Subject: Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System Building Phase II at Ryan Ranch

January 30 , 2008

To: City of Monterey

Thank you for sending us the Environmental Checklist for the above project. We would like to submit the following comments and questions.

As we have pointed out with regard to previous developments proposed for the Ryan Ranch Industrial/Office Park, the City's continuing reliance on the 1980 EIR as the only basis for assessing potential impacts of new projects in the Park without including the cumulative impacts over the past 27 years in the area does not meet CEQA requirements. This fails to document present conditions, particularly those of water supply and traffic, and it is incorrect to state in the Mandatory Findings of Significance (XVII.b) that, "All project impacts have been mitigated. There is[sic] no individual or cumulative impacts which are significant." The Transportation and Traffic section reiterates the City's determination that impacts beyond those addressed in the original EIR need not be addressed, and we do not concur.

Water Supply. The Checklist states that California American Water has indicated that it can provide water for this project. This should be explained, with documented assurance from the Company. The Ryan Ranch production capacity shortfall issue has been the subject of ongoing discussion by the Seaside Basin Watermaster as recently as last month, and that Board is expected to include it in preparation of a Basin Management Action Plan. The Watermaster's findings concerning drawdown of wells and aquifers to meet demand from development in Ryan Ranch and nearby Laguna Seca area should have been noted in the Checklist.

This project adds 115 parking spaces, further reducing the amount of permeable surface on the site. While perhaps not significant, there will be further reduction of groundwater recharge. It also includes an automatic sprinkler system. Are there any requirements for Ryan Ranch projects to submit drought-resistant landscaping plans, or use reclaimed water outdoors?

Traffic. Some basic information from the Higgins Associates November 2007 traffic analysis should have been noted, particularly the current level of service at peak times on major roadways serving Ryan Ranch, and the number of daily trips expected to be added by this project. Are projects encouraged or required to prepare plans for employee ridesharing or use of alternative transportation?

Since this project is a proposed re-opening of the permit for the existing building on the site, any relevant conditions or terms of the permit which relate to this expansion of the site development should have been noted.

Sincerely,

Janet Brennan, President
LWV of the Monterey Peninsula