With surprisingly little drama, the Planning Commission approved the environmental impact report (EIR) on the proposed 315-unit Terraces of Lafayette multi-family complex near Acalanes High School. Commissioners and staff pointed out up front that this has nothing to do with a final decision on the project, rather that the completed report complies with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Commission chair Karen Maggio spelled out the task at hand. "Tonight we are reviewing the EIR for completeness - determining if the EIR is consistent with state law and consistent with CEQA." With only a half-full auditorium and for the first time ever a uniformed police officer in the back of the room, the agenda item was dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Commissioner Patricia Curtin-Tinley explained, "I just want to be clear, we are not making a decision on this project." In a relaxed, unruffled manner she added that the public will have plenty of opportunities to comment on the merits of the project when hearings begin in April. Many residents have voiced concerns about the project, some citing the need for affordable housing, others noting traffic problems, environmental and aesthetic issues and loss of the semi-rural nature of Lafayette.
"CEQA is about information. The goal of the environmental review is to make a good faith effort in disclosing information about potential environmental impacts resulting from a plan or project and about measures that could mitigate these impacts," wrote Special Projects Manager Ann Merideth in her March 4 staff report. "The Final Environmental Impact Report identifies 47 potentially significant impacts that would result from the project as proposed. Of these, 34 impacts can be reduced to less-than-significant with mitigation measures identified in the FEIR."
With some very minor changes, the resolution was adopted; all commissioners in attendance voted yes, except new commissioner J. Allen Sayles who abstained. The entire three-volume EIR can be read via the city's website at www.lovelafayette.org - just click on "The Terraces of Lafayette" under "News" in the middle of the home page.
Commission chair Karen Maggio spelled out the task at hand. "Tonight we are reviewing the EIR for completeness - determining if the EIR is consistent with state law and consistent with CEQA." With only a half-full auditorium and for the first time ever a uniformed police officer in the back of the room, the agenda item was dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Commissioner Patricia Curtin-Tinley explained, "I just want to be clear, we are not making a decision on this project." In a relaxed, unruffled manner she added that the public will have plenty of opportunities to comment on the merits of the project when hearings begin in April. Many residents have voiced concerns about the project, some citing the need for affordable housing, others noting traffic problems, environmental and aesthetic issues and loss of the semi-rural nature of Lafayette.
"CEQA is about information. The goal of the environmental review is to make a good faith effort in disclosing information about potential environmental impacts resulting from a plan or project and about measures that could mitigate these impacts," wrote Special Projects Manager Ann Merideth in her March 4 staff report. "The Final Environmental Impact Report identifies 47 potentially significant impacts that would result from the project as proposed. Of these, 34 impacts can be reduced to less-than-significant with mitigation measures identified in the FEIR."
With some very minor changes, the resolution was adopted; all commissioners in attendance voted yes, except new commissioner J. Allen Sayles who abstained. The entire three-volume EIR can be read via the city's website at www.lovelafayette.org - just click on "The Terraces of Lafayette" under "News" in the middle of the home page.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA