Volume 2: Draft Gorst Planned Action Environmental Impact Statement

GORST PLANNED ACTION EIS | AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT, SIGNIFICANT IMPACTS, AND MITIGATION MEASURESGorst UGASinclair Inlet and local forested hills provide a scenic backdrop within the UGA, particularly at higher elevations,such as along Sherman Heights Road.Figure 3.8-4Sinclair Inlet ViewImpactsSource: BERK, August 2011The following sections assess potential aesthetic impacts for three alternatives. The assessment considers theprojected growth associated with each alternative as well as the proposed Watershed Framework &Characterization Plan and Subarea Plan measures that would affect the aesthetic characteristics of the built andnatural environment.When assessing aesthetic impacts, it is important to acknowledge that the aesthetic preferences of individualviewers varies, and what one perceives as a negative impact, another may see as neutral or positive. Considerationis given to the comments received during the public process, as noted above. These comments indicate a level ofagreement regarding the positive attributes of the natural scenery present within the watershed, as well as thenegative attributes of the highway-dominated, haphazard development present in the UGA. Other considerationsinclude generally accepted urban design principles regarding land use compatibility, cohesiveness of designcharacter, potential conflicts of building height, bulk, and scale, and view impacts.IMPACTS COMMON TO ALL ALTERNATIVESVISUAL CHARACTERWatershedImpacts to the visual character of the CUL, SKIA, and McCormick Woods would be minimal for all alternatives,including Alternative 1. The CUL would continue to be managed as undeveloped or for limited resource-orientedDraft | June 2013 3-121