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Report regarding a resolution making findings and adopting the Initial Study / Mitigated Negative Declaration in accordance with the California Public Resources Code and the California Environmental Quality Act. (Philip Vitale, Deputy Director - Capital Projects, and Adena Friedman, Chief Planner)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council consider the draft IS/MND and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, all comments received, and all other evidence and documents, and take the following action:
1. Adopt a resolution making findings and adopting the Initial Study / Mitigated Negative Declaration, in accordance with Section 21080 of the California Public Resources Code and CEQA Guidelines Section 15070 et seq.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The New Park at Linden and Pine project (Project) proposes to build a new park in the Old Town neighborhood to address the lack of parks and open space identified in the 2015 Parks and Recreation Master Plan and 2022 General Plan (Shape SSF). To address this need, staff requested funding to transform 616 Linden Avenue and 700 Linden Avenue into a vibrant neighborhood park and cultural plaza for the community to enjoy.
In November 2023, the City engaged landscape architects from MIG Inc. of Berkeley, California to conduct community engagement, design, and prepare construction documents for the new park. In Spring 2024, the City and MIG launched a community design process to envision and design the new park at Linden and Pine Avenues. Through a series of public events, a community vision was developed, followed by input on two concept alternatives. During this process, the team learned about park priorities from neighbors and local businesses, followed the guidance of technical experts, and provided review for the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council.
In April 2024, the City sponsored an open house and listening session to present the project to the community a...
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