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2002-176-Supporting The Vasona To Vasona Junction Light Rail ExtensionRESOLUTION 2002 -176 RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL SUPPORTING THE VASONA TO VASONA JUNCTION LIGHT RAIL EXTENSION WHEREAS., Phase One of the Vasona Corridor light rail line from San .Jose to Campbell is currently funded and under construction; WHEREAS, Phase Two, which would extend the light rail line from Campbell to Vasona .Junction in Los Gatos has been approved and all environmental and property acquisition work completed.; however, it has not been funded; WHEREAS, the Position Paper regarding funding for the Vasona to Vasona Junction Light Rail Extension prepared by staff (Attachment 3) evaluates the Vasona Extension using the criteria developed by the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and demonstrates that the Extension should be selected as one of the two candidates THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Town Council hereby declares its support for the Vasona to Vasona Junction extension, .accepts the Position Paper regarding funding for the Vasona to Vasona Junction Light Rail extension prepared by staff .and directs staff to forward the Position Paper (Attachment 3) along with a cover letterfrom the Mayor to the Chairman of the VTA Board for.consideration. (. PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Town Council held on the 4t'' day of November, 2002, by the following vote; COUNCIL MEMBERS: AYES: Steven Blanton, Sandy Decker,-Steve Glickman, Joe Pirzynski, Mayor Randy Attaway. NAYS: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None SIGNED: MAYOR O HE TOWN OS GATOS LOS GATOS, CALIFORN ATTEST: ~~-~~ CLERK OF THE 'i1'OWN OF LOS GATOS LOS GATOS, GA.LIF`ORNIA 2 ~ 9/25/2 WHITE PAPER TOWN OF LOS GATOS SUBJECT: FUNDING FOR VASONA TO VASONA JUNCTION CANDIDATE CORRIDOR -VTP 2020 EXPENDITURE PLAN. INTRODUCTION: This White .Paper describes the benefits of considering the Vasona to Vasona Junction corridor as one of the two preferred candidate corridors for 2000 Measure A funding. This funding source will be utilized for the implementation of specific projects that are included in the VTP 2020 Expenditure Plan. The Vasona Light Rail Corridor has undergone all planning and environmental studies and property acquisition efforts, and is currently under construction in two phases. Phase One is being funded through Measure B and federal matching funds, and it is currently under construction. Phase One takes the Corridor through .construction of the Winchester Station in Campbell. Phase Two, that would .complete the Corridor, includes the construction of the Hacienda and Vasona Junction Stations in Los. Gatos (also known as the Vasona to Vasona Junction Corridor).. It is ready to proceed to design and construction phases and can easily "piggy-back " onto Phase One work. However, funding is currently not available for Phase Two, which places its completion on-hold until such time as sources of funding are made available. Thus, the importance of considering the Vasona to Vasona Junction for 2000 Measure A funding. BACKGROUND: At the February 2, 2001 VTA Board of Directors' Workshop, discussions were initiated concerning the VTP 2020 Expenditure Plan related to future rail corridors. 'The VTA staff identified seven candidate corridors: Sunnyvale/Cupertino, East Valley Extension to Guadalupe LRT, .Santa T'eresa/Coyote Valley and potential extension to Morgan Hi11, Stevens Creek Boulevard, West San Jose/Santa Clara, North County/Palo Alto, and Vasona to Vasona Junction. Major Investment Studies (MIS) will need to be developed to determine funding .allocation. The total cost of funding for additional future light rail projects identified in the VTP 2020 is $1.35 billion, of which $1.1 billion is from 2000 Measure A. Rather than spending resources in conducting individual Major Investing Studies for each of the candidates, the VTA is proposing to conduct asystem-level Major Investment .Study that would allow the VTA to evaluate and screen all the corridor concepts at a consistent level. The candidate corridors are at significantly different levels of concept development. For instance, corridor planning and environmental studies and .acquisition of private lands are complete for the Vasona to Vasona Junction; a Major Investment .Study was completed for the Downtown/East Valley corridor and the project is currently in the environmental review stage; and, an alignment study has been completed for Sunnyvale, but not Cupertino. No progress has been made on the other four corridor Attachment 3 '9/25/2 studies. Thus, the purpose of conducting a system level Study is to define the projects to a level where sufficient information is available that would allow the VTA Board to evaluate the merits of each candidate corridor on an equal level. This information would be used to select the two candidate corridors for funding and to determine the ultimate improvement program. The study will involve a broad brush, order of magnitude technical :analysis and is envisioned as a two-step screening process that includes criteria consistent with the VTP2020 goals .and objectives, and consistent with the Federal New Starts requirements to preserve the potential for Federal funding. The first level of assessment (Level "1") would include sufficient details for each project to prepare capital cost estimates, determine fatal flaws, and assess the project's ability to achieve basic transit :goals. Based on this,, the VTA would conduct an initial screening of candidates to narrow the list of corridors so that staff can proceed with more detailed analysis on the best corridors. The second .level ("Level II") of evaluation would include technical analysis and further screening process on the best corridors so that the decision makers evaluate the .advantages and disadvantages of the various projects. Once the VTA has developed a 2000 Measure A Light Rail project list, an mplemezitation plan would be developed that identifies priorities and project-specific timeless o that they can be prioritized by the Board and be included in the VTP 2020 Implementation Plan. Once they are included in the Implementation Plan and are ready to proceed, the projects will move into the Project Development phase. Both levels would include a public outreach process. The total Timeframe for System-Level Assessment is .anticipated between 26 to 33 months. The projected Total Time Frame for Project Development is 7 to 10 years that includes 4 to 6 years for preparation of Environmental Impact Statement/Report (EIS/EIR) through final design and right-of-way acquisition. The VTA has developed potential criteria and prelirrunary weighing of categories for the system-level assessment based on input from the VTA Board of Directors. This criteria includes information that is typically required to preserve funding eligibility for various funding sources (i.e., Federal New Starts funding) and criteria used in the Downtown/East Valley MIS process in which many different modal alternatives were. considered to serve a diverse, 30-square-mile study area of San Jose. ANALYSIS: No other candidate corridor is at the level of project development as the Vasona to Vasona Junction corridor. However,. since all corridors must be evaluated as part of the system-wide assessment Study (and to further highlight the level of completion of the Vasona o Vasona Junction corridor), this paper measures it against the potential evaluation criteria that the VTA has developed for the system-level assessment. Criteria 1-Congestion Relief/Ridership • Removes peak trips from roadways • Serves high commute and/or .highly congested corridor • Number of transit riders {current and new) in the corridor 2 ~ 9/25/2 The planning for the transportation system in the Vasona Corridor has been ongoing for over 20 years. Beginning in 1978, the Santa Clara Valley Corridor Evaluation .Study :(1978) identified the Vasona Corridor for .required transportation improvements to address the projected high commute demand and highly congested resulting :from the substantial growth and development in Santa Clara County during the last several decades. In 1987, the Santa Clara County Transportation 2000 Plan recommended that the necessary planning and environmental studies be completed, and that a preferred plan be selected to develop a staged improvement program for the Vasona Corridor. Between 1987 and 2000, a number of studies and environmental documents were undertaken by the County that helped define the Vasona Light Rail Transit Project as the preferred light rail transit system in the Vasona Corridor. The Environmental Impact Report for the project states that the construction of the project will result in an overall reduction countywide in vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 9,172 in :the 2005 AM Peak hours and 3,884 in the 2005 PM Peak hours.; and by 22,773 in .the 2015 AM Peak hours and 22,593 in the 2015 PM peak hours. This will help remove peak trip from roadways and transfer them to the public transit system. The daily ridership projections for the Vasona Corridor LRT project project approximately 8,150 daily boarding for the Vasona LRT line in 2005, assuming the line is built to the Winchester Station. If only built to the Campbell .Station, .daily boarding .are projected at 7,500. In 2015, with the extension of the line to the Vasona .Junction Station,, approximately 10,350 daily hoardings are projected for the Vasona line, with approxmately'805 trips attributed to the Vasona to Vasona Junction stretch. Criteria 2 - Customer/Operational Benefits: • Enhances service for transit :riders (improves :frequency of service, travel time, :reliability, convenience, safety, comfort). • Provides important extension or connection to the transit system • Increases accessibility to transit services (e.g., dotal households or jobs nerved) The Town of Los Gatos and .the Santa Clara County Valley Traffic Authority (VTA)have been working together over the last two decades in the planning and approval of the Vasona Corridor project. This has included a close collaboration with VTA and MTC in supporting and promoting Route 85 as a multi-modal facility that includes. mass transit uses in the median (light rail and/or express buses) and connections to fihe Vasona Light Rail Transit facility. The Vasona Junction site is planned as a Transit Hub that will link light rail to the. regional express bus service through a bus drop off along Highway 85., The Town of Los Gatos and VTA are also applying for a TLC (Transportation for Livable Communities) Grant for the construction of this Transit Hub. The Town of is also working with City of Santa Cruz .and Santa Clara County MTC to link express bus service to the Transit Hub. Currently, the only bus service .available to commuters traveling from Santa Cruz County to Santa Clara County is the Route 17 Express bus service from :Santa Cruz to downtown San Jose.. With a Transit Hub at the. Vasona Junction, .there is an opportunity to capture commuter trips from Santa Cruz County 3 9/25/2 through a connection to bus service along Highway 85 serving other Santa Clara County communities like Cupertino and Sunnyvale. Criteria 3 -Land Use • Transit -supportive land uses are in place or a commitment exists for policy changes (includes assessment of a city's history of supporting transit -oriented land uses) Compatible with existing :and future eland uses and projected growth, including available right -of -way) The Town of Los Gatos. has taken a proactive role in the planning of the Vasona Light Rail Corridor through the adoption of the Vasona Light Rail and Route 85 Element of the General Plan. This Element. includes policies in support of land uses and implementing strategies that promote and take advantage of the transit opportunities afforded by mass transit. Within a two mile radius of the Vasona Junction site, the Los Gatos General Plan Land Use Element establishes mixed use, office and high density residential land uses that support the transit oriented development goals and policies of the Vasona Light Rail and Route 85 Element. The following is a summary of the land uses and population within a I/a mile and'/z mile radius of the proposed Vasona Station: Land Uses and Population within'/a mile Radius of Station - Approximately 250 residential units (7.50 resident population @ 3 per household) - Approximately :500,000 sq. ft. of office/R&D space (1500 daytime population based on 3 persons per 1000 sq. ft.) - Approximately :30,000 sq. ft. of retail space - County Courthouse - Los Gatos Creek Trail - Winchester/Highway 85 Interchange - Los Gatos Community Hospital Land Uses and Population within'h mile Radius of Station - Approximately 1000 residential units (3000 resident population C 3 per household) - Approximately 1 million sq. ft. of office/R&D space .(3000 daytime population based on 3 persons per 1000 sq. ft.) - 80,000 sq. ft. of retail/commercial uses - Los Gatos Community Hospital - County Courthouse - Highway 17/85 and Highway 85/Winchester interchanges - Los Gatos Creek Trail - Elks Lodge - Courtside Racquet Club - Los Gatos .Swim .and Racquet Club 4 '9/25/2 As a testament to the Town s commitment to transit oriented strategies, the Town Council recently .approved a mixed use, transit oriented project on the Sobrato Property, located across from the Vasona to Vasona Junction Station on Winchester Boulevard. The project consists of 135 high density residential units including 34 Below Market Rate and/or teacher units, and 288,000 sq, ft. of office. The .project includes an interim shuttle service for employee .and residents to Light Rail. The shuttle will provide service to the Campbell Station until such time as the final phase of the Vasona Light 'Rail Transit Project (Hacienda and Vasona Junction Stations) is completed. Once the Vasona Junction Station is completed, the shuttle service will operate to Ghat station. The Town of Los Gatos is exploring the opportunity to build upon this shuttle service and ultimately convert it into a Town wide shuttle service that connects with the County wide light rail system. The Town continues to look at opportunities for development of transit-oriented project with a two miles radius of the proposed Vasona Junction :Station. For instance, it is in the process of preparing a Specific Plan for the area known as North Forty, located in the south east quadrant of the intersection of Highway 85 and Highway 17. The area consists of 60 acres of underutilized land east of Los Gatos Boulevard and north of Lark Ave. The Specific Plan will guide development of this as a destination gateway area that includes retail commercial, office and hotel uses. The underlying General Plan designation for this area is Mixed Commercial. However, during the General Plan Update the Town Council adopted a strategy that looks at incorporating residential over retail in the Specific Plan area. Criteria 4 -Environmental Equity .Demonstrates environmental benefits {e.g. reduction in emissions); no obvious environmental fatal flaws • Does not result in disproportionate environmental impacts on particular areas or low income or minority neighborhoods .(includes cumulative impact of other public and/or private development project).. The VTA has completed all required planning studies for .the Vasona Light Rail Corridor (Vasona to Vasona Corridor). The Vasona Light Rail Corridor was determined to be the most environmentally sound alignment, as well as meeting the criteria established in the Santa Clara Transportation Plan 2000. The alignment was selected because it would not result in neighborhood intrusion/visual impacts, would not result in significant cumulative impacts o low income or minority neighborhoods and makes use of existing right-of-way where no displacement or relocation of homes is required. Only the displacement of an existing nursery business will be required to accommodate the future Vasona Junction Station and a future park and .ride facility. Further, the stations along the Vasona Corridor make use of attractive locations adjacent to Los Gatos Creek Trail and are accessible by pedestrians of nearby residents and employees and vehicular .traffic. In March 2000, the VTA Board of Directors adopted the preferred alignment for the Vasona Light Rail Corridor and certified the Environmental Impact Statement/Report for the project. 5 (. 9/25/2 Criteria 5 - Socio -Economic Equity • Does. not result in disproportionate social impacts on particular areas or low -income or minority populations, considering factors such as health, employment opportunities, community cohesion, .and access to services • :Improves .mobility and accessibility for low -income and transit -dependent travel markets The Vasona Light Rail Transit Project is a 6.8 miles extension to the existing 30.5 mile VTA light rail system. It will include the construction of eleven .new stations between Woz Way in Downtown San Jose and the Town of Los Gatos. The Vasona Light Rail Transit Project will ultimately link the existing Light Rail system in Downtown San Jose to the Highway, 17/Vasona Corridor. It will operate primarily on the existing Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way between the San Jose Diridom Station and the new Vasona Junction Station in Los Gatos, and the alignment was selected in great part because it would minimize impacts to neighborhoods. This project will serve to significantly improve mobility and accessibility for low-income and transit-dependent residents and employees along the Vasona Corridor. Criteria b -Program Efficiency/Project Readiness • Results in efficiencies in implementing the Measure A program or other transportation improvements. - Project is well defined, has undergone planning studies (for example, a Major Investment Study (MIS) or similar effort that included technical analysis, public outreach, etc) and is ready to proceed with environmental review, design and construction. All planning studies for the Vasona Light Rail Transit Project are complete, including the environmental review for the project. Phase One is currently under construction and it includes the construction of eight stations: San Fernando, San Jose Dirdon, Race, Fruitdale, Bascom, Hamilton, Downtown Campbell, and Winchester (a future station is proposed for West San Carlos St. in the Midtown area of San Jose). Service is anticipated to begin in Fa11 2004 between Downtown San Jose and Winchester Station. Phase Two completes the Vasona Corridor project with the construction of the. Hacienda and Vasona Junction Light Rail (LRT) Stations. The cost of the Phase Two extension is estimated to be $59 million :and it is estimated that it would be completed in 42 months. Funding for Phase One has be approved and allocated while funding for Phase Two will be approved when additional funds are available. The VTA has completed the .acquisition of UPRR right-of-way including the segment to Vasona Junction. The environmental impact report for the project was completed in March .2000 and the Phase Two is ready to proceed with design and construction immediately upon approval of funding. Approval of Measure A funding for this project would allow VTA to proceed with the construction of Phase Two as an extension of Phase One, potentially resulting in cost efficiencies to the overall Vasona Light Rail project. 6 ~ ~ 9/25/2 Criteria 7 -Cost and Funding Commitments • Capital costs (construction and vehicles) • Operating and maintenance costs • Cost effectiveness • Funding commitments are in place The VTA has completed the acquisition phase for the entire Vasona Light Corridor including right to use existing tracks and acquisition of private property required for the construction of the light rail line .and all stations along the Corridor. Thus, the property acquisition process is complete for the Hacienda and Vasona Junction Station. There is a site owned by San Jose Water Co. that is adjacent to the Vasona Junction Station. This is potentially available for expansion of the proposed parking lot as ridership demand increases. The construction of the Vasona Light Rail Corridor is currently in progress and is funded by Measure B and Federal Funds. The construction cost of Phase One .are projected at $283 million. The completion of Phase One is projected for Fall 2004. The cost of the Phase Two extension is currently projected at $59 million, .and it is estimated that it would be completed in 42 months. Phase Two, including the Vasona to Vasona Junction segment, is ready to proceed to engineering design and construction phases, but is dependent on available funding. If funds where made available through the VTP 2020 Expenditure Plan, the VTA could proceed to the design stage on the Vasona to Vasona .Junction corridor as soon as funding is granted and construction can be piggybacked with the construction of Phase One of the Vasona Light Rail Corridor. This could result in a potential time saving of between 2 to 3 years in the Project Development of the Vasona Light Rail Corridor. In fact, it is likely that the work can be approved through a Change Order process, which results in potential cost savings by bypassing the bid process. CONCLUSION: While the other candidate corridors are undergoing preliminary feasibility studies, are in initial stages of environmental review, or have undergone little or no planning, the Vasona to Vasona Corridor has undergone all required planning and environmental studies and .the acquisition process is complete. Phase One of the Vasona Corridor is funded and currently under construction, and Phase Two (Vasona to Vasona) is ready to proceed to the engineering and construction phase once funding sources .are made available. Further, the Vasona to Vasona Corridor meets proposed criteria developed by the VTA for the system-level assessment to prioritize candidate corridor for 2000 Measure A funding. The :allocation of VTP 2020 Expenditure Plan funds to this corridor would all but guarantee that Phase Two of the Vasona to Vasona Junction Corridor is completed in a timely manner. This would .also result in significant cost savings to the Vasona Light Rail Corridor project, a critical component of the Santa Clara County Transportation 2000 transit program. The completion of this project would not only link light rail transit service along the Vasona Corridor to Downtown San Jose, but will serve as a catalyst in the development of a Transit Hub for the region. This offers the opportunity, to develop amulti -nodal opportunities, to capture commuter .trips from 7 9/25/2 'Santa Clara and Santa Cruz Counties and to enhance public transit options along Highway 17 and Highway 85 to other .Santa Clara County communities like Cupertino and Sunnyvale. 8 pgF GENERAL PLAN CHAPTER 5: Vasona Lighf Rail & Roufe 85 Element 5.1 History 5.2 Lntroduction 5.3 Guiding Principals 5.4 Goals, Policies, Im rategies 5.5 .Maps y~~a ,. .~z :. Vasona E~'rnent `~ T~' ~<<_ . f -~ Attachment 4 5.1~ i/ASONA LIGHT RAC ,~ AND RUUTE 85 ELEMENT 5,1 :HISTORY This element of the General Plan replaces the'Route 85 Element that was adopted as part of'the 1985 General Plan and updates the Route 85 and Vasona Light Rail Element (VLR Element) that was adopted in 1.994 after extensive public input. in October 1990 the Town Council approved several agreements with the State Department of Transportation and the Santa Clara County Traffic Authority regarding the design of Route 85. In summary, the agreements allow Cal Trans to construct a 6-lane freeway through the Town with the median of the freeway reserved for mass transit. In addition, the Vasona. Light Rail is proposed to utilize the existing Southern Pacific Railroad Tracks ..located :adjacent to Winchester .Boulevard for a mass transit facility that would terminate in Los Gatos at Route 85 and would connect with the Cahill .Street Station in San Jose. A Park and Ride facility is proposed to be located adjacent to Route 85 on Winchester Boulevard. lllttmately, the Vasona Light Rail wilt be extended southbound into the median of Route 85 toward'San Jose and northbound following the existing Southern Pacific right-of-way coward Cupertino. This element ofthe General Plan is warrantedbecause it is critical that the.Town take advantage of the opportunities and respond #o the challenges created by Route 85 and the Vasona Light Rail. The unique nature of these transportation facilities.necessitates that the Town take a proactive role in planningfor the future of the surrounding areas. The Vasona Light Rail and Route 85, as well as the land uses planned for the surrounding areas, will affect and benefit the entire community. Consequently, these issues have been addressed as a separate elementto the General Plan in order to incorporate corresponding impacts in other elements of the General'Plan for internal consistency. . 5.2 WTRODUCTION Construction of .Route 85 has had a significant impact on traffic within the Town since it was opened in October 1994..- Reductions of traffic volumes on some arterials and collector streets has occurred, while others .have experienced. increases. Route 85 is approaching capacity during the peak commute hours, but is still a desirable primary route for:autos. The freewayprovides for a future mass transit system and it is rational to assume that a,portion of the existing commuting traffic that utilizes .Route 85 and Town streets would utilize such a facility. In addition, the proposed Vasona Light Rail Is closer than ever tobeing a reality, with plans to build the facility as far south as Campbell within the next few years. These systems would .provide a much needed means of connecting Los Gatos with regional mass transit systems and through mass transit with he rest ofSilicon Valley and the Bsy Area. Since Route 85 and the Vasona Light Rail will have a significant impact on transportation within the Town, it is critical to determine what land uses will best take advantage of these transportation facilities as well as meetthe .needs of the Town. It is also critical that the Town determine when these land uses can be implemented. The Town has continually taken a proactive approach on this 'important issue and support's land uses that promote and take advantage of the transit opportunities afforded while also meeting the housing and commercial needs of the Town. SW o '• ~ Los Gatos General Plan ~o s% o July; 2000 Page V-7 ~ As stated in the Housing Element, Los G ' has a need for affordable housing, both for seniors and families. Areas adjac~„~ to the Vasona Light Rail facility and .Route 85 would be good locations for meeting these Town needs due to their proximity to mass transit and to commercial needs of`the future residents. Los Gatos isa special place, and it is important to demarcate our boundaries when entering or leaving from/to other cities. Open space and gateways, including open space as gateways, .are means of doing so. The Route 85 study area offers opportunities to preserve and use open space for this purpose. The VLR :Element consists of general goals, policies and implementation measures that apply to the entire VLR Element area shown on the map included as figure 5.1. The area generally encompasses the area bounded by Capri Dr, and Winchester 131vd. on the west, Vasona'Lal<e on the south, National Ave. on the east, and the.northern Town limits. This area was defined based on the land use and circulation patterns and the proximity of property to existing and future transportation facilities. 5.3 GUIDING PRINCIPLES Throughout the process of ,preparing this element, several basic planning principles served as the foundation for designations for land use for the area. These guiding principles are repeated throughout the. text of this element in one form or another. The overarching principle guiding land use planning forthe area is that development shall be community oriented, .pedestrian oriented, and transit oriented and designed and scaled to maintain asmall-town character. This concept, more .than any other, is exemplified in the guiding principlesbelowandthroughoutthiselement, ensuring orderlydevelopmentofthe area and the Town. ROUTE 85 AIVD VASONA LIGHT RAIL ELEMENT GUIDING PRINCIPLES- ^ DEVELOPMENT SHALL NOT EXCEED TRANSPORTATION CAPACITY ^ EXISTING ZONING OF LAND AROUND VASONA LIGHT RAIL SHALL BE MAINTAINED UNTIL VASONA LIGHT RAIL 'IS PLANNED AND FUNDED ^ RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SHALL FURTHER THE TOWN'S HOUSING GOALS, AS OUTLINED IN THE'HOUSING'ELEMENT ^ AMIXTURE OFNON-RESIDENTIAL USES THAT SERVE RESIDENTS NEEDS, MAINTAIN THE CHARACTER OF LDS GATOS, AND COMPLEMENT EXISTING AND PLANNED USES IS DESIRABLE ^ PUBLIC UTILITIES SHALL BE DESIGNED AND UPGRADED TO ACCOMMODATE BUILD-OUT ^ MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS SHALL BE PROCESSED AS PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS In addition to general policies that apply throughout the area., specific .goals., policies and implementation measures are identified for each of :the four sub- areas. ;~~.~~.. Los Gatos ~~~ o General Plan July, 2000 Page V-2 ~Gilil `7~LG'%r''J/lGL~ G~~r~~.ec~u~l ~ WU ~~S 6A105 ~,_;- ~.*+L~ . N ~t _ Los Gatos General Plan 5.4( GOAtS, POLfCIES, IMPLEMENT( ~ 3 STRATEGIES 'ISSUE 1: The. Vasona Light Rail and mass transit facilities to be'installed in the median of Route 85 will link the Town with the rest of Silicon Valley .and the'Bay Area. The Town needs to address 'how it can take advantage of the mass transit opportunities presented by these connections. V.P.1.1 Future development shall offer or contribute to transit services that link the Vasona Light Rail with the rest of Los Gatos. V.P.1.2 The Town shall continue to support and promote '.Route 85 as a multi- modalfacility that includes a freeway with High Occupant Vehicle (HOV) lanes, mass transit uses in the median (light rail and/or express buses), and connections to the Vasona Light Rail facility.. V.P.1.3 Circulation planning for the Town shall recognize the potential for mass transit connections via Route 85 and the Vasona Light Rail. V.P.1.4 Facilities developed for Vasona Light Rail station and Route 85 mass transit connections shall be safe, convenient, and attractive #or bicycle .and pedestrian use. ' implementing, Strategies: V.L1,1 Mass transit: Cooperate and coordinate with all appropriate agencies to facilitate construction of mass transit. Time .Frame: On-going Responsible Part, Planning and Town Council V.L1,2 Mass. transit: Coordinate and proactively participate with other communities and agencies to ensure that the proposed mass transit facilities are acceptable to the Town. Time Frame: On-going Responsible Party: Planning and Town Council V.L1.3 Transportation Alternative: Development shalt provide Transportation Alternative programs or facilities that help link development and mass transit. These programs may include providing bicycle racks, shower :and locker facilities., transit passes to employees., etc. In-lieu fees or other funding mechanisms may be required to providea shuttle for the area. Time Frame: On-.going .Responsible Party: Planning and Deciding Body July, 2000 .Page V-3 Policies: ( V,i.1.4 Shuttle system: Work with the ~~ansportation agencies to determine the feasibiilty and means of financing a Town wide shuttle system. !< ~~ <//mil ISSUE 2: Time Frame: 2000 - 2005 Responsible Party: Planning and Engineering There are more large parcels of land that are suitable for residential development within the area than within any other area of the Town. The current uses ofthese parcels range from orchards to underutilized residential property to manufacturing. The commonality of all of these parcels is their proximity to future mass transit and their capability of helping the Town meet its housing goals, as outlined in the housing element. The issue is which types of housing needed by the Town are best suited for siting within the area, and where within the area they should be constructed. . .. .. , Goals: " V.G.2.1 To encourage affordable housing (sehior housing, multi-family housing, mixed use w/housing) in appropriate locatioris that 'address the To~:vn's housing needs and take advantage' of the..... opportunities afforded by mass fransit. . V.G.2.2 To encourage mixed use developments that coordihate housing in proximity t© either neighborhood commercial uses or work/residentialUws. r~ V.G.2.3 To reduce trafficimpacts of residential development within the ~_ area by taking advantage of mass transit opportunities. Policies: V.P.2.1 Residential development proposals within the area must demonstrate how they address the Town's unmet housing goals for affordable housing. V.P.2.2 Mixed use.,proposals within the area must address how the uses within the development are compatible and synergistic. V.P.2.3 Residential development proposals within the area must address how they take advantage of mass transit opportunities. Implementing Strategies: V.L2.1 Residential Developmentapplicationswillbereviewedforconsistency with the General Plan. z~~® ~~~® -:_[_~.~ /Y~-R~si~e~„t~al 1a~ ZIa~,~ o~ a Los Gafos cos B; os General Plan ISSUE 3: Time .Frame: On-going Responsible Party, Applicant and Planning The area has easy access to both .Route 85 and Highway 17, and includes connections to both major north-south arterials (Winchester and Los Gatos Blvd.) and one major east- west arterial (Lark Avenue). The-area contains large underdeveloped parcels that may be suitable for commercial or recreational uses. July, 2000 .Page V-4 ~ _ r" Goal V.G.3.1 To provide opportunity for land uses that address the ~` recreational needs of the To~:vn V.G.3.2 To provide opportunity for a vanity of non-residential land uses within the area. ~~ ;:~ - Policies: V.P.3.1 Sites for recreational open space and playfields shall have convenient access and be designed withadequate buffers if adjacent to residential uses. V.P.3.2 Commercial development of any type (office, retail, research & development, etc.) shall be designed in keeping with the small town. character of Los Gatos. V.P.3.3 'Encourage a mix of commercial., office and light industrial and recreational uses within the area, especially in areas less suited to residential development due to noise. V.P.3.4 Encourage mixed use commercial in conjunction with affordable 'housing. Implemenfiing Strategies: V.1.3.1 Non-residential .Development applications shall be reviewed for compliancewiththe GeneralPlan and mustlimitimpactson residential uses. Time Frame: On-going Responsible .Party: Applicant 1'i~~ ~lc~a~r~e 9r~r~actt anc~ `~r.N',ur~ °~ 6eae~a~eer2~ ISSUE 4: Residential and non-residential uses produce different impacts on the community. The .impacts on traffic, noise, schools, open space .and other quality of life issues will vary, depending on the final mixture of residential and non-residential uses approved within the area. The overall planning for the area needsto limitthe adverse impacts-on the quality of life of all of the residents of Los Gatoa and to .provide for open space. _ - jGoals: V.G.4.1 To limit the adverse impacts of development 4vithin the area. _ V.G.~.2 To encourage fhe best m fixture of residential and nonresidential uses' .within the area ~.vhicfi achieves the least impact on traffic, noise,' schools; etc. '` j V,G,4.3 To provide for suitable open space. ~,.. Los Gatos General Plan July, 2000 Page V-5 Poll;' ~~ ~ V.P.4.1 Development shalt not exceed transportation capacity. V.P.4.2 The siting scale and design of buildings in relationship to each other shah facilitate and encourage pedestrian gathering. V,P.4,3 Major development projects shall be processed as planned developments. V,P.4.4 The design of structures and open space shall be compatible with the small-town character of'Los Gatos. V.P.4.5 Development shall facilitatethe upgrading of utilities to that needed by the area when it is fully developed. implementing Strategies: V.I.4.1 Design guidelines shall be adopted and used to review development applications within the area for issues unique to the .area (gateway, scenic vistas, open space, etc.) Time Frame: 2000 - 2005 Responsible Party; Planning V.L4.2 Protect.applicants must evaluate and provide appropriate mitigation measures to reduce impacts on urban services including schools, utilities, police and fire. Time Frame; On-going - .Responsible Party; Planning. ~V.L4;3 Project applicants shall demonstrate how theproject meets the specific goals and ,policies of this section. Time Frame: On-going Responsible Party Planning V,I,4,4 Require environmental audits {Phase I assessments) for all sites where property is suspected of containing any toxins. Time Frame: On-going Responsible Party: Applicants ~4~ > 7Ja~1.or~a ~itir2ctiorc 5.5 POLICIES FOR SPECIFIC AREAS Policies: V,P,5,1 No change in zoning shall be allowed until development of the Vasona 'light Rail is planned and funded. V.P.5.2 Development in this area shall consist of housing that meets the affordable housing goals of the Town and neighborhood commercial uses that provide services to all residents of Los Gatos. V.P.5.3 Mixed use commercial/housing developments maybe considered'in this sub-area. Los Gatos os,~A ob General Plan July, 2000 Page V-6 ~' V.P.5.4 The Town shall work with ~~ elopers, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), ~,..., other agencies to ensure that this sub-area is developed in a manner that takes full advantage of the transit opportunities afforded by the Vasona Light Rail and any mass transit provided in Route 85. V.P.5.5 .Projects developed in this sub-area shall contribute to a .pedestrian/bicycle bridge over Los Gatos Creek. V.P.5.6 Projects developed in this sub-area shall contribute and enhance the natural view corridor and landscape of the Los Gatos Trail. Implementing Strategies: V.L5.1 Existing zoning and uses will be maintained until Vasona Light Rail is planned and funding is approued. Development maybe phased with the completion of the Vasona Light Rail. In no case may development exceed transportation capacity. . Time Frame: Dependant upon timing of Vasona Light Rait Responsible Party: Planning V.I;5.2 Process major development projects as planned developments. Time Frame: On-going Responsible Party_ Planning V.L5.3 .Evaluate whether development of air rights at the Vasona Light Rail station facility should be .allowed or could feasibly be .accomplished without creating visual congestion or violating the small-town character of Los Gatos. If allowable, coordinate with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority _ (VTA) and other agencies to _-allow development of appropriate uses (affordable housing -and neighborhood commercial and businesses that cater to commuters). Time Frame: 2000 -2005 Responsible Party: Planning V.I.5.4 Orient development to take advantage of the amenities of the Los Gatos Creek and the Creek Trail. Establish in-lieu fees for :new projects :that will fund apedestrian/bicycle bridge over Los Gatos Creek. Time Frame: 2000 - 2005 Responsible Party: Planning V,L5.5 Develop apedestrian/bicycle bridge over Los Gatos Creek through development fees, grants, and other means available to the Town. Time framer Dependant upon development Responsible Party: Planning ~n i ` Los Gatos General Plan cos u u V.L5.6 Evaluate projects as to how the built environment naturally blends into the surrounding .landscape in such areas as scale, materials, hardscape, lights and landscape. Time'Frame: On-going - Responsible Party: Planning July, 2000 Page V-7 ~lner o2 Vf~c l<G~ POIICibs' V:P.6.1 Development shall be designed to take advantage of the amenities offered by Los Gatos Creek and to preserve watersheds, riparian habitats and wildlife corridors. V.P.6.2 Development ..projects shall incorporate design features to buffer dwelling units from the visual and noise impacts of 'Highway 17 and Route 85. V.P.6,3 The maintenance road along the east side of Los Gatos Creek shall function for emergency access.. V:P.6.4 Develop apedestrian/bicycle bridge across Los Gatos Creek .and a . continuous trail system along the east side of Los Gatos Creek from Lark Ave. to the northern Town limit in .keeping vvith the Trails and Bikeways Master Plan. ImptementingStrategies: V.L6.1 Orient and site residential units to take advantage of the amenities of the Los Gatos Creek Trail system and to preserve watersheds, riparian habitats and wildlife corridors. Time Frame; On-going Responsible Party: Planning V.L6.2 Require a .noise study for development applications, .identifying degrees of impact and .noise attenuation measures, if necessary, to mitigate noise Impacts on resideritial neighborhoods. . .. ..Time Frame: .On-going Responsible Party; Planning V.L6.3 Provide emergency access to Lark Ave. via the Santa Clara Valley Water Districf maintenance road for properties between Los Gatos Creekand Oka. Road #hrough conditions on development applications. Time Frame: On-going Responsible Party: Planning V.L6.4 Provide a trail connection for .pedestrians and bicyclists along Los Gatos. Creek adjacent to Bonnie View Mobile Home Park and the Santa Clara Valley Water District maintenance facility to complete the trail along the east side of Los Gatos Creek from Lark Ave. to the northern Town limits. Time Frame: On-going Responsible Part,L Planning y4~ 3 N ~'~y N ~,. ' 1 ' r.~~ ~ Los Gatos General Plan Policies: V.P.7.1 The Town shall guide future development in the sub-area. V.P.7.2 The Town shall encourage uses that serve Town residents. These include, but are .not limited to, open space/playFields, office, and retail and other commercial uses. Residential uses may be permitted when located over commercial as part of mixed-use development and only July, 2000 Page V 8 ( with acceptable mitigation of ( verse noise, air quality, and other environmental hazards. V.P.7.3 Encourage innovative designs, phased design schemes and mixes of usesthat are consistentwith the Los Gatos Boulevard Plan and Design Standards. V.P.7.4 Site plans shall be designed to minimize traffic impacfsand to preserve sufficient open space. Implementing Strate ies: V,I.7.1 Design standards: Prepare development standards that ..include criteria and provisions for comprehensive design review, recognizing the area as a "gateway" to Los Gatos. Time Frame: 2001 -2002 Responsible Party: Planning V.I.7.2 Specific Plan: Prepare and adopt a specific plan for this sub-area. Time Frame: 2001 - 2002 Responsible Party: Planning V.I.7.3 Planned developments: Process major developments as planned developments. Time Frame: On-going Responsible Party: Planning V.I.7:4 Proactive.guidingyole: Taken proactive role in defining desirable uses . and site design by various means, .including but not limited to; Exploring methods of#inancing infrastructure improvements. Working with ..property owners and prospective developers to facilitate orderly development. Time Frame: On-going Responsible Party: Planning V.L7.5 Project Review: Evaluate proposed uses and designs to ensure they are consistent with the Los Gatos Boulevard Plan and Design Standards. Developer's may 'be .asked to provide surveys, market studies and other information deemed necessary to assure these objectives are met. Time Frame: On-going Responsible Party: Planning V.L7.6 Cut-through traffic: Ingress and egress shall be designed to minimize opportunities for traffic impacts on surrounding residential neighborhoods. Time Frame: On-going Responsible Party: Planning 0 Los Gatos Genera! Plan `° s~~ July, 2000 .Page V-9 ~1~ ~~ ~~ /.5 F. olio' i ,~ VP.8.1 Encourage mixed use development (office/medium-high density residential) north of Lark Ave. V:P:8,2 Encourage development of residential rental units. V,P:8.3 Development shall incorporate features to buffer dwelling units from noise and other impacts. V.P.8.4 Encourage parcel assembly to provide greater design flexibility and minimize driveways along Los Gatos Blvd. Implementing Strategies: V.I.8.1 Mixed use: Projects proposing all office or all. residential will be evaluated to ensure that the Town's desire for mixed use is fulfilled. Shared .parking for projects with mixed use will be allowed, Time Frame:. On-going Responsible Party, Planning V.I.8.2 Rental/ affordability preference: Evaluate ..proposals with residential uses to assure that the Town's housing goals are being furthered. Time Frame: On-going Responsible Party: Planning V.h8.3 Planned developments; Process major development proposals as planned developments. Time Frame: ~ On-going Responsible Party: Planning V.L8.4 Adopted Plans: 'Evaluate .proposed uses and designs to ensure they are consistent with the Los Gatos Boulevard .Plan and Design Standards Plan. Time'Frame: On-going Responsible Party Planning V.I.8.5 Noise: Applications for projects that front on L.os Gatos $Ivd and/or backup to property on National Ave. or Camino del Sol shall include a noise study proposing mitigation measures to reduce noise impacts on existing and future residents. Time Frame: On-going Responsible Party; Planning V.I.8,6 Mixed use design: Develop :and adopt standards for mixed use design, to be .used in the review process of all mixed use developments. Time Frame; 2001 - 2002 Responsible Party: Planning o~ Los Gatos 08 ~,~ General Plan July, .2000 Page V-70 /1 / =a ~~~ ~ _~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~o -~ N 0 J 0 ~, ~'~ ~~ .Q iii Q~ ~c~~ .~ m ~ '~ -- 'u O Icy p~ r-- ~ ~ ~~ ~~. ~ o z° w w 7N ~ w 0000 /ice ~~ d' ~`-r My N 0 c~ C7 J Page V-11