access driveways shall be permitted on Clay Street. 9. A resubdivision application shall be processed and a parcel map filed when the residential lots are converted into off - street parking lots. 10. That this use permit becomes void if not exercised with three years. These conditions were in effect between 1974 and the subsequent amendment in 1982 outlined below. Use Permit No. 822 was amended in 1982 at the request of the applicant. Included with the application was Resubdivision No. 723, which was also approved. The following conditions of approval applied to both applications: Use Permit No. 822 (Amended 1982) Conditions: 1. Development of the site shall be subject to a grading permit to be approved by the Building and Planning Departments. 2. That the grading plan shall include a complete plan for temporary and permanent drainage facilities, to minimize any potential impacts from silt, debris, and other water pollutants. 3. The grading permit shall include, if required a description of haul routes access points to the site and watering and sweeping program designed to minimize impact of haul operations. 2 St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Summary of Permit History and Compilation of Conditions of Approval April 1, 2004 4. An erosion, siltation and dust control plan if required shall be submitted and be subject to the approval of the Building Department and a copy shall be forwarded to the California Regional Water Quality Control Board Santa Ana Region. 5. The velocity of concentrated run -off from the project shall be evaluated and erosive velocities controlled as part of the project design. 6. That grading shall be conducted in accordance with plans prepared by a Civil Engineer and based on recommendations of a soil engineer and an engineering geologist based upon the completion of a comprehensive soil and geologic investigation of the site. This shall establish parameter of design for all proposed structures and also provide recommendation for grading. Permanent reproducible copies of the "Approved as Built" grading plans on standard size sheets shall be furnished to the Building Department. 7. That erosion control measures shall be done on any exposed slopes within thirty days after grading or as approved by the Grading Engineer. 8. A landscape and irrigation plan for the project shall be prepared by a licensed landscape architect. The landscape plan shall integrate and phase the installation of landscaping with the proposed construction schedule. (Prior to the occupancy of any structure, the licensed landscape architect shall certify to the Planning Department that the landscaping has been installed in accordance with the prepared plan). 9. The landscape plan shall be subject to the review of the Parks, Beaches and Recreation Department and approval of the Planning Department. 10. The landscape plan shall include a maintenance program which controls the use of fertilizers and pesticides. 11. The landscape plan shall place heavy emphasis on the use of drought- resistant native vegetation and be irrigated via a system designed to avoid surface runoff and over - watering. 12. Landscaping shall be regularly maintained free of weeds and debris. All vegetation shall be regularly trimmed and kept in a healthy condition. 13.The site's existing landscape plan shall be reviewed by a licensed landscape architect. The existing, landscape program shall be modified to include the concerns of the conditions above to the maximum extend practicable. Any change(s) in said existing program as a result of this review shall be phased and incorporated as a portion of existing landscape maintenance. 14. That any rooftop or other mechanical equipment shall be sound attenuated to be no greater than 55 Dba at the property line. St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Summary of Permit History and Compilation of Conditions of Approval April 1, 2004 15.That any mechanical equipment and emergency power generators shall be screened from view and noise associated with said shall be attenuated to acceptable levels in receptor areas. The latter shall be based upon the recommendations, of a qualified acoustical engineer, and be approved by the Planning Department. 16.That prior to the issuance of building permits, the Fire Department shall review the proposed plans and may require automatic fire sprinkler protection. 17. The Fire Department access shall be approved by the Fire Department. 18.That all buildings on the project site shall be equipped with fire suppression systems approved by the Fire Department. 19.That all on -site fire protection (hydrants and Fire Department connections) shall be approved by the Fire and Public Works Departments. 20.That fire vehicle access, including the proposed planter islands, shall be approved by the Fire Department. 21. Prior to the occupancy of any buildings, a program for the sorting of recyclable material from other solid wastes shall be developed and approved by the Planning Department. 22.All work on the site shall be done in accordance with the City's Council Policies K -5 and K -6. Verification of said shall be provided to the Building and Planning Departments. 23. Final design of the project shall provide for the incorporation of water - saving devices for project lavatories and other water -using facilities. 24.The applicant shall provide for weekly vacuum sweeping of all paved parking areas and drives. 25.That the lighting system shall be designed and maintained in such a manner as to conceal the light source and to minimize light spillage and glare to the adjacent residential uses. The plans shall be prepared and signed by a Licensed Electrical Engineer; with a letter from the Engineer stating that, in his opinion, this requirement has been met. Any parking lot lighting shall be approved by the Planning Department. 26.That no private school program for first grade and above shall be permitted on- site without a future amendment to this use permit and re- evaluation of the Traffic Study. 27.A dust control program shall be implemented during the construction period. 4 b St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Summary of Permit History and Compilation of Conditions of Approval April 1, 2004 28.The angled driveways on St. Andrews Road and Clay Street shall be revised in accordance with a manner acceptable to the City Traffic Engineer. 29.The layout of all parking and circulation shall be subject to further review and approval by the City Traffic Engineer. 30. That all applicable conditions of Resubdivision No. 723 shall he fulfilled. 31. That an off - street pick -up /drop -off area shall be provided onsite 32.That any above -grade level parking spaces shall be phased with growth in membership /usage and subject to amendment to the Use Permit. 33.That handicap and compact parking spaces shall be designated by a manner approved by the City. 34.That the intersection of the private drives and public streets be designed to provide sight distance for a speed of 25 miles per hour. Slopes, landscaping, walls and other obstructions shall be considered in the sight distance requirements. Landscaping within the sight distance line shall not exceed twenty- four inches in height. The sight distance requirement may be modified at non- critical locations, subject to approval of the Traffic Engineer. 35.That all development shall be in substantial compliance with the approved' plot plans, floor plans and elevations. 36. Deleted by the Planning Commission 37. That the off - street parking, whether on -site or on the high school parking lot, shall be provided as required by the Newport Beach Municipal Code. A maximum of twenty-five (25 %) percent of the required parking may be compact parking spaces. 38.The applicants shall monitor attendance and semi - annually report attendance figures to the Planning Department. The applicants shall also monitor usage of the high school and on -site/ off- street parking areas. During any four (4) week period where attendance exceeds 1040 persons per service, or if attendance exceeds 915 and usage is less than 85% of capacity for the high school and on- site /off- street parking areas, the applicant shall modify the projects operational characteristics to lessen parking demand in a manner acceptable to the Planning Department or apply for an amendment to this Use Permit to provide additional on- site /off- street parking. 39.That in the event the church should lose the opportunity to park in the high school parking lot, they shall be required to come back to the City for an amendment to this use permit and provide adequate off - street parking. St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Summary of Permit History and Compilation of Conditions of Approval April 1, 2004 The following six conditions were the result of a Council ad hoc subcommittee and were added by the City Council to the Use Permit No. 822 Amended: 1. That the sanctuary be situated a minimum of 92 feet from the curb line of Clay Street. 2. The sanctuary be a maximum of 46 feet in height; 3. There be a minimum of 250 parking spaces on the site; 4. The non - occupied identification steeple, with a cross, may exceed the maximum height of 46 feet, subject to approval of the Planning Commission; 5. Any square footage lost (resulting in the reduction of the steeple) be permitted at another location on the subject property; 6. A revised site plan shall be approved by the Planning Commission in accordance with Section 20.01.070 of the Municipal Code. Resubdivision 723 Conditions: 1. That a parcel map be filed. 2. That all improvements be constructed as required by ordinance and the Public Works Department. 3. That all unused drive depressions be removed and replaced with curb, gutter and sidewalk. 4. That a subdivision agreement and accompanying surety be provided to guarantee satisfactory completion of the public improvements if it is desired to . record the parcel map or obtain a building permit prior to completion of the public improvements. 5. That a hydrology and hydraulic study be prepared and approved by the Public Works Department, along with a master plan of water, sewer and storm drain facilities for the on -site improvements prior to recording of the parcel map. 6. That the on -site storm drain system connect to the 15th Street storm drain. 7. That the existing 8 -inch sewer main from Snug Harbor, running through the development, be re- routed down Clay Street and connected to the 15th Street sewer. 8. That the existing 8 inch sewer main from Pirate Road, running through the development be re- routed down Clay Street to the St. Andrews Street sewer. 6 1. 1 St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Summary of Permit History and Compilation of Conditions of Approval April 1, 2004 9. And that all of the above improvements be designed by a registered engineer using City standards. All modifications or extensions to the existing storm drain, water and sewer systems shall be the responsibility of the developer. 10. That the existing sewer easements located between lots 143 and 144 of Tract 1212 and between lots 33 and 34 of Tract 1220 be abandoned. 11. That a 6 -foot wide concrete sidewalk be constructed along the Clay Street and 15rh Street frontages, with access ramps at the intersections of Clay Street and 15th Street, St. Andrews Road and 15th Street., and Clay Street and St. Andrews Road. 12. That the existing 20 -foot alley located between St. Andrews Road and 15th Street be vacated prior to issuance of any building permits and that the existing alley approaches be removed and replaced with curb, gutter and sidewalk. That the existing sewer and water mains located in the alley be abandoned in a method satisfactory to the Public Works Department unless utilized as private services. 13. That all unused driveway depressions be removed and replaced with curb, gutter and sidewalk and deteriorated curb and gutter be reconstructed along the Clay Street, 15th Street and St. Andrews Road frontage. 14. That street lights be installed with spacing to be approved by the Public Works Department on 15th Street, St. Andrews Road and Clay Street. 15. That the applicant shall acquire the consent of all those with rights to the portion of the vacated alley that does not revert to the church when it is abandoned. Pursuant to the condition requiring a Site Plan Review application added by the City Council, St. Andrews applies and receives approval of Site Plan Review No. 31 subject to the following conditions: 1. That the proposed project be developed in substantial conformance with the approved Site Plan, Floor Plans, Elevations and Sections. 2. That all conditions of Resubdivision No. 723 be met. 3. That all Conditions of Use Permit No. 822 (Amended) be met. 4. That the height of the tower (steeple) shall be approved by the City Council. 5. That construction shall be phased in general conformance with the schedule submitted by Irwin & Associates dated December 17, 1982. 9 St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Summary of Permit History and Compilation of Conditions of Approval April 1, 2004 6. That the Planning Department shall be authorized to issue permits for the use of temporary facilities on -site consistent with the phasing schedule noted above. 7. That the proposed sidewalk located adjacent to the curb along St. Andrews Road be a minimum of 5 feet wide. 8. That the proposed sidewalk along the Clay Street and 15th Street frontages be a minimum of 6 feet wide and that access ramps be provided at the intersections. 9. The passenger loading bay shown on St. Andrews Road shall be eliminated. A loading zone shall be created for weekday use in the new parking lot. 10.That driveways shall be a minimum of twenty six feet wide and should be marked with a centerline to facilitate access. 11. That on -site sidewalks adjacent to the parking lot shall be a minimum of four feet clear width. 12.That the parking lot layout, including the location and distribution of compact parking stalls, shall be subject to further review and approval by the Traffic Engineer. If necessary, a minor increase in the 25% limitation on compact stalls may be permitted provided that the total number of on -site parking stalls does not fall below 250. Use Permit No. 822 was again amended in 1985 at the request of the applicant subject to the following conditions of approval: 1. That all conditions of Use Permit 822 (Amended) (1982) and Resubdivision 732 be fulfilled. 2. That the development shall be in substantial conformance with the approved plot plan, floor plans and elevations except as noted below. 3. That the undesignated basement area be reduced by 6,850 sq. ft. 4. That the chapel shall not be used as an overflow facility for the main sanctuary during worship services. 5. That concurrent use of the sanctuary and chapel for activities such as weddings and memorial services shall be limited to a total occupancy not to exceed the sanctuary capacity of 1,387 persons. 6. The applicants shall monitor attendance and semi - annually report attendance . figures to the Planning Department. The applicants shall also monitor usage of the high school and on- site /off- street parking areas. During any four (4) week period where attendance exceeds 1040 persons per worship service or s b f St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Summary of Permit History and Compilation of Conditions of Approval April 1, 2004 concurrent use of chapel and sanctuary for other activities, or if attendance exceeds 915 and usage is less than 85% of capacity for the high school and on- site /off - street parking areas, the applicant shall modify the projects operational. characteristics to lessen parking demand in a manner acceptable to the Planning Department or apply for an amendment to this Use Permit to provide additional on- site /off - street parking. 7. That in the event the church should lose the opportunity to park in the high school parking lot, they shall be required to come back to the City for an amendment to this use permit and provide adequate off - street parking. 8. That the Planning Commission may add or modify conditions of approval to this use permit, or recommend to the City Council the revocation of this use permit, upon a determination that the operation which is the subject of this use permit, causes injury, or is detrimental to the health, safety, peace, morals, comfort, or general welfare of the community. 9. This use permit shall expire unless exercised within 24 months from the date of approval as specified in Section 20.80.090 A of the Newport Beach Municipal Code. Please note that the preceding history and conditions of approval compilation is based upon available public records for the St. Andrews Church site and this document does not replace or amend these records. This summary is deemed accurate but not reliable and any errors or omissions in the preparation of this document are unintentional. This summary and compilation supersedes the "St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Permit History and Conditions" memorandum dated February 23, 2003. we This Page Left Intentionally Blank Ix Exhibit No. 2 Correspondence 0 This Page Left Intentionally Blank The Gas Company D A Sempra Energy utuity- March 24, 2004 City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Blvd. P.O. Box 11768 Newport Beach, CA 92658 -8915 Attention: James Campbell Southern California Gas Company Technical Services Department 1919 S State College Blvd., Bldg. A REdt*8!69#- 92806 PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 01 2004 - 71819110111112 111213141516 Subject: EIR - 600 St. Andrews Road, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Thank you for providing the opportunity to respond to this E.I.R. (Environmental Impact Report) Document. We are pleased to inform you that Southern California Gas Company has facilities in the area where the aforementioned project is proposed. Gas service to the project can be provided from an existing gas main located in various locations. The service will be in accordance with the Company's policies and extension rules on file with the California Public Utilities Commission when the contractual arrangements are made. This letter is not a contractual commitment to serve the proposed project but is only provided as an inforinational service. The availability of natural gas service is based upon conditions of gas supply and regulatory agencies. As a public utility, Southern California Gas Company is under the jurisdiction of the California Public Utilities Commission. Our ability to serve can also be affected by actions of federal regulatory agencies. Should these agencies take any action, which affect gas supply or the conditions under which service is available, gas service will be provided in accordance with the revised conditions. This letter is also provided without considering any conditions or non -utility laws and regulations (such as environmental regulations), which could affect construction of a main and/or service line extension (i.e., if hazardous wastes were encountered in the process of installing the line). The regulations can only be determined around the time contractual arrangements are made and construction has begun. Estimates of gas usage for residential and non - residential projects are developed on an individual basis and are obtained from the Commercial- Industrial/Residential Market Services Staff by calling (800) 427 -2000 (Commercial/Industrial Customers) (800) 427 -2200 (Residential Customers). We have developed several programs, which are available upon request to provide assistance in selecting the most energy efficient appliances or systems for a particular project. If you desire further information on any of our energy conservation programs, please contact this office for assistance. S'nc Kris eas Tec 'cal Supervi r West Region -An eim xxian eir04.dM )5 Campbell, James From: DouglasRet @aol.com Sent: Wednesday, April 07, 2004 6:37 PM To: jcampbell @city.newport- beach.ca.us Subject: No Subject I live at 306 Pirate Road in Newport Beach and feel that the new St Andrews project will have a very negative impact on this neighborhood. Not only during the destruction and construction period but also due to the impact on the traffic /noise/ and danger that it will bring. We definitly do not need an underground parking structure near our homes. This is one of the most dangerous places that any neighborhood can have nearby. It is a breeding ground for crime, both minor and major in nature. It is time for St Andrews to move if they really think they need this huge increase in space and the parking structure. We have had to put up with them filling this street each weekend as well as for special events. Please do not approve this impact report and/or the project. Carl R. Carlson RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 0 7 2004 PM 7 019110111112111213141516 J� April 15, 2004 James Campbell, Senior Planner Newport Beach Planning Department 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, CA 92658 -8915 RE: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Draft Environmental Impact Report Initial comments on the ADEQUACY of the DEIR FR: Elaine and Richard England 435 Snug Harbor Road Newport Beach, CA 92663 Examples of items discussed in the DEIR that are confusing and/or contradictory include: 1. MM 4 -6 -2 (Lighting) ... "..the ground level parking should be lit at night to allow m vi s to identify someone from 100 feet away ". Pg 1 -10 ..."exterior on -site lighting shall be shielded and confined within site boundries. "although some light emanating from the subject property will extend into St. Andrews Road and Clay Street, the illuminance of all light will be reduced to 0.00 footcandle before it reaches the residential properties south of Clay Street ". QUESTIONS; Our property is 45 feet from the Church property line; how will this light be "shielded"? During what hours and under what conditions will these lights be on at night? RECEIVED BY pLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 2 0 2004 PM �g�9 10 11 1 112 111213141516 1 I 2. Newport Beach's City Noise Ordinance 10 -28 -040 . restricts construction activities to between lam and 6:30 pm on week days; 8 am to 6 pm on Saturdays. " The project does not propose construction outside of the hours permitted in the Noise Ordinance ". "The mechanical equipment shall not generate noise levels greater than 50 dBA during the nighttime ". (10 pm to 7 am). If the nighttime noise limit cannot be achieved a timer can be used to limit the operation of the system to the daytime hours ". QUESTION: Which of the above is correct? Will there be noise at night or not? 3. Project Construction Traffic —"the truck traffic activity will be scheduled to take Place when the Newport Harbor High School is not in session". "heavy construction vehicles, including trucks hauling construction equipment and materials will be limited to non -peak hours during the construction phase when those activities occur during the school year ". QUESTIONS: When is Harbor High not is session? What are the non -peak hours if activites of this sort do indeed occur despite what is stated in the DEIR? ".The Frank B. Bowerman Landfill in Irvine is 18.5 miles. Debris will be removed in 1.5 days. Trucks will take 6 -7 round trips daily ". Traveling by passanger car, on the 405 Freeway, I traveled to Bowerman Landfill and, back in 35 minutes each way at 9:30 am. Take that elapsed time (1 hour and ten minutes) and add loading time at St. Andrews, unloading time at Bowerman; add delays for slower routes and time for lunch, breaks and waiting in line, each truck trip will take closer to two hours. Two hours X 6 trips = 12 hours. The landfill is only open for 8 hours (9 for transit trucks). QUESTIONS; How long will this process take, certainly not 1.5. days. Where will the 15 trucks line up to wait for their turn in loading? i% 4. St. Andrews Parkine Manaeement " if needed, park along Clay Street between St.. Andrews Road and Snug Harbor, (do not park on Clay Street between Snug harbor and 151' Street). Do not park on any other neighborhood streets ". QUESTION Why is it OK to park in front of the Gallant, Botros, Marscellas and England residences on Clay Stret but not others on Clay Street or other available neighborhood streets? "if nec essary, parking personnel should be employed to "cone -off' or otherwise restrict use of the street parking adjacent to the church property until the on -site parking is fully realized ". QUESTIONS: Who are the "parking personnel" to be employed; what does "otherwise restrict" mean and what gives St. Andrews the right to "cone -off' anything on public streets? 5. Underground Parking Structure "several measures have been recommended by the Newport Beach Police Department to ensure that unauthorized activities are avoided or minimised ". . QUESTIONS: What are the recommendations made by the Newport Beach Police Department and what does "minimize unauthorized activities" imply? 6. Public Services "adequate sewer, water and storm drainage facilities are located within the existing street system, which can serve the additional development ". QUESTIONS: Will there be any interruption of sewer, water, electric, gas or television cable services due to this project? Will there be any closure of streets, if so, which and for how long? 17 7. Phasing of the Project QUESTION: What has been planned to coordinate this project with Newport Harbor High School's demolition and construction plans should they occur at the same time? WE HAVE IDENTIFIED A PORTION OF OUR CONCERNS REGARDING THE PROPOSED ST. ANDREWS PROJECT. WE DISPUTE ANY CONCLUSIONS SUGGESTED BY THE DEIR THAT THIS PROJECT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD; THE PLAN IS LIKE TRYING TO PUT 10 POUNDS OF SAND INTO A FIVE POUND BAG, WE URGE REJECTION OF THE APPLICATION. 0 ., RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 2 0 2004 PM Jon Marchiorlatti Vice President 7 g g 1911611111211121314 516 CB Richard Ellis, Inc. Brokerage Services April 16, 2004 City of Newport Beach Attn: Planning Department 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, CA 92663 RE: Draft Environmental Impact Report St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church SCH #2003081065 R-71 9 , 1 " CBRE CB RICHARD ELLIS 3501 Jamboree Road, Suite 100 Newport Beach, CA 92660 949.725.8485 Tel 949.725.8623 Fax ion. march iorlatti @cbre. com www.cbre.com I have reviewed the above mentioned Environmental Impact Report and find that the report is very favorable with regards to the proposed development by St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. If the church will adhere to the mitigation factors, which seem to be reasonable for the church to accomplish, then there is no negative impact on the community. I believe that the additional buildings will enhance the community both, for the youth as well as families within the community. The issue is not to address St. Andrew's as far as its current location and its current facilities, the issue is how can the facility be enhanced to positively impact the community in a much greater way. Given the information in the report and given the plans that are proposed I would hope that the Planning Department wiY proceed with approval on this project and present it to the Planting Commission as well as the City Coocil for their approval. . Thank you ffr your efforts on this project. M d) S:UTnMh1 Lettws\2004\City of Newport Beach 416- 04.doc Campbell, James RECEIVED BY From: robert.craig @ablestik.com PLANNING DEPARTMENT Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2004 1:00 PM CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH To: jcampbell @city.newport- beach.ca.us APR 2 1 2004 To The City of Newport Beach Planning Commissioners and City Council g g 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 PM 6 Members: III 1 1! 1 1 1 1 1 My name is Robert Craig and I live at 418 Snug Harbor Road in Cliff Haven. My house is about a half a block from the St. Andrews Church Complex. It is my understanding that the Church is planning an expansion that involves an underground parking structure and a 40,000 square foot expansion. I have reviewed the draft EIR and I also have seen the plans. I am in complete opposition to this proposed expansion. My reasons are as follows: 1. Currently my street is one of the main parking areas for members of St. Andrews - not just on Sunday but for nightly events and on Saturdays. This was not supposed to be the case according to the CUP for the previous expansion. In fact, I was a board member of the Cliff Haven Community Association during the period of the last expansion and I distinctly remember that St. Andrews was directed to monitor the parking and take steps to prevent parking on the neighborhood streets. This never happened. Over the past several years my drive way has been blocked at least a dozen times. by Church related vehicles and I have had to call the police department to get this resolved. 2. 1 am opposed to an underground parking structure within line of site of my home. Please ask yourselves the following question: Would I like to stand in my front yard and view a large parking facility in my residential neighborhood? I am sure your answer would be a flat out NO! In. addition to the parking structure, we will also be exposed to: the associated lighting necessary to prevent crimes at night the rush of cars all at one time into and out of the parking structure directly down our streets - - imagine 9 AM on Sunday morning'about 500 cars travelling down Snug Harbor Road and Pirate Road to the parking structure .............and then 11 AM those 500 cars all leave at the same time. because of the complexity of moving that many cars into and out of a parking structure, who in their right mind would want to park in the structure? Their first choice would be the neighborhood streets..... same situation as exists today...... only more so because of the expansion. 3. What steps will be taken to mitigate the inherent crime that will take place in the parking structure during late night hours? Who will police this open structure? 4. Please review the Home Depot structure on Harbor Blvd....... if you approve the proposed expansion to St. Andrews then you will approve a facility in our residential neighborhood that will be larger than Home Depot. St. Andrews was at one time a neighborhood church that serviced the local Newport Beach area. I contend that is time to limit the size of the facility and another branch can be constructed at another location. Sincerely, FIM Robert J. Craig 418 Snug Harbor Road Newport Beach, Ca 92663 949 - 548 -4271 This email has been scanned by the Messagel_abs Email Security System. For more information please visit http:Uwww.messagelabs.com /email � Campbell, James From: Sent: To: Subject: INUM CPS DEIRComment letter- revise... Hi Jim: Don Krotee [dkrotee @krotee.coml Monday, April 26, 2004 12:00 PM James Campbell (E -mail) Comments on the St. Andrews DEIR RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 2 6 2004 AM PM 718[9110111112111213141516 Attached is a file which may have already been sent and received by the City under a separate cover. Please acknowledge this receipt or accept this file as our Community Associations CEQA concerns for this part of the process. Although the EIR has several inconsistencies and typographical errors, we have deliberately focused on what the neighborhood feels are substantive issues. I know that all of the comments will receive their equal consideration, however, as a GPAC member, am very concerned about the traffic comments wherein a LOS of D is found to be acceptable. The EIR fails to explain what policy of the City establishes that an LOS of D is acceptable. Further, the EIR fails to explain if an LOS of D is acceptable only on a collector or higher street, or is it also acceptable on local residential streets. I plan to have the specialists doing the traffic answer these City questions also as involving GP and other policies. Don Krotee Newport Heights Improvement Association dkrotee @krotee.com <<CPS DEIRComment letter- revised 4- 26- 04.doc>> A April 26, 2004 James Campbell, Senior Planner City of Newport Beach Planning Department P. O. Box 1768 Newport Beach, CA 92658 -8915 Fax number:(949) 644 -3229 e -mail: jampbell @city.newport- beach.ca.us Re: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Proposed Expansion Draft EM SCH: 2003081065 Dear Mr. Campbell: RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 2 6 2004 7�819110 X11 X12 11 12131415�6 As requested by Newport Heights Improvement Association, we have reviewed the Draft E1R for the proposed St. Andrews Presbyterian Church expansion. We have a number of concerns regarding the content and level of analyses presented in the project Draft EIR. We ask that the City provide a thorough and complete response to each of these comments, summarized below: Proiect Description: Section 3.0 of the Draft EIR erroneously implies that the church has occupied the same 3.9 acre site for 50 years. Rather, since moving to the corner of 15`" Street and what has been subsequently named St. Andrews Road; the church has systematically purchased additional residential properties, including a block of single family homes that used to front Clay Street, and has subsequently been absorbed as part of the church property. The church has also purchased adjacent multifamily properties that it currently uses to house staff. During the past 50 years, the church has transformed itself from a small neighborhood church to a very large regional facility. Full disclosure of all past church expansions and of church properties adjacent to the site is critical to the City and community understanding the history of the project. Further, the Project Description fails to disclose how the church has grown significantly since City approval of its current Use Permit (UP) some 20 years ago, and that the church may now be in violation of that UP. The existing UP (No. 822) did not provide for Saturday services. However, for about the last 10 years, the church has held Saturday evening services without reporting these activities to the City, as is required by Condition #6 of the existing UP. Air Ouality: The analysis of short term air quality impacts contains a number of serious errors. The Draft EIR states that the demolition of the existing church buildings will result in 3,000 cubic yards of debris, and will be removed at a rate of 100 truck loads a day. There will be 10 trucks and each truck, according to the EM will travel 20 miles to the landfill or 40 miles round trip. The EIR concludes that the debris will be removed in 1.5 days. However, a typical single axle dump truck carries 7 cubic yards of debris. A round trip from the church to the landfill, including time to load and unload the trucks, will take about 90 �25 St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Expansion April 26, 2004 Page 2 of 4 minutes, depending on the time of day and length of queuing at the dump. Optimistically, the quickest a dump truck could enter the church site, be filled with debris and exit the site would be 15 minutes, or 4 trucks an hour, or at its best, 32 trucks a day. Dumping the entire 3,000 cubic yards of debris would take at least 13.5 days, or 2.5 work weeks. The additional 50,000 cubic yards of soil that would need to be excavated and removed would take at least 223 work days or 44.6 work weeks or I 1 months. Combined, demolition and excavation at the project site will result in 255 works days, about one work year, of all day truck traffic. The dump trucks will make a total of 7,571 trips and travel 290,840 miles. The project air quality analysis does not adequately account for the cumulative impact of these 255 days and 7,571 trips of truck traffic, nor does it adequately explain the adverse effect of these air quality impacts on adjacent residents, students and the sensitive biological resources within the adjacent Environmental Nature Center. This consistent level of heavy truck traffic will also certainly damage neighborhood roads, and cause traffic and noise impacts. Traffic: Level of Service: The Draft EIR fails to fully present the potential project parking and traffic impacts. The EIR states that an LOS of D is acceptable. However the EIR fails to explain what policy of the City establishes that an LOS of D is acceptable. Further, the EIR fails to explain if an LOS of D is acceptable only on a collector or higher street, or is it also acceptable on local residential streets. The EIR then finds that with the proposed church expansion, traffic at the intersection of 15th and Irvine will worsen to LOS E during the p.m. peak, and LOS F during the a.m. peak. However, the EIR neglects to explain to the reader the significance of these levels of service. According to the Highway Capacity Manual, a LOS of E means that there are high traffic delays, and individual cycle failures are frequent occurrences. LOS F is gridlock. LOS E and F are traffic levels a driver may expect to experience on freeways or major commercial or urban streets, not in a suburban residential neighborhood. Traffic Counts: The Church's primary access points are on Clay Street, but the Draft EIR fails to study traffic impacts on Clay Street. The Draft EIR needs-to be revised to assess impacts on Clay Street and also needs to describe the following: • Precise times of peak hours • The days and times traffic and parking studies were conducted • The church activities that were occurring during these times; if there were sermons or lectures, the speakers need to be identified as attendance at the church varies greatly depending on the orator speaking. Best Efforts to Predict Impacts: Pursuant to Section 15144 of the CEQA Guidelines, the lead agency must use its best efforts to find out and disclose all that it reasonably can about a project. The Draft EIR for the church expansion fails to comply with"this disclosure requirement. The traffic analysis assumes the additional 35,948 square feet of church facility will not be used on Sunday. However, the church currently operates a number of additional activities concurrent with its Sunday services. These additional activities include adult lecture series and seminars, as well as children Sunday school classes. There is nothing in the project application that would preclude the church from holding activities in the additional classrooms, offices and gym/multiuse area during the Sunday services. The church is currently holding Saturday services and other activities outside its existing UP, and it is reasonable to expect that they would operate Sunday (and Saturday) activities in their new facility. a� St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Expansion April 26, 2004 Page 3 of 4 To allow the City and community to understand the full potential impacts of the proposed expansion, the EIR must be revised to account for traffic and parking impacts assuming full use of the new facilities during Sunday services. Significant Adverse Impacts: The EIR states that a significant adverse impact will occur if the project traffic causes the ICU at an intersection to increase by 0.01 or more, and the resulting ICU is 0.91 (LOS E). As presented in Table 4.2 -7 of the EIR, the proposed expansion will cause the ICU at the intersection of Irvine Avenue and 15"h Street to increase 1.61 percentage points and the resulting LOS is F. By the EIR's definition, this is a significant adverse impact. Parking: Table 4.2 -2 contains a number of errors. In several instances, the table suggests that the number of available on -street parking spaces exceeds street parking capacity by more than 55 %. For example, the table states that St. Andrews Road to Clay Street has a capacity of 34 on -street parking spaces, but that there were 53 cars parked on the street. This would not be possible unless half the block were double parked. The EIR needs to correct the table and recalculate the parking analysis as required. Parking Structure Driver Behavior: Residents in the greater Newport Beach/Costa Mesa are generally parking structure adverse, particularly subterranean parking. Residents will chose to park on a surface lot or on a street if available. The few parking garages that exist in the area (Triangle Square, the office building at Irvine Boulevard and 17th Street) are frequently undemtilized. Cars enter, leave and queue through parking garages at a much slower rate than they do through at -grade parking. The EIR traffic study needs to be revised to account for greater queuing time at the proposed parking structure entrance and exit, and the EIR parking study needs to account for potential parking garage adverse behavior. General Plan Compliance: A policy of the General Plan Land Use Element states that the City shall provide sufficient diversity to allow schools, employment, recreation areas, public facilities, churches and neighborhood shopping centers in close proximity to each resident. The Draft EIR incorrectly finds that the project does not conflict'with this policy. Rather, by proposing to expand 35 %, the church will create a- facility more dense than South Coast Plaza, thereby disrupting the fine balance between residential homes and community services that this General Plan policy strives to achieve. Another General Plan Land Use policy states that to insure redevelopment of older or underutilized properties and to preserve the value of property, the floor area limits specified in the Land Use Element allow for some modest growth. The proposed expansion, by proposing to expand 35% and creating a facility more dense than South Coast Plaza, is not "modest" growth. The project will violate this General Plan policy, and could debase the value of the single family homes surrounding the church. Alternatives: Regional Facility: The Draft EIR misstates Mr. Krotee's request regarding project alternatives. His NOP comment letter, dated August 20, 2003, notes that the proposed expansion would create a regionally sized facility and that an alternative site should be considered that would better facilitate such a regionally sized facility. Appropriate alternative sites would be those served by arterial and collector streets. The Draft EIR fails to adequately examine such alternative sites. Renovation or Replacement Alternative: The Draft EIR correctly identifies this alternative as an environmentally superior alternative. This alternative recommends that the existing church facilities be renovated and/or replaced, but with no increase in total square footage. This alternative appears to �1 St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Expansion April 26, 2004 Page 4 of 4 warrant more detailed consideration by the City and applicant, including a review of alternative space plans for the church. Alternative Site: Placing the proposed youth and family center /gymnasium in a commercial or industrial area rather than a residential area would certainly have fewer land use and aesthetic impacts than the proposed project. The Draft EIR fails to adequately describe these impact reductions. Unavoidable Adverse Impacts: Section 4.3.5 of the EIR finds that the project will cause unavoidable adverse impacts relative to construction- related air pollution. The EIR then makes an attempt to abate these impacts by proposing mitigation measures MM 4.3 -1 and 4.3 -2; however, these mitigation measures do not work. Neither the EIR or the appended air quality analysis adequately demonstrates how a reduction in truck miles traveled would reduce NOx emissions. Further, neither the EIR or the appended air quality analysis adequately demonstrates how the increased number of days of truck traffic will impact cumulative levels of NOx and other air quality emissions. Finally, although the EIR acknowledges that implementation of MM 4.3 -1 and 4.3 -2 could adversely affect traffic and noise, the EIR fails to include an analysis of these potential impacts. The EIR's attempt to dismiss these potentially unavoidable adverse impacts as "short- term" violates the intent of CEQA, which requires the EIR to fully consider both the short-term and cumulative impacts of a project. The Draft EIR also fails to adequately disclose the process that the City must follow should it chose to approve the church expansion regardless of the unavoidable adverse impacts. Section 15091 of the CEQA Guidelines requires that the City make one or more written findings for each of the unavoidable effects. These findings must be accompanied by a brief explanation of the rationale for each finding. The possible findings are: • Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the final EIR. • Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public agency and not the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such other agency or can and should be adopted by such other agency. • Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations, including provision of employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the final EIR. These could be extremely difficult findings for the City to make relative to the proposed project. Thank you for your consideration. Please do not hesitate to call me at 949 - 650 -3206, should you have any questions. Yours truly, Joann Lombardo M BARRY L. ALLEN THOMAS D. MULLINGS DEBRA E. ALLEN ALLEN, MULLINGS & ALLEN LLP . ATTORNEYS AT LAW 2021 E. FOURTH STREET SUITE 120 SANTA ANA, CA 92705 -3999 April 22, 2004 Jim Campbell Senior Planner CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH City Hall 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, CA 92660 TEL: (714) 558 -6991 FAX: (714) 558 -0638 IRS # 33 -0709W RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 2 6 2004 71819110111 X12 ,112,31415�6 Re: St. Andrews Church Dear Mr. Campbell: Enclosed please find the EQAC report on the St. Andrews EIR. If you have any questions feel free to call me. Very truly yours, BARRY L. ALLEN BLA:deu cc: Robert Hawkins (w /enc.) �1 TO: Jim Campbell, Senior Planner of City of Newport Beach FROM: EQAC SUBJECT: EQAC Report on the St. Andrews Church Draft EIR On April 19, 2004, at the Committee's regular monthly meeting, the EIR and proposed project by St. Andrews Church was discussed. Present during this discussion were representatives of St. Andrews Church. The following is the EQAC report on the Committee's review of the draft EIR: In Appendix B are the NOP comment letters. Conspicuously absent is the NOP comment letter made by EQAC. No explanation has been offered to the subcommittee as to why this particular letter was not included in the EIR. The final EIR should include EQAC's comments. 1. Land Use and Planning: (a) Section 3.2.3 Existing Zoning (page 3 -9) - The first sentence incorrectly references the southern portion of the subject property as being zoned R -1 and the northern portion zoned R -2. According to Exhibit 3 -6, the reference is reversed.. (b) Section 3.5 Project Phasing (page 3 -20) - Under the paragraph entitled "Weekend Church Activities there is a reference to permit no. 4014 and the dates don't make sense. We assume the effective date is July 5, 2005 and it expires November 6, 2005. Considering the lengthy construction process this permit is likely to lapse before the project is started or completed. (c) Candidate properties currently being investigated for off -site parking include the Ardell property. Ardell has indicated that their property is not available for an off -site parking agreement with the church. (d) Section 4.1.1 Existing Conditions (Land Use and Planning) - Housing Element (page 4.1 -2) - The last sentence refers to areas available for in -£ill development and includes the upper castaways property that has been developed for over five years. (e) Recreation and. Open Space Element (page 4.1 -2) - Bob Henry Park is located in the referenced area. -1- (f) Page 1 -5, Table 1 -1, Potential Impact No. 2 - Revise the first sentence by inserting the word "not" as shown in bold "the proposed project is not consistent with the Newport Beach General Plan." (g) Page 8 -2, second full paragraph - Delete the second and third sentences that state "amendments to the City's general plan are not unusual and do not represent a radical change to the land use adopted for the site. The City frequently considers amendments to the adopted general plan." These statements understate the importance of general plan amendments and represent more opinion than fact. (h) Page 9 -3, Section 9.3.1 Land Uses and Planning - The second paragraph is unclear and should be revised. (i) Page 9 -3, Section 9.3.1 Land Uses and Planning - The third paragraph concludes that concurrent construction at Newport Harbor High School and the church does not represent any significant cumulative impact because construction impacts are temporary. Before a conclusion of no significance is reached, a discussion of the duration of concurrent construction activity and severity of the potential inconvenience to residents is necessary. In other parts of the EIR they indicate that the high school plan is already in effect and is expected to last for two years and the "construction schedule" for the proposed project is 11 months. 0) Page 10-4, Section 10.4.1 No Project/No Development Alternative and page 10 -8, Section 10.4.2.7 Elimination/Reduction of Significant Impacts indicate that there is no limitation on religious activities or hours of activities. This statement conflicts with statements elsewhere in the document that indicate the 1985 use permit placed a limit on concurrent activities to be no greater than the sanctuary use (see Section 10.4.3.1). These sections should be corrected if the church does have limitations on overall activities on the site. Air Quality: (a) ' Project construction will result in temporary impacts, particularly with respect to demolition and excavation of the parking garage. Fugitive dust will be controlled by water and other stabilizers, based on SCAQMD Rule 403. (b) The hauling of debris to a disposal site 18 miles away will exceed the SCAQMD threshold established for NOX from the trucks. Until the emission technology with respect to the type of truck being used becomes financially feasible for truck manufacturers, this problem will remain for any and all projects that require hauling of similar debris. -2- J) (c) Overall the project draft EIR, pages 4.3 -8 states: "The project will not result in a significant local air quality impact" provided all mitigation measures are taken. Due to the length of construction (one year), should the policy makers require additional mitigation? Noise: (a) The City ordinance that controls for noise from construction equipment, limits the hours of construction from 7:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, at 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays. (b) Page 4.4 -2, third paragraph "ambient noise levels" - There, are two potential weaknesses in this study. First, the study was conducted between 10 -11:00 a.m. on a weekday. Most residential neighborhoods are relatively quiet during this time period as most people are at work. The time choice to measure, and the limited time of measurement (1 hour) would bias the study to underestimate the ambient noise level for the area. Further, this is not the time frame when the church will be working at peak capacity. Shouldn't measures be taken on a Sunday morning? (c) Another potential study weakness is that it was conducted during Santa Ana wind conditions that also caused changes in the John Wayne flight path, which is not typical. This factor could bias the study to change ambient noise levels for the area at the time of measurement. This study should be redone. (d) At page 4.4 -8, third paragraph - Indicates that construction noise at some . homes may reach as high as 96db. This is a very high level as shown in Exhibit 4.4 -3 where the noise is up in the pile driver range. This is a temporary .situation, that may be very disturbing to some residents. Maybe it would be wise to notify the homeowners in advance when construction will be close to their homes and the noise levels will be at their peak. This type of mitigation may bring goodwill from the neighbors. (e) On page 9 -6 it indicates that construction noise is exempted by a Newport Beach noise ordinance. Is this correct? Is it correct that construction activities can make as much noise as they want to and neither the City or adjacent residents can complain because such noise is "exempted "? If this is true then it would appear appropriate to notify Harbor High School of this exemption for construction noise so that they will know that such noise that exists during a construction phase will not have to be mitigated by the project proponents. This notice would be important so that those students, staff, and parents of students, might want to take a position on this project. The EIR calls the construction noise a "nuisance ". Legally, that - 3 - 3a appears to be the appropriate term but putting up with construction projects at the school, for 24 months, and construction projects on the subject site for at least an 11 -month period of time (the time estimated to build the project) might be considered something more than a "nuisance ", as a layman might understand it: Therefore, it is suggested that a special notification of the noise issues be given to the school so that they will be aware of this matter in order to make sure they bring any concerns they might have before the policy makers. (f) On page 10 there is a discussion about noise generated by 200 daily heavy truck trips on the roadways adjacent to the site and specifically 15th Street. The report indicates that less than 3db increase will exist, when these trucks are traveling on 15th Street adjacent to Harbor High School. This committee does not claim any special expertise in noise but believes that this particular measurement of increased noise of only 3db for 200 heavy truck trips per day may be incorrect. The report concludes "the greatest noise level increase will be experienced along 15th Street ". The report concludes that because it is only 3db this is less than the "substantial increase requirement" for it to be a significant impact. (g) The EIR contains a Table 8 on page 15 which shows the sounds created by various activities and indicates that a car passing by in a parking lot at a distance of 50 feet generates 55 to 70db but then concludes that large construction vehicles hauling dirt loads, 200 loads a day, wouldn't be higher than 56.8db in the middle of the classrooms at Harbor High School. (h) With the proposed expansion of the gymnasium /classroom /fellowship center there is likely to be significantly more activities taking place on this site. This does not appear to be disctissed or adequately covered in the EIR. The alternative to sending the matter back for additional studies or information is placing some limitations on the applicant for use at these new facilities so that the various elements in the EIR that are being relied upon by the policy makers will not in fact become just "fiction" because of substantially more intensive use of the site by applicant. (i) . The gymnasium is identified as part of the project but the EIR is not clear on its intended use. If the gymnasium is intended by the applicant for more intensive uses/more frequent uses, then the noise element should be reviewed because of this intensification of use. 0) On page 1 -9 it indicates a noise study is being prepared and will be submitted to the City for review prior to issuance of building permits. This should be prepared now and included in the EIR so the policy makers and citizens would have an opportunity to comment before the project is approved (see SUNDSTROM case). 0 (k) The EIR under "Mitigation Measures" 4.4.5 states that: "There is some potential that the mechanical systems proposed for the project, if not properly designed, could exceed the City's noise ordinance limits." The EIR indicates that a noise study will be prepared and submitted to the City prior to the issuance of building permits. This should be completed before the project is approved by the policy makers and made a part of this EIR. (See SUNDSTROM case.) (1) . Page 4.4 -11, Table 4.4 -6 - For the roadway segment Cliff Drive - west of Dover Drive ", the two, columns are equal at 0.2. Is the church responsible for all the projected growth of noise on that street? 4. Aesthetics: (a) At page 4.5 -8, fourth paragraph, fourth line starting with "surrounding" delete "intensity of ", but even then it is not clear what this sentence is attempting to state. (b) While there are very good color photos of the existing conditions, there are no visual simulations of the proposed changes. Such graphics would assist the reader in concluding, as has the authors of the EIR that there are no visual impacts. While there are no scenic vistas in the area, residents in the vicinity have expressed concerns about the increased intensity of the project and its compatibility with the residential neighborhood. A better graphic representation of the changes would help explain the difference in the bulk between the existing and the proposed uses. Such graphics should be required to aid the decision makers. (c) bong Term Operational Impact starts on page 4.5 -8 - The analysis concludes that the site photometric plan was prepared which indicates that none of the lighting will result in significant off -site intrusion but there is no mitigation measure to insure that the proposed lighting is implemented as represented. 5. Police Protection: (a) The summary of NOP comments (pages 2 -4 and 2 -5) states that 'a "subterranean parking structure could create a magnet for criminal activity" as a major concern of the adjacent residential neighbors. To address this concern the draft EIR lists two criteria to determine if an. adverse environmental impact will be created. They are: (1) Increase in demand for law enforcement services to a degree that accepted service standards are not maintained. and (2) Interference with emergency response or evacuation plans. It would appear that this project does not result in the above adverse impacts. However, the draft EIR does not -5- 31 deal with the concern that a magnet for crime may be built. The applicant should be required to design a parking structure that does not become a magnet for criminal activity. The applicant should be required to demonstrate to the policy makers proper design features have been incorporated into the structure to prevent crime. Examples of what might be utilized is open areas in the walls to allow daylight, well lighted underground structure, open and lighted staircases, and surveillance cameras. The applicant should demonstrate that similar features will be incorporated in their parking structure. The police should be asked to supply information on criminal activity in underground parking structures. 6. Traffic and Parking: (a) The streets around the project are almost all single lane in each direction. With Harbor High School, the across the street neighbor of the project, the traffic is never going to be great, given the size and capacity of the streets. Fortunately, other than the church school (300 students) and church staff and school personnel (118) the traffic generated by the two neighbors generally use the streets at different hours during the day. If the project is approved the EIR anticipates an increase of 320 added car trips on a typical weekday (traffic study, page 21). This figure standing alone would not appear to increase traffic levels in a significant degree. The EIR traffic studies confirm this. (b) Sunday morning traffic was not analyzed (page 15). The project engineers utilized "CHURCH" as the way to categorize the project. Is this appropriate when the proposed expansion is not the sanctuary but to the remainder of the project? (c) During the construction phase how does the project intend -to enforce the no heavy truck use during peak traffic hours? (d) During construction what is the proponents plan to allow bicyclists to use 15th Street in a safe manner? After all, this area has heavy bicycle use for Harbor High and Ensign Middle School. (e) On page 4.2. 11 a proposed condition is that the contractor has to submit a traffic control plan prior to the issuance of the demolition permit. That plan should be submitted at this time so that it can be reviewed by the public and the policy makers to determine if it is a reasonable plan before approving this project. The agency's promise and deferral on the mitigating of this significant impact fails to satisfy CEQA requirements. "By deferring environmental assessment to a future date the condition runs counter to the policy of CEQA which requires environmental review at the earliest feasible stage in the planning process." SUNDSTROM v. COUNTY OF MENDICINO (1988) 202 CAM 296, 308. 3-5 (f) Section 4.2.4.2, Long -Term Operational Inputs (page 4.2 -17) - The unsignalized intersection of Irvine Avenue and 15th Street will operate at level F in the A.M. at level E in the P.M. The EIR states this is an acceptable condition because this intersection currently operates at these unacceptable levels. The applicant's project will add traffic to this unacceptable condition. What effort is the applicant willing to make to try and solve this admitted traffic problem that is at least partially caused by the existing development on site? (g) Section 4.2.2, Significant Criteria - Currently, the applicant does not meet the required parking spaces for the existing facilities. After the proposed project is completed the applicant will still not have sufficient parking capacity and will require an ordinance variance (62 spaces short). The applicant should be required to meet parking requirements in order to eliminate one of the significant complaints from the neighboring residential community. (h) The church has a staff of 118 people (page 3 -4 and 3 -6). Where are they going to park during construction when the parking lot is removed and the parking garage is under construction? (i) There are 300 students in the church school. All the children are of an age that they would not be driving their own motor vehicles to the site. How are the students in the church school going to arrive at school and be safely delivered and transported to the school during construction? 0) Exhibit 4.2 -3 Diagrams off street parking in all the residential areas surrounding the site. This provides 626 on street parking places. 462 of those will be occupied on Sunday if no parking is provided on site during construction and if Harbor'High School doesn't allow the use of its parking lot because of its own construction activities going on at the same time. (k) On a typical Sunday now 490 cars were determined to be parked in the church lot, school lot, and on the street during Sunday church activities. The obvious question is where do these 490 cars park during the construction phase of the church when there is no on site parking available? On page 4.2 -11 a condition on the project is for the church to submit an off site parking management program during the construction phase. The policy makers should require that program to be provided at this time for viewing by the policy makers to see if it is in fact a practical solution for the parking problem._ Such important guidelines should not be left to some consideration after the project is. approved but before the issuance of a "demolition permit ". That doesn't give the public a chance to comment on the plan unless this is part of the EIR and the documents that the policy makers and public can review prior to any approval of the project. (See SUNDSTROM case.) -7- (1) Under PARIUNG on page 4.2 -12; the first paragraph, it indicates that construction crews will be shuttled to the site from an off site location and will not be allowed to park on local streets. Where is the "off -site location "? What method is suggested for enforcement of this requirement on construction workers? If a construction worker parks on a local street and then walks to the job site what do you do to him? Many construction workers bring the equipment they need to do their job in their trucks. How does the proponent plan to get the product that they use to perform their jobs to the site if their trucks have to be parked far away and then they as individuals are shuttled to the site? (m) On page 4.2 -12 there is discussion of an alternative parking site as being at the Lighthouse Coastal Community Church. Is there a written agreement between the churches to allow this? (n) On page 9 -2 of the EIR there is a discussion of plans at Harbor High School for significant work to be completed on site and in some instances involving 15th Street and Irvine Avenue within an 18 to 24 month period beginning in approximately May 2004. The EIR goes on to conclude, on page 9 -3, that because these projects are temporary these impacts would cease upon the completion of the project. Considering the length of time of the two projects, is it appropriate to burden the residents in the area with not only the construction projects of the school but also the construction projects at the applicant's site at the same time? (o) The City requires one parking space for each three seats and the church seats1387 people. The proposed parking on site is 400 spaces. The church will therefore be .. under parked by 62 spaces even with the increased parking being built. In approving this project the policy makers must consider whether allowing such a deficiency in parking to exist is appropriate. (p) The EIR proposes a parking management program to instruct church members where to park (page 1 -7). This "program" is basically telling people where to park off -site. Is it appropriate to allow this project when the parking plan mainly involves using street parking in a residential neighborhood? (q) St. Andrews is a good neighbor and provides valuable services to the community. However, they're in a basically R -1 neighborhood. The question needs to be asked: Is this just too much to give in this particular location? (r) The EIR concludes that parking on the city streets will "reduce demand for parking along residential streets" (page 4.2 -19 and various other locations in EIR). The streets where the parking is proposed are "residential streets ". �I (s) Another suggested mitigation for parking is set forth on page 4.2 -21 and indicated "with the exception of special or unusual events that now take place at the church, no concurrent use of other assembly areas within the church property that exceeds the approved capacity of 1387 persons will be permitted at any time." Is the applicant willing to allow a. condition on the project for this mitigation measure? If so, then it would appear that the sanctuary could not be used for services at any ti me when any other area of the church property is being utilized for any other purpose at all. (t) On page 4.2 -12 the EIR indicates. that the church and the high school have "entered into a temporary agreement that gives the church the exclusive use of parking at the high school." The policy makers should require a copy of this agreement. (u) The traffic study, at page 35, suggests that when the project is completed, if it is completed as planned, it would now have substantial excess parking capacity available except on Sundays. The traffic study recommends the church therefore issue a greater number of parking permits to the high school to reduce the need for neighborhood street parking by students and staff on school days. The policy makers should request/require of the applicant that such an agreement be. made between the church and the school on the basis that it would be of a substantial benefit to the.residents in the area. (v) The traffic study seems to be incomplete in one area. When you have church activities on a weekday for not only the sanctuary are in use, but you have Harbor High School in session, and you have the church school in session plus the other daily activities that are set forth in the. church calendar that take place throughout the day. Wouldn't it be. appropriate; and of assistance to the policy makers, to -have a study done on a weekday of the - parking and traffic in the area when the church has a memorial service/funeral at the same time as all the above activities are also taking place? (w) The EIR on page 4.2 -21 indicates that "project implementation. ..will not exacerbate any existing parking deficiencies in the neighborhood." In view of the studies set forth in the EIR this would appear to be an inappropriate finding. 7. Miscellaneous: (a) LIGHTING - On page 1.11 a lighting study is discussed with an evening inspection to take place prior to the issuance of a building permit. If it is impractical to conduct, that study and include that in the EIR (see SUNDSTROM case) isn't that something that should be required to be published to the citizens in the area so that they might attend the inspection to determine what effect the lighting study may have on the residential area? 3g (b) On page 1 -13 the last item indicates that adequate sewer, water and storm drainage facilities are located within the existing street system. The EIR should point out what study they are referring to that indicates that these storm drainage facilities that are located in existing street system are sufficient. -10- 39 April 26, 2004 James Campbell, Senior Planner City of Newport Beach Planning Department P. O. Box 1,768 Newport' - Beach; CA 92658 -8915 e- mail: icampbell @city : newport- beach.ca,us REC= '`'��• CITY OF N APR 2 8 2004 � ia[ 819110 Ill 112111213141516 Fax number:j949j 644 -3229 Re: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Proposed Expansion Draft EIR, SCH: 2003081065 Dear Mr. Campbell: I have a number of concerns regarding the proposed expansion of St. Andrews. I believe the plan is inappropriate for a residential area and is going to have major adverse affects on my properties in this neighborhood, including my rental property. There will be major increases in traffic, especially on Clay Street, that are not addressed in this report. I believe the EIR is inaccurate and does not reflect the increased traffic and congestion that will result if either the parking facilities or the building square footage is increased as proposed. I am opposed to rezoning the St Andrews parcel. I am also opposed to any increase in the parking facilities or any increase in the square footage of the buildings. Any of these changes, separately or collectively, will have a significant, adverse impact<on;my.property values and rental income. I believe my tenants may move out if this project is approved due to the increased noise, traffic and pollution. I have also spoken to several owners and tenants at the following addresses on Clay Street and they share my concerns: 1704,1804,1604,1500, 1401, 1601, 1901, 2005 and 1900 I will be contacting additional owners and tenants on this matter and will encourage them to contact you directly and attend the Council meeting on 5120104. If the church wants to provide services that can not fit within the size of the existing facility, they should consider finding an alternative site to build on. This proposed expansion is completely beyond a reasonable scope for a residential neighborhood. A facility as large as the one- proposed is more of a regional'facility and should tie ' relocated to an area with regional access. Sincerely, Christopher Budnik 2215 E.16t' Street Newport Beach CA 92663 RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 2 8 2004 PM IY g191101111121112131415i6 . M April 27, 2004 James Campbell City of Newport Beach Planning Department P. O. Box 1768 Newport Beach, CA 92658 -8915 Hand delivered Re: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Draft EIR, Dear Mr. Campbell: F E61i IVED' By PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 2 8 2004 P� 7"°� 0 111112111213141516 I have reviewed the Draft EIR and have several concerns regarding the depth and accuracy of this report. There are several issues which merit further review and comment by the appropriate entity. Please review the following and respond: The report characterizes the St. Andrews facility as a small neighborhood church and fails to review the rapid growth in terms of membership, attendance, properties owned in the neighborhood, and days and hours of operation in the past ten years. It is critical to disclose this historical data for the readers of the EIR to understand the past and appreciate the potential of future traffic, noise and impact of the expansion. I ask that the project description include actual attendance figures including ALL attendance at the facility. This report should include total attendance each day of the week for all.activities. The facility is not currently reporting anything but Sunday service attendance. This is certainly inadequate to determine the impact of current or future activities. I believe that this is also a ... violation of the facility Conditional Use Permit. The draft EIR does not study nor does it address the several residential streets impacted by the current and future use of this facility. I would ask that the intersections of Cliff and St. Andrews, Pirate, Snug Harbor and Kings Road be included in the EIR. These streets are severely impacted by current traffic and not included in the study. Traffic counts provided in the EIR are not and should be properly identified neither in terms of dates (which would reveal whether or not a holiday or vacation date was involved) nor by the speaker at the service (which would identify demand for that date). The traffic and parking study fails to acknowledge that most users and especially older users of parking facilities avoid parking in structures given a choice. The report should take this into consideration as well as recognize the delays associated with parking lines created by ingress and egress of a structure. The current CUP calls for a 25 mile per hour standard to be maintained on more than one street adjacent to the facility. The DEIR does not and should provide a study regarding that issue /requirement. l) St. Andrews Church Draft DER Page 2 of 2 Alternative sites should be studied by the EIR. This facility is, even now, too big and too active for a residential neighborhood. It is vital that the church study alternative sites if they wish to continue to expand. The EIR should examine these options and their potential to locate in a commercial zone to reduce the negative impact on our neighborhood. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to your response. James M. Carmack 1000 Cliff Drive, Newport Beach, California 92663 u), Willard & Gayle Courtney 611 Saint James Place Newport Beach, CA 92663 April 23, 2004 Mayor Ridgeway and Council 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach CA, 92663 re: St Andrews Church expansion. Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 2 9 2004 71819110111 112111213141516 We strongly object to another expansion of the St. Andrews church. There have been several plans approved over the years, each negativly impacting with more traffic to our residential area. The traffic congestion" used to be felt mostly on Sundays, now there are more activities and the traffic is not confined to just one day. With the proposed plans of a gymnasium etc., this problem will only increase on other days as well.We would remind you that this is an R! zoning and further deviation from the general plan is most objectionable. We understand" that the church is purchasing other residential properties to be converted to their use thus removing property from the tax base. All of this will 'require more services such as police and fire.A double whammy l Please listen to the residents of this area who do not want this expansion. Respectfully �bmitted, Wil GaylC;ourtney Date Copies sent To: Mayor Un'i1 Member �^y�,'ana8er � A C 0 C3, -_ Y3 Clerk to copy each of the council 04 ,APR 20, A!; :45 yz From ;r- i - T C, iYCLFt� D Date. Date Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: Copie Sentlo: Mayor until Member �nzger The proposal by St Andrews Presbyterian Church asks that the City find appropriate, for this neighborhood church, to grow to 140,388 square feet over 34% larger then the already 104,822 square feet. i am appalled at this suggestion and ask you to deny this application. if St Andrews wants to expand any of their youth and adult programs they need to find a better site where the church is served by collector streets able to handle the volumes of 24 -7 traffic that will accompany this full range of uses. In a time when neighborhoods are dear to the families that comprise them, this pressure of greater land use density and application for this type of mull -use expansion must consistently be denied. I understand that a DEIR is being developed for the property and I say, so what. Even if the EIR were to say terrific', the community still says, and rightly so; 'no; it just doesn't work'. Please find that staff looks at the current CUP very stringently and that the staff consider' conditions to protect the neighborhoods. And, please find that St. Andrew's church may be made better, but no larger. Please hear the citizens on this issue Yours truly, RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT SEACki APR 2.9 2004 one J0�1IpIl 41 Clerk to copy each of the council From p ®off Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: Or' 7:rE -� F Is :E �jTV CLF?p 1 understand that a $90,000 Environmental Impact Report has been published for the . application of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church expansion. EiR's are made so that toxic uses don't pollute our neighborhoods. They generally result in the uses being built to a smaller scale and find that the toxins are of low impact; or an `acceptable level'. Without opening the document (let alone having found someone stupid enough to pay for it), someone should have the sense to see that. this "bigger than a Home Depot church' does not belong in A small community. The proposal asks that the City allow 140,388 square feet (Home Depots start around 104,000 square feet). What part of this sound like good planning? - Even if the DEIR were to be watered down to the point of saying, "don't fret, the traffic and pollution is. at an `acceptable level' in accordance with the State Public Resources requirements', who says that should be good enough for the City of Newport Beach? The answer to that is, the City Council. And, I say to the City council, its not good enough for the communities. The size of the church is already an impact on the community far greater than ever anticipated by a 20 -year old CUP. If St. Andrews wants to be bigger have them find somewhere else with freeway access. What's next, a satellite up link facility? Please, Council, be reasonable. The neighborhood associations have been talking to the church for 2 years asking for the church to remodel, not expand, their 100,000 square foot church. Please find that St. Andrew's church may be made better, but no larger. Please hear the communities on this issue. Yours truly, RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 2.9 2004 PM 71819110111112111213141516 45 Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, Calif omia 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: Clerk to copy each of the council '04 AIR 29 d11 :44 The proposal by St. Andrews Presbyterian Church asks that the City find appropriate, for this neighborhood church, to grow to 140,388 square feet over 34% larger then the already 104,822 square feet. I am appalled at this suggestion and ask you to deny this application. If St Andrews wants to expand any of their youth and adult programs they need to find a better site where the church is served by collector streets able to handle the volumes of 24-7 traffic that will accompany this full range of uses. In a time when neighborhoods are dear to the families that comprise them, this pressure of greater land use density and application for this type of muli -use expansion must consistently be denied. I understand that a DEIR is being developed for the property and I say, so what. Even if the EIR were to say 'terrific', the community still says, and rightly so; 'no; it just doesn't work'. Please find that staff looks at the current CUP very stringently and that the staff consider conditions to protect the neighborhoods. And, please find that St. Andrew's church may be made better, but no larger. Please hear the citizens on this issue. Yours truly, RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH 7 1819110 111 112 11 12 4� Clerk to copy each of the council V E-1: Lg �? rR r 44 2a il �� � •.L . M Date Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: Sit. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: The proposal by St. Andrews Presbyterian Church asks that the City find appropriate, for this neighborhood church, to grow to 140,388 square feet- over 34% larger then the already 144,822 square feet. I am appalled at this suggestion and ask you to deny this application. if St Andrews wants to expand any of their youth and adult programs they need to find a better site where the church is served by collector streets able to handle the volumes of 24-7 traffic thatwili accompany this full range of uses. In a time when neighborhoods are dear to the families that comprise them, this pressure of greater land use density and application for this type of mull -use expansion must consistently be denied. I understand that a DEIR is being developed for the property and I say, so what. Even if the EIR were to say 'terrific', the community still says, and rightly so; 'no; it just doesn't work'. Please find that staff looks at the current CUP very stringently and that the staff consider conditions to protect the neighborhoods. And, please find that St. Andrew's church may be made better, but no larger: Please hear the citizens on this issue. Yours truly, r! RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 2.9 2004 PM 7 8 415�6 1911bi1111211�2�3� Clerk to copy each of the council A •, APP %� ,�� � ,z A/f7 /e. Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: The proposal by St. Andrews Presbyterian Church asks that the City find appropriate, for this neighborhood church, to grow to 140,388 square feet- over 34% larger then the already 104,822 square feet I am appalled at this suggestion and ask you to deny this application. If St Andrews wants to expand any of their youth and adult programs they need to find a better site where the church is served by collector streets able to:handle the volumes of 24-7 traffic that will accompany this full range of uses. In a time when neighborhoods are dear to the families that comprise them, this pressure of greater land use density and application for this type of multiuse expansion must consistently be denied. I understand that a DEIR is being developed for the property and I say, so what: Even if the EIR were to say `terrific', the community still says, and rightly so; 'no; it just doesn't work'. Please find that staff looks at the current CUP very stringently and that the staff consider conditions to protect the neighborhoods. And, please find that St. Andrew's church may be made better, but no larger. Please. hear the citizens on this issue. Yours truly, RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 2 9 2004 PM 71819110111112111213141516 tr� Clerk to copy each of the council $, E D Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: The proposal by St. Andrews Presbyterian Church asks that the City find appropriate, for this neighborhood church, to grow to 140,388 square feet- over34go larger then the already 104,822 square feet. I am appalled at this suggestion and ask you to deny this application. If St Andrews wants to expand any of their youth and adult programs they need to find a better site where the church is served by collector streets able to handle the volumes of 24-7 traffic that will accompany this full range of uses. In a time when neighborhoods are dear to the families that comprise them, this pressure of greater land use density and application for this type of muli -use expansion must consistently be denied. I understand that a DEIR is being developed for the property and I say, so what. Even if the EIR were to say `terrific', the community still says, and rightly so; 'no; it just doesn't work'. Please find that staff looks at the current CUP very stringently and that the staff consider conditions to protect the neighborhoods. And, please find that St. Andrew's church may be made better, but no larger. Please hear the citizens on this issue. RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT Yours truly, CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 2.9 2004 MAI 2 '19 Clerk to copy each of the council From z8 - 0� Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion . Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: 1 understand that a $90,000 Environmental Impact Report has been published for the application of. St. Andrews Presbyterian _Church expansion. EIR's are made so that toxic uses don't pollute our neighborhoods. They generally result in the uses being built to a smaller scale and find that the toxins are of low impact, or an `acceptable level'. Without opening the document (let alone having found someone stupid enough to pay for it), someone should have the sense to see that: this 'bigger than a Home Depot church' does not belong in a small community. The proposal asks that the City allow 140,388 square feet (Home Depots start around 104,000 square feet). What part of this sound like good planning? - Even if the DEIR were to be watered down to the point of saying, "don't fret, the traffic and pollution is at an 'acceptable level' in accordance with the State Public Resources requirements ", who.says that should be good enough for the City of Newport Beach? The answer to that is, the City Council, And, I say to the City council, it's not good enough for the communities. The size of the church is already an impact on the community far greater than ever anticipated by a 20 -year old CUP. If St. Andrews wants to be bigger have them find somewhere else with freeway access. What's next, a satellite up link facility? Please, Council, be reasonable. The neighborhood associations have been talking to the church for 2 years asking for the church to remodel, not expand, their 100,000 square foot church. Please find that St. Andrews church may be made better, but no larger. RECEIVED BY Please hear the communities on this issue. PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Yours truly, APR 2.9 2004 PM 71819110111112111213141516 56 Clerk to copy each of the council E e E ®, A q 5 2 (- Z7 From Date Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: I understand that a $90,000 Environmental Impact Report has been published for the application of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church expansion. EIR's are made so that toxic uses don't pollute our neighborhoods. They generally result in the uses being built. to a smaller scale and find that the toxins are of low impact, or an 'acceptable level'. Without opening the document (let alone having found someone stupid enough to pay for it), someone should have the sense to see that: this `bigger than a Home Depot church does not belong in a small community. The proposal asks that the City allow 140,388 square feet (Home Depots start around 104,000 square feet). What part of this sound like good.pianning? - Even if the DEIR were to be watered down to the point of saying, "don't fret, the traffic and pollution is at an 'acceptable level' in accordance with the State Public Resources requirements", who says that should be good enough for the City of Newport Beach? The answer to that is, the City Council. And, I say to the City council, it's not good enough for the communities. The size of the church is already an impact on the community far greater than ever anticipated by a 20 -year old CUP. If St. Andrews wants to be bigger have them find somewhere else with. freeway access. What's next, a satellite up link facility? Please, Council, be reasonable. The neighborhood associations have been talking to the church for 2 years asking for the church to remodel, not expand, their 100,000 square foot church. Please find that St. Andrews church may be made better, but no larger. Please hear the communities on this issue. Yours truly, RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 2 9 2004 PM 7181911011111211 1213141516 5) Clerk to copy each of the council 2io`j 6. costc,. �. i/4 RFR 24 !tit" . :r4 Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: I understand that a $90,000 Environmental Impact Report has been published for the application of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church expansion. EIR's are made so that toxic uses don't pollute our neighborhoods. They generally result in the uses being built to a smaller scale and find that the toxins are of low impact, or an 'acceptable level'. Without opening the document (let alone having found someone stupid enough to pay for it), someone should have the sense to see that this 'bigger than a Home Depot church' does not belong in a small community. The proposal asks that the City allow 140,388 square feet (Home Depots start around 104;000 square feet). What part of this sound like good planning? - Even if the DEIR were to be watered down to the point of saying, °don't fret, the traffic and pollution is at an 'acceptable level' in accordance with the State Public Resources requirements", who says that should be good enough for the City of Newport Beach? The answer to that is, the City Council. And, I say to the City council, it's not good enough for the communities. The size of the church is already an impact on the community far greater than ever anticipated by a 20 -year old CUP. If St. Andrews wants to be bigger have them find somewhere else with freeway access. What's next, a satellite up link facility? Please, Council, be reasonable. The neighborhood associations have been talking to the church for 2 years asking for the church to remodel, not expand, their 100,000 square foot church. Please find that St. Andrew's church may be made better, but no larger. Please hear the communities on this issue. Yours truly, RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT. CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 2.9 2004 AM 7 819110111112111213141516 52, Date: ly (7�/0q Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: r 11 P I''= � '' S '01, �,PK 29 "ll :44 1 understand that St. Andrews Presbyterian Church has published a $90,000 EIR in support for their huge expansion. I am not familiar with the CEQA guidelines and I won't judge this report, but I can tell you the church is a serious growth concern in our neighborhood. Without having seen this huge document, the churches presence in the community already is a huge . traffic generator and noisy. The application asks the City for 140,388 square feet, 35,500 more than is already too much. The math does not work in this small community. Their size is already an impact. Please, Council, look seriously at the 20 -year old CUP and ask if the programs they have now were contemplated then. If St. Andrews wants to be bigger they should move. Please vote to deny this application. RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 2.9 2004 718,910 ,11,121112131415 6 53 Clerk to copy each of the council V '04 'TR '19 T111 :44 F rom I �- Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: I understand that a $90,000 Environmental Impact Report has been published for the application of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church expansion. EIR's are made so that toxic uses don't pollute our neighborhoods. They generally result in the uses being built to a smaller. scale and find that the toxins are of low impact, or an 'acceptable level'. Without opening the document (let alone having. found someone stupid enough to pay for it), someone should have the sense to see that: this `bigger than a Home Depot church' does not belong in a small community. The proposal asks that the City allow 140,388 square feet (Home Depots start around 104,000 square feet). What part of this sound like good planning? - Even if the DEIR were to be watered down to the point of saying, "don't fret, the traffic and pollution is at an 'acceptable level' in accordance with the State Public Resources requirements ", who says that should be good enough for the City of Newport Beach? The answer to that is, the City Council. And, I say to the City council, it's not good enough for the communities. The size of the church is already an impact on the community far greater than ever anticipated by a 20 -year old CUP. If St. Andrews wants to be bigger have them find somewhere else with freeway access. What's next, a satellite up link facility? Please, Council, be reasonable. The neighborhood associations have been talking to the church for 2 years asking for the church to remodel, not expand, their 100,000 square foot church. Please find that St. Andrews church may be made better, but no larger. Please hear the communities on this issue. Yours truly, � � r RECEIVED BY, PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY`OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 2.9 2004 AM 71819110111112111213141516 5� Clerk to copy each of the council wlv 6 n mm 5.29 n11 .44 From = Date Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: The proposal by St Andrews Presbyterian Church asks that the City find appropriate, for this neighborhood church, to grow to 140,388 square feet- over 34% larger then the already 104,822 square feet. 1 am appalled at this suggestion and ask you to deny this application. If St Andrews wants to expand any of their youth and adult programs they need to find a better site where the church is served by collector streets able to handle the volumes of 24-7 traffic that will accompany this full range of uses. In a time when neighborhoods are dear to the families that comprise them, this pressure of greater land use density and application for this type of muli -use expansion must consistently be denied. I understand that a DEIR is being developed for the property and I say, so what Even if the EIR were to say 'terrific', the community still says, and rightiy so; 'no; it just doesn't work'. Please find that staff looks at the current CUP "Very stringently and that the staff consider conditions to protect the neighborhoods. And, please find that St. Andrew's church may be made better, but no larger. Please hear the citizens on this issue. Yours truly, RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 2 9 2004 191 10111112 1l 1213,41516 V Nis From Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: Clerk to copy each of the council RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 2 9 2004 PM AM 19110111112111213141516 I understand that a $90,000 Environmental Impact Report has been published for the application of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church expansion. EIR's are made so that toxic uses don't pollute our neighborhoods. They generally result in the uses being built to a smaller scale and find that the toxins are of low impact, or an 'acceptable level'. Without opening the document (let alone having found someone stupid enough to pay for it), someone should have the sense to see that: this `bigger than a Home Depot church' does not belong in a small community. The proposal asks that the City allow 140,388 square feet (Home Depots start around 104,000 square feet). What part of this sound like good planning? - Even if the DEIR were to be watered down to the point of saying, "don't fret, the traffic and pollution is at an 'acceptable level' in accordance with the State Public Resources requirements°, who says that should be good enough for the City of Newport Beach? The answer to that is, the City Council. And, I say to the City council, its not good enough for the communities. The size of the church is already an impact on the community far greater than ever anticipated by a 20 -year old CUP. If St. Andrews wants to be bigger have them find somewhere else with freeway access. What's next, a satellite up link facility? Please, Council, be reasonable. The neighborhood associations have been talking to the church for 2 years asking for the church to remodel, not expand, their 100,000 square foot church. Please find that St. Andrew's church may be made better, but no larger. Please hear the communities on this issue.. Yours truly, f F 5� (30/ Lmm Ll /Z E-10 grl've �� 64j- qa 6-,sC Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: Clerk to copy each of the council RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 2.9 2004 PM q gi9110111112111213141516 The proposal by St Andrews Presbyterian Church asks that the City find appropriate, for this neighborhood church, to grow to 140,388 square feet- over 34% larger then the already 104,822 square feet I am appalled at this suggestion and ask you to deny this application. If St Andrews wants to expand any of their youth and adult programs they need to find a better site where the church is served by collector streets able to handle the volumes of 247 traffic.thaLwiil - accompany this full range of uses. In a time when neighborhoods are dear to the families that comprise them, this pressure of greater land use density and application for this type of mull -use expansion must consistently be denied. I understand that a DEIR is being developed for the property and I say, so what. Even if the EIR were to say 'terrific', the community still says, and rightly so; 'no; it just doesn't work'. Please find that staff looks at the current CUP very stringently and that the staff consider conditions to protect the neighborhoods. And, please find that St Andrew's church may be made better, but no larger. Please hear the citizens on this issue. Yours truly, 5� Date: RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT Mayor Ridgeway and Council CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH City of Newport Beach APR 2.9 2004 3300 Newport Boulevard PM Newport Beach, California 92663 71819110111112,11213141516 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: I understand that St. Andrews Presbyterian Church has published a $90,000 EIR in support for their huge expansion. I am not familiar with the CEQA guidelines and I won't judge this report, but 1 can tell you the church is a serious growth concern in our neighborhood. Without having seen this huge document, the churches presence in the community already is a huge traffic generator and noisy. The application asks the City for 140,388 square feet, 35,500 more than is already too much. The math does not work in this small community. Their size is already an impact. Please., Council, look seriously at the 20 -year old CUP and ask if the programs they have now were contemplated then. If St. Andrews wants to be bigger they should move. Please vote to deny this application. 5% Clerk to copy each of the council yv� r j [d- tvDj-t Vr' 424 % 0' of ":Fn stn ^,;i :44 From Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: a, APR 29 2004 PM AM 71819 110 1111121112,3141516 I understand that a $90,000 Environmental Impact Report has been published for the application of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church expansion. EIR's are made so that toxic uses don't pollute our neighborhoods. They generally result in the uses being built to a smaller scale and find that the toxins are of low impact, or an 'acceptable level'. Without opening the document (let alone having found someone stupid enough to pay for it), someone should have the sense to see that: this 'bigger than a Home Depot church' does not belong in a small community. The proposal asks that the City allow 140,388 square feet (Home Depots start around 104,000 square feet). What part of this sound like good planning? - Even if the DEIR were to be watered down to the point of saying, "don't fret, the traffic and. pollution is at an 'acceptable level' in accordance with the State Public Resources requirements ", who says that should be good enough for the City of Newport Beach? The answer to that is, the City Council. And, I say to the City council, it's not good enough for the communities. The size of the church is already an impact on the community far greater than ever anticipated by a 20 -year old CUP. If St. Andrews wants to be bigger have them find somewhere else with freeway access. What's next, a satellite up link facility? Please, Council, be reasonable. The neighborhood associations have been talking to the church for 2 years asking for the church to remodel, not expand, their 100,000 square foot church. Please find that St. Andrew's church may be made better, but no larger. Please hear the communities on this issue. Yours truly, 0 RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 2 9 2004 AM 7M�110111112111213,41516s . rJ� eel 2e�41— ,rte April 28, 2004 James Campbell, Senior Planner City of Newport Beach Planning Department P. O. Box 1768 Newport Beach, CA 92658 -8915 Fax number:(949) 644 -3229 e -mail: jampbell @city.newport- beach.ca.us RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 2 9 2004 7181911011111211121314 516 Re: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Proposed Expansion Draft EIR, SCH: 2003081065 Dear Mr. Campbell: I am writing to express my opposition to the proposed St. Andrews expansion. As part of the application process, an EIR was requested by the City and prepared by Keeton Kreitzer Consulting. I believe this EIR. has several flaws. Many of these flaws are detailed in the response prepared by Ms. Joann Lombardo on behalf of the Newport Heights Improvement Association, which you should have received under separate cover. I concur with Ms. Lombardo's assessment, and I point out the following additional deficiencies. Traffic The Daily Trip Generation figure quoted in the EIR is unreasonably low. The EIR projects 328 daily trips. This figure is based on an expansion of 35,948 square feet, and is derived from the ITE Trip Generation publication. The Land Use Category used is "Church ", defined by the ITE manual as "a building in which public meeting worship services are held. A church may also house an assembly hall or sanctuary, meeting rooms, classrooms, and occasionally dining, catering, or parry facilities." This definition does not include a gymnasium/performance hall as proposed in St. Andrews plans. As I understand it from speaking with other traffic consultants, the actual land use of the expansion should be used to determine the Trip Generation Rate, not the overall facility type. The gym/performance hall seats over 1,300 people. At a generous 3 persons per car, a single full capacity event in the gym would yield over 430 car trips. This is for a single event, not counting other usage during that day: There is no cap on the number of such events. As I understand it, the EIR is required to assume a worst - case assessment as part of the impact analysis. I don't believe this has been done. Traffic impact on streets in close proximity to the Church property has not been assessed. The closest intersection analyzed is 15th and Irvine. This is away from curb cut at Pirate Road and Clay Street, the most - likely point of entry /exit for the parking structure. Using this driveway, cars would approach the facility from the south. The closest intersection to the south measured in the EIR is Cliff Drive and Dover, then again at Dover and PCH. At that distance from the property, Church traffic has dissipated, causing an artificially low measurement of impact in the 6) EIR. Noise No long -term noise projections local to the church site have been provided in the EIR. Again, impact on the neighboring properties has not been assessed. Only a local 30- minute measurement of current noise level has been performed along Clay Street. Noise projections have only been provided for streets well away from the Church property. The EIR categorically states that the gymnasium /performance hall shall not have a noise impact. The consultant reaches this conclusion by simply relying on the fact that a double set of doors is shown on the plans, and that the facility does not open directly to the exterior. As far as I can see, there has been no assumptions listed as to the type of amplification equipment to be used or the specific types of events to be held. The consultant's conclusions cannot be reasonably supported in fact. Noise impact from the parking garage has not been adequately assessed. The EIR does not account for a) car alarms going off, which is a constant source of irritation in the existing St. Andrews facility, b) engine and tire noise as cars enter /exit the parking facility. Usage of the parking facility is likely to be en- masse, as for a church service at a specific time. 400 cars leaving the facility at the conclusion of an event would create a high -level of noise for an extended period of time. Air Quality • The impact to air quality of local properties has not been fully assessed. In addition to short-term impact due to construction, there is likely to be considerable degradation of the air quality enjoyed by neighbors of the Church, especially those immediately adjacent to the driveways at St. Andrews and Clay Streets. No measure has been taken of the effect of 400 idling engines as they wait to enter /exit the parking structure. Aesthetics • The EIR incorrectly implies that vehicular access to the Church is only from 15th Street (p 4.5 -3). This is inaccurate and misleading as it minimizes the impact of traffic using the Clay Street and St. Andrews Street driveways. The pictures of the existing property (p4.5 -2, 4.5 -3, 4.5 -4) are stretched in the landscape direction, minimizing the mass and bulk of the existing property. There is no technical reason for this distorted view; I would like to understand why the pictures are reproduced in this manner. • The huge mass of the gymnasium/performance hall, and its impact on the adjacent properties, has not been considered. At 40' high, the gymnasium will cast shadows on the properties along St. Andrews Street. The gymnasium will also block sky views for properties along Clay Street, between Pirate and St. Andrews. M No consideration of these and other impacts have been considered. Process I have not been able to determine a) whether or not City policy requires/suggests a Conflict of Interest Disclosure be obtained from consulting companies, and b) whether or not the City has a Conflict of Interest Disclosure from the EIR consultant. Can City Staff please clarify? Much of the impact assessed in EIR is based on the assumption that occupancy of the site shall not exceed the 1,387 persons permitted in the sanctuary under the existing CUP. Yet this assumption is contradicted in the EIR itself on p. 4.2 -21, which states that during "special of unusual events (eg, memorial services, etc) which now take place in the Church" this occupancy limit may be exceeded. According to the diagram on p.3 -18, there were 128 such "Other Events" in 2002. This number has certainly grown since 2002, and will likely be even higher given the additional facilities requested by St. Andrews. The EIR does not address this worst -case scenario as required by CEQA. In my opinion, the EIR prepared for this application is woefully inadequate and is not an accurate projection of the impact of the St. Andrews expansion. I would appreciate a written response to these points at your earliest convenience. Respectfully, Terry Botros 433 Pirate Road Newport Beach, CA 92663 949.887.0299 �3 Page 1 of 2 Campbell, James From: dcstoney [dcstoney@adelph ia: net] PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Sent: Friday, April 30, 2004 3:55 PM To: jcampbell @city.newport- beach.ca.us APR 2 9 2004 PM Subject: St Andrew's El 7189110 il 1112111213141516 Mr. Campbell, I am a resident of Cliff Haven and I want you to know that I have briefed the DER prepared for the planned expansion at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. I am not well versed in the field of reviewing DEIRs and have no experience in the realm of real estate development which made the voluminous content a challenging read for me and my wife. 1 would however still like to challenge some of the content in the areas of parking, noise, lighting and traffic. 1) Parking The stated number of spaces in the new underground parking structure is to be 400 as apparently calculated and required by the seating capacity of the sanctuary. This does not take into effect the other additional proposed new and expanded facilities and potential consecutive events occurring on any given day, of any given week. Combine that with the natural human opposition to parking in a structure (as evidenced by Triangle Square) and that means more street -side parking in the neighborhood than there already is. This is a direct negative effect on the community. 2) Noise The construction noise is another element that concerns me. When will truck traffic actually occur and what will the number of trucks be at any given time on any day? I was confused by conflicting information in the report. The noise generated by the fleet of trucks and trip counts that happen at whatever time of day will destroy the peaceful quality of our area for hours at a time during the construction phase and will also apparently overlap with construction traffic from the NHHS construction schedule. Additionally, the proposed number of functions and programs to be carried out by the church are going to increase the traffic in the area into the future indefinitely. This is will forever reduce the quality of life in this area by adding traffic noise forever. 3) Lighting There are confusing explanations in the EIR regarding the lighting of the area of the grounds on the Clay Street side of the facility. Some residents live within 50 feet or less of this side of the facility and I believe the report states a minimum nighttime field of view of 100 feet to be well lit ... but no intrusive light is to spill over into the adjacent housing. How can this be done? I see a direct negative impact on those immediate residents on Clay. What about general additional area lights and any lighting on the cross that is there now? Will there be new lights on a new cross ? 1 like to look at the night sky with my children and we deal with a washed -out skyline due to the current nighttime lighting... what will the overall new lighting be and what will it do to the night sky and the surrounding area going forward? 4) Traffic To increase the size of a facility that already produces an unacceptable level of traffic in a neighborhood area and to further state that forecasted traffic increases will be adequately handled by current infrastructure is ludicrous to me based on my experience of living in the area near the church facility. I find fault in the report in as much as the intended program times, quantities and sizes are not considered as a whole relative to traffic and parking increases. In closing, I want to state that I am actually supportive of what the church does for the general community. Although I do have problems with the current location and size of the facility, I am O.K. with the idea of improvements but not growth, not here. Maybe the church should consider a more commercial area to expand their reach. This is not the only location they should look at but it is one that, if they have their way, will suffer from a general deterioration of the quality life and a negative impact on the beauty that makes it so unique. Thank you �1 05/03/2004 Page 2 of 2 for your consideration. Sincerely, Richard Stoneman 05/03/2004 �5 April 26, 2004 Mayor Ridgeway and Council i -, j'= r58 3300 Newport Blvd City of Newport Beach Newport Beach, CA 92663. Re: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Proposed Expansion Draft EIR, SCH: 2003081065 Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: I have a number of concerns regarding the proposed. expansion of St. Andrews. I believe the plan is inappropriate for a residential area and is going to have major adverse affects on my properties in this neighborhood, including my rental property. There will be major increases in traffic, especially on Clay Street, that are not addressed in this report. I believe the EIR is inaccurate and does not reflect the increased traffic and congestion that will result if either the parking facilities or the building square footage is increased as proposed. I am opposed to rezoning the St Andrews parcel. I am also opposed to any increase in the parking facilities or any increase in the square footage of the buildings. Any of these changes, separately or collectively, will have a significant, adverse impact on my property values and rental income. I believe my tenants may move out if this project is approved due to the increased noise, traffic and pollution. I have also spoken to several owners and tenants at the following addresses on Clay Street and they share my concerns: 1704,1804,1604,1500, 1401, 1601, 1901, 2005 and 1900 I will be contacting additional owners and tenants on this matter and will encourage them to contact you directly and attend the Council meeting on 5/20/04. If the church wants to provide services that can not fit within the size of the existing facility, they should consider finding an alternative site to build on. This proposed expansion is completely beyond a reasonable scope for a residential neighborhood. A facility as large as the one proposed is more of a regional facility and should be relocated to an area with regional access. Sincerely, Christopher Budnik 2215 E.16th Street Newport Beach CA 92663 Date Copies Sent To - " ayor -�Uncil Member a as gE egry r tto ,� � ✓ - X � Of ❑ Lail April 26, 2004 James Campbell, Senior Planner City of Newport Beach Planning Department P. O. Box 1768 Newport Beach, CA 92658 -8915 Fax number:(949) 644 -3229 e -mail: jampbell@city.newport-beach.ca.us D Date � � I copies sent To' ayor 4pc, 3o '�12 :05 -- -uncif Member 'anager �Uor y Re: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Proposed Expansion Draft EIR, SCH: 2003081065 Dear Jim: My biggest gripe about the DEIR is the traffic findings. Knowing that the Church is in violation of the .existing CUP (they have covered up their requirement of Saturday reporting attendance) we have been in a situation where the City has been asleep at the wheel and the church has much more in programs and traffic than the makers of the original CUP ever imagined. And, this is not fair. In light of this, I'm very worried about the addition of far greater velocity and trips because of an expansion. . The greatest let down, according to the DEIR, is knowing that the City has already accepted a LOS (level of service) D and might consider ordinary, E and F. As you know. these are awful traffic levels a driver may expect in LA, but not here. I have serious concern that the City is permitting high thresholds of LOS in residential areas. The result, as is the case with this traffic analysis, finds these levels of service rather ordinary, and worse, end up allowing this application to proceed in that the City may offer findings of no impact. Having lived her for over 25 years, I can tell you that our communities have no intention in lowering our standards and, if the State is telling staff that, 'it's ok', It's like my friends in our community say, we want better for ourselves. Find that these mitigation measures are too weak and that our LOS allowances are too high. Recommend denial to the Commission. You should want better for us too. Yours very truly, Oe K -i;r- zG z 6-7" Fe Mayor and City Council �aq April 26, 2004 James Campbell, Senior Planner City of Newport Beach Planning Department P. O. Box 1768 Newport Beach, CA 92658 -8915 Fax number:(949) 644 -3229 e -mail: jampbell @city.newport- beach.ca.us PLANNJNG DEPART CITY OF NEWPORT SEA T CH AM APR 3 0 2004 7 8,9110111112111213141516 Re: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Proposed Expansion Draft EIR, SCH: 2003081065 Dear Jim: My biggest gripe about the DER is the traffic findings. Knowing that the Church is in violation of the existing CUP (they have covered up their requirement of Saturday reporting attendance) we have been in a situation where the City has been asleep at the wheel and the church has much more in programs and traffic than the makers of the original CUP ever imagined. And, this is not fair. In light of this, I'm very worried about the addition of far greater velocity and trips because of an expansion. The greatest let down, according to the DER, is knowing that the City has already accepted a LOS (level of service) D and might consider ordinary, E. and F. As you know - these are awful traffic levels a driver may expect in LA, but not here. I have serious concern that the City is permitting high thresholds of LOS in residential areas. The result, as is the case with this traffic analysis, finds these levels of service rather ordinary, and worse, end up allowing this application to proceed in that the City may offer findings of no impact. Having lived her for over 25 years, I can tell you that our communities have no intention in lowering our standards and, if the State is telling staff that, `it's ok', It's like my friends in our community say, we want better for ourselves. Find that these mitigation measures are too weak and that our LOS allowances are too high. Recommend denial to the Commission. You should want better for us too. Yours very truly, ,0- e-,?0 Fc Mayor and City Council N April 26, 2004 James Campbell, Senior Planner City of Newport Beach Planning Department P. O. Box 1768 Newport Beach, CA 92658 -8915 Fax number:(949) 644 -3229 e -mail: iampbell@city.newport- beach.ca.us PLANNING DEPARTMENT C1TY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR g 0 2004 PM 7 $1g11011112,121314151R Re: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Proposed Expansion Draft EIR, SCH: 2003081065 Dear Jim: My biggest gripe about the DEIR is the traffic findings. Knowing that the Church is in violation of the existing CUP (they have covered up their requirement of Saturday reporting attendance) we have been in a situation where the City has been asleep at the wheel and the church has much more in programs and traffic than the makers of the original CUP ever imagined. And, this is not fair. In fight of this, I'm very worried about the addition of far greater velocity and trips because of an expansion. The greatest let down, according to the DEIR, is knowing that the City has already accepted a LOS (level of service) D and might consider ordinary, E and F. As you know these are awful traffic levels a driver- may expect in LA, but not here. I have serious concern that the City is permitting high thresholds of LOS in residential areas. The result, as is the case with this traffic analysis, finds these levels of service rather ordinary, and worse, end up allowing this application to proceed in that the City may offer findings of no impact. Having lived her for over 25 years, I can tell you that our communities have no intention in lowering our.standards and, if the State is telling staff that, 'it's ok', It's like my friends in our community say, we want better for ourselves. Find that these mitigation measures are too weak and that our LOS allowances are too high. Recommend denial to the Commission. You should want better for us too. Yours very truly, U o r Kt z z C, ct_o c e Fc Mayor and City Council a APR -27 -2004 14:45 April 21, 2004 Mayor Ridgeway and Council James Campbell, Senior Planner City of Newport Beach Planning Department P, O. Box 1768 Newport Beach, CA 92658 -8915 Fax number: (949) 6443229 e -mail: jampbell@city.newport-beach.ca.us P.04 RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 3 0 2004 AM PM 71819110 111 (12111213141516 Re: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Proposed Expansion Drag EIR, SCH: 20M I065 Dear Honorable Mayor, Council and Mr. Campbell: I have a number of concerns regarding the DEIR for the proposed expansion of St. Andrews. I believe the expansion plan is inappropriate for a residential neighborhood. There will be major increases in traffic on the surrounding residential streets that are not addressed in this report. I believe the traffic volumes in the area already exceed acceptable standards for residential streets and much of the problem is being caused by the previous church expansion. I own rental property nearby Si Andrews and I believe my tenants may move out if this project is approved due to the increased noise, traffic and pollution. I believe the HR is inaccurate and does not reflect the increased traffic and congestion that will result if either the parking facilities or the building square •footage is Increased. I am not in favor of rezoning the St. Andrews parcel increasing the parking facilities or increasing the square footage of the buildings. Any of these changes, separately or collectively, will have a significant, permanent, adverse impact on my property value and rental income. Sincerely, X Name: A-itW t/ANS Owner of : 1001 Newport Beach CA 92663 Owners Mailing address: a Y�,6o TOTAL P.04 16 RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 3 U 2004 PM 71819110111112 111213141516 Ron and Novell Hendrickson 1991 Port Claridge Place, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Tel. 949 644 -8644 April 26, 2004 City of Newport Beach, Planning Dept., Attn: Mr. James Campbell, Senior Planner 3300 Newport Blvd. Newport Beach, CA 92658 -8915 Subject: DEIR for the St.Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Newport Beach, CA SCH No. 2003081065 March 2004 Dear 1VIr. Campbell: We have reviewed the subject Draft FIR, and we believe that it deals with the issues that encompass this project. It appears that all of the impacts can be mitigated. We know that the neighbors are concerned with traffic, but it appears the St. Andrew's project would have minimal impact on the neighborhood. I attended the City's Newport Heights /Cliff Haven Traffic Calming Study meeting on 2/26/04 at Ensign Middle School, and no questions were raised regarding any St. Andrew's generated traffic. The traffic generated by both Harbor High and Ensign School are obviously the major concern to the neighborhood. We trust that the City Staff Planting Commission and City Council will provide a fair review of this DEIR and ultimately give it their approval Thank -you for the oppordmity to review this document. Sincerely, % V eI Comprebensive Planning Services April 26, 2004 James Campbell, Senior Planner City of Newport Beach Planning Department P. O. Box 1768 Newport Beach, CA 92658 -8915 Fax number.-(949) 644 -3229. e -mail: jampbell@city.newport- beach.ca.us PLANNINGEDEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 3 0 2004 71819110111112,11213141516 Re: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Proposed Expansion Draft EIK SCH: 2003081065 Dear Mr. Campbell: As requested by Newport Heights Improvement Association, we have reviewed the Draft EIR for the proposed St. Andrews Presbyterian Church expansion. We have a number of concerns regarding the content and level of analyses presented in the project Draft EIR. We ask that the City provide a thorough and complete response to each of these comments, summarized below: Project Description: Section 3.0 of the Draft EIR erroneously implies that the church has occupied the same 3.9 acre site for 50 years. Rather, since moving to the corner of I Sth Street and what has been subsequently named St Andrews Road —the church has systematically purchased additional residential properties, including a block of single family homes that used to front Clay Street, and has subsequently been absorbed as part of the church property. The church has also purchased adjacent multifamily properties that it currently uses to house staff. During the past 50 years, the church has transformed itself from a small neighborhood church to a very large regional facility. Full disclosure of all past church expansions and of church properties adjacent to the site is critical to the City and community understanding the history of the project. Further, the Project Description fails to disclose how the church has grown significantly since City approval of its current Use Permit (UP) some 20 years ago, and that the church may now be in violation of that UP. The existing UP (No. 822) did not provide for Saturday services. However, for about the last 10 years, the church has held Saturday evening services without reporting these activities to the City, as is required by Condition #6 of the existing UP. Air Quality: The analysis of short term air quality impacts contains a number of serious errors. The Draft EIR states that the demolition of the existing church buildings will result in 3,000 cubic yards of debris, and will be removed at a rate of 100 truck loads a day. There will be 10 trucks and each truck, according to the EIR, will travel 20 miles to the landfill or 40 miles round trip. The EIR concludes that the debris will be removed in 1.5 days. However, a typical single axle dump truck carries 7 cubic yards of debris. A round trip from the church to the landfill, including time to load and unload the trucks, will take about 90 q)- PO Box 15592 Newport Beacb,California 92659 Voice: 949/650 -3206 Facsimile: 949/548 -6981 e-mail: joann @jalcps.com St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Expansion April26,2004 Page 2 of 4 minutes, depending on the time of day and length of queuing at the dump. Optimistically, the quickest a dump truck could enter the church site, be filled with debris and exit the site would be 15 minutes, or 4 trucks an hour, or at its best, 32 trucks a day. Dumping the entire 3,000 cubic yards of debris would take at least 13.5 days, or 2.5 work weeks. The additional 50,000 cubic yards of soil that would need to be excavated and removed would take at least 223 work days or 44.6 work weeks or I I months. Combined, demolition and excavation at the project site will result in 255 works days, about one work year, of all day truck traffic. The dump trucks will make a total of 7,571 trips and travel 290,840 miles. The project air quality analysis does not adequately account for the cumulative impact of these 255 days and 7,571 trips of truck traffic, nor does it adequately explain the adverse effect of these air quality impacts on adjacent residents, students and the sensitive biological resources within the adjacent Environmental Nature Center. This consistent level of heavy truck traffic will also certainly damage neighborhood roads, and cause traffic and noise impacts. Traffic: Level of Service: The Draft EIR fails to fully present the potential project parking and traffic impacts. The EIR states that an LOS of D is acceptable. However the EIR fails to explain what policy of the City establishes that an LOS of D is acceptable. Further, the EIR fails to explain if an LOS of D is acceptable only on a collector or higher street, or is it also acceptable on local residential streets. The EIR then finds that with the proposed church expansion, traffic at the intersection of 15th and Irvine will worsen to LOS E during the p.m. peak, and LOS F during the a.m. peak. However, the EIR neglects to explain to the reader the significance of these levels of service. According to the Highway Capacity Manual, a LOS of E means that there are high traffic delays, and individual cycle failures are frequent occurrences. LOS F is gridlock. LOS E and F are traffic levels a driver may expect to experience on freeways or major commercial or urban streets, not in a suburban residential neighborhood. Traffic Counts: The.Church's primary access pointss are.on,Clay_$tr..eet, but the Draft EIR fails to study traffic impacts on Clay Street. The Draft EIR needs to be revised to assess impacts on Clay Street and also needs to describe the following: • Precise times of peak hours • The days and times traffic and parking studies were conducted • The church activities that were occurring during these times; if there were sermons or lectures, the speakers need to be identified as attendance at the church varies greatly depending on the orator speaking. Best Efforts to Predict Impacts: Pursuant to Section 15144 of the CEQA Guidelines, the lead agency must use its best efforts to find.out and disclose all that it reasonably can about a project. The Draft EIR for the church expansion fails to comply with this disclosure requirement The traffic analysis assumes the additional 35,948 square feet of church facility will not be used on Sunday. However, the church currently operates a number of additional activities concurrent with its Sunday services. These additional activities include adult lecture series and seminars, as well as children Sunday school classes. There is nothing in the project application that would preclude the church from holding activities in the additional classrooms, offices and gym /multiuse area during the Sunday services. The church is currently holding Saturday services and other activities outside its existing UP, and it is reasonable to expect that they would operate Sunday (and Saturday) activities in their new facility. n3 St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Expansion April 26, 2004 Page 3 of 4 To allow the City and community to understand the full potential impacts of the proposed expansion, the OR must be revised to account for traffic and parking impacts assuming full use of the new facilities during Sunday services. Significant Adverse Impacts: The EIR states that a significant adverse impact will occur if the project traffic causes the ICU at an intersection to increase by 0.01 or more, and the resulting ICU is 0.91 (LOS E). As presented in Table 4.2 -7 of the EIR, the proposed expansion will cause the ICU at the intersection of Irvine Avenue and 15ch Street to increase 1.61 percentage points and the resulting LOS is F. By the EIR's definition, this is a significant adverse impact. Parkine: Table 4.2 -2 contains a number of errors. In several instances, the table suggests that the number of available on- street parking spaces exceeds street parking capacity by more than 55%. For example, the table states that St. Andrews Road to Clay Street has a capacity of 34 on- street parking spaces, but that there were 53 cars parked on the street This would not be possible unless half the block were double parked. The EIR needs to correct the table and recalculate the parking analysis as required. Parking Structure Driver Behavior: Residents in the greater Newport Beach /Costa Mesa are generally parking structure adverse, particularly subterranean parking. Residents will chose to park on a surface lot or on a street if available. The few parking garages that exist in the area (Triangle Square, the office building at Irvine Boulevard and 17th Street) are frequently underutilized. Cars enter, leave and queue through parking garages at a much slower rate than they do through at -grade parking. The EIR traffic study needs to be revised to account for greater queuing time at the proposed parking structure entrance and exit, and the EIR parking study needs to account for potential parking garage adverse behavior. 4 094 General Plan Compliance: A policy of. the. General Plan Land Use Element states that the City shall, provide. sufficient,diversity.to allow schools, employment, recreation areas, public facilities, churches and neighborhood shopping centers in close proximity to each resident. The Draft EIR incorrectly finds that the project does not conflict with this policy. Rather, by proposing to expand 35 %, the church will create a facility more dense than South Coast Plaza, thereby disrupting the fine balance between residential homes and community services that this General Plan policy strives to achieve. Another General Plan Land Use policy states that to insure redevelopment of older or underutilized properties and to preserve the value of property, the floor area limits specified in the Land Use Element allow for some modest growth. The proposed expansion, by proposing to expand 35% and creating a facility more dense than South Coast Plaza, is not "modest ".growth. The project will violate this General Plan policy, and could debase the value of the single family homes surrounding the church. Alternatives: Regional Facility: The Draft EIR misstates Mr. Krotee's request regarding project alternatives. His NOP comment letter, dated August 20, 2003, notes that the proposed expansion would create a regionally sized facility and that an alternative site should be considered that would better facilitate such a regionally sized facility. Appropriate alternative sites would be those served by arterial and collector streets. The Draft EIR fails to adequately examine such alternative sites. qq St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Expansion April 26, 2004 Page 4 of 4 Renovation or Replacement Alternative: The Draft EIR correctly identifies this alternative as an environmentally superior alternative. This alternative recommends that the existing church facilities be renovated and /or replaced, but with no increase in total square footage. This alternative appears to warrant more detailed consideration by the City and applicant, including a review of alternative space plans for the church. Alternative Site: Placing the proposed youth and family center /gymnasium in a commercial or industrial area rather than a residential area would certainly have fewer land use and aesthetic impacts than the proposed project. The Draft EIR fails to adequately describe these impact reductions. Unavoidable Adverse Impacts: Section 4.3.5 of the EIR finds that the project will cause unavoidable adverse impacts relative to construction- related air pollution. The EIR then makes an attempt to abate these impacts by proposing mitigation measures MM 4.3 -1 and 4.3 -2: however, these mitigation measures do not work.. Neither the EIR or the appended air quality analysis adequately demonstrates how a reduction in truck miles traveled would reduce NOx emissions. Further, neither the EIR or the appended air quality analysis adequately demonstrates how the increased number of days of truck traffic will impact cumulative levels of NOx and other air quality emissions. Finally, although the EIR acknowledges that implementation of MM 4.3 -1 and 4.3 -2 could adversely affect traffic and noise, the EIR fails to include an analysis of these potential impacts. The EIR's attempt to dismiss these potentially unavoidable adverse impacts as "short - term" violates the intent of CEQA, which requires the EIR to fully consider both the short-term and cumulative impacts of a project r The Draft EIR also fails to adequately disclose the process that the City must follow should it chose to approve the church expansion regardless of the unavoidable adverse impacts. Section 15091 of the _ CEQA Guidelines requires that the City make one or more written findings for each of the unavoidable effects. These findings must be accompanied by a brief explanation of the rationale for each finding. The ,. possible findings.are;.. .. Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the final EIR. Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public agency and not the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such other agency or can and should be adopted by such other agency. Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations, including provision of employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the final EIR. These could be extremely difficult findings for the City to make relative to the proposed project.. Thank you for your consideration. Please do not hesitate to call me at 949 - 650 -3206, should you have any questions. Yours truly, Joann Lombardo 15 RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR a 0 2004 PM 7t8 19110 111112 11 I213t41516 April 28, 2004 City of Newport Beach Planning Department Attn: Mr. James Campbell, Senior Planner 3300 Newport Blvd. Newport Beach, CA 92658 -8915 Re: Draft EIR for St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Newport Beach March 2004 Dear Sir: 6061 Sierra Bravo Rd. Irvine, CA 92612 I am a subcontracts engineer, retired from Fluor Corporation. During my 15 years with Fluor, I became familiar with the environmental impact studies and reports required by many of the subcontracts I wrote and worked on. This professionally prepared draft appears to me to cover all the bases. The mitigations and conclusions seem both thorough and reasonable. Our grandson and his family are also members of St. Andrew's. This fine young Christian is doing well academically and is on the crew at Newport Harbor High School. I want hirn to continue on the paths he has chosen — not those you read about in the newspapers. The proposed youth center would be an effective facilitator in.developing him, others in the neighborhood of St. Andrew's and those who follow, as good neighbors and citizens. We appreciate and thank you for the efforts of you and your staff to implement progress in the City of Newport. Very truly yours, Carl Richardson CR/cja April 28, 2004 Mr. James Campbell, Senior Planner Planning Department City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport blvd. Newport beach, CA 92658 -8915 Re: Draft EIR for St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Dear Mr. Campbell: RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 3 0 2004 PM 718 9 10111112111213141516 We have just read the Draft EIR and it appears to be very thorough. It obviously represents a great deal of hard work. We are members of St. Andrews and have lived in Cliff Haven for more than 50 years. The concerns of our neighbors about traffic, parking, noise and litter seem to us to be inaccurately aimed at the church and its members when many of the problems stem from the High School and the lack of enough parking for its students. St. Andrews wishes to install more parking spaces and also provide adequate facilities for programs for both Harbor High students and those from Ensign Intermediate School. These additions would provide a place for the young people to gather and help keep them and their cars off of the residential. streets. Remember that we are not asking for greater seating capacity in our sanctuary. We hope that our thoughts will be helpful to you in your deliberations. Yours Truly, a mond J. Palm Marg t . Palmer 702 St. James Place Newport Beach, CA 92663 (949) 548 -4739 99 Clerk to copy each of the council �asti( s, C-ar(a..f t lA QaG63 /sy s Q�� 11if Newer+ r 4119 jyS 3s /Fs' From J 4�,e a-f -eZt Ca141ol06 C( Si CjpcG,a�� Qd . J a•« oaae e,7y 07v ewe2 f dw-etEy AwpaGTw" � St`. awl Cdunc�, 4".w C) RZ- Qgi(29, 9b0�/ Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 3 U 2004 PM 17 819110111112111213141516 The proposal by St. Andrews Presbyterian Church asks that the City find appropriate, for this neighborhood church, to grow to 140,388 square feet- over 34% larger then the already 104,822 square feet. I am appalled at this suggestion and ask you to deny this application. If St. Andrews wants to expand any of their youth and adult programs they need to find a better site where the church is served by collector streets able to handle the volumes of 24 -7 traffic that will accompany this full range of uses. In a time when neighborhoods are dear to the families that comprise them, this pressure of greater land use density and application for this type of muli -use-f expansion must consistently be denied. I understand that a DEIR is being developed for the property and I say, so what. Evenif'the EIR were to say 'terrific', the community still says, and rightly so; 'no; it just doesn't work':. Please find that staff looks at the current CUP very stringently and that the staff consider conditions to protect the neighborhoods. And, please find that St. Andrew's church may be made better, but no larger. Please hear the citizens on this issue. Yours truly, Oa /tow a. t 9 .2 663 4119 l ys- 36-13 Date: tgp1; / :2,f Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 3 0 2004 718191116111112111213141516 I understand that St. Andrews Presbyterian Church has published a $90,000 EIR in support for their huge expansion. I am not familiar with the CEQA guidelines and I won't judge this report, but I can tell you the church is a serious growth concern in our neighborhood. Without having seen this huge document, the churches presence in the community already is a huge traffic generator and noisy. The application asks the City for 140,388 square feet, 35,500 more than is already too much. The math does not work in this small community. Their size is already an impact. Please, Council, look seriously at the 20 -year old CUP and ask if the programs they have now were contemplated then. If St. Andrews wants to be bigger they should move. Please vote to deny this application. A��t °�� ,�o�f dtieczzy 99 April 29, 2004 James Campbell, Senior Planner City of Newport Beach Planning Department P.O. Box 1768 Newport Beach, CA 92658 -8915 Dear Mr. Campbell, RECEIVED BY rLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 3 0 2004 AM 718191101111121112,3141516 Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback to the Draft EIR for the proposed St. Andrews Presbyterian Church expansion. I would appreciate your response to the following questions not addressed in the EIR. Program Description: I do not think the EIR addresses a needs assessment of the St. Andrews Membership. Where does it describe the congregation's support of the expansion? Has the congregation been contacted and had the opportunity to provide feedback? Does the EIR assume membership is informed about the expansion and supports these changes? It was my understanding the original goal was outreach to new neighborhoods, and to make St. Andrews available to more people from different areas. Now it seems St. Andrews is not planning to increase membership. Where are the clear and concise objectives, and are these supported by a well - informed membership? The EIR does not describe the Programmatic Changes the church plans to make if the expansion is completed. What are the specific programmatic changes that necessate the expansion? What is the schedule for the new activity center? When will the concerts and or sports league activities. be held - once a week on Sundays only? Will they be at the same time as Sunday Services or in the evening? What about during the week? How often will it be used and how many people will attend events at the new facility. The new structure inevitably means more people, more people means more traffic — where is this additional usage quantified on a daily basis? I'm concerned that commitments and decisions made at the past St. Andrews expansion have been omitted and overlooked from this EIR. I think the details of the past expansion and conversations with people who were involved originally need to be addressed. Traffic: The EIR does not address additional traffic on Clay Street and surrounding neighborhood streets such as Snug Harbor, Pirate, and Kings. Could we please understand what consideration has been given to the increased traffic on the surrounding residential streets? What are the plans to ensure the safety of the children and residents when it is evident traffic will increase significantly on these streets as well as 156 and Irvine? tM Current Usage: It has been brought to our attention that St. Andrews owns or rents residential property in the surrounding area and conducts functions and meetings in these just off -site locations. Have the number of participants of functions at the surrounding properties been included in the EIR? Has the church exceeded the allowed usage numbers with current activities? Alternatives: In my opinion, St Andrew's may have outgrown this location and it is the responsibility of the City, the Church and this EIR to evaluate alternatives. I do not think this has been adequately addressed in the EIR. Please comment. Thank you very much for your consideration of my comments. I look forward to hearing back from you. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Diane Connelly Dianeco@msn.com 321 Pirate Road Newport Beach, CA 92663 (949) 722 -1904 �I BRUCE C. STUART 333 Pirate Road Newport Beach, CA 92663 (949) 725 -4118 April 30, 2004 VIA EMAIL ocampbell @city.newport- beach.ca.us James Campbell, Senior Planner City of Newport Beach Planning Department P.O. Box 1768 Newport Beach, California 92658 RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH AM APR 3 0 2004 PM 81911Q111112111213141516 Re: St Andrews Presbyterian Church Proposed Expansion Draft EIR SCH: 2003081065 Dear Mr. Campbell: As a 26 year resident of Pirate Road and one who has lived through the prior church expansion in 1982, my family and I have significant concerns with respect to the proposed St. Andrews expansion. To that end, I have reviewed the draft EIR described above and have a number of questions or comments. The numbers opposite my comments correspond to Section or Page numbers of the draft EIR. 3.5 During the construction activity, how will the parking demands of the Church's other programs, such as their preschool, be addressed? How will the absence of on -site parking impact high school parking in the neighborhood during the construction? How will use of shuttle services be enforced? Table 4.1 -2 Is the general plan policy with respect to changes in character of the neighborhood limited solely to the look or use of the building? Can't the increase in intensity of use result in a significant change in the residential character of the neighborhood? Further, the reference to a "modest" increase in floor area in the third line of the second box, given the over 30 %'o increase in floor area, appears grossly inaccurate. Further, the conclusory statement made at the end of the paragraph that the expansion will not result in a significant cumulative traffic impact seems unsupported. The analysis of the intensity of use seems focused solely on the use of the sanctuary. In determining the level of utilization of the church facilities on Sunday or Saturday, only the numbers of attendees in the sanctuary appear to be counted. What of the Sunday School attendees, which are in separate buildings during the same service time? The policy analysis DOCSOC /1041588v 1/ 19999 -0000 0 James Campbell, Senior Planner April 30, 2004 Page Two further assumes, without any evidence, that the parking structure will be adequately used. Please provide the basis for such conclusion. Further, on page 4.1 -7, in the third box, it appears that offsite parking is relied upon in satisfying parking needs. Therefore, it would appear that the increased floor area and additional parking structure will not alleviate any existing parking issues. There is already a significant adverse impact on the neighborhood based on current utilization of the church facilities which is far beyond that initially contemplated by the 1982 Use Permit due to the expansion of the Church programs, including the addition of Saturday evening services. To add more imposes too great a burden on the neighborhood. 4.1.4.2 The initial paragraph seems to focus solely on the sanctuary for determining parking demands. In fact, what are the total attendance counts in the sanctuary and at Sunday school to determine whether that is an appropriate measure? See prior comment concerning lack of evidence of how the parking structure will improve current and future parking problems. On page 4.1 -10, the analysis focuses on the type of use and ignores completely the intensity of use that will occur due to the increased facilities. By its own statements, the Church has indicated that it wants to expand its facilities to enhance (aka expand) its offering to its youth groups, especially at the high school level. How is that potential additional demand addressed with respect to parking and traffic impacts? Further, the use of gymnasium which the report specifies would increase levels of traffic and demands for parking above what presently exists, are said not to be significant, yet the only traffic analysis done with respect to an intersection near the .. neighborhood was the intersection at Cliff Drive and Dover. No analysis appears to have been done with respect to the impact on traffic throughout the Cliff Haven neighborhood, especially Pirate Road, which serves as a principal access route to the Church parking lot currently (and would be for the parking structure). 4.1.5 The mitigation measures do not appear to take into consideration the impact on traffic in any area other than at the intersection of 15th and Irvine. What is anticipated to occur if the LOS at 15th and Irvine is at a level F due to construction and school conflicts? How will other intersections and streets be affected? Won't people choose alternate routes, thereby burdening other intersections? 4.2 Why was an analysis of traffic on Sunday not conducted? Has the Church agreed that the gymnasium facility would never be utilized on Sundays? DOCSOC/]041588v1/19999 -0000 �,� James Campbell, Senior Planner April 30, 2004 Page Three 4.2.1 Weekday Parking Demand. The analysis of parking demands seems to ignore the cumulative effect of the Church and High School on the neighborhood. It segregates demand between the Church and the High School. Although the Church cannot control the High School parking, the absence of on -site parking during construction and an increase in the intensity and level of use during school hours or during the evenings when the school has functions, creates potential conflicts. 4.2.1 On Page 4.2 -11, the City acknowledges that there is available, unused parking on the Newport Harbor High School lot often during Church services, yet members choose to park on the more proximate neighborhood streets. On what basis does the study indicate that a parking structure will be utilized more than the High School parking lot and thereby alleviating the impact on the neighborhood? SC4.2 -1 What enforcement mechanisms are contemplated with respect to any construction parking in the residential neighborhood? 4.2.4.1 What is the average load each truck will carry? What after peak hours of operation are contemplated for truck operations in the event construction activity occurs during the school year or during school construction? Further, how far is the Lighthouse Coastal Community Church from St. Andrews? 4.2.4.1 Further Parking Condition. When the daycare drop -offs occur, will the balance of the parking structure be able to handle the parking demand ,at that time ?. Will drop-off result. ,. . in a back -up or queuing into the neighborhood. See prior comment concerning my question about the conclusion about the adequacy of the existing road network to handle the increase in traffic. What support is given for the statement "the increased parking proposed on -site, augmented with the parking at Newport Harbor High School and on- street parking adjacent to the Church will reduce the demand. for parking on the residential streets ?" This assumes people will park in the parking structure and the High School lot (which the EIR states is not fully utilized now and thus probably wouldn't be in the future) and not park in the more convenient location of the neighborhood streets. NW4.2 -1 See prior comment requesting definition of "non -peak hours ". NIN14.2 -2 What is the impact if the parking arrangement with the School District ceases? How could it cease? NIM4.2 -3 Please indicate what,-if any, of these measures are currently utilized by the Church to handle existing parking problems. What specific enforcement mechanisms are intended to be used to prevent church parking on neighborhood streets ? - DOCS001041588v1/19999 -0000 0 q James Campbell, Senior Planner April 30, 2004 Page Four MM4.2 -4 How will the operation of the parking structure be handled to avoid a back -up of traffic . in the neighboring streets? MM4.2 -7 Has any study of the parking structure utilization been conducted? MM4.2 -10 See prior comment concerning establishing basis of measurement on total attendance, not just the sanctuary. MM4.2 -11 This would appear to allow an even greater intensity of use, which by necessity would have to increase the overall level of traffic, only perhaps reducing it during a peak period. This makes the problems in the neighborhood perhaps less at one period, but larger over a greater period. 4.2.6 Please indicate the basis for the conclusion that the project will not exacerbate the existing parking deficiencies in the neighborhood. This appears to be predicated upon full utilization of the parking structure, no evidence of which has been provided. 4.3.4.2 Please indicate whether or not there is any effect on local air quality caused by traffic backups which could be created by cars queuing in and around the parking structure. 4.4.1 With respect to the noise study, no measurements appear to have been taken in the neighborhood itself. Most of the measurements appear to be some distance from the residential neighborhood. ..What are the impacts with respect to intended noise. in the Cliff Haven neighborhood itself? This would apply both during construction and afterwards due to traffic and Church operations. On page 4.4 -14, there is a statement that the design will minimize noise escaping from the facility. How much noise is anticipated to escape? How will that affect the ambient noise in the neighborhood? 4.5.4.2 The analysis of the impact on the neighborhood does not appear to take into consideration the massing of the gymnasium closer to the residences. Also, it does not discuss the height of the parking structure as it relates to the current height of the parking lot and landscape berm. 4.5.4 Shouldn't the study indicate that the neighboring Cliff Haven area does not generally have street lights and therefore any lighting increase is noticeable. Further, the level of lighting appears to be in conflict with later statements about security that requires recognition of people at a distance of 100 feet. Please reconcile these statements. MM4.5 -1 Where is the construction staging area to be located? DOCSOC11041588v1119999 -WO p James Campbell, Senior Planner April 30, 20O4 Page Five 4.6.2 What is the level of incident reports for parking structures in the Newport Beach area with respect to vandalism and similar issues? How will the security for the parking structure in the evenings be handled? 4.6.4.2 Are there are safety concerns from the Fire or Police Department with respect to increased traffic through the Cliff Haven neighborhood, which, when coupled with the onsite parking for the neighbors and the Church and the presence of a number of children, seems to create higher risk of accidents? N4v14.6 -2 See prior comment concerning mitigation measures which appear to conflict with the photometric study. 6.2 I would strongly disagree that the impact of the expansion would be reduced to a level of insignificance by the proposed mitigation monitoring/reporting program. A 34% increase in floor area, placing approximately 135,000 square feet on a 3.9 acre site which is acknowledged to be parking deficient now, and 62 spaces deficient later, which relies on full utilization of a parking structure about which no evidence has been given to assure its full utilization and/or traffic flow is not logically insignificant. 9.2 The report appears to focus mainly on buildings and the type of use. The High School enrollment is increasing and therefore the level of the intensity of its use will be increasing. The report does not seem to adequately address the cumulative effect of that increased enrollment and the potential increase in utilization of the Church facilities on the neighborhood. 9.3.1 See prior comment that the report focuses on the type use and does not appear to consider the increase in the intensity of use. 9.3.6 See prior question concerning definition of Non -Peak Hours. Further, note that there is an increase which will be created at the Dover Drive and Cliff Drive intersection. This is one of the main entrances (if not the main entrance) to the Cliff Haven residential neighborhood. Also, what impact does the current traffic calming study being conducted for Newport Heights and Cliff Haven based on current traffic problems throughout the neighborhood, have on the contemplated traffic impacts from the St. Andrews expansion? Please note that I do concur with the conclusion on page 9 -5 with respect to the "current undesirable on- street parking conditions in adjacent residential neighborhoods ". However, there appears to be no clear basis for any indication as to how the parking structure or parking management program would alleviate the current undesirable conditions, especially in light of the increased intensity of use. DOCSOC/1041588v1/19999 -0000 James Campbell, Senior Planner April 30, 2004 Page Six 10.4.1 This alternative is the most appealing to the neighbors. There are already deficiencies in parking as acknowledged in the EIR which the City should review as part of the Use Permit now. To increase the intensity of usage on the site would exacerbate an already existing problem. The unsupported reliance on a parking structure to solve not only a current problem, but to absorb the future expansion is unsupported. The analysis indicates that certain other choices would not change the current parking demands and therefore ignore the existing problems and the additional traffic /parking issues that are created by the expansion and increase in operations from that contemplated in 1982. To allow further expansion is unwise and would be detrimental to the Cliff Haven residential neighborhood adjoining St. Andrews. Very truly yours, Bruce C. Stuart BCS:ssd DOCSOC/1041588v1/19999 -0000 G / Gary P. Hill 503 Kings Road Newport Beach, CA April 30, 2004 James Campbell, Senior Planner City of Newport Beach Planning Department P.O: Box 1768 Newport Beach Ca. 92658 -8915 Subject; St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Proposed Expansion Draft EIR Mr. Campbell PLANRECEIVED I RTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH ........... APR '3 0 2004 AM PM 81911.41111121112131415 6 As a property owner in Cliff Haven neighborhood and having lived. (in three separate homes) within one mile of St Andrews Church for over fifty years I believe I have a good idea of what is going on there. As stated in the EIR craft it is false to say the Church has occupied that much area for fifty years. The Church that was once a Sunday only church and pre school Monday through Friday, has now gone to a huge business empire operating seven days a week and over twelve hours a day. I would like to see in their current use permit ( No. 822) where they are allowed to run such a business. I cannot talk about air quality, but as far as the car traffic goes the amount of cars that are using the small residential streets has increased drastically. The increased traffic is not just on Sundays anymore, it is very busy all the time. I would like to know when St. Andrews is doing there traffic study per there use permit because the traffic is out of hand. The proposed parking structure that is planned will not solve the parking problem in the neighborhood. It is been true in most studies that seniors do not park in parking structures they avoid them at all costs so we have them all again in the neighborhood streets. I just can't believe the expanded St. Andrews church would be good for our neighborhood. St Andrews should move out to Bonita Canyon if they want to nm such a huge business empire. Gary 949 -075 -0740 Email garyphill @sbcglobal.net M� � F- el' Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: Clerk to copy each of the council Copies Sent To: "Erga,yor - Member .Onuncii anager tto(neil A e ❑ yr; I understand that a $90,000 Environmental Impact Report has been published for the application of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church expansion. EIR's are made so that toxic uses don't pollute our neighborhoods. They generally result in the uses being built to a smaller scale and find that the toxins are of low impact, or an 'acceptable level'. Without opening the document (let alone having found someone stupid enough to pay for it), someone should have the sense to see that: this `bigger than a Home Depot church' does not belong in a small community. The proposal asks that the City allow 140,388 square feet (Home Depots start around 104,000 square feet). What part of this sound like good planning? - Even if the DEIR were to be watered down to the point of saying, "don't fret, the traffic and pollution is at an 'acceptable level' in accordance with the State Public Resources requirements ", who says that should be good enough for the City of Newport Beach? The answer to that is, the City Council. And, I say to the City council, its not good enough for the communities. The size of the church is already an impact on the community far greater than ever anticipated by a 20 -year old CUP: If St. Andrews wants to be bigger have them find somewhere else with freeway access. What's next, a satellite up link facility? Please, Council, be reasonable. The neighborhood associations have been talking to the church for 2 years asking for the church to remodel, not expand, their 100,000 square foot church. Please find that St. Andrew's church may be made better, but no larger. Please hear the communities on this issue. Yours truly, m 4�71-• C� N srp 30 :15 Date: Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: I understand that St. Andrews Presbyterian Church has published a $90,000 EIR in support for their huge expansion. I am not familiar with the CEQA guidelines and I won't judge this report, but I can tell you the church is a serious growth concern in our neighborhood. Without having seen this huge document, the churches presence in the community already is a huge traffic generator and noisy. The application asks the City for 140,388 square feet, 35,500 more than is already too much. The math does not work in this small community. Their size is already an impact. Please, Council, look seriously at the 20 -year old CUP and ask if the programs they have now were contemplated then. If St. Andrews wants to be bigger they should move. Please vote to deny this application. 1' Clerk to copy each of the council 4SS le // C4,ewe k- /c/o so C /a7 s79- Aeea Or.41 A046:1 From Date Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 < Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: The proposal by St Andrews Presbyterian Church asks that the City find appropriate, for this neighborhood church, to grow to 140,388 square feet- over 34% larger then the already 104,822 square feet. I am appalled at this suggestion and ask you to deny this application. If St Andrews wants to expand any of their youth and adult programs they need to find a better site .... where the church is served by collector streets able to handle the volumes of 24-7 traffic that will a 666mpany this full range of uses. In a time when neighborhoods are dear to the families that comprise them, this pressure of greater land use density and application for this type of muli-use expansion must consistently be denied. I understand that a DEIR is being developed for the property and I say, so what Even if the EIR were to say 'terrific, the community still says, and rightly so; 'no; it just doesn't work'. Please find that staff looks at the current CUP very stringently and that the staff consider conditions to protect the neighborhoods. And, please find that St Andrews church may be made better, but no larger. Please hear the citizens on this issue. Yours truly, Eunice Smith Jones RECEIVED BY 341 Costa Mesa Street PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Costa Mesa, CA 92627 April 28, 2004 APR 3 0 2004 PM Mr James Campbell AM 1 3 1415 I 6 Senior Planner 718191101111121112 City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Blvd. Newport Beach, CA 92658 -8915 Re: Draft EIR Report for St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church N.B. 3/4/04 Dear Mr. Campbell: I have reviewed the Draft EIR for improvements-to St. Andrew's and they seemed to me to be in proper order. I began attending St. Andrew's in 1949 when it met in the library of Newport Harbor High School with a congregation of a little over 100 members. There were mostly empty fields surrounding the area when construction began on the original buildings for the church about that same time. Over the years, St. Andrew's has met the spiritual needs of so many people in the area and has now grown to slightly over 4000 members. There have been several building projects over the years as St. Andrew's grew; and it seems that the the church has always tried to be a good neighbor and comply with any inconveniences to those living in the neighborhood. I'm sure we shall try to ease parking, traffic and noise complaints that have been expressed. We are grateful to the city of Newport Beach for the help they have given us on this project. ,-Sincerely,. Eunice Jones �L:, RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Webster J. Jones APR 3 0 2004 PM 341 Costa Mesa St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627 71819110,11,12 I1I2I3I4I5I6 April 30, 2004 Mr. James Campbell, Senior Planner City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach, CA 92658 Dear Sir: I started teaching at Newport Harbor High School in the fall of 1949. The following year my wife and I joined St. Andrew's. We have watched the expansion of the high school and our church for over fifty years. Some of my students have had the benefit of attending the youth programs that St. Andrew's has offered through pastors such as Jim Stewart, Charles Dierenfield, Kim Strutt, and Ed Snedeker. I have talked to former students at their class reunions and at church; I have come to realize that many of these programs have had a positive effect on their lives. Ih addition I feel that the proposed gym facility should in many cases meet the needs of some of the local youth and young adults who might not have the time or skill for organized sports at the junior or senior high level. I have come to see the importance of exposing our youth to character building programs to counteract what they hear and see in the Movies, on TV, and in recorded material. Today's young people .need to have qualified persons with whom to talk to, to answer questions about what is going on in today's world and to receive some kind of guidance. These are the kinds of opportunities that $t. Andrew's is offering for our youth. I have read over the DEIR, and it would implement and improve the current program for our young people, as it exists today. V James Campbell Senior Planner City of Newport Beach P.O. Box 1768 Newport Beach, CA 92658 Re: Draft EIR —St. Andrews proposed expansion Dear Mr. Campbell, RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 3 0 2004 AM 8191101111121112131415 6 As a concerned resident of Newport Beach, I would like to thank you for allowing me to voice my concerns over the planned expansion by St. Andrews. Our primarily single family residential neighborhood is impacted by many different factors. Traffic and related parking though seem to make up the greatest threat to the current levels of safety, security and peace we enjoy. I'm concerned that not enough consideration was given to certain key factors in the draft EIR. Church expansion —The church has systematically and continuously grown since it's inception. It is no longer a quiet neighborhood church, but is seeking to become a large regional facility serving more than the surrounding neighborhood. It is hard to believe that they have remained it compliance with the CUP, zoning and planning regulations through their growth. Programs — The Church had continuously added to their programs, with morning and evening speakers and events, Saturday evening services, concerts, etc., etc. The. EIR -does .not address the additional uses and increased programs that an enlarged facility will allow. The Church's plan even shows a large amount of space dedicated to storage. Isn't that a use better suited to an offsite facility? Alternate Site — With the potential for the planned and additional expansion of the facility and the increased current uses and future programs, it would seem more investigation should be given to an alternate site. Parking — Evidence would suggest that during peak usage, the parking and attendant traffic would-be negatively affected.. With current ingresslegress problems exacerbated by a structure, traffic would back up in the neighborhood and more street parking can be expected, with the structure ending up being under utilized. Traffic — Increased programs and usage will increase the amount of visitors and the traffic in the neighborhood. During peak usage, streets such as Pirate Rd., Snug Harbor, Clay and Signal become major thoroughfares. These neighborhood residential streets, with no sidewalks, become crowded with cars, the additional street parking by Church users complicates the issue. Where does the EIR deal with the potential for a q ! serious accident with one of our residents, especially the children and elderly. In conclusion, there are a number of significant issues affecting the quality of life. in our neighborhood that need more complete investigation. I appreciate your consideration with regards to this matter. Please feel free to contact me if you would like further clarification or have any questions. Warm Regards, Jim Connelly 321 Pirate Rd. Newport Beach 949 -722 -1904 Q5 NEWPORT -MESA Unified School District 2985A Bear Street •. Costa Mesa • California 92626 • (714) 429 -5000 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dana Black • Dave Brooks • Tom Egan Martha Fluor • Judy Franco • Linda Sneen • Serene Stokes Robert J. Barbot Ed. D., Superintendent Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1368 Newport Beach, CA 92663 -0368 RECEIVED BY Mr. James Campbell, Senior Planner, PLANNING DEPARTMENT Newport Beach Planning Department CITY OF NEWPORT REACH 3300 Newport Boulevard lq r` 36 Newport Beach, California 92658 -8915 2004 I'm AkA Dear Mr. Campbell: 8 19�10 �l 1 X12 �l �2�3�A�5�6 The Newport-Mesa Unified School District is in receipt of the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church General Plan Amendment and Use Permit. In that the project is immediately adjacent to Newport Harbor High School and the document mentions the school district in section 10.4.4.2 Traffic and Parking we would like to make the following comments. There is no formal parking agreement between the school district and St. Andrews, and no such agreement is contemplated at this'time. We recognize that there has been some confusion on this point in the past and would direct your attention to our previous letter to the Newport Beach Planning Commission, dated June 16, 2003, which is attached. Section 10.4.4.2 raises at least the speculation of a joint school district/church parking structure on the grounds of Newport Harbor High School. Please be advised that there are no plans for such a structure and that the school district has not indicated any interest in the creation of such an option. Please also be advised that the school district's Measure A modernization program will be in various stages of construction at Newport Harbor High School until late 2005, and that the planned replacement of the Robins /Loats building (the tower building) is anticipated to commence soon after that. Even short term impacts which would close the school's 15a' parking lot would need to be reviewed by the district as to both normal operation and construction at the site for the time that such closure is planned. NEWPORT -MESA Unified School District 2985A Bear Street • Costa Mesa • California 92626 • (714) 424 -5000 BOARD OF TRUSTEES. Dana Black • Dave Brooks • Toro Egan Martha Fluor • Judy Franco a Linda Soeen • Serene Stokes Robert J. Barbot Ed. D., Superintendent Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1368 Newport Bead, CA 92663-0368 June 16, 2003 Mr. Steven Kiser Chairman, Planning Commission City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Blvd. Newport Beach, CA 92663 Ms Patricia Temple Planning Director City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Blvd. Newport Beach, CA 92663 RE: St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Application for Conditional Use Permit bear Mr. Kiser and Ms. Temple: We are all aware that parking in the neighborhood around Newport Harbor High School is an issue of concern. We are also aware that there are ongoing discussions considering proposals from St. Andrews Presbyterian Church for renovation and modernization of the church facilities. The School District is pleased to have St. Andrews as a good neighbor of long standing. . The District is concerned, however, that there may be some misunderstanding regarding the relationship between the Newport-Mesa Unified School District and St. Andrews Presbyterian Church as it pertains to parking issues and the impact of parking on the church's proposed renovation and modernization plan. Information published by the church states the following: "St. Andrews and Newport Harbor High School have shared parking for 45 years. The church and high school expect to continue that historic relationship that helps ease parking demands on the neighborhood' As a general statement the information is correct. The Church and the School District have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship as good neighbors over the years. To the extent each have had parking facilities available when one or the other have had events which caused a peak parking demand the relationship has indeed provided additional options to the neighborhood. However, the District is compelled to clarify that the relationship has been merely one of good neighbors. To the best of our knowledge, and to the extent files stretching back forty -five years are available, there is no formal agreement between the Church and the School District that grants any specific parking or other facility rights to one or the other entity. U Mr. Steven Kiser and Ms. Patricia Temple June 17, 2003 Page Two We agree we have enjoyed a historic relationship and hope it will continue, but as a matter of public record we must point out that it is not a contractual relationship. We trust no one is assessing it as such. Sincerely&V&/ Paul H. Reed Assistant Superintendent Business Services c: Members of the Board of Education Superintendent Robert J. Barbot Mr. Jake Easton, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church 9V Page 1 of 1 Campbell, James From: dcstoney [dcstoney @adelphia.net] RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT Sent: Friday, April 30, 2004 5:38 PM CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH To: joampbell @city.newport- beach.ca.us APR 3 0 2004 Subject: church EIR Dear Mr. Campbell, 17 819110 [111121112131 5 6 My husband wrote you earlier today regarding St. Andrew's desire to expand. I would like you to consider that I second all of his thoughts on the subject. We have children and they often play in the street, but depending on the schedule the church is running on any given day, I need to ask them to come out of the street or back into the house. There are many children on our street and I worry about them when people are rushing to attend church or going get their children to day care. I can't imagine what it will be like during construction too with big trucks all over our roads. We love living here and don't want the quality of our home and neighborhood to be diminished by the increases in noise, traffic, lighting, parking, litter and crime. Please don't allow this church to grow here in our backyard. Thank you, Cindy Stoneman 05/03/2004 DONALD B. SAMIS GRACE E. SAMIS 444 Serra Drive Corona del Mar, California 92625 Telephone 67t4o 760 -0830 949 Mr James Campbell Senior Planner City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Blvd Newport Beach, CA 92658 -8915 V April 28th, 2004 RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH APR 3 0 2004 AM 781911011111211 1213141516 RE: Draft EIR Report for St Andrew's Church 3 -04 -04 Dear Sir: We have reviewed the mitigation items in the Draft &IR report and are of the opinion they handle the concerns %well and proper! We do hope the report receives the approval of all the official entities in a timely manner in order that the church may proceed with this most wortH4vile project. Respectfully ", 0 i 160 Apr 30 2004 11:15AM John Zieg John and Judi Zieg 1300 Clay Street Newport Beach, CA 92663 30 April 2004 Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, CA 92663 Dear Mayor Ridgeway and Council! 949 - 650 -9039 We are writing with regard to the expansion planned by St. Andrews Church. The various activities at the church have already significantly increased traffic and noise in the community. Any expansion of the church will complete the transformation of our neighborhood from a quiet residential area to a high - traffic, noisy, community- services center, decreasing the value of the homes adjacent to the church. While the church desires to provide more services to more people, they don't seem to be cognizant of the effect of their activities on their neighbors who are entitled to the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of their homes. Please guide the church to a more suitable area for their extra - curricular activities. As our elected representatives, we trust that you will not take value from our home, without compensation, and transfer it to the church. Thank you for your consideration, Sincerely, John and Judi Zieg l t I r Date 5-13— Copies Sent To: -el 'I-OT l Member anager tiorney El p.1 16) Mrs. Sheila J. Munson IM 503 Saint Andrews Rd. JWNewport Beach, CA 92663 Date: - :102f%w Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: A NOY -A. "9 :27 I understand that St. Andrews Presbyterian Church has published a $90,000 EIR in support for their huge expansion. I am not familiar with the CEQA guidelines and I won't judge this report, but I can tell you the church is a serious growth concern in our neighborhood. Without having seen this huge document, the churches presence in the community already is a huge traffic generator and noisy. The application asks the City for 140,388 square feet, 35,500 more than is already too much. The math does not work in this small community. Their size is already an impact. Please, Council, look seriously at the 20 -year old CUP and ask if the programs they have now were contemplated then. If St. Andrews wants to be bigger they should move. Please vote to deny this application. Clerk to copy each of the council I understand that a $90,000 Environmental Impact Report has been published for the application of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church expansion. EIR's are made so that toxic uses dora't.pollute our neighborhoods. They generally result in the uses being built to a smaller scale and find that the toxins are of low impact, or an 'acceptable level'. Without opening the document (let alone haying found,someone stupid enough to pay for it), someone should have the sense to see that: this 'bigger than a Home Depot church' does not belong in a small community The proposal asks that the City allow 140,388 square feet (Home Depots start around 104,000 square feet). What part of this sound like good planning? - Even if the DEIR were to be watered down to the point of saying, "don't fret, the traffic and pollution is at an 'acceptable level' in accordance with the State Public Resources requirements ", who says that should be good enough for the City of Newport Beach? The answer to that is, the City Council. And, I say to the City council, it's not good enough for the communities. The size of the church is already an impact on the community far greater than ever anticipated by a 20 -year old CUP, If St. Andrews wants to be bigger have them find somewhere else with freeway access. What's next, a satellite up link facility? Please, Council, be reasonable. The neighborhood associations have. been talking to the church for 2 years asking for the church.to remodel, not expand, their 100,000 square foot church. Please find that St. Andrew's church may„ be made better, but no larger. Please hear the communities on this issue;,`., Yours X63 From Mrs. Sheila J. Munson 503 Saint Andrews Rd. Newport Beach, CA 92663 Date��' Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion =; a m Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: I understand that a $90,000 Environmental Impact Report has been published for the application of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church expansion. EIR's are made so that toxic uses dora't.pollute our neighborhoods. They generally result in the uses being built to a smaller scale and find that the toxins are of low impact, or an 'acceptable level'. Without opening the document (let alone haying found,someone stupid enough to pay for it), someone should have the sense to see that: this 'bigger than a Home Depot church' does not belong in a small community The proposal asks that the City allow 140,388 square feet (Home Depots start around 104,000 square feet). What part of this sound like good planning? - Even if the DEIR were to be watered down to the point of saying, "don't fret, the traffic and pollution is at an 'acceptable level' in accordance with the State Public Resources requirements ", who says that should be good enough for the City of Newport Beach? The answer to that is, the City Council. And, I say to the City council, it's not good enough for the communities. The size of the church is already an impact on the community far greater than ever anticipated by a 20 -year old CUP, If St. Andrews wants to be bigger have them find somewhere else with freeway access. What's next, a satellite up link facility? Please, Council, be reasonable. The neighborhood associations have. been talking to the church for 2 years asking for the church.to remodel, not expand, their 100,000 square foot church. Please find that St. Andrew's church may„ be made better, but no larger. Please hear the communities on this issue;,`., Yours X63 Clerk to copy each of the council Mrs, Sheila J. Munson 503 Saint Andrew, Rd_ Newport Beack CA 92663 Date �a / - / Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, Cafifomia 92663 Re: St Andrews Expansion a-J Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: The Proposal by St. Andrews Presbyterian Church asks that the City find appropriate, for this neighborhood church, to grow to 140,388- square feet= over 34% larger then the already 104,822 square feet. I am appalled at this suggestion and ask you to deny this application. If St Andrews wants to expand any of their youth and adult programs they need to find a better site where the church is served by collector streets able to handle the volumes of 24-7 traffic that will ,accompany this full range of uses. In a time when neighborhoods are dear to the families that comprise them, this pressure of greater land use density and application for this type of mull -use expansion must consistently be denied. 1. understand that a DEIR is being developed for the property and I say, so what. Even if the EIR were to say 'terrific!, the community still says, and rightly so; 'no; it just doesn't work'. Please find that staff looks at the current CUP very stringently and that the staff consider conditions to protect the neighborhoods. And, please find that St. Andrews church may be made better, but no larger. Please hear the citizens on this issue. 16 q APR - 28-2004 04:32 PM PLAN VRNUN oo< r�roo APR -27 -2004 19:50 ,y 4 -aid 0 i F�C-70 7-0 AMP 21, 2004 Mayor Ridgeway and Council `J4 !1AY --s 4217 James Campbell, Senior Planner City of Newport Beach Planning Department _ ,'i P. O. Box 1768 rc< Newport Beach, CA 926SO-8915 Fox number (949) 6443229 e -mail: jcompbeil *clty.newport- beach.ca.us Re: St. Ahdraws Presbyterian Church Proposed 6xponslon Oraft EIR, SCH: 200001065 Door Honorable Mayor, Council and Mr. Campbell: Wn I have a number of concerns regarding the DEIR for the proposed expansion of St. Andrews. i believe the expansion plan is inappropriate for a residential neighborhood, There will be major increases in traffic on the surrounding residential streets that are not addressed in this report. I believe the traffic volumes in the area already exceed acceptable standards for residential streets and much of the problem is being caused by the previous church expansion. I own rental property nearby St Andrews and I believe my tenants may move out if this project is approved due to the Increased noise, traffic and pollution. I believe the SR is Inaccurate and does not reflect the Increased traffic and congestion that will result if either the parking facilities or the building square footage Is Increased. I am not In favor of rezoning the St. Andrews parcel. increasing the parldng facilities or Increasing the square footage of the buildings. Any of these changes, separately or collectively, vAl have a significant, permanent, adverse Impact on my property value and rental income. Sincerely, Name :ALAia bA►luni Owner of: lc cat_�e�_��as.�tcLs,�s,., Newport Beach CA 92663 Owners Mailing address: 150 n1- �gdr uwr LA 64►►A 66Aem _ c^ 41631 TOTAL P.04 Jb5 APR -28 -2004 17 :45 96% P.01 Date: X/� ( Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: I understand that St. Andrews. Presbyterian Church has published a $90,000 EIR in support for their huge expansion, I am not familiar with the CEQA guidelines and I won't judge this report, but I can tell you the church is a serious growth concern in our neighborhood. Without having seen this huge document, the churches presence in the community. already is a huge traffic generator and noisy. The application asks the City for 140,388 square feet, 35,500 more than is already too much. The math does not work in this small community. Their size is already an impact. Please, Council, look seriously at the 20 -year old CUP and ask if the programs they have now were contemplated then. If St. Andrews wants to be bigger they should move. Please vote to deny this application. E Clerk to copy each of the council From Date Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion ri Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: The proposal by St. Andrews Presbyterian Church asks that the City find appropriate, for this neighborhood church, to grow to 140,388 square feet- over 34% larger then the already 104,822 square feet I am appalled at this suggestion and ask you to deny this application. If St. Andrews wants to expand any of their youth and adult programs they need to find a better site where the church is served by collector streets able to handle the volumes of 24-7 traffic that will accompany this full range of uses. In a time when neighborhoods are dear to the families that comprise them, this pressure of greater land use density and application for this type of muli-use expansion must consistently be denied. I understand that a DEIR is being developed for the property and I say, so what. Even if the EIR were to say 'terrific!, the community still says, and rightly so; 'no; it just doesn't work. Please find that staff looks at the current CUP very stringently and that the staff consider conditions to protect the neighborhoods. And, please find that St. AndreWs church may be made better, but no larger. Please hear the citizens on this issue. Yours truly, O%A, 161 From Date 112 e/o Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: Clerk to copy each of the council I understand that a $90,000 Environmental Impact Report has been published for the application of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church expansion. EIR's are made so that toxic uses don't pollute our neighborhoods. They generally result in the uses being built to a smaller scale and find that the toxins are of low impact, or an 'acceptable level'. Without opening the document (let alone having found someone stupid enough to pay for it), someone should have the sense to see that: this 'bigger than a Home Depot church' does not belong in a small community. The proposal asks that the City allow 140,388 square feet (Home Depots start around 104,000 square feet). What part of this sound like good planning? - Even if the DEIR were to be watered down to the point of saying, "don't fret, the traffic and pollution is at an 'acceptable level' in accordance with the State Public Resources requirements", who says that should be good enough for the City of Newport Beach? The answer to that is, the City Council. And, say to the City council, it's not good enough for the communities. The size of the church is already an impact on the community far greater than ever anticipated by a 20 -year old CUP. If St. Andrews wants to be bigger have them find somewhere else with freeway access. What's next, a satellite up link facility? Please, Council, be reasonable. The neighborhood associations have been talking to the church for 2 years asking for the church to remodel, not expand, their 100,000 square foot church. Please find that St. Andrews church may be made better, but no larger. Please hear the communities on this issue. Yours truly, 10 'v I understand that a $90,000 Environmental Impact Report has been published for the application of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church expansion. EIR's are made so that toxic uses don't pollute our neighborhoods. They generally result in the uses being built to a smaller scale and find that the toxins are of low impact, or an 'acceptable level'. Without opening the document (let alone having found someone stupid enough to pay for it), someone should have the sense to see that: this 'bigger than a Home Depot church' does not belong in a small community. The proposal asks that the City allow 140,388 square feet (Home Depots start around 104,000 square feet). What part of this sound like good planning? - Even if the DEIR were to be watered down to the point of saying, "don't fret, the traffic and pollution is at an 'acceptable level' in accordance with the State Public Resources requirements", who says that should be good enough for the City of Newport Beach? The answer to that is, the City Council. And, say to the City council, it's not good enough for the communities. The size of the church is already an impact on the community far greater than ever anticipated by a 20 -year old CUP. If St. Andrews wants to be bigger have them find somewhere else with freeway access. What's next, a satellite up link facility? Please, Council, be reasonable. The neighborhood associations have been talking to the church for 2 years asking for the church to remodel, not expand, their 100,000 square foot church. Please find that St. Andrews church may be made better, but no larger. Please hear the communities on this issue. Yours truly, 10 RECEIVED By PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH M MAY 4 2004 Pm A 7 1919110 111 1121112t3141516 A-P I-� ac, tom, ZCO� zi Rcck8o cp 9a�t�� c-t Tj ukpfr� Tuj is C) 0�- 1,-)-1 L-�* 0 41VI fr B41VB #02W •YYi%YY .••. 493 OGLE STREET COSTA MESA, CA 92627 (714) 646 -3731 p�NNI DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH AM MAY 4 2004 7 819110111112111213141516 a4 RECEIVED ARTMENT Mr. James Campbell A��WpCR7 BEACH Senior Planner City of Newport Beach MAY 4 2004 3300 Newport Blvd. PM Newport Beach, CA 92658 -8915 iy 8 19 11 0 11 1,12,11213141516 Re: Draft EIR Report for St. Andrew's Church- R.R. March 4, $004 Dear Sir: I have - reviewed the Draft EIR for the improvements to our church and found the document very thorough. I see that there are appropriate mitigations suggested -to- solve- any problerrm others Wright find neeesTsary. I hope that the St. Andrews Church plan will be approved in order that our church cart accommodate -our young rnembers who -hold our future . Thank you for all the work that the city goes through to help us continue to serve our community. \11 To: City of Newport Beach Planning Dep'L Attention: James Campbell, Senior Planner City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Blvd Newport Beach, CA 92658 Dear Mr. Campbell: April 23,'04 RECEIVED By PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH MAY 4 2004 7�81911D111 112111213141516 The DEIR for the St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church project, SCH No. 2003081065, dated March 2004 is a very detailed piece of work, with a lot of professional consultants involved It covers everything, and while they tell you what the problems may be, ie., Impacts, there seems to be a soludop for each of these impacts, and my conclusion is that it is a very fine document. While I think this is a very worthwhile project,. l:am concerned that the neighbors get a fair shake during the construction process. Y hope the City can provide the necessary inspectors to ensure that there is minimal dust, noise etc. Thanks for the opportunity to review this report. I)X Mr. James Campbell April 20, 20 RECEIVED BY mp �t ANNING DEPARTMENT Senior Wanner CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH City of Newport Beach 2300 Newport Blvd. MAY 1 4 2004 Newport Beach, CA 92658 =8915 7181911011111211,213141516 Re: Draft EIR Report for St. Andrew's Church -N:B. March h, 9004 Dear Sir: r I have reviewed-the Draft EIR for the improvements to our church and found the document very thorough. I see that there are appropriate mitigations suggested- to-solve- any problem others-might fift& necessary. I hope that the St. Andrews Church plan will be approved in order that our church can accommodate oar young members who -hold our future: Thank you for all the work that the city goes through to help us continue to serve -our community. Sincerw,, e� ))3 April 27, 2004 RECEIVED BY Mr. James Campbell PLANNING DEPARTMENT Senior Plaaner CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH City of Newport Beach MAy 4 2004 3300 Newport Boulevard PM Newport Beach, Ca 92658 -8915 y$ 1011 1212 3 4 5 6 IIg I. i I 111111 Re. DEIR for St. Andrew's Proposed Additions Dear Mr. Campbell: Since 1972, my wife and I have lived at 411 Kings Road, about four -to -five blocks from the St. Andrew's Church, where we are members. Our children have gone to Newport Heights, Ensign and Newport Harbor High. Nancy, my wife, taught at Newport and Corona del Mar High Schools. Thus, we consider ourselves very much a part of the community. I personally have reviewed the DEIR and believe that it accurately evaluates the proposed General Plan Amendment and Use Permit Amendment and that the various impacts can be resolved by mitigation. I hope the necessary approvals will be forthcoming soon. As a matter of interest, last year our congregation grew by only one member. The proposed new facilities are for our young members who hold our future. The gym and youth facilities will give our lads a place to "hang out" after school and keep them off the street. Also, the additional parking facility will take more cars off the street, which should be of comfort to the neighbors. I firmly believe that the new plan will be an improvement for both the community and the church. Thank you for the opportunity to express my views. Very truly yours, H. . Geerlings I) f F. R. Herman, M.D. 910 Kings Road Newport Beach, CA 92663 RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH l�rwui e3,Cczti!�' AM MAY 4 2004 S'en+tl✓` �/ %a-tti;Wft 718,9110,11112111213141516 't �e - - E 1 k R qw+ ho f &ra,, - 4pifju,/ 3-o me. if- (ST G1ud�ecvs t 5 S i^kh e�f(r %¢z,P. Gi r�b �e+ Lace �otU lCr�j f a C�2nez� lh ` C ��aw � � "�"' "� �ilvtreh mewl'-• �tS �f'a� �' IS d - gv4v -6t"t A 4 A - r tREl,VED ''JY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH MAY 4 2004 PM 7 �819 10 X11 X12 11 12j3G41516 qa 6,s I5 i 'V1ffl- I *�A ))6. y tze A ill a . f t4l'f � y goo y m"twAm �, Re 0 RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH Q� MAY 4 2054 PM P 7 8I9I10i11112I11Z13I41516 / / r / i Date: Mayor Ridgeway. and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: '0A ",hY -5 ' %4 17 t;r K.AC? I understand that. St. Andrews Presbyterian Church has published a $90,000 EIR in support for their huge expansion. I am not familiar with the CEQA guidelines and I won't judge this report, but I can tell you the church is a serious growth concern in our neighborhood. Without having seen this huge document, the churches presence in the community already is a huge traffic generator and noisy. The application asks the City for 140,388 square feet, 35,500 more than is already too much. The math does not work in this small community. Their size is already an impact. Please, Council, look seriously at the 20 -year old CUP and ask if the programs they have now were contemplated then. If St. Andrews wants to be bigger they should move. Please vote to deny this application, Date Copies � ayot y °r O 4 i— n g Member ; T� -rgrJf- a nager 0 - K Kim LW fa�omQ> �/5 S-i Naar &", (;- ai LG G2 From Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council Clerk to copy each of the council '04 Vi, Ay -F ^•='u :17 I understand that a $90,000 Environmental Impact Report has been published for the application of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church expansion. EIR's are made so that toxic uses don't pollute our neighborhoods. They generally result in the uses being built to a smaller scale and find that the toxins are of low impact, or an 'acceptable level'. Without opening the document (let alone having found someone stupid enough to pay for it), someone should have the sense to see that: this `bigger than a Home Depot church' does not belong in a small community. The proposal asks that the City allow 140,388 square feet (Home Depots start around 104,000 square feet). What part of this sound like good planning? - Even if the DEIR were to be watered down to the point of saying, "don't fret, the traffic and pollution is at an 'acceptable level' in accordance with the State Public Resources requirements ", who says that should be good enough for the City of Newport Beach? The answer to that is, the City Council. And, I say to the City council, it's not good enough for the communities. The size of the church is already an impact on the community far greater than ever anticipated by a 20 -year old CUP. If St. Andrews wants to be bigger have them find somewhere else with freeway access. What's next, a satellite up link facility? Please, Council, be reasonable. The neighborhood associations have been talking to the church for 2 years asking for the church to remodel, not expand, their 100,000 square foot church. Please find that St. Andrew's church may be made better, but no larger. Please hear the communities on this issue. IX. p6 Minnie Ballard 415 Santa Ana Avenue Newport Beach, CA 92663 April 29, 20044 Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: vz °o4 rjR f -E TIC'! =17 [7D The proposal by St. Andrews Presbyterian Church asks that the City find appropriate their 34% expansion. On behalf of my neighbors and my family, I ask you to deny this application. If St. Andrews wants to expand they need to consider an off site facility. If they really need to expand this should be the only reasonable land use alternative. For the value. and the well being of the community, to which the church is an interregnal part, this Is the best option. On the other hand, if St. Andrew's may be improved and substitute some of the spaces that they are planning for some of the buildings they are asking to tear down, and the result is a "zero net gain of space" these studies deserve a look. I understand that a DEIR has been developed for the property and I have no experience with this part of the process, however fundamental logic, history and the present traffic tell me that if they add thousands of square feet It will acerbate the present mess. Even if the EIR were to say `acceptable impact', the community wants better for themselves, including St. Andrews. Please ask St. Andrews to improve their quality and not there size. The current CUP should tell everyone, "They are big enough ". Thank you for going with logic and history. Yours truly, �5 )A) wj F- I o rmz ( 'r n 4010 P rk M�Imford Newport Beach, ort X102 cq 9 . 0* RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH D04 Pm -rr i. r n 'f' i- J/'JVU i'nr1 J � Ir Y` � bCJ• • � • vI 1I Q 25; 2VV4 i J J of -J- r!!••r' •f ( v• n_ evrr ' !ie �l5' 're• �J• ! Is'rr- J ' . I • I I .. b' a ! '!•� a`if ]'fL {' !f "ff J. !J. 9fr:•:�L^ b a I ' b S e %:' a' -. rJ' /Y • / %I Y' a/i JS f. * f l3fi ". .'" ' e -•.•{ !f: af1J/ I II! II' /! / !!AI J f II" / - I %' { � r %r a i•' /If l's• ers J %r• Y'!r. �ryJ r: JrJ {' r s•sl -I!i r JrY'J J I (' n r' . I '!rY! s+ s r ura' s au( •n.r +• ' ✓n!rYJ r`, ' rJ ♦ 1 li ' UNIT /� ' JS[e!rri idd !RS. ( elf. i[f" bJe3ff'y _ ( f J/' I( I "{ YJ IP /' IJJI !{ Ir'I 1r !' IJP{JI YiY 'l ♦ `( ( II" J `JIM l 1 JAa- T0'd %L6 KSL WE 606 90 :60 b002- 40 -AUW . ApR•-24'i00d 17:06 P.04 E w RECBDEpARTMENT Apn121, 2004 C1_1111 GwppRT BEACH Mayor Ridgeway and Council MAY 0.5 200 pNy lames Campbell, Senior Planner t11112,112`314i516 City of Newport Beach Planning Department P. O. Box 1768 Newport Beach, CA 92658 -8915 Fmnurnber:19491 644 -3229 e -mail: jcampbellOdty.newport beach.ca.us Re: St. Andrews Prasbyterlan Church Propowd EXPw foci nra8 FIll, SCN: ZOD30�1086 Dear Honorable Mayor, Council and Mr. Campbell: I have a number of concerns regarding the, DER for the proposed expansion of St, Andrews. I believe the expansion plan is Inappropriate for a residential neighborhood. There will be major increases In traffic on the surrounding residential streets that are not addressed In this report. I betleYe the traffic volumes In the area olreodyoxceed ddceptgble standards for residential streets and much of the problem is being caused by the previous church expdrisiori. I f hrental Property nearby n may out i lspro ect is approved due c the Increased oise,mac nd I believe the EIR is inaccurate and does not reflect the increased traffit and congestion that will result if tither the parking facilities or the buildihp square footage is increased. I am not In favor of rezoning the St. Andrews Parcel, increasing the parking facilities ar increasing the square footage of the buildfigs. Any of these changes, sepan:Italy or collectively, will have a sigrdficnt, permanent, adverse impact on my property value and rental income. Since ly. X`-Q Nam cpj-- I owner o . Newport Beach CA 92663 Owners Moiling address: u (pile TOTAL P.04 ia3 Page 1 of 1 Campbell, James From: jimjudytracy [imjudytracy @adelphia.net] Sent: Thursday, May 06, 2004 3:36 PM To: jcampbell @city.newport- beach.ca.us Subject: Fw: St.. Andrew's Plan -- Original Message -- From: jimjudytracy To: jcampbell acity.newoort- heach.ca.us Sent: Thursday, May 06, 2004 3:26 PM Subject: St.. Andrew's Plan Dear Mr. Campbell, Mr. McDaniel, Mr. Cole, Mr. Selich, Mr. Toerge, Mr. Tucker, Mr. Eaton and Mr. Kiser, We appreciate the thoughtfulness and study that goes into making planning decisions for the City of Newport Beach. St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church is coming to you with plans for a new.Youth and Family Center. We have lived in Newport Beach and attended.St. Andrew's..,.. _.... Church since 1995. In the 1950's, my parents rented homes on the Balboa Peninsula for a number of years for our family's vacation, so I have seen many changes. St. Andrew's and its programs are a constant asset in meeting the real needs of our community in a rich variety of ways in the Newport Harbor area. The innovation and dedicated community leadership shown in the St. Andrew's "Get Set" pre - school program is an outstanding example of how they have helped the community. Look now at the Newport Beach -Costa Mesa School District Pre - school Program and you will see the growth from the St. Andrew's seeds flourishing there among staff and volunteers 0 am one of them). Please, by approving this new plan, help enable St. Andrew's to contribute in new and effective ways to aid our community's youth. Anything in this day and age that successfully competes with the media driven standards of materialism, abuse of women, violence, and disrespect for authority offered by music, television, and movies, is a blessing for our children. With this new facility, St. Andrew's will have a chance to make a difference for the better in your children's lives, your grandchildren's lives and your community's children's lives. On a personal note, we think it would help reduce the street parking in the immediate neighborhood on Sundays and other busy church days. Sincerely, Jim and Judy Tracy 2204 Fortuna, Newport Beach, CA 92660 949 - 759 -0473 0 05/06/2004 T0'd iG6 0254 WE 606 90:60 7002 -40 -Add aPR-27 -2004 17:06 P. 134 April 21, 2004 `04 NAY -7 A9:05 Mayor Ridge'NaY and Council James Campbell, Senior Planner City of Newport Beach Planning Department F. O. Box 1768 Newport Beach, CA `3'2658.8915 Fax number.(9491644-3229 e- mail: Campbellocity.newvport-l)each.ca.us Re_ St. Ahdraws PresbyWdGh Cherch PrapvNd brPanflort Oran Bit, SCH:2,=081065 Dear Honorable Mayor. Council and Mr. Campbell: I hove a number of concerns regarding the 4EIR for the proposed expansion of 5t, Andrews. I believe the expansion pion is inappropflate far o residential neighborhood. There will be major increases In traffic on the surrounding residential streets that ore not addressed in this report. I believe the traffic volumes in the area already exceed acceptable standards for rei ldential streets and much of the problem Is being�'caused by the previous church expansion. I own rental property nearby St Andrews and l believe my tenants may move out If this project Is approved due to the increased noise, traffic and pollution. I believe the EIR is inaccurate and does not reflect the increased frafflc and congestion that will result If tither the parking facilities or the building square footage is increased. I am not in favor of rezoning the St. Andrews porgies, increasing the parking facilities or increasing the square footage of the buildfigs. Any of these changes, separ::rtaly or collectively, will have a significant, permanent, adverse impact On my property value and rental income. X `-t own Newport Beach CA 92663 ov�ners moiling address: i r iL Date Copies Sent To: Mayor i� ncil Member $ Manager rney ,G _w� TOTAL P.04 Jas iur�e�. � f.nd7 •b lHLI Clerk to copy each of the council Elizabeth Pyle 1400 Clay Street Newport Beach, CA 92663 From May 7, 2004 Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: The proposal by St. Andrews Presbyterian Church asks that the City find appropriate, for this neighborhood church, to grow to 140,388 square feet- over 34% larger then the already 104,822 square feet I am appalled at this suggestion and ask you to deny this application. If St Andrews wants to expand any of their youth and adult programs they need to find a better site where the church is served by collector streets able to handle the volumes of 24-7 traffic that will accompany this full range of uses. In a time when neighborhoods are dear to the families that comprise them, this pressure of greater land, use density and application for this type of muli -use expansion must consistently be denied. I understand that a DEIR is being developed for the property and I say, so what. Even 9 the EIR were to say `terrific', the community still says, and rightly so; 'no; it just doesn't work'. Please find that staff looks at the current CUP very stringently and that the staff consider conditions to protect the neighborhoods. And, please find that St. Andrews church may be made better, but no larger. Please hear the citizens on this issue. Yours L~ - 3 z. 0 Date: �-i`gV6- --7- 1 -Z-Ov 1 Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: I understand that St. Andrews Presbyterian Church has published a $90,000 EIR in support for their huge expansion. I am not familiar with the CEQA guidelines and 1 won't judge this report, but I can tell you the church is a. serious growth concern in our neighborhood. Without having seen this huge document, .the churches presence in the community already is a huge traffic generator and noisy. The application asks the City for 140,388 square feet, 35,500 more than is already too much. The math does not work in this small community. Their size is already an impact. Please, Council, look seriously at the 20 -year old CUP and ask if the programs they have now were contemplated then. If St. Andrews wants to be bigger they should move. Please vote to deny this application. C52-1 il- L23 a1 E. James Whittier 1301 Seacrest Drive Corona Del Mar, CA 92625 Tel: 949 644 7670 Fax: 949 644 7683 Mr. Earl Daniel, Chairman and Planning Commission Newport Beach City Hall 3300 Newport Blvd Newport Beach, CA 92623 RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTIAE'UT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH MAY 10 2004 PIS 17 AM PM Dear Sirs: We are writing this letter as both long time residents of Newport Beach and as members of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. We are totally in favor of the renewal of our church. First let me share the concerns of our neighbors. In a perfect world, they would undoubtedly want to eliminate Newport Harbor High, our church, John Wayne Airport, the crowded coast highway and the crowds at our beach. The fact is all of the above are here to stay. The answer is in how we deal with these issues. For our part, all of the changes at St_ Andrews represent a concerted effort on our part to alleviate the conditions that affect our near by residents the most -the traffic, the parking and the noise. While the new parking will be increased by 150 spaces; all of the additional will be underground — inviting, lighted and safe —with a beautification project to hide the present on ground parking. Now as for the noise, St Andrews is not trying to become a "Mega Church "; however, to remain stable it must nue to attract young people. In doing this we are replacing our fellow,4 Dp. Vch will take our youth in doors into a magnificent, soundproof facility. In conclusion, we want to be good neighbors and while we are hear to stay, we want to do everything within reason to alleviate the concerns of our valued neighbors many of whom are members of our church. lAr Mr. James Campbell Senior Planner, Cit of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Blvd. Newport Beach, CA 92658 RE: Draft EIR for St. Andrews Church Newport Beach, CA Dear Mr. Campbell: RECEIVED Sy PLANNING DEPARTMENT BEACH CITY OF NIFWa� �nT MAY 1-u 2004 71619110111.,112111213141516 May 1, 2004 Inxeference to the above Draft EIR, I feel the impact on the surrounding community will be minimal. I'm familiar with the work of Snyder- Langston, through my having been one of three members of the building committee at Concordia University - Irvine and can vouch for the quality of their design and construction. I feel confident that the ultimate renovation of this facility will not in any way, impact negatively upon the surrounding community. Hopefully, by revising this campus the city will be enhanced and that it will encourage the Christian youth to grow in faith and be of service to Newport Beach in the future. Sincerely, E. Vernon Frost. 1�1 2627 Seaview Ave Corona Del Mar, Calif. 92625 Phone 949- 723 -4167 waltdrake *arthlink.net .......................... May 6, 2004 RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH MAY 1-01 2004 7�819110111 112,1,213141516 Chairman and Planning Commission Newport Beach City Hall 3300 Newport Blvd. Newport Beach, Ca. 92663 Dear Sirs: Re: " St. Andrews Building Program My wife and I have been residents of Corona Del Mar for 15 years plus, and members of St. Andrews for 17 years plus. In order to meet the needs of our youth program, the church must expand it's current physical facilities. The youth are the future of our community and St. Andrews plays a vital roll in their development. We strongly urge your support far St. Andrews building program. Respectfully .���� Walter M. Drake Marjorie G. Drake 17 Vp Tna 16. =- Maitax 200 J) a¢is 1'ane c79�t. 218 .�zNzwhott Bzacg, eafifawia 92663 RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH May 5, 2004 Mt. EaAt McDaniel, Chaiftman NeNpaxt Beach Planning Comwusa.ion Newpoxt Beach City HaP2. 3300 Newpoxt Blvd. Newport Beach CA 42663 Deaf M. McDani.eZ: MAY 11 2004 PM 71819110 X11112111213141516 When I moved. to NewpoAt Beach ltweZve. years ago to be elo.6eA to my son's 6ami.Zy, one o6 the 6itst th.inp I. dial was to twx4jet my.Chwcch membeo. h.ip to St. Andxew!.a_Pxesbytexian. I had heard many uwndeAjut stoties o6 .them dnvotvement with the people o6 the community. I became so impressed it wont . tong be6ote I became involved in. many o6 the Chutch's acttvi- ties . Because out member ship is geneutty otdet we have been trying to geaA ouA activities towaxd meeting the needs o6 the young people in out Chwcch. This .inct'ude! the only new building in out proposed development pAogAam, a youth and family Centek, papa c6 which w t t? teptaee an existing cta6sAoom building that witL be demolished. The new 6acUity Witt dnetude a soundptoo6 gym at gtound 6toot tevet, and meeting and teeAeation toom6 at basement teveZ. A new 6acit ty, which wilt .inenea6e packing spaces 6Aom 250 to 400, is ae6o planned. The uppeA.tevee will be apptoximateZy the same elevation as the existing tot, and the towex teveZ wiZ.Z be well Lighted and seAvieed by etevatoAA - .inviting and sa5e. The additional 150 packing spaeeb wilt'_ Remove panhing 6tom in 6Aowt o.5 many neighbots' homes. We believe that out teaching out to the young people in out community with :these planned imptovement6 .i6 a very positive e66oAt, and ttAubt you will give bed=s positive attention to out tegueat box appxoval. Thanking you in advance ban your sehiou6 attention to this matter, I am Since ety, IMA4.! Verna D. Mattox 1 May 3, 2004 STATE OF CALIFORNIA�� Governor's. Office of Planning and Research State Clearinghouse and Planning Unit Jan Boel RECEIVED BY Acting Director PLANNING DEPARTMENT . CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH James Campbell City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, CA 92663 MAY 11 2004 PM 7 `819110 11 l j12 �l �2j3�4�5�6 Subject: St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Improvements SCHM 2603081065 Dear James Campbell: The State Clearinghouse submitted the above named Draft. EIR to -selected state agencies for review. The review period closed on April 30, 2004, and no state agencies submitted comments by that date. This letter Acknowledges that you have complied with the State Clearinghouse review requirements for draft environmental documents, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality-Act. Please call the State Clearinghouse at.(916) 445 -0613 if you have any questions regarding the environmental review process. If you have a question about the above -named proJect, please refer to the ten -digit State Clearinghouse number when contacting this office. Sincerely, Terry Ro its Director, State Clearinghouse 1400 TENTH STREET P.O. BOX 3044 SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95812 -3044 TEL(916)445-0613 FAX(916)323-3018 www.opr.ca.gov Document Details Report State Clearinghouse Data Base SCH# 2003081065 Project Title St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Improvements Lead Agency Newport Beach, City of Type EIR Draft EIR Description St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church is requesting approval of a General Plan Amendment that would allow for an increase in floor area above that currently permitted and Amended Conditional Use Permit for expansion of their current facilities. In addition, the project is subject to the City's Traffic Phasing Ordinance requirements. It approved, the discretionary actions identified above would allow the demolition of two existing buildings and the construction of two structures, including a gymnasium /fellowship hall and classroom buildings, resulting in a total of 140.388 square feet of floor area on the site (i.e. an increase of 35,566 square feet). In addition, a subterranean parking garage is proposed. Lead Agency Contact Name James Campbell Agency -City of Newport Beach. Phone 949 - 644 -3210 Fax email Address 3300 Newport Boulevard City Newport Beach State CA Zip 92663 Project Location County Orange City Newport Beach Region Cross Streets 15th Street & Irvine Avenue Parcel No. 049- 252 -11 Township Range Section Base Proximity to: Highways SR55 Airports Railways Waterways Newport Bay & Pacific Ocean Schools Land Use The 3.94 -acre site is currently improved with 104,440 square feet as St. Andrews Presbyterian Church. Several buildings, including a 1,200 -seat sanctuary, classrooms, and administrative facilities occupy the existing structures. The property is zoned R -1 and R -2, which is consistent with the Low Density Residential General Plan land use designation. Project Issues Aesthetic/Visual; Agricultural Land; Air Quality; Archaeologic- Historic; Forest Land /Fire Hazard; Flood Plain /Flooding; Geologic/Seismic; Job Generation; Minerals; Noise, Public Services; Schools /Universities; Sewer Capacity; Wildlife; Wetland /Riparian; Water Supply; Water Quality; Vegetation; Traffic /Circulation; Toxic /Hazardous; Solid Waste; Soil Erosion /Compaction /Grading; Social; Cumulative Effects; Other Issues Reviewing Resources Agency; California Coastal Commission; Department of Fish and Game, Region 5; Office of Agencies Historic Preservation; Department of Parks and Recreation; Department of Water Resources; California Highway Patrol; Caltrans, District 12; Regional Water Quality Control Board, Region 8; Department of Toxic Substances Control; Native American Heritage Commission; State Lands Commission Date Received 03/17/2004 Start of Review 03/17/2004 End of Review 04/30/2004 Note: Blanks in data fields result from insufficient information provided by lead agency. 0 Mr. James Campbell Senior PIanner, City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Blvd. Newport Beach, CA 92658 RE: Draft EIR for St. Andrews Church, Newport Beach, Ca Dear W. Campbell: PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH AM MAY 12 2004 PM 7 8,91101111121112131415 6 May 02, 2004 I have been a member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church for many years and have noticed an increase in the activities and attendance for young people at the church. With the additional cars, parking has been a problem and I strongly feel this will be remedied with the renovation plans for this facility. A lot of thought and planning has gone into these changes and additions to the campus and the last thing the church wants is to have a detrimental effect upon the surrounding environs. The positive effects of these changes, I think, will have long lasting benefits for the community at large far into the future. Thank you for your hind attention to this matter, t Elaine Gordon 13q Message Campbell, James From: Lisa and AI Gels [the - gels @pacbell.net] Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 2004 1:58 PM To: jcampbell @city.newport- beach.ca.us Subject: [QUAR]St. Andrews Expansion Attention: Jim Campbell Subject: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Councilman Rosansky, Page 1 of 2 We are 12 year residents of Newport Heights and have attended St. Andrews Church for nearly 10 years. We strongly support the St. Andrews project and hope that you will do the same. St Andrews is a tremendous asset to our community. They provide a safe haven for our-, youth in a time when there are fewer and fewer safe places for kids to just "hang out." Our children have benefited from St. Andrews' Preschool, Vacation Bible School and all their wonderful programs. We hope St. Andrews will be able to build the recreation center as outlined in the proposed expansion plan so that as our children reach Junior High and High School they will have a place to worship, as well as a wonderful gathering spot with thriving Junior High and High School programs to keep them off the streets and out of trouble. As we see it, the.proposed expansion is a great benefit to the entire community. We know the Newport Heights Association is opposed to the project: however, they do not represent the views and opinions of all residents in the Heights. We strongly support the project and disagree with their arguments that the expansion will create more noise and traffic. There is tremendous misconception about the traffic, noise and density issues associated with this project. • The proposed expansion is intended to accommodate the needs of the existing 4,000 members. St. Andrews is not intending to expand their membership. Therefore, there will be no more cars coming to and from the church. The cars will merely be parked off the street and in an underground structure which will take the parking off the streets. • Traffic is an issue in Newport Heights, but the St. Andrews proposed expansion is 05 05/13/2004 Message Page 2 of 2 not cause for the congestion. Traffic is a result of the Hoag Hospital expansion, the car dealers on Coast Highway and more and more high school students driving to and from school. The primary cause is the increased congestion on Pacific Coast Highway, Newport Blvd., and 17th Street. As these main streets become more and more congested, alternative "cut through routes" through the residential streets in Newport Heights are cause for the increased traffic in the area. If traffic is a concern then address those issues which are real don't use St. Andrews' proposed project as a scope goat. • Noise is being addressed and mitigated by the fact that the entire gym and recreation area are underground and will be sound proofed. Noise going to and from events'will be lessened too as a result of the underground parking versus street parking. We strongly urge you to look at the significant benefits that St. Andrews provides to the community at -large and ask that you support and approve this important project. J )� 05/13/2004 Chairman and Planning Commission Newport Beach City Hall 3300 Newport Blvd. Newport Beach, CA. 92663 Subject: St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Youth and Family Center Improvements Dear Chairman and Commissioners: May 10, 2004 RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH MAY 13 2004 AM PM 7181911 O il 1112111213141516 I am writing this letter in support of the proposed improvements to the St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church campus at 600 St. Andrew's Road in Newport Beach, CA. My family has resided in Orange County.since the early 1960's and except for period between 1976 -1986, has attended St. Andrew's since that time. I now live in the City of Newport Beach, after having lived in Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa, all the while attending St. Andrew's. We moved to Glendale in 1976, where we worshipped at Glendale Presbyterian. After I graduated from college, I moved back to Orange County, where I became a member at St. Andrew's in 1989. While in Glendale, I was actively involved in the youth programs both as a student and later as a youth counselor. One of the most important aspects of that program was its excellent youth facility that appealed in both design and function. It was a quality, constructive place that the area youth could gather, play games, exercise in a safe environment, and worship together. When I came back to St. Andrew's, I was dismayed that the remodel that had occurred when I was away did not include a youth center. After years of worshipping and working at a church with a youth center, it was heartbreaking to have to leave. The importance of the youth center as a tool to reach out into a community cannot be underestimated. I am a witness of how such a facility can be a positive and enriching part of any church campus. I am currently a homeowner in Bonita Canyon. Our homeowner association recently collaborated with the neighboring Mormon Church to allow the building of a completely new Temple facility — a huge new facility that dwarfs the proposed improvements at St_ Andrew's. We proved that homeowners can work together with a church to understand each other and where possible, limit impacts on our neighborhood. I see no reason why the neighbors around St. Andrew's can do likewise and still, approve the proposed facility improvements. The arguments I have seen raised so far are simply veiled opinions by people that simply do not want any church in their neighborhood. In reality, St. Andrew's likely preceded nearly all of the current homeowners in the immediate neighborhood. 13) Arguments related to real estate (decline in values, etc...) are also unfounded. I am a licensed real estate appraiser and broker and have been active in Orange County real estate for nearly 20 years. A study published in the Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics' concluded that "...neighborhood churches are amenities that enhance property values... ". Considering the length of time that St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church has been at its current location, I would seriously doubt any improvements would negatively alter nearby property values. The strength of the real estate market in the local area cannot possibly be harmed by the proposed improvements. On the contrary, there is a good likelihood that a modern, appealing facility that reaches out to the community and provides a positive influence can only increase property values by making the neighborhood a more desirous place to live. As you are likely aware, the improvements will only add one building while simply modernizing and bringing the remaining buildings up to date. Architects plans envision blending the updated structures with the rest of the buildings on the campus, as well as considering the neighborhood architecture. The parking problem in the neighborhood is commonly associated with Newport Harbor High School and. not St. Andrew's. However, the proposed improvements will dramatically increase the off - street parking for church events by 60% - a "win" for the neighbors by getting more cars off the streets. Noise problems associated with the youth programs (music, basketball, etc...) will be relocated underground in soundproofed areas that will be yet another `vin" for the neighbors. Any claims that St. Andrew's is completing this project to become a "Mega- church" are absurd. Membership has remained fairly constant over the past 20 years, and with the current demography of the local area, it is believed that membership will remain constant (and NOT increase) for years to come. Nationally, the Presbyterian church has not seen . dramatic increases in membership for decades. - .. . Specific programs at St. Andrew's have had profound effects on the community. The Divorce Recovery Workshop is attended by families in need throughout Orange County. The music program has always provided renowned concerts and opportunities to worship and enjoy both classical and religious concerts. Outreach programs, such as the Thanksgiving Dinner have provided meals and love for needy families throughout the Harbor area. It is hoped that the proposed improvements will not only make these events more appealing, but also reduce the impact on the Church's neighbors. St. Andrew's is a good neighbor to the residents in the area. Programs provide a place to address and support social issues in our community, provide for those less fortunate than most of us in the Harbor area, and reach out to children and youth as a positive guiding influence in this challenging time. The proposed improvements will merely decrease the impacts on the neighborhood while increasing the effectiveness of the ministry of the church. I hope and pray that the Planning Commission can understand and realize the truth of the project and not be swayed by misleading emotional falsehoods. 'Living Next to Godliness: Residential Property Values and Churches, Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics, 12:319-330 (1996). i 3q Again, it is my hope that the neighbors in the Cliff Haven area, the Planning Commission and St. Andrew's can reach a collaborative understanding to allow the project to be approved and completed in an expeditious manner. Sincerely, David & Amy Guder 30 Whitehall Newport Beach, CA. 92660 3q jack, W. Wabtew, UFAC fC- 3 Maidstone Drwe Newport Peach, CA_g266,0 -42 1 (94j) 720 -0296 !we%bievcox. wet Ma 11, 2004 Mr. Earl McDaniel, CLIP rM.an and Planvung CDVVLMiSSLon Newport Beach CLt� +-tall 3300 NewportBivd. Newport'&each, oA_g2ro63 RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH MAY 13 2004 PM y 819110111112 I1 I21314,516 Dear Mr. MCDavu.et: 1 write to asle for the eontmssio support of the St. AKdrew's PresbuterLaw. church youth and f:amUt Center project. our St. AvWrew's ntent.bershLp nears 20 ears and was a 1ZCU factor in our decsion to vnalee our home Lm Newport $each in 1999• The fUVKUU and covu.wL"Vtit� focus EnherCwt Ln the St. A"rew's program commLtwt.ents are what bind us to this uvu clue Christian feLLowship. we will continue to support St. Andrew's whether or not it proceeds with Lv proved fnoUL ves crafted to better serve the "vu et. needs of Uouwg people and fame Lt es En Newport Beach. The "gra Jiv g" popuLatLOn,Ln this covl&mv -vUt� wU ensure St. Avuolrew's congregate wyewtibershEp wtU support its current program endeavors. Ptowever, what WILL lowome of our ChLLdren avt.d our three grandsons also residing Lvu Newport Beach and attevOing St, <tvt,drew's? It is disconcerting and unfortL,c"te to hear them discuss the possibte need to seep other churches with facUEt� resources more aligned to their favKUU needs and expectations. shouLd their concerns be acted upon., atov?g with others iv. Ulu posttov, the eros%on of St,4ndrew's future wilt suretu foLl ow. such an outcovvie Witt dLvvli k aw Lmportant etement that has vnade Newport Beach a hLgh[U desirabte place to LEve. St. ,4vwlrew's, from the beginning, has centered Lt planvv -d facULtt Evupvovemmts with neighborhood concerns foremost Ln vi End. , The benefits of the ptavun.ed faCULtEes have been orafted to resolve Long - standing issues that have been major irritants to neighbors and congregates atil2e. The commLssiows favorabLe referral, of the project WELL represent a major step forward to slgni ficantt� Lvuprove. one aspect of the Newport. Harbor.High.weighborhood WKLe I,Q,, ng,the foundation for the continued heatth and fullness. of Life. for alt NewportBeaeh residents. si erel�, J 1 cl2 W. weLblew 1� Ron Hendrickson 1991 Port Claridge Place Newport Beach, CA 92660 Tel. 949 64441644 Mr. Earl Mc Daniel, Chairman, and the Planning Commission City of Newport Beach City Hall 3300 Newport Blvd. Newport Beach, CA 92663 Dear Mr. McDaniel and members of the Planning Commission: RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH MAY 13 2004 AM 7 819110111113111213141516 May 8, 2004 I am a 30 year resident of Newport Beach, a member of St. Andrew's, have been active in the community, love Newport Beach, and want it to be the best City it can be. Having fine schools, great recreational parks and churches like St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in our community provide the ingredients of an outstanding city. St. Andrew's which was founded in Newport Beach well over 50 years ago, has a membership that has remained constant in size and is generally older; however, there are many younger families who are the future of the church. There has been for several years a shortage of facilities to accommodate these families and their children in existing church programs. Therefore, the focal point of the proposed building program is a Youth and Family Center, which includes a gym with soundproofing. Part of the Youth and Family Center would replace an existing obsolete classroom building which would be demolished. More that half of the proposed new square footage would be below grade, therefore reducing the building mass. The other building in the program is a new fellowship hall building which is to replace the existing fellowship hall building, and include administration space. The existing fellowship hall building would be demolished. While a new 2 level parking facility (one level below grade) is included in the program, increasing St. Andrew's current arking by 60 %, I hope that the, Commission would not overlook the availability ofthe Harbor High's 15 Street parking lot which the Church has used and shared parking with the school for . many years. The increase in St. Andrew's on -site parking will allow for more shared parking with the school during the week and get parked cars off the streets. There is no question that every effort would have to be made by St. Andrew's and its contractors to ensure mummma disturbance and impact to the neighborhood during construction, but with the building of many new large homes in the area in the recent past, this would not be an entirely new experience for the neighborhood. If St. Andrew's reasonably mitigates the impacts outlined in the DEIR, I hope the Planning Commission will recognize the need for these additional facilities and be able to approve this needed project. 1 4 Dr. John W. Applegate, M.D. Frances H. Applegate May 10, 2004 Chairman and Planning Commission City of Newport Beach. 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, CA 92663 PLANNING DEP 8Y CITY r')F NEWPORT BEACH MAY 13 2004 8,9110111 112,1 121314,516 My wife and I have lived here for 40 years and have been members of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church for almost 20 years. We raised our children here, and they now live in the St. Andrew's neighborhood and attend St. Andrew's Church. Our grandchildren attend Newport Harbor High School. I practiced obstetrics and gynecology in Newport Beach during this same period and delivered many babies at Hoag Hospital, where I served as Chief of Staff. I think largely because of the high divorce rate in our community I can't tell you how many tunes my patients came in to tell me sad stories of their kids having trouble in school, teenage pregnancies, and drug abuse. St. Andrew's, because of its location next to the high school, can play an important role in managing these kids in the 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. time period and after football games from 9:30 to 11:00 p.m. With a soundproof underground gym and recreational meeting room where no alcohol or drugs are allowed and excellent youth pastors are in constant control, the risk of our children misbehaving will be greatly reduced. It is not our intention to increase the number of members of our church, which has remained stable for 20 years, but to serve our youth better. This should save the city considerable money in the police budget as well as mating the neighborhood quiet and safe for all. The addition of underground parking will mean fewer cars on the streets. We hope that you will find it m your hearts to approve this important project. Sincerely yours, JW. Apple D. U l�� Elizabeth Pyle 1400 Clay Street Newport Beach, CA 92663 l-rom May 7, 2004 Mayor Ridgeway and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable Mayor and Council: Clerk to copy each of the council Sljp _ o Date Copies Sent To: �' ayor —` tr�uncil Member " — Manager �Q I understand that a $90,000 Environmental Impact Report has been published for the application of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church expansion. EIR's are made so that toxic uses don't pollute our neighborhoods. They generally result in the uses being built to a smaller scale and find that the toxins are of low impact, or an 'acceptable level'. Without opening the. document (let alone having found someone stupid enough to pay for it), someone should have the sense to see that: this `bigger than a Home Depot church' does not belong in a small community. The proposal asks that the City allow 140,388 square feet (Home Depots start around 104,000 square feet). What part of this sound like good planning? - Even if the DEIR were to be watered down to the point of saying, "don't fret, the traffic and pollution is at an 'acceptable level' in accordance with the State Public Resources requirements", who says that should be good enough for the City of Newport Beach? The answer to that is, the City Council. And, I say to the City council, it's not good enough for the communities. The size of the church is already an impact on the community far greater than ever anticipated by a 20 -year old CUP. If St. Andrews wants to be bigger have them find somewhere else with freeway access. What's next, a satellite up link facility? Please, Council, be reasonable. The neighborhood associations have been talking to the church for 2 years asking for the church to remodel, not expand, their 100;000 square foot church. Please find that St. Andrews church may be made better, but no larger. Please hear the communities on this issue. urs truly, �3 - February 9, 2004 City Council 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92658 Dear City Council: •o4 riAY 13 A9:34 8 Cii I am writing about the building program for St. Andrew's and asking that you support St. Andrew's in our request to refurbish and remodel our spiritual campus. I am told that there are neighbor concerns about the church. That -is .a littlehard to... . understand since we have been here for more than a half century, as has Newport Harbor High School. Nevertheless, we want to be good neighbors and meet the city's stringent building requirements. As I understand the St. Andrew's application, the church is providing the number of off - street parking spaces required by city codes, and is not seeking any building variances. The new parking capacity is added out of sight underground, and there is extensive landscaping around the campus. The building materials are compatible with the existing building materials. The new family and youth center is sound attenuated and oriented toward the central campus core. St. Andrew's has played by all the rules. I hope you can see your way clear to give us the support we need to meet the needs of our congregation. Yours truly, 4.P� /C./ E.A.Zoe Hemepo3+er �- -2958 Quedada Bevpok Beach; G 92660-3533, Date _!d13 W Copies Sent To: Mayor —1-e-CBuncil Member Manager ney �f 11 Pr C io Azfter5,02-09-04 1 4 1 May 13, 2004 Planning Commission and Council City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Commissioners and Council: RECEIVED BY PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH MAY,1 4 2004 PM 71819110111112111213141516 My husband and I were not able to make the meetings in support of the neighborhood, but you should fully understand how many people are opposed to this outrageous power play. The church had its land grab 22 years ago in the original C U P. Please deny this expansion and don't even think about mitigating - we don't want it. The density of building mass is hideous. The fact that lots of the building is underground is stupid- how will that keep the additional people from using the expanded facility? Our lovely small neighborhood will me over built with commercial like land use influences. Their own parking and traffic, even now, is awful. Please, on behalf of the older residents who can't make the meetings and lobbying- do what it is you do best and represent us. Thank you. / u/ Betty Shaw Mr. And Mrs. Shaw 447 Irvine Avenue Newport Beach, California 92663 145 RECEIVED BY May 12, 2004 PLANNING DEPARTMENT CITY OF NEWPORT EACH MAY 14 2004 PM Planning Commission and Council 7 gI9�10I11I12I1I2I3141516 City of Newport Beach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews Expansion Dear Honorable commissioners and Council: The proposal by St. Andrews Presbyterian Church asks that the City find appropriate their 34% expansion. On behalf of my neighbors and my family, I ask you to deny this application on the basis of the following planning precepts: 1. Inappropriate density- both the FAR and the built footage in square feet per acre are far beyond those found in our neighborhood. And, this is not a house- it is an institution seeking greater area, operation and more people. The area has been shown to be greater in density than regional shopping centers and with the added volume. of people and traffic it is unwelcome in a small neighborhood. 2. Insufficient and unclear mitigation of increased traffic. The DEIR shows a very troubling _ ...:. trend of -greater traffic and does. not-achieve suitable. mitigation. _Theixade.to introduce . traffic volumes through the Heights and Cliffhaven, without collector streets, so that the church can be larger is very poor planning. If there is a 40% error in traffic reports, why take the risk? 3. Existing CUP failure- the church operates marginally now under a.20 year old CUP. " f'hey are conditioned to require attendance counts, but have not complied with reporting of these counts on any Saturday, service. 4. 'Parking failure- Even if the DEIR allows the'parking`persanctuary seat, their program functions explained in their own application indicate that there is much more happening at the church than mere worship services. There are no calculations offered or made suggesting what the parking irequiremerit might be for any'combination of concurrent uses or activities. 5. :Horrific construction work- the ezcavation,'grad'ing and hauling alone, without the remainder of the nightmare-heavy construction, cannot be adequately mitigated. 6. Poor Planning/ loss of property value- with such an institutional sized expansion, there will be a decline of property value. This is an awful land use occurrence and one that the Commission, on behalf 'of 'the community; should'cleariyiead to denial cirthis proposal. If St. Andrews wants to expand they might consider an off site facility, but the option of further on -site expansion, 11ri oursmall neighborhood, is inappropriate. Please ask them to remodel, but not expand. { Thank you in advance for hearing the Communities! 14 April 40 2004 Mayor Ridgeway and Council City ofNcwportBeach 3300 Newport Boulevard Newport Beach, California 92663 Re: St. Andrews' current CUP compliance Dear Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers: It bas come to the attention of the joint neighborhood Associations that certain facts caning St. Andrews' existing CUP need to be reviewed in light of St. Andrews present application. After di=using these f cts with staff they recommended that we forward the mattes to you. We ask that your body revisit the Church's compliance with the CUP and you, as makers of this condition, be knowledgeable and understandthe following facts: 1. that the traffic impacts, of apparent interest to the makers of this original condition, no longer are restricted to Sunday; 2. that the Church, under its current programming, has far greater impact than tin; makers of the original condition ever imagined; 3. that the interest of the communities served by the original CUP has been impacted by traffic not known to the staff and makers of this original condition because the reporting has been limited to Sunday. This is especially important in that the Church had expanded its services to Saturday- without notifying the Council or this condition and without reporting the attendance of these services; 4. that the community has been damaged due to the growth of the Church, primarily by its increased traffic; S. that the makers of the original condition are gone. As City staff is the custodian of this condition, the damaged neighborhoods ask that the staff require the Church to report to the requirements of the original condition namely the attendance associated with the Church's growth; 6. that the Church be asked to report the attendance for all current activities that produce an attendance of more than 12, regardless of when they occur, so that the staff and Council might witness and know the Church's actual growth, rather than the current limited 7. that the Church can worship whenever and wherever they want, but only operate on this site to the extent permitted in the CUP and the law that governs; The Church's current program and activities have outgrown the existing 20 year old CUP, that may be shown to be unmonitored (however inadvertent) because, in part, that the Church has reported attendance figures from only two thirds of its services and none of its now popular other "programs ". IV) At some point St. And news desire to change its operating conditions will need to be balanced against the impact to the neighbors and their property. If it is appareatthat the Church has histmicalty reported attendance incompletely wader the existing CUP, and the City, for reasons that may well be inadvertent but now plain, hasn't monitored these conditions, then the premise and continuum of judgment for the current proposal must be seen in a different light. The Church is asking to add to a facility that is already at a development level never imagined by the makers of the wdsting CUP. In regard to the Church being proactive with the community, the City should know that St. Andrewshas neverpm. sented a changed plan fient dwiroriginal . massive expansion project and has informed us that theircnaent plans will stand as submitted. Our neighborhood associations stand united and opposed to this current expansion plan. Yours truly, Donald Krobee AIA , ent Newport Heights Improvement Association Brian Brooks, President Cliff Haven Community Association `qi