City of West Hollywood

La Brea Streetscape Project

La Brea Avenue between Fountain Avenue and Romaine Street

COUNTER COPY DO NOT REMOVE

CEQA INITIAL STUDY & NEGATIVE DECLARATION

February 7, 2013

I. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND

Project Title: Lead Agency: La Brea Streetscape Project City of West Hollywood Public Works Department 8300 Santa Monica Boulevard, 2nd Floor West Hollywood, CA 90069

Contact Person & Phone Number: Donn Uyeno, P.E. Senior Civil Engineer 323-848-6457 Project Location: The portion of La Brea Ave located within the boundary of the City of West Hollywood

Project Sponsors Name and Address: City of West Hollywood Public Works Department 8300 Santa Monica Boulevard, 2nd Floor West Hollywood, CA 90069 General Plan Designation: Zoning: Description of Project: The City of West Hollywood is proposing to implement the La Brea Streetscape Master Plan on that portion of La Brea Ave which is located within its boundaries (between Fountain Ave and Romaine St). The City is planning to take the existing streetscape design that exists along Santa Monica Blvd and continue it onto La Brea Ave. Work includes the construction of planted green space along the sidewalks, install landscaped medians, removal and replacement of trees, install pedestrian street lights, and replace damaged sidewalks. Arterial Street Adjacent to CR (Commercial Regional Center) and CA (Commercial Arterial) Land Uses

Surrounding land uses and setting: Land uses along La Brea Avenue include a large commercial retail center, smaller retail, commercial offices, a synagogue, a concrete plant, a grocery store, a fast food establishment, restaurants, and residential apartments mixed with ground floor commercial uses currently under construction at three locations. The portion to the north and south of the project site is owned and maintained by the City of Los Angeles. Other public agencies whose approval is required: None

II. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED

The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one impact that is a Potentially Significant Impact as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. Aesthetics Agriculture and Forestry Air Quality

Biological Resources

Cultural Resources

Geology/Soils

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Land Use/Planning

Hazards and Hazardous Materials Mineral Resources

Hydrology/Water Quality

Noise

Population/Housing

Public Services

Recreation

Transportation/Traffic

Utilities/Service Systems

Mandatory Findings of Significance

III. DETERMINATION
On the basis of this initial evaluation: I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.

I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions in the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.

I find that the proposed project MAY have a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially significant unless mitigated" impact on the environment, but at least one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.

I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required

______________________________________ SIGNATURE: Donn I. Uyeno, P.E.

_____________________________________ TITLE DATE

IV. CHECKLIST OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

This checklist identifies physical, biological, social and economic factors that might be affected by the proposed project. In many cases, background studies performed in connection with the projects indicate no impacts. A NO IMPACT answer in the last column reflects this determination. Where there is a need for clarifying discussion, the discussion is included either following the applicable section of the checklist or is within the body of the environmental document itself. The words "significant" and "significance" used throughout the following checklist are related to CEQA, impacts. The questions in this form are intended to encourage the thoughtful assessment of impacts and do not represent thresholds of significance.
Potentially Significant Impact Less Than Significant with Mitigation Less Than Significant Impact No Impact

I. AESTHETICS: Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista

b) Substantially damage scenic resources, including, but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a state scenic highway c) Substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of the site and its surroundings? d) Create a new source of substantial light or glare which would adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area?

II. AGRICULTURE AND FOREST RESOURCES: In determining whether impacts to agricultural resources are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to the California Agricultural Land Evaluation and Site Assessment Model (1997) prepared by the California Dept. of Conservation as an optional model to use in assessing impacts on agriculture and farmland. In determining whether impacts to forest resources, including timberland, are significant environmental effects, lead agencies may refer to information compiled by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection regarding the states inventory of forest land, including the Forest and Range Assessment Project and the Forest Legacy Assessment Project; and the forest carbon measurement methodology provided in Forest Protocols adopted by the California Air Resources Board. Would the project:

Potentially Significant Impact

Less Than Significant with Mitigation

Less Than Significant Impact

No Impact

a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? b) Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use, or a Williamson Act contract? c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code section 12220(g)), timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code section 4526), or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code section 51104(g))? d) Result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? e) Involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland, to non-agricultural use or conversion of forest land to non-forest use?

III. AIR QUALITY: Where available, the significance criteria established by the applicable air quality management or air pollution control district may be relied upon to make the following determinations. Would the project: a) Conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? b) Violate any air quality standard or contribute substantially to an existing or projected air quality violation?

Potentially Significant Impact

Less Than Significant with Mitigation

Less Than Significant Impact

No Impact

c) Result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non- attainment under an applicable federal or state ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions which exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)? d) Expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? e) Create objectionable odors affecting a substantial number of people?

IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES: Would the project: a) Have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as a candidate, sensitive, or special status species in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? b) Have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, regulations or by the California Department of Fish and Game or US Fish and Wildlife Service? c) Have a substantial adverse effect on federally protected wetlands as defined by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means? d) Interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?

Potentially Significant Impact

Less Than Significant with Mitigation

Less Than Significant Impact

No Impact

e) Conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance? f) Conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan?

V. CULTURAL RESOURCES: Would the project: a) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource as defined in 15064.5? b) Cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to 15064.5? c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique paleontological resource or site or unique geologic feature? d) Disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries?

VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS: Would the project: a) Expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects, including the risk of loss, injury, or death involving: i) Rupture of a known earthquake fault, as delineated on the most recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Map issued by the State Geologist for the area or based on other substantial evidence of a known fault? Refer to Division of Mines and Geology Special Publication 42?

Potentially Significant Impact

Less Than Significant with Mitigation

Less Than Significant Impact

No Impact

ii)

Strong seismic ground shaking?

iii) Seismic-related liquefaction? iv) Landslides? ground failure, including

b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the loss of topsoil? c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil that is unstable, or that would become unstable as a result of the project, and potentially result in on- or off-site landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence, liquefaction or collapse? d) Be located on expansive soil, as defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform Building Code (1994), creating substantial risks to life or property? e) Have soils incapable of adequately supporting the use of septic tanks or alternative waste water disposal systems where sewers are not available for the disposal of waste water?

VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS: Would the project: a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, either directly or indirectly, that may have a significant impact on the environment? b) Conflict with an applicable plan, policy or regulation adopted for the purpose of reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases?

Potentially Significant Impact

Less Than Significant with Mitigation

Less Than Significant Impact

No Impact

VIII. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS MATERIALS: Would the project: a) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through the routine transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials? b) Create a significant hazard to the public or the environment through reasonably foreseeable upset and accident conditions involving the release of hazardous materials into the environment? c) Emit hazardous emissions or handle hazardous or acutely hazardous materials, substances, or waste within one-quarter mile of an existing or proposed school? d) Be located on a site which is included on a list of hazardous materials sites compiled pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result, would it create a significant hazard to the public or the environment? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project result in a safety hazard for people residing or working in the project area?

g) Impair implementation of or physically interfere with an adopted emergency response plan or emergency evacuation plan? h) Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving wildland fires, including where wildlands are adjacent to urbanized areas or where residences are intermixed with wildlands?

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Potentially Significant Impact

Less Than Significant with Mitigation

Less Than Significant Impact

No Impact

IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER QUALITY: Would the project: a) Violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements? b) Substantially deplete groundwater supplies or interfere substantially with groundwater recharge such that there would be a net deficit in aquifer volume or a lowering of the local groundwater table level (e.g., the production rate of pre-existing nearby wells would drop to a level which would not support existing land uses or planned uses for which permits have been granted)? c) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, in a manner which would result in substantial erosion or siltation on- or off-site? d) Substantially alter the existing drainage pattern of the site or area, including through the alteration of the course of a stream or river, or substantially increase the rate or amount of surface runoff in a manner which would result in flooding on- or offsite? e) Create or contribute runoff water which would exceed the capacity of existing or planned stormwater drainage systems or provide substantial additional sources of polluted runoff? f) Otherwise substantially degrade water quality?

g) Place housing within a 100-year flood hazard area as mapped on a federal Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood Insurance Rate Map or other flood hazard delineation map? h) Place within a 100-year flood hazard area structures which would impede or redirect flood flows?

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Potentially Significant Impact

Less Than Significant with Mitigation

Less Than Significant Impact

No Impact

i)

Expose people or structures to a significant risk of loss, injury or death involving flooding, including flooding as a result of the failure of a levee or dam? Inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow

j)

X. LAND USE AND PLANNING: Would the project: a) Physically divide an established community?

b) Conflict with any applicable land use plan, policy, or regulation of an agency with jurisdiction over the project (including, but not limited to the general plan, specific plan, local coastal program, or zoning ordinance) adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect? c) Conflict with any applicable habitat conservation plan or natural community conservation plan?

XI. MINERAL RESOURCES: Would the project: a) Result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region and the residents of the state? b) Result in the loss of availability of a locally-important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan?

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Potentially Significant Impact

Less Than Significant with Mitigation

Less Than Significant Impact

No Impact

XII. NOISE: Would the project result in: a) Exposure of persons to or generation of noise levels in excess of standards established in the local general plan or noise ordinance, or applicable standards of other agencies? b) Exposure of persons to or generation of excessive groundborne vibration or groundborne noise levels? c) A substantial permanent increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? d) A substantial temporary or periodic increase in ambient noise levels in the project vicinity above levels existing without the project? e) For a project located within an airport land use plan or, where such a plan has not been adopted, within two miles of a public airport or public use airport, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels? f) For a project within the vicinity of a private airstrip, would the project expose people residing or working in the project area to excessive noise levels?

XIII. POPULATION AND HOUSING: Would the project: a) Induce substantial population growth in an area, either directly (for example, by proposing new homes and businesses) or indirectly (for example, through extension of roads or other infrastructure)? b) Displace substantial numbers of existing housing, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere?

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Potentially Significant Impact

Less Than Significant with Mitigation

Less Than Significant Impact

No Impact

c) Displace substantial numbers of people, necessitating the construction of replacement housing elsewhere?

XIV. PUBLIC SERVICES: a) Would the project result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public services: Fire protection?

Police protection?

Schools?

Parks?

Other public facilities?

XV. RECREATION: a) Would the project increase the use of existing neighborhood and regional parks or other recreational facilities such that substantial physical deterioration of the facility would occur or be accelerated?

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Potentially Significant Impact

Less Than Significant with Mitigation

Less Than Significant Impact

No Impact

b) Does the project include recreational facilities or require the construction or expansion of recreational facilities which might have an adverse physical effect on the environment?

XVI. TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC: Would the project: a) Conflict with an applicable plan, ordinance or policy establishing measures of effectiveness for the performance of the circulation system, taking into account all modes of transportation including mass transit and non-motorized travel and relevant components of the circulation system, including but not limited to intersections, streets, highways and freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and mass transit? b) Conflict with an applicable congestion management program, including, but not limited to level of service standards and travel demand measures, or other standards established by the county congestion management agency for designated roads or highways? c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns, including either an increase in traffic levels or a change in location that results in substantial safety risks? d) Substantially increase hazards due to a design feature (e.g., sharp curves or dangerous intersections) or incompatible uses (e.g., farm equipment)? e) Result in inadequate emergency access?

f) Conflict with adopted policies, plans or programs regarding public transit, bicycle, or pedestrian facilities, or otherwise decrease the performance or safety of such facilities?

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Potentially Significant Impact

Less Than Significant with Mitigation

Less Than Significant Impact

No Impact

XVII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS: Would the project: a) Exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the applicable Regional Water Quality Control Board? b) Require or result in the construction of new water or wastewater treatment facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? c) Require or result in the construction of new storm water drainage facilities or expansion of existing facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental effects? d) Have sufficient water supplies available to serve the project from existing entitlements and resources, or are new or expanded entitlements needed? e) Result in a determination by the wastewater treatment provider which serves or may serve the project that it has adequate capacity to serve the projects projected demand in addition to the providers existing commitments? f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient permitted capacity to accommodate the projects solid waste disposal needs?

g) Comply with federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to solid waste?

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Potentially Significant Impact

Less Than Significant with Mitigation

Less Than Significant Impact

No Impact

XVIII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE a) Does the project have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, substantially reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory? b) Does the project have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable? ("Cumulatively considerable" means that the incremental effects of a project are considerable when viewed in connection with the effects of past projects, the effects of other current projects, and the effects of probable future projects)? c) Does the project have environmental effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly?

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IV. EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

I. Aesthetics: The proposed La Brea Streetscape Project is expected to substantially improve the aesthetic quality of West Hollywoods portion of La Brea Avenue. This project will not have a demonstrable negative aesthetic effect on scenic vistas, or scenic resources. The visual character and the surroundings of the boulevard will be improved, by visually connecting La Brea Avenue to improvements already constructed on Santa Monica Boulevard. This includes matching the trees and blue pedestrian light poles that are already installed on Santa Monica Blvd. Significance finding of a) c): No impact There are going to be 21 pedestrian level street lights added to the sidewalks along La Brea Avenue. These will provide a new source of light, but will not adversely affect day or nighttime views in the area. These lights will provide illumination on the sidewalks and the globe shape diffuses light in a way that does not provide glare to vehicles in the street or nearby residents. Significance finding of d): Less than significant impact

II.

Agriculture Resources: There is no prime or unique farmland, nor agricultural uses in the project area or surrounding properties. Significance finding a) e): No impact

III.

Air Quality: The proposed project will not violate any air quality standards or contribute to existing or projected air quality violations. It will not expose sensitive receptors to pollutants and will not decrease ambient air quality. This project is not expected to result in any objectionable odors. During construction, when dust could be created by landscaping and construction work, the contractor will be responsible for controlling the dust by appropriate means such as sweeping or watering as required by the project specifications. The effect will be temporary and is not considered significant. The project is not expected to make any significant changes to the number of trips made on La Brea Avenue and the vehicle parking capacity on the boulevard will not change. As such, it will not constitute a significant deterioration of air quality in the already established commercial areas of West Hollywood. Ambient air quality is not decreased to a level of significance according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District handbook. Significance finding of a) e): No impact

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IV.

Biological Resources: The City has found no significant negative impact on plant or animal life as a result of the proposed project. There are no riparian habitats or protected wetlands in the area of the project site. There are no native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species corridors in the project site. Significance finding of a) d): No impact The project includes the removal of up to 31 trees. These trees include 16 mature ficus trees that have outgrown the narrow public right of way, and are creating trip and fall hazards. There are also 15 palm trees in a variety of heights. These trees will be replaced with 32 Chinese Elm trees that will match the 19 Chinese Elm trees already planted on the frontage of the Gateway Center. Those 19 already planted elm trees will remain untouched. There will also be 11 added trees in the medians. Local municipal code 11.36.010 and 11.36.020 currently allows for the removal and planting of trees on public highways, with a permit by the Director of Public Works or the Directors designee. The City of West Hollywood does have a heritage tree program. None of the trees on La Brea Avenue are on the list of heritage trees and none have been submitted for consideration. Significance finding of e): Less than significant impact This project does not conflict with an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan or other approved local, regional, or state habitat conservation plan. Significance finding of f): No impact

V.

Cultural Resources: There are no sites adjacent to the project that are listed on the National Registry of Historical Resources nor any sites which are listed as potential historical resources or deemed potentially significant by the City of West Hollywood. The project will not affect any archaeological, paleontological, geological, sites nor disturb any human remains. Significance finding of a) d): No impact

VI.

Geology and Soils: This project is not in an area exposed fault surface rupture according to the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act, Special Bulletin 42. The project is not located within a liquefaction zone.

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Because the project only involves surface improvements and enhancements, there will be no change in the soils or soil conditions that will expose people or structures to strong seismic ground shaking, liquefaction, landslides, soil erosion, lateral spreading, subsidence or collapse. All properties adjacent to the project site are connected to the sanitary sewer system. Significance finding of a) e): No impact

VII. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: There may be some indirect generation of GHG, from the construction vehicles used during the installation of the improvements; however they are temporary in nature and not at a level of significance to have an impact on the environment. Significance finding of a): Less than Significant Impact As a part of the Citys General Plan update, the City has developed a Climate Action Plan (CAP) designed to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the local level. The CAP was adopted on September 6, 2011. Although climate change is a global problem, the City recognizes that many strategies to adapt to a changing climate and combat its progression are best enacted at the local level. This plan recommends a series of actions West Hollywood can take to reduce its contributions to global climate change by reducing GHG emissions. This project complies with the strategies of the CAP by adding green space and planting new trees. Significance finding of b): No impact

VIII. Hazards and Hazardous Materials: The proposed project will not create a significant hazard to the public or environment, because there is no transport, use, or disposal of hazardous materials. Therefore there are no foreseeable conditions that would involve the accidental release of hazardous materials into the environment. The project is not located within a quarter mile of any school. This project is not located on a site that is included on the list of hazardous material sites complied pursuant to Government Code Section 65962.5. The site is also not located in an airport land use, or within two miles of a public airport or a private airstrip. Significance finding of a) f): No impact During construction the project may slow down response time for an emergency or evacuation. Emergency access to properties in the City of West Hollywood and the City of Los Angeles, may use La Brea Avenue as part of their route, however the network of adjacent street gives them many alternatives to get them through the project area while the project is under construction. When the project is complete it will have no effect on emergency response time or evacuation.

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Significance finding of g): Less than significant impact This project is located in an urbanized area with commercial uses on both side of the street. There are no wild lands in the vicinity of the project. Significance finding of h): No impact

IX.

Hydrology and Water Quality: This project involves streetscape enhancements and installations to the medians. During construction the project is required to implement their Local Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (LSWPPP) and Best Management Practices (BMPs) to prevent construction debris and/or waste discharges from entering the storm drain system. Therefore it will not violate any water quality standards or waste discharge requirements. Significance finding of a): No impact The project incorporates landscaped infiltration parkways to reduce the amount of surface rainwater and runoff from the sidewalks from getting into the storm drain system. This includes installing an 18 layer of sandy loom that has a minimum infiltration rate of per hour, under the top 4 of soil or ground cover. Then beneath that will be a minimum 12 layer of open graded gravel, that will help the rainwater infiltrate back into the ground. Significance finding of b) and e): No impact As the street slopes in a north-south direction surface rainwater drains southward to catch basins located at all the intersections. The proposed medians are parallel to the street therefore there will be no significant change to the already existing drainage patterns on the street. There are no streams or bodies of water in the project area. Significance finding of c) and d): No impact The existing storm drains and/or drainage systems will still be adequate to accommodate anticipated storm water once the project is complete. This project will not place any housing or structures in the 100-year flood hazard area. There will not be danger of inundation by seiche, tsunami, or mudflow. Significance finding of f) j): No impact

X.

Land Use and Planning: The project will implement goals to improve the pedestrian experience on the boulevard, as well as improve the aesthetics on the boulevard therefore it will bring together nearby residents and businesses located east and west of La Brea Avenue. Significance finding of a): No impact

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The proposed project is consistent with the planned uses in the 2035 City of West Hollywood General Plan and City of West Hollywood Zoning Ordinance, and will not conflict with applicable environmental plans adopted by agencies with jurisdiction over the project. There is no habitat conservation or natural community conservation areas in the project area. Significance finding of b) and c): No impact

XI.

Mineral Resources: There are no known mineral resources in the project area therefore there will be no loss of locally important mineral resources as a result of this project. Significance finding of a) and b): No impact

XII. Noise: The 2035 City of West Hollywood General Plan identifies only one (1) noise sensitive land use in the project area which is a house of worship, Congregation Kol Ami, at the north-east corner of La Brea Avenue and Lexington Avenue. During construction, there may be additional noise associated with the construction activities. The contractor will be required to minimize the noise based on mitigations written into the contract specifications. This includes avoiding construction activities that may create higher than normal noise on routine gathering days of service and holidays important to this congregation. Significance finding of a): Less than significant impact. The removal of concrete sidewalks, curbs and gutters are usually done with jack hammers or similar equipment. This may cause people to be temporarily exposed to ground-borne vibration and a temporary increase in ambient noise. Once the concrete is removed the other construction activities in the area are completed with construction methods that do not generate such vibration or noise. When the project is complete there will be neither ground-borne vibration nor ground-borne noise. Significance finding of b) and d): Less than significant impact. Noise related to the project has to do with the activity during construction. There will be no permanent change to the ambient noise levels once the project is complete. Significance finding of c): No impact This project is not located near an airport or private airstrip. Significance finding of e) and f): No impact.

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XIII. Population and Housing: There is no housing being built or removed as a part of this project. The project involves improvement and enhancement to existing infrastructure, which may in turn attract new interest into the boulevard. However it will not indirectly induce substantial population growth in the area, because prior to construction there are already three substantial housing projects being built on La Brea Avenue. At 7119 Santa Monica Boulevard a mixed use building is being built with 184 apartments. At 1145 La Brea Avenue construction of a five story mixed use building with 37 affordable housing units is underway. Then at 1234 La Brea Avenue, another mixed use building is under construction which has 187 apartments. These developments will still be under construction when the proposed project is complete. Significance finding of a) c): No impact

XIV. Public Services: The project only improves and enhances existing infrastructure along La Brea Avenue, therefore there will be no need for new government facilities to be built. The project does not substantially impact public services in an adverse manner and there is no change to service ratios to cause an environmental impact. During construction there will be slight impact to response times of fire protection and to the sheriffs department, but not enough impact to provide inadequate emergency access to any given site. The network of streets surrounding La Brea Avenue gives numerous alternatives to access any site during an emergency. Constructions specifications will always allow for one travel lane in each direction to remain open to through traffic at all times. There will be no impact to fire protection and the sheriffs department once the project is complete, and response time will return to what it was before construction of the project. Streetscape enhancement projects like this generally do not cause a need for an increase in schools, parks, or other public facilities. Significance finding of a): No impact

XV. Recreation: Streetscape projects like this generally do not change the use or demand for neighborhood or regional parks or other recreational facilities. It will not cause or accelerate the deterioration of any recreational facilities in the area. It will also not create the need for the construction or expansion of recreational facilities. Significance finding a) and b): No impact XVI. Transportation and Traffic: The La Brea Avenue Master Plan has taken into account the Citys Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan and mobility portion of the 2035 City of West Hollywood General Plan. This project will build the elements of the La Brea Avenue Master Plan and enhance the pedestrian experience along the Avenue. The project looked into incorporating dedicated bike lanes into the project, however the public right of way and the geometry of the street did not allow for it. There is room for a

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future share the lane arrows (sharrows) for bicyclist that can be installed. This is consistent with what the City of Los Angeles has identified for La Brea Avenue north and south of the project in their 2010 Bicycle Plan Component of the City of Los Angles Transportation Element. The intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and La Brea Avenue is a major bus transfer/ connection point for the MTA and City Line shuttles. The MTA bus lines that stop at this intersection eventually connect to the MTA Red Line subway stops as well as other LADOT DASH lines that service the region. This project will not change local and regional bus service. Significance finding of a) and f): No impact This project will not conflict with any congestion management programs, level of service, travel demand measures and standards established by the County of Los Angeles. The proposed median islands are sized and placed so that it would not reduce the level of service at any of the signalized intersections. Significance finding of b): No impact Projects like this generally do not change air traffic patterns, nor cause an increase to air traffic, nor cause change locations of air transport. Significance finding of c): No impact This project will not increase hazards or provide incompatible uses on the roadway. Care was made to select planted material that will not grow to heights that would create sight obstructions to vehicles and pedestrians. Significance finding of d): No impact During construction there will be slight impact to response times of fire protection and to the sheriffs department, but not enough impact to provide inadequate emergency access to any given site. The network of streets surrounding La Brea Avenue gives numerous alternatives to access any site during an emergency. Construction specifications will always allow for one travel lane in each direction to remain open to through traffic at all times. There will be no impact to fire protection and the sheriffs department once the project is complete, and response time will return to what it was before construction of the project. Significance finding of e): Less than significant impact.

XVII. Utilities and Service Systems: The La Brea Avenue Streetscape Project will not result in a need for the construction of new water, waste water, or storm water drainage systems or

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facilities. Projects like this generally do not affect wastewater use; therefore it will not exceed wastewater treatment requirements of the Regional Water Quality Control Board. Significance finding of a) c) and e): No impact The new landscaping elements for the project will be watered through an irrigation system. However the use of plant materials that require low levels of watering as well as systems that promote water conservation means that the existing water supplies for the area are more than adequate for this project and will not require new resources or expanded entitlements for water. Projects like this generally do not require a change to water resources. Significance finding of d): No impact. La Brea Avenue is swept daily by a street sweeper and every Monday through Friday by a contracted service provider. Individual trash receptacles along the boulevard is serviced by our franchised waste hauler, Athens Services, who takes the solid waste to a material recovery facility to sort through it before anything goes to a landfill. This process ensures that whatever can be recycled does not end up in a landfill. The City of West Hollywood is aware that the Puente Hills landfill is closing in November of 2013 and this project will be complete before then. This project does not change the number of trash receptacles provided on the sidewalks and therefore does not increase the solid waste disposal. This project complies with federal, state, and local regulations related to solid waste. Significance finding of f) and g): No impact XVIII.Mandatory Findings of Significance: The proposed La Brea Avenue Streetscape Project will not have the potential to degrade the quality of the environment, substantially reduce the habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a fish or wildlife population to drop below self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate a plant or animal community, reduce the number or restrict the range of a rare or endangered plant or animal or eliminate important examples of the major periods of California history or prehistory. The project does not have impacts that are individually limited, but cumulatively considerable. It will not have environmental effects, which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly. Significance finding of a) c): No impact

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