REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
November 15, 2018
FROM: JENNIFER CLARK, Director
Development and Resource Management Department
SUBJECT
Title
Authorizing the Director of Development and Resource Management to enter into an agreement not to exceed $500,000 with Ascent Environmental, Inc. to complete an Environmental Impact Report assessing a Priority Industrial Area Specific Plan.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the contract with Ascent Environmental, Inc. to complete an Environmental Impact Report assessing a South Industrial Priority Area Specific Plan not to exceed $500,000 and authorize the execution of related documents by the Director of Development and Resource Management Director or designee.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The proposed EIR will complete a programmatic assessment of the area identified in General Plan Figure IM-1: as the South Industrial Priority Area. The Specific Plan will clarify and refine existing policies in the plan area and determine a reasonable buildout condition associated with plan implementation. The scope of work will comply with Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines including specific analysis of four development scenarios including existing conditions, anticipated buildout conditions, and cumulative conditions. At adoption, the Specific Plan and EIR will provide certainty to development within the South Industrial Priority Area.
BACKGROUND
On December 18, 2014, the City adopted the Fresno General Plan. The first objective reads, "Increase opportunity, economic development, business, and job creation." Fresno's economy plays a crucial role in the physical development of the planning area and the City's ability to support implementation of General Plan policies and programs. The City is committed to economic development and fiscal sustainability. In fact, the outcome of many General Plan initiatives is tied to the city's economic success. The City is committed to improving the bus...
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