T.F. Green Airport Improvement Program - FEIS Chapters - PVD

T.F. Green Airport Improvement ProgramEnvironmental Impact Statement and Final Section 4(f) Evaluation5.4.3.4 Cumulative Impacts MethodologyIn general, the cumulative impacts analysis includes an area-wide land use trends analysis with and withoutAlternatives B2 and B4. Cumulative impacts were assessed for the approximately 6,140-acre Study Area(Figure 4-6). Historical land uses were documented from the 1930s (the construction of the Airport) to thepresent day. Future land use changes are based on known planned and permitted developments to becompleted by 2020 (Table 5-5) as well as local and regional land use and Statewide Planning Program reportsfor projected growth trends analysis that project as far out as 2025.5.4.4 Impact AssessmentThis section summarizes the compatible land use impacts associated with proposed land acquisitions and noisecompatibility for Alternatives B2 and B4, and the No-Action Alternative. Compatible land use impacts arepresented in land area (parcels and acres) and for comparison purposes only housing units are presented, whereapplicable, to be consistent with the noise and social (housing) impact assessments of Sections 5.3, Noise, and5.5, Social and Socioeconomic, and Environmental Justice Populations and Children’s Health and Safety Risks,respectively. Reasonable consistency with the City of Warwick’s Zoning Ordinance and local, regional, and stateplanning efforts as well as cumulative impacts and short term impacts from temporary construction activitiesare also discussed. Section 5.3, Noise, identifies the significant changes in noise levels on non-residentialnoise-sensitive sites for the Alternatives B2 and B4.5.4.4.1 Induced DevelopmentNeither FAA nor RIAC has regulatory authority to control land uses; this falls under the jurisdiction of the Cityof Warwick through its Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance. Upon completion of this FEIS and inaccordance with FAA guidelines (specifically Program Guidance Letter 08-2, or PGL 08-2, dated February 1,2008), RIAC will update the T.F. Green Airport Noise Land Reuse Plan (as EIS projects are implemented orwithin 18 months of the issuance of the ROD, whichever comes first) for the areas that would be acquired underits Part 150 NCP, or “noise lands.” The noise lands are mostly zoned residential, and are generally surroundedby residential neighborhoods and accessed by residential streets. It is assumed that the noise lands would notcontinue as a residential use since this land use is incompatible with FAA-defined airport-related noise levels, andthat it would become airport property. Consistent with FAA guidance, RIAC will first evaluate if noise lands areneeded for airport purposes and if not, consideration may be given to non-noise-sensitive land uses, such ascommercial or recreational facilities. At this time, the City of Warwick’s Comprehensive Plan does not includerezoning these residential areas to commercial, retail, or other non-residential uses.Because the Noise Land Reuse Plan would be updated after issuance of the ROD, there are no reasonablyforeseeable redevelopment options for the noise lands, except for potential relocation of Winslow Field. Therefore,any reuse for these areas for the purposes of the FEIS would be speculative, as there are many potential reusepossibilities in different areas around the Airport, depending on the size of the available vacant land, access to thatland, and the City of Warwick’s planning process. RIAC will continue to consult with the City of Warwick todevelop compatible land uses for those lands deemed not required for airport purposes.Chapter 5 - Environmental Consequences 5-51 July 2011\\mawatr\ev\09228.00\reports\FEIS_Final_July_2011\PVD_CH05_Environmental_Cons_JUL_2011.doc