The new standard means a more extensive review process for development proposals that are 150 feet or further from residential areas or are expected to generate more than 50 car trips during peak hours, Assistant Community Development Director Greg Herrmann said. Projects in one or both of those categories must conduct a complete California Environmental Quality Act analysis, which includes air quality and traffic impact studies, Herrmann said.
Critics of the amendment argue that city officials did not adequately analyze the potential financial ramifications of the new development standards.
Since Crown's plan for approximately 104,000 square feet of office space and 291,000 square feet of retail space fell into the 50-trip category during peak hours, planners chose to revisit the project before moving forward, O'Neil said.
"We want to build a product that is welcomed by the community," he said. "It's something we pride ourselves in and we like to work with cities and build products that are needed and wanted."
Several large potential retail users, as well as a hotel group, have expressed interest in being a part of the project, O'Neil said.
A proposal from developer M. David Paul and Associates for 150,000 square feet of office space will also be subject to the new development standards. M. David Paul has made no indications of withdrawing its development application, city planner Michael Forbes said.
M. David Paul could not be reached for comment.
