San Andres Safe Crossings and Lighting Project
Summary
SCH Number
2023070264
Public Agency
City of Santa Barbara
Document Title
San Andres Safe Crossings and Lighting Project
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/14/2023
Document Description
The Project will install curb extensions, rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs), and crosswalk lighting at the intersections of San Andres and Victoria Streets and San Andres and Anapamu Streets within the public right-of-way (ROW). These intersections are the remaining intersections along the busy corridor between Micheltorena and Carrillo Streets requiring engineering safety enhancements. The San Andres and Anapamu Street intersection has about 600 pedestrian crossings per day. The San Andres and Victoria Street intersection has about 300 pedestrian crossings per day. School children and their families will directly benefit from these intersection improvements as these intersections provide critical connections to Harding Elementary School, Bohnett Park, and the Westside Boys & Girls Club. Curb extensions improve sight lines for pedestrians and drivers around parked vehicles and reduce pedestrian exposure to moving vehicles by shortening the street crossing distance. To make room for curb extensions at the intersection of San Andres Street and Victoria Street, a pair of storm drain inlets will be demolished. RRFBs are a proven treatment in the City – the yellow flashing lights alert drivers to pedestrian crossing activity and enhance safety at crosswalks. Crosswalk lighting provides an additional layer of safety for pedestrians crossing in the early morning and evening hours.
Contact Information
Name
Kaitlin Mamulski
Agency Name
City of Santa Barbara
Job Title
Project Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Location
Cities
Santa Barbara
Counties
Santa Barbara
Regions
Southern California
Cross Streets
San Andres Street and Victoria Street and San Andres Street and Anapamu Street
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
15301 (c) Existing Facilities, Class I
Reasons for Exemption
CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (c), Existing Facilities. This Project meets the Section 15301 Existing Facilities Class 1 (c) categorical exemption, because the Project includes minor extension of curb lines, safety enhancements for pedestrians such as rectangular rapid flashing beacons and crosswalk lighting and does not result in an expansion of use nor does it create additional automobile lanes.
During construction, this project will include small/moderate amounts of road resurfacing during which odors will be produced. The total number of odor producing days is expected to be approximately 4-5 days. Given the short amount of potential odor producing days during construction, the Project is considered to have a less than significant effect in terms of air quality.
This project is located within three historic areas: Hispanic-American Transition Period (1848-1870), American Period (1870-1900), and Early 20th Century (1900-1925). Ground disturbances for sidewalk, and curb and gutter improvements will extend up to two feet below existing grade. There are four new RRFBs proposed, the foundations will have a depth of approximately 6 feet. Three Archaeology Reports for properties within the immediate project vicinity were referenced, there was low to negligible potential for resources in all reports, and no further archaeology work was required. All proposed work will take place within the previously disturbed ROW of San Andres Street; therefore, the Project should have no to minimal impact on the resources within project limits.
This project is located near areas of Sensitive Species (Southern Honeysuckle), Creek and Wetland Habitats – Vegetation, and Upland Habitats - Vegetation in the nearby Bohnett Park. Due to the proximity to Bohnett Park, if the construction schedule falls within nesting bird season, a pre-construction nesting bird survey will be conducted. No vegetation removal is planned. The Project is anticipated to have a less than significant effect on biological resources.
This project is located within a Fault Hazard Zone (Apparently Active – Holocene age activity), High Liquefaction area, and Potentially Shallow Groundwater area. The geological impacts from this Project are expected to be minimal as it mainly consists of replacing existing conditions, therefore, the Project is considered to have a less than significant effect.
The site contains mature trees, however, there will be no trees removed as part of this Project. The sidewalk will be re-routed to avoid tree removal. Therefore, the Project is considered to have a less than significant effect with regard to trees.
The proposed above-groundwork for this project consists of: curb and gutter, sidewalks, RRFBs and lights. The visual impact from this Project will be minimal as the majority of this project will consist of replacing existing conditions.
In conclusion, the Project will address the goals of the City’s Vision Zero Strategy by improving the safety of the pedestrian crossings at the intersection of San Andres Street corridor. Project is not anticipated to result in any significant impacts towards the environmental resources, therefore, the Public Works Department recommends that the Case Planner consider this Project as exempt, as defined in the CEQA review process classified under the minor alteration of existing public facilities exemption per Section 15301 Existing Facilities Class 1 (c) per the State CEQA Guidelines.
County Clerk
Santa Barbara
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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