Environmental Assessment

Build Alternative ImpactSection 4(f) and Section 6(f) Resources 5There is no direct use of properties subject to Section 4(f)and Section 6(f).Proximity impacts to Section 4(f) properties:Access: No impacts to existing accessVisual, noise and vibration impacts to historic properties(see previous row for specifics). Proximity impacts would notbe so severe as to result in a constructive use of theresource.There are no Section 6(f) resources in the study area;therefore, there are no adverse impacts.Visual and AestheticsModerate effect for Downtown Mill Ave due to contrastbetween the gray concrete trackway and the black asphaltroadway and patterned intersection treatments andcrosswalks.There will be moderate effects from the removal of existingstreetscape elements along Rio Salado Pkwy between MillAve and the east side of the Hayden Ferry Lakesidedevelopment, as well as some tree removal along ApacheBlvd.TPSS candidate sites may result in moderate effectdepending on locations selected.Overall, the project would not substantially alter the generalurban visual character. With implementation of Valley Metrodesign standards and mitigation measures, the BuildAlternative would have no adverse visual impacts.Mitigation MeasureWhen there is no direct or constructive use of a Section 4(f) property, measures to minimize harm are not required.Nevertheless, Valley Metro has committed to the following:• Access to Section 4(f) properties will be maintained during construction.• For additional measures to minimize harm to Section 4(f) properties, see mitigation measures related to visual,noise and vibration impacts provided under “Historic/Cultural Properties” (above).• The project will conform to guidance and specifications contained in the Urban Design Standards, Tempe StreetcarUrban Design Guidelines, and other Valley Metro applicable design criteria for stations, stops, landscape, etc.,which include methods to minimize moderate visual and aesthetic impacts from the Build Alternative, lessen thevisual intrusion of the trackway, and generally blend the project’s features into the existing setting.• Where existing streetscape elements or trees must be removed, Valley Metro will replace streetscape elements inkind or transplant trees, where ROW allows. Once the extent of tree loss is quantified, when the design is morerefined, Valley Metro will work with the City of Tempe to develop acceptable solutions to the loss of mature treesand other important streetscape elements.• During final design, Valley Metro will incorporate appropriate shielding of TPSSs using techniques such as screenwalls and vegetation and take advantage of grade changes and mature vegetation to screen TPSS buildings,minimize the size and contrast of TPSS and signal building access drives with appropriate landscape surfacematerials and place TPSS buildings out of drivers’ cones of vision (20 to 30 degrees from the left side of the travellane) when on side.Environmental Assessment Page ES-14 July 2015Tempe Streetcar