January 12, 2006
Richard S. Marvin, Senior Planner
Community Development Department
City of Monterey
Monterey, CA 93940
Subject: Swain Court Office Planned Unit Development at Ryan Ranch
Dear Mr. Marvin,
Thank you for sending us the Environmental Checklist and supplementary information regarding the above project. We have the following comments:
Traffic. The League of Women Voters of the Monterey Peninsula has previously objected to the Cityıs continued reliance on the original EIR prepared in 1980 for the build out of Ryan Ranch Industrial Park as foreseen 25 years ago. Our concerns were included in our February 7, 2002, comments on the proposal by CHOMP to build medical offices and a satellite facility, which have since been completed.
Since its inception, development of the industrial park has brought a mix of tenants, with apparently more commercial and professional offices than industrial plants. The daily traffic generated by various developments in the area has finally triggered the installation of a signal at the intersection of Highway 68 and the Ragsdale Drive entrance/exit, and other road improvements. Each time a new project is added at Ryan Ranch, there should be an update of the traffic impacts and a review of the project's share of mitigation measures.
This PUD is large enough to require 473 parking spaces, although some may have to be eliminated in order to reduce grading on slopes. Still, it is difficult to see how the potential addition of some 400 trips a day in to and out of these offices can have "less than significant impact." There is no mention of requiring ridesharing plans or use of alternative transportation.
Water Supply. The City has periodically tested the well water supply available to the Ryan Ranch and how it is holding up over time with increased use from development. It is our understanding that production is still considered to be adequate for planned build out; however, whenever the issue has been explored for possible mixed or residential use, including an award-winning pilot project, a safe, reliable water supply could not be assured. Before this project is approved, we strongly urge that a current assessment of the year-round condition of the aquifer which supplies the Ryan Ranch and its neighbors be prepared.
Aesthetics. The Environmental Review identifies some negative visual impacts of the project as first proposed and recommends mitigations. With reduced grading and elimination of Building G nearest Highway 68, it is still not clear how much of the rear elevations of the remaining buildings (B, C, D, E, F) will be visible. They are essentially identical in design, close together, and may appear as a single mass from the scenic highway. The members of Architectural Review and Planning will need simulated photographs of how the buildings will look, as well as a site visit.
Since two of the members of the Planning Commission have interests in this project and must recuse themselves, the remaining members will have added responsibility to make sure that its impacts are carefully and objectively considered.
Sincerely,
Marilyn Maxner
President, League of Women Voters of the Monterey Peninsula
