REPORT TO THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
April 25, 2022
FROM: JENNIFER CLARK, Director
Planning and Development Department
BY: ALICIA GONZALES, Historic Preservation Specialist
Planning and Development Department
SUBJECT
Title
REVIEW AND COMMENT on the revisions to the design proposal and treatment for the Belmont Overcrossing for the California High Speed Rail (CHSR) pursuant to FMC Section 12-1606 (5) and 12-1606 (5.1).
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) take the following actions:
1. Comment on revisions to the design proposal and treatment for the Belmont Overcrossing for the California High Speed Rail pursuant to FMC Section 12-1606 (5) and 12-1606 (5.1).
a. Historic Preservation and Public Works will be allowed to photograph before, during and upon completion of the project; and
b. Any changes to the approved project will be submitted to the Historic Preservation Specialist prior to the commencement of any related work.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The California High Speed Rail Authority, Tutor Perini Zachry Parsons (TPZP) and Public Works have requested the City review and approve revisions to the design proposal and treatment for the Belmont Overcrossing within the Memorandum for the California High Speed Rail Authority Final Built Environment Treatment Plan Merced to Fresno Section Project EIR/EIS (BETP). The BETP was reviewed throughout 2011 and 2016 by the Commission and a Subcommittee formed to consult on the design and treatment of the Subway, Traffic Circle and Union Pacific (Southern Pacific) Railroad Bridge. The Treatment Plan required that the Belmont Avenue Overcrossing reflect the original design and character of the Belmont Avenue Subway and Traffic Circle. The scope of work for revisions consists of the design and treatment which can be seen in the provided Revision attachments. Primary concerns for Staff are that these revisions reflect the original intent of the treatment plan to reflect the Belmont Avenue Subway and Traffic Circle which had to be demolished. Pursuant to FMC 12-1606 (5) and 12-1606 (5.1), staff requests that the Commission consider and comment on design revisions.
BACKGROUND
The CHSR Authority propose to construct, operate, and maintain an electric-powered high-speed train (HST) system in California. Two of nine sections of the 800-mile route meet in Fresno. Due to federal funding the project meets the definition of a “federal undertaking” pursuant to 36 CFR Part 800.16 (y). Therefore, the entire project must comply with NEPA and CEQA laws and protocols. The August 2011 EIS/EIR for Merced to Fresno and Fresno to Bakersfield included technical studies to evaluate the Cultural resources within the projects Area of Potential Effect (APE). In 2016 the Commission heard revisions to the treatment measures within the Memorandum, Belmont Avenue Subway and Traffic Circle: Design Proposal and Salvage Plan for Architectural Elements 12 August 2016 and provided additional review and comments. The Commission formed a Subcommittee to provided comments and feedback. The City of Fresno Historic Preservation, Department of Public Works, CHSR and the Union Pacific Railroad worked collaboratively and found the Treatment Plan appropriate. The Belmont Overcrossing treatment plan proposed designs which incorporate lance designs of the subway as an intaglio or hollow relief patter into the bridge parapet.
Project Proposal
Public Works, Historic Preservation Staff have regular meetings with the CHR Authority and TPZP. The Belmont Overcrossing proposed revisions were brought to the attention of Historic Preservation Staff in early 2022. The proposed revisions to the precast walls of the Belmont Overcrossing and minor changes to the final aesthetic of these walls. The walls of the abutments, each end of the bridge will be cast in place adjoining hardscape features (no change). Two options for revisions to the design to the bottom band of the Overcrossing walls are below.
Option 1. No Lower Band.
Option 1 proposes to eliminate all bottom smooth border of the Mechanical Stabilized Earth (MSE) wall panels and the lower band cast into abutments (attachment no lower band).
Option 2. Includes bottom smooth band.
Option 2 proposes smooth band at all locations.
The Commission should consider the size, scale, location, design, and the overall style of the proposed project. FMC Section 12-1606 (5) and 12-1606 (5.1) provides that the Commission can participate in the environmental review procedures and provide review and comment. The Commission should consider the project in relation to historical and architectural values of Historic Resource and any applicable design standards.
Duties and Powers of the Commission
The City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance is located at Chapter 12, Article 16 of the Fresno Municipal Code.
Section 1606 outlines the duties and powers of the Commission. Section 1606 (5) & Section 1606 (5.1) specifically refers to the duties entailing review of participating in environmental review:
(5) Participate in environmental review procedures called for under this article or under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) or under the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) by providing review and comments on permit actions affecting designated Historic Resources, Historic Districts and Heritage Properties as the Commission deems appropriate.
(5.1) Make environmental determinations under the California Environmental Quality Act on any discretionary project applications the Commission considers for approval, including, but not limited to demolition permits for subject properties brought before the Commission.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
NA
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) consider the revisions presented by the HSRA and provide comments
ATTACHMENTS
Exhibit A: Wall Profile Revision (Smooth Band)
Exhibit B: Wall Profile Revision (No Lower Band)
Exhibit C: Revision of Wall Profiles
Exhibit D: HPC Minutes (05-22-2017)
Exhibit E: HPC Staff Report (08-22-2016)