Initial Study MND - Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and ...

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Taylor MountainINITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATIONarea resulting in a small number of new trips."The general assertion that there is low traffic in the area isunsupported. There must be a basis for making a statement or thestatement does not constitute substantial evidence that traffic is lowor will remain low. The IS/MND does not give any measure of thecurrent status or condition of the road or of how much vehicle trafficcould potentially increase or how the influx of additional pedestriansand bicyclists will affect roadway volumes. The real life experiencesof the residents do not comport with the conclusions in theIS/MND. In addition, the level of traffic is only one measure of thefeasibility and appropriateness of increasing traffic in aneighborhood that is accessed by very narrow winding roadways, whereno sidewalks or even shoulders exist, and where blind curves are acurrent problem. There has been a vehicle fatality in thisneighborhood already.Traffic volumes are a factor, but over all safety is arguablymore important. I for one have encountered on-coming traffic in mylane on Holland Heights Road many times over the years that I havelived here. Because there are no shoulders on the road or sidewalks,local children and older residents must evade cars when they attemptto walk through the neighborhood (see photo attached).3. TRAFFIC IMPACTS UNDER ESTIMATEDBecause this access point is billed as the highest point ofelevation into the park, it will likely be very popular. Parking,however is proposed to be limited en route to, and at, the accesspoint. Individuals and groups that come to this spot to enter the parkwill be dropped of and picked up at the top of Panorama drive -approximately a mile above Bennett Valley Road, via a steep inferiorroad with many blind curves (see photo attached). Those that are notdropped off will have to ride or walk on the shoulderless roadway intraffic's way causing serious safety issues. As proposed, theincreased number of vehicle trips will significantly increase thehazards for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclist alike.The assertion that the access point would have the potential toincrease vehicle trips no more than two an hour is not supported andimproperly minimizes potential impacts. The current trafficconditions are already challenging for residents and traffic wouldlikely be significantly increased more at certain times of the dayand certain times of the week. Again, the limited parking idea at thetop does not restrict use. The "intentions" of the preparers of theIS/MND not withstanding, an access point will be available and used byresidents from all over the County on a drop off/pick up basisactually increasing traffic concerns. Footnote 1Bath-Watt a.k.a Panorama Drive has an existing unimproved roadto the radio tower and a dirt road to an existing barn. The barn isFinal APP-18 September 2012
Taylor MountainINITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATIONslated to be renovated, provide special event accommodations, horsefacility, out door classroom, restrooms, parking, pinic tables, nighttime lighting, and last but not least a kissing gate. These proposeduses and attractions have the potential to increase car, van,trailer, and even bus traffic on Holland Heights Road and Panoramadrive. These impacts must be evaluated and have not.Upgrading this roadway is one way to accommodate increasedvehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic. There may be modificationsto the Master Plan for example crafting a narrower easement (formerlythe Nunes/Russell easement) at the Bath-Watt property that might alsoresolve my concerns. An access point that is truly to serve a limitednumber of vehicles and perhaps a plan that guides pedestrians andcyclists to more appropriate and safer routes to access points athigher elevations could address the traffic issue. The future uses ofthe Park are ambitious, more appropriate access points have not beenevaluated, significant increased traffic and use at Bath-Watt arehighly foreseeable, and safety has to this point been improperly overlooked.The IS/MND alludes to a residential parking permit program. Thisis not satisfactory as described above. Many users of the park willhave to be dropped off at the trailhead do to the attemptedrestrictions on parking. This can actually increase traffic on thesenarrow roads. In addition, a residential parking program relies uponresidents to enforce by calling the sheriff and or tow trucks to comeup to the neighborhood and compel drivers to leave. This is anuntenable solution. The sheriff has more important things to do andwill likely not place the parking problem high on the list ofpriorities leaving the local residents to wait as the narrow streetsare encroached upon by additional vehicles. I am hoping that theDistrict will consider these concerns and seek to modify the accesspotential in the short- and long-term.Parking near Bennett Valley Road will predictably increase andthis impact has also not been evaluated. The analysis of City andCounty road departments must occur at the earliest point in theprocess as possible to determine the feasibility of thisaccess point. This information must be available for publicreview. There needs to be much stronger assurances that the accesspoint will not have an unreasonable impact on safety and that once theMaster Plan is approved, future uses will not impact roadway safetysignificantly.4. ALTERNATIVESThe emphasis on providing access to people with physicaldisabilities to the view from Panorama Drive is commendable. Thataccess is essentially available now. Reasonable alternatives to theBath-Watt "staging area" exist and should be evaluated for disabledaccess potential. For example, there are wonderful views for everySeptember 2012 APP-19 Final
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Initial Study MND - Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and ...

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