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YOSEMITE SCHOOL AREASPECIFIC PLAN

IJANUARY 1988

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CITY OF FRESNODEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

PLANNING DIVISION

I YOSEMITE SCHOOL AREASPECIFIC PLAN

JANUARY 1988

CITY OF FRESNO

CITY OF FRESNOFRESNO, CALIFORNIA

COUNCIL MEMBERS

Dale Doig, Mayor

Les Kimber, Mayor Pro TemporeRod AnaforianKaren Humphrey

PLANNING COMMISSIONERS

Nora Laikam, Chairperson

Octavia Diener. Vice-ChairpersonBill BrewsterRutherford Gaston

Tom MacMichaelChris PetersenCraig Scharton

Sheridan Loyd. Leslie MooreJohn Quintero

YOSEMITE SCHOOL AREA SPECIFIC PLANUPDATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Joe Maslach. ChairmanJan Whitteberry, Vice-ChairmanJon AdamsLucille AllanRoselyn ClarkFrances Dela TorreDavid FacioPhillip GoochAl Harrow

5414T/24.2

Gloria HerediaThomas PerchJeane Perry

Peggy PollardNoel Searcy

Sergio StanzialeMary Wickam

Bob Johanson

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION

I. YOSEMITE SCHOOL AREA SPECIFIC PLAN-GOALS.POLICIES AND EXHIBITS

Problem Statement

Purpose

Goals

Policies

Land Use and Circulation Plan Exhibit

Rezoning to Implement ReducedDensity Exhibit

II. BACKGROUND DOCUMENT - DESCRIPTION OF EXISTINGCONDITIONS AND PLAN UPDATE PROCESS

Introduction

Public Participation

Existing Conditions

Problems. Strategies and Conclusions

Maps of Existing Condition&

APPENDIX

I. NEGATIVE DECLARATION/ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

II. ORDINANCE NO. 88-9 ADOPTING THE YOSEMITE SCHOOLAREA SPECIFIC PLAN

III. EXCERPT OF JANUARY 12. 1988. CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

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YOSEMITE SCHOOL AREA SPECIFIC PLAN ­GOALS. POLICIES AND PLAN EXHIBITS

PROBLEM STATEMENT

On January 27. 1987. the Fresno City Council declared a moratoriumon the processing of rezoning requests for multiple familyresidential and intensive nonresidential uses within the YosemiteJunior High Specific Plan area. in response to requests by arearesidents. the Fresno City police Department and the FresnoUnified School District to halt new apartment construction. Thismoratorium applied to a 160-acre area bounded by East McKinley.North Cedar. East Olive and North Millbrook Avenues. The CityCouncil further directed that the specific plan be reevaluated andappointed an advisory commi ttee of neighborhood residents.property owners and community representatives to participate inthis process. This decision became imperative after publichearings and neighborhood meetings were conducted to considerseveral proposals for additional mUltiple family res.identialzoning. Under increased scrutiny it became apparent tha tneighborhood problems and deficiencies had increased dramaticallyin recent years.

The Yosemite Junior High Specific Plan was adopted as an ordinanceon March 4. 1976. in order to promote the revitalization of anolder deteriorating semi-rura I neighborhood. This spec if ic planendorsed single family residential development for the north halfof the neighborhood and intensive multiple family residentialdevelopment for the south half. Since adoption of the plan. thenumber of dwelling units within the area has increaseddramatically from 342 to 868. However. this development has notbeen balanced and only nine of the 545 new residences were singlefamily residences.

The specific plan was intended to promote the development ofcompatible uses and p r ov i de . for the impr9v~ment ot.-theneighborhood's environment. However. land use conflicts increasedwith the proliferation of intensive poorly designed multiplefamily residential development throughout the area. Theassociated increase in the neighborhood's population alsosignificantly increased the need for both private and publicfacilities and services such as po I i ce , schools. streets. openspace and recreation. However. adequate improvements. faci I i tiesand services have not kept pace or been required as a condition ofdevelopment to meet this need. Although new development hasoccurred as planned. the quality of the neighborhood's environmenthas declined.

The development of poorly designed high density mUltiple familyresidential complexes with few on-site amenities. recreationfacilities or open spaces and inadequate landscaped bUffers andindifferent property management have intensified neighborhood

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problems and deficiencies to an intolerable level. In recognitionof these factors the Fresno Unified School District, Fresno CityPolice Department and Fresno City Development Department haverecommended that no additional multiple family residentialdevelopment occur until a strategy can be devised to address thesespecific issues.

The Police Department has experienced extremely high numbers ofcalls for service from apartment complexes with correspondinglyhigh incidences of c r ime. Vanda 1ism has increased s ignif icant lyon the Yosemite school campus. The sale of illegal drugs becameso rampant at some locations that special drug enforcementmeasures were required. Confrontat ions between groups of peoplefrom different ethnic origins have been reported and drug relatedviolence has occurred. Residents complain of incidences oftrespass, vandalism and intimidation.

The Fresno Unified School District has reported that the capacityof Yosemite Middle School has been reached and that a year-roundinstruction schedule will be instituted. Limited school sitefacilities are already being used by the Fresno City Parks andRecreation Department to provide supervised after school andevening recreation activities for yo~ng people as a substitute forunsupervised street act ivi ties. The streets, however, rema Lncongested with parked vehicles, high traffic and residents whohave few other alternatives outdoor areas to spend their eveninghours.

This update of the. specific plan was precipitated by the growingdissatisfaction with neighborhood conditions expressed byresidents at several City Council pUblic hearings. A list ofneighborhood deficiencies was presented to the City Council onJanuary 27, ~987, reSUlting in the mandate for the re-analysis andupdate of the specific plan.

Neighborhood deficiencies and problems which have been identifiedby City Staff and neighborhood residents or: property owners areidentified as follows:

~. High crime rates and drug activity, vandalism, poor propertymanagement and inadequate neighborhood cooperation in crimeprevention programs.

2. The failure of past planning policies to resolve problems ofexcessive residential density, land use and zoning conflicts,irregUlar parcelization. poor access and deterioratedneighborhood conditions which have inhibited the developmentof single family residences within balanced neighborhood.

3 . Excessive residential densities with deficientstandards for adequate on-s i te open space,faci 1 i ties. access contro1, crime prevent ionmeasures to promote land use capability.

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developmentrecreation

and design

4. Lack of stoLm water dLainage facilities andimprovements such as curbs. gutters and sidewalks.

street

S. Inadequate property maintenance. uns ight ly conditions. zoningviolations. substandard housing and excessive littering.

6. High local stLeet traffic and inadequate on-street parking andtraffic contLol measures.

7. Inadequate local street circulation between East Floradora andEast McKinley Avenues.

8. Inadequate student capacity at Yosemite Middle School andsurrounding elementary schools.

9. Lack of readily available recreation facilities and supervisedactivities for neighborhood young people.

It is the intent of this plan update to establish po l t c i.e s andp r oqz ams that can be expected to exe r t a positive influence uponthe quality of life within the Yosemite School planning area. ThepLiority of this plan is to identify meaSULes and strategies whichare implementable and action oriented addressing both theimmediate needs of the neighborhood and the long-range improvementof conditions.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this specific plan is to promote an enhancedneighborhood living environment through the adoption andimplementation of a systematic plan consisting of land use andcirculation elements. property development standards. a communitydevelopment program to provide street improvements. pub l.i.cfacilities and housing rehabilitation and a crime preventioncommunity organization strategy.

GOALS

I. Establish land use and circulation elements that accommodatenew development and vehicular and pedestrian access in am.anner which will improve the neighborhood I s physicalenvironment and promote compatible land use relationships.

I I. Formulate a community development and improvement program torectify street. stoLm dLainage and pUblic facilitydeficiencies. and to promote new development and propertyrehabilitation.

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III. Establish standards to assure that future development willcontribute to an improved neighborhood living environment andwill not generate excessive demands upon community facilitiesand services.

IV. Pursue a crime prevent ion. community organizat ion andrecreation strategy which will stimulate the participation ofall res idents. landlords and property managers in an ef fortto reduce neighborhood crime and promote a sense of personalwell-being and security.

POLICIES

I. Land Use and Circulation

. A. In order to reduce demands upon neighborhood resourcesand establish a balance of housing types and tenure ofres idency. new res ident ial development shall conform tothe medium density residential plan designation (S to10.37 dwelling units per acre) and consist of singlefamily owner occupied residences. Rezoning applications.conditional use permits site plan reviews. variances.subdivision maps and parcel maps filed to authorizedevelopment within the specific plan area shall beconsistent with planned uses as determined in accordancewith Section 12-403 of the Fresno Municipal Code and anysubsequent amendments.

B. All mUltiple family residential zoned property. which isvacant or developed with a single family residence. shallbe rezoned to R-l single family residential.

C. Commercial and office uses shall be limited to thosesites designated on the adopted specific plan map asfollows: lSS8 and lS80 North Millbrook Avenue (office):4169 and 4193 East Olive Avenue (NeighborhoodCommercial) : 4178 East Floradora Avenue (HeavyCommercial): 4099 and 4101 East Floradora Avenue(Neighborhood Commercial).

D. The City of Fresno shall pursue the closing of East HomeAvenue at North Eleventh Avenue or prohibit streetparking along East Rome Avenue.

E. The City of Fresno shall investigate efforts towardreducing existing' land use conflicts north of EastFloradora Avenue by purchasing the multiple fami lyresidential property located at the northwest corner ofEast Floradora and North Ninth Avenues. demolishing themultiple family residential structures and promoting thedevelopment of the property with single family ~esidences

sub j e c t; to availability of: l)funding: 2)detailed staffreview: and 3)final Council approval.

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F. The City ofredevelopmentarea.

Fresno shall pursue the formation of adistrict to include the Yosemite Planning

G. In order to facilitate the development of single familyresidences throughout the plan area. effoI:ts to p r ov i d epublic or private vehicular access to undeveloped areasand utilization of mUltiple family zoning to accommodatesmall planned unit developments (under ~.8 acres in area)shall be supported.

II. Community Development and Improvement

A. Formation of an improvement district shall be pursued bythe City of Fresno in order to complete partiallydeveloped or absent street and flood control improvementsthroughout the planning area. and construct newfacilities where essential to the planned circulationsystem or appropriate to promote implementation ofplanned uses.

B. The City shall consider the needs of this neighboI:hood incomparison to other areas when allocating C.D.B.G. orother grant funds for community improvements.

C. Utilization of the City's housing rehabilitation programwithin the Yosemite Planning Area shall be promoted byimplementing an active two year marketing strategy.

D. The City of Fresno shall pursue opportunities tofacilitate new single family residential developmentthrough coopera t i ve efforts of local. state and federalgoveI:nments. the private housing construction industryand nonprofit housing corporations.

E. Street improvement plans shall be reviewed with the areapI:operty owners in orde~ to consider alternative designssuch as the existence or placement of sidewalk(contiguous sidewalk and curb. curvalinear alignment. nosidewalk. et.al.).

F. Recreation and playground facilities developed by theCity of Fresno shall be designed in consultation withneighborhood residents and noticed in accordance with theLocal Planning and Procedures Ordinance in order to meetthe recreational needs of the'I:esidents of the immediateneighborhood rather than the larger community. reduce theneighborhood' s exposure to those not interested in theneighborhood' s well-being and minimize nuisances tonearby residents.

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G. The City of Fresno shall pursue the development of apocket park with children's playground equipment south ofEast Floradora Avenue. in cooperation with expansion ofthe Yosemite school grounds south to East Olive Avenue.

III. Property Improvement Standards

A. New multiple family residential uses shall not bedesignated within the planning area until such time asdevelopment standards are established to require adequateopen space. on-s i te recreation oppo r t un i ties and crimeprevention design measures and it is determined that theuse is consistent with the objective of achieving abalance of housing types.

B. All new development shall comply with measures identifiedby the Police Department and Development Department(appealable in accordance with the Fresno City ZoningOrdinance). which promote controlled access and communitysurveillance of all common areas and facilities.

C. Within one year of the date of adoption of this plan theCity of Fresno shall survey all properties within theplanning area and initiate appropriate action to enforceall a.pplicable zoning. property development and hous ingstandards necessary to stimulate the rehabilitation ofsubstandard dwellings and poorly maintained properties.

IV. Recreation. Community Organization and Crime Prevention

A. Implement a recreation and community safety program whichwill utilize the combined resources and facilities of thevarious public agencies (Police Department. Parks.Recreation and Community Services Department. SchoolDistrict • Flood Control District) which are available tothis neighborhood.

B. The Fresno Police Department will develop a crimeprevention network within the plan area by organizing allresidents including apartment tenants into neighborhoodgroups. The Department wi 11 respond to ident if iedneighborhood police problems through the use of availableresources such as patrol officers. the Patrol TacticalTeam. Police Narcotics Enforcement Team and NeighborhoodNarcotics Enforcement Team.

C. The Police Department will meet with apartment owners andmanagers in the plan area to discuss crime problems. andperform apartment complex security evaluations. Eachapartment owner will be responsible for correcting allsecurity deficiencies identified by the Department.report ing i llega1 act ivities. establ ishing rules of

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rental agreement and evicting problem tenants. Residentmanagers are required for multiple family residentialcomplexes with ten or more dwelling units.

D. The Po 1ice Department wi 11 conduct per iod ic neighborho,odmeetings to discuss the status of pub l t c safety in theplan area.

E. Biannual reports shall be given to the City Councilduring the first two years following the plan updateWhich summarizes the crime prevention activitiesconducted, the number and type of police calls for:service experienced in the neighborhood and the degree ofpart icipat ion of area res idents in the crime prevent ionprogram (specifically identifying the participation ofmUltiple family residential property owners and managers).

F. Additional measures to encourage the participation oflandlords and property managers or to recoup costs ofextraordinary allocation of staff time to addressproblems created by poor property management shall beexamined (such as increased business license fees formUltiple family residential owners).

G. In order to enhance the safety and secur i ty of nearbyresidents the City of Fresno shall work with the FresnoIrrigation District and adjacent property owners in orderto obtain fencing and other access controls to Mill Ditchand no future pedestrian crossing of Mill Ditch shall beimplemented.

H. The City of Fresno shall pursue the creation of aneighborhood association to monitor the implementation ofthe specific plan and report biannually to the CityCouncil on neighborhood conditions and priorities forfuture action during the first two years following theplan update.

DU:ck4787/242

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YOSEMITE SCHOOL AREA SPECIFIC PLANLAND USE AND CIRCULATION ELEMENT

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LOCAL

---AMENDMENTS

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PLANNING DIVISION•

SUGGESTED LOCAL

Vehicular acceaa to be provided Inaccordance with plan policies.

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PUBLIC FACILITY~ PUBLIC FACILITIES

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~ PONDING BASIN

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YOSEMITE SCHOOL AREA SPECIFIC PLANREZONING ·TO IMPLEMENT REDUCED DENSITY .

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LEGEND~ MULTIPLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONED PROPERTY TO BE~ REZONED TO R-I SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL .

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BACKGROUND DOCUMENTDESCRIPTION OF EXISTING CONDITIONS

AND PLAN UPDATE PROCESS

INTRODUCTION

The Fresno City Council adopted the Yosemite Junior High AreaSpecific Plan as an ordinance on March 4. 1976. applying to a 160acre neighborhood bounded by East McKinley. North Cedar. tastOlive and North Millbrook Avenues. At that time this planningarea was characterized as an underdeveloped semi-ruralneighborhood surrounded by urban development. In addition tovacant or agricultural land the neighborhood accommodatedprimarily single family residences with a few scattered muLt.Lp l,efamily and commercial uses. Irregular parcelization. deterioratedhousing conditions and absence of pUblic street and drainageimprovements appeared to be substantial obstacles to neighborhoodreinvestment. The railroad track on Floradora Avenue and Mi 11Ditch along the south side of East McKinley Avenue posedcirculation and aesthetic barriers. Approximately 25 percent oft.he neighborhood had already been zoned R-3 multiple familyresidential by Fresno County which could prompt the development ofland use conflicts throughout the neighborhood.

The Yosemite Junior High Area Specific Plan was prepared in aneffort to arrest further deterioration and promote rehabilitationof an inner-city area neighborhood. It was the intention of thespecific plan to provide a more livable environment by resolvingland use conflicts. improving the quality of housing conditions.encouraging new development and mitigating nuisances and unsightlyconditions. The plan's land use and circulation elements depictedintensive mUltiple family residential uses south of East FloradoraAvenue. primarily single family residential uses north of EastFloradora Avenue and suggested' alignments for additionalt:esidential str:eets to accommodate new development. The plan alsorecommended a neighborhood improvement program for housingrehabilitation and the construction of street improvements.

Since adoption of the specific plan a substantial amount of highdensity mUltiple family residential development has occurredincreasing the number of dwelling units within the neighborhoodfrom 342 to 876. However. a balanced residential environment hasnot been achieved as only eight of the 545 new residences weresingle family residences. Conflicting land use patterns have beenperpetuated as multiple family residential development occurredthroughout the area and neighborhood problems and deficiencieshave become more severe.

The residents of single family homes expressed increasing concernfor the declining quality of the neighborhood's living environment

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as intensive multiple family ~esidential development occu~~ed.

s eve r a l community meetings and pub Li,c he a t Lnq s we~e conducted in1986 and 1987 to conside~ neighbo~hood opposition to a ~equest fo~

R-3 mUltiple family ~esidential zoning. Nume~ous deficiencies inthe neighbo r ho od 's phys ica1 and soc io-economic condit ions. whichappe a r ed to t h r e a t e n the viability of the ne Lqhbo r tio od ' s livingenvi~onment. we~e identified by ~esidents and public agencies ..

lnc~eased neighbo~hood population accommodated by high densityr e s i.derrt Le t development has c t e a t ed excessive demands uponne i.qhbo r ho od z e s ou r c e s . Sidewalk. cu r b , pavement and s t o rm wate~

d~ainage imp~ovements ~emain deficient while the st~eets havebecome congested with vehicle t~affic and pedest~ians. Limitedschool facilities a~e being st~essed by inc~easing studente nz o L'Lme n t and the need fo~ r e ad i.Ly assessible open space and~ec~eational oppo~tunities. Lack of p~ivate facilities within thehigh density ~esidential complexes has necessitated the use of theschool campus fo~ supe~vised activities as a sUbstitute fo~

unsupe~vised st~eet activities.

lnc~eased c~ime. illegal d~ug activity. vandalism and violencehave been expe~ienced by the neighbo~hood. The F~esno City PoliceDepa~tment has ~epo~ted ext~emely high numbe~s of calls fo~

se~vice and incidences of c~ime within the neighbo~hood. Speciald~ug enfo~cement p~og~ams have been utilized to combat the sellingof illegal d~ugs which was ~ampant in some po~tions of theneighbo~hood. Residents. p~ope~ty owne~s and pUblic agencies~epo~t inc~eased occu~ences of t~espass. vandalism andintimidation. D~ug ~elated violence has occu~~ed includinghomicide. and conf~ontations between g~oups of people f~om

diffe~ent ethnic o~igins have been ~eported.

The intensity of ne Lqhbo r nood problems has been associated withthe recent development fo~ high density, poo~ly designed andill-managed multiple family ~esidential complexes. Thesecomplexes gene~ally lack usable open space and r ec r e a tLon a r ea s ,p~ovi4e no landscaped buffers. ~llowuncont~olled access to thep r ope r t.y , implement few· o r no c r Lme prevention techniques andappea~ to exercise few legitimate commonly accepted ~ules oftenancy.

Upon examination it became inc~easingly appa~ent that the qualityof the neighbo=hood's living envi~onment was sUffe~ing. TheF~esno Unified School Dist~ict, F~esno City Police Depa~tment andF~esno City Development Department ~ecommended that additionalmultiple family ~esidences not be developed until neighbo~hood

p~oblems could be ~esolved. Based upon this info~mation and theser e commendat t ons the City Council. on January 27. 1987 decla~ed amo~ato~ium on intensive development within the neighbo~hood. TheCouncil fu~the~ d i r e c t ed that the specific plan be updated andappointed on adviso~y committee to assist in this effo~t.

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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

A citizen's advisory committee consisting of neighborhoodresidents. property owners. potential property developers andrepresentatives of community organizations and pUblic agencies wasestablished by the City Council to assist in the specific planupdate. Committee meetings were conducted approximately twice amonth over an eight month period to examine neighborhood issuesand formulate plan update recommendations. The advisory committeeestablished a continuing pub l i.c forum in which ideas andinformation concerning neighborhood issues could be exchanged.This facilitated a continuity of communication between staff andthe pUblic that was not provided when the specific plan wasoriginally prepared.

During the preparation of the Yosemite Junior High Specific Planin 1975 a community meeting was conducted to receiverecommendations from area residents and property owners. Apreference was expressed at the meeting for a plan which wouldaccommodate intensive R-3 zoned mUltiple family residentialdevelopment throughout the entire neighborhood. After furtherconSUltation. the staff at that time concluded that primarilynonresident property owners had been more assertive in promotingtheir interest in maximizing development opportunities andpotential property values. A neighborhood survey was subsequentlyconducted from which the staff concluded that resident propertyowners overWhelmingly supported maintaining a rural or singlefamily residential environment.

Designation of an an advisory committee for the plan updateprovided an opportunity for those representing variousperspectives to participate throughout the entire review process.Neighborhood issues and problems were examined in consultationwith representatives of those pUblic agencies having the authorityor expertise to address them. Upon completion of this review thecommittee selected goals and policies 'Which formulate a strategyto improve the neighborhood's quality of life. As specificmeasur~s were identified to address neighborhood problems orpromote desired improvements. it became clear that a completereconstruction of the specific plan was being formulated.

The product of the committee I s and staff's effort is an actionoriented po 1icy plan advocating that assert ive measures be takenby public agencies and neighborhood residents to improve 1 ivingconditions. The majority of the participating committee membersconcluded that the severe nature of the problems confronting thisneighborhood justifies an extraordinary strategy. This strategyincludes a reversal of past development trends. increased pub LLcinterest in the management of private property and activeinvolvement in neighborhood affairs.

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EXISTING CONDITIONS

Land Use and Zoning

The Yosemite School Specific Plan cove~s a total a~ea ofa pp r ox i.mat e Ly 160 a c r e s and is bounded by a r t e r La L s t.r e e t s (EastMcKinley and No r t ti Ceda~ Avenues) along the no r t n and east. andc o Ll.e c t o t s t r e e t s along the south and west (East Olive and NorthMillb~ook Avenues). A net usable a~ea of app~oximately 132 ac~es

~emains afte~ excluding existing public ~ights-of-way and thei~~igation canal. Of the ~emaining 132 developable ac~es 28.6% isused fo~ single family ~esidences (37.8 ac~es). Since 1976mUltiple family ~esidentia1 uses have expanded f~om 6 pe~cent (8.2ac r e s ) to 24 p e r c e nt, (32 a c r e s ) of the developable a r e a , Publicand quasi-public uses including the school campus and the stormwate~ ponding basin consume 21 pe~cent (27.4 ac~es). Only 1pe~cent (1.6 acres) is used fo~ comme~cial o~ p~ivate officepur po s e s while 21 percent (27.4 ac r e s ) r ema i na vacant. .

Seventy-six ac~es o~ SO pe~cent of the developable area continuesto be zoned R-A Single Family R~sidential-AgI:icultu~al and only2. 9 ac r e s is zoned R-1 Single Family Residential. A r anq e ofmultiple family I:esidential zoning ~anging from R-2-A (16.13dwelling unitspe~ ac~e-single story) to R-3 (29 units pe~ ac~e-3

1/2 s t.o r Les ) exists on 45. 7 ac r e s of which 27 a c r e s have beendeveloped. An additional 5.2 ac r e az ea , zoned R-P (Residentialand P~ofessional). and C-P (Administ~ative and P~ofessional

Office). has been developed with mUltiple family I:esidences.

The map of existing land uses illust~ates the spoI:adic nature inwhich the development of mUltiple family residential property hasoccur r ed . Although mu l t.Lp Le family uses were designated in 1976fOI: the ar e a south of East Florado~a Avenue many single familyr e s Ldence s r ema i.n , Several single family homes a r e individuallyis.olated by multiple family development while others enjoy ameaau r e of cantLnui t.y wi thin···-smal1··-~n:claves of single familyhomes. conve r s e ty , thea~ea no c t n of East Fl()·rado~a Avenue. whichwas intended to be a single family ~esidential neighbo~hood. hasbeen enc~oached upon by multiple family ~esidential development.

Public and quasi-public uses a~e significant aspects of theneighbo~hood due to thei~ size. location. intensity andcha r ac t e r . These uses include chur c he s , social club. i~ rigat iondistrict administrative office. school campus and sto~m waterponding basin. Other nonresidential uses include several smalloffice or commercial properties. While not significant in sizethey are impo~tant in the conside~ation of land use compatibilityand neighboI:hood stability.

Seve~al nonresidential zoning violations above occu~red within theneighborhood. some of which seem to be chronic. These uses haveincluded a contractor's yard. automobile storage and repair. and a

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grocery store. A neighborhood delicatessen at the northeastcorner of East Floradora and North Eleventh Avenues and officebuildings on East Olive Avenue have continued as nonconforminguses for many years. Zoning enforcement actions have beeninitiated on illegal uses including the conversion of an officebuilding on East Olive Avenue into a grocery store.

Vacant or underdeveloped properties remain throughout theneighborhood in various shapes and sizes. Haphazard parcelizationhas resulted in the creation of lots with little or no streetaccess or irregular boundaries. These characteristics haveimpaired the City's ability to systematically implement land usepolicies.

Sanitary Sewer. Water. Streets and Storm Water Drainage

Sanitary sewer collection and pUblic water supply pipelines existthroughout the majority of the planning area. The propertiesfronting along North Ninth Street between East Floradora Avenueand Mill Ditch comprise the majority of developed parcels which donot have access to these facilities. Capacity to accommodateintensive development is limited but is more than adequate formedium density residential development.

Major streets border the neighborhood on four sides. EastMcKinley Avenue and North Cedar Avenue along the north and eastsides are classified arterial streets. East Olive Avenue andNorth Millbrook Avenue along the south and west sides areclassified collector streets. East Olive and East McKinleyAvenues have been recently repaved or reconstructed and aredeveloped to their ultimate width. Neither North Cedar Avenue norNorth Millbrook Avenue are developed to their ultimate width.although Cedar Avenue has four travel lanes and a center turnlane. Millbrook Avenue is developed with only two travel lanesrather than four. Vehicle circulation is inhibited by lack ofaccess to East McKinley. due to the Mill Ditch. and awkward East'Floradora Avenue intersect Lens at North Cedar and North Mi llbrookAvenues. due to the railroad spur track.

Street pavement. curb. gutter and sidewalk improvements cont inueto be deficient. Sporadic development has resulted inintermittent improvements without continuity. Lack of streetimprovements detracts from the neighborhood's appearance andfrustrates pedestrian and vehicular movement particularly with themore recent mul t Lp Le family development. East Floradora Avenue.with the railroad spur track running along the middle. remains asignificant problem without CUI:bs and s t r e e t crossing controls.The existing gI:id street pattern henders development of smalliI:I:egularly shaped paI:cels while allowing tI:affic conflictsbetween incompatible uses.

Master planned storm water dI:ainage facilities do not exist forthe major portion of this aI:ea. The absence of curb. gutter and

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d~ainage pipelines causes localized flooding of st~eets which is anuisance to p~ope~ty owne~s and vehicle t~affic.

P~elimina~y full-cost estimates fo~ sto~m d~ainage imp~ovements

indicate that p t ope r t y assessments for this Lmp r oveme rrt districtwould fa~ exceed any p~eviously fo~med by the Fresno Met~opolitan

Flood Cont~ol Dist~ict. These costs togethe~ with the expense ofs t r aa t Lmp r oveme nt.s may be a financial bu r d e n too La r q e for mostp~ope~ty owners to accept. It appears that implementation ofthese neighborhood imp~ovements is dependent upon the availabilityof financial assistance such as Community Development Block Grantfunding.

Housing

Since adoption of the specific plan in 1976 the neighborhood hase xpe r t e nc e d r ama t ic changes in i ts r e s ident ial envi.r onment . Thear ea is no Lonq e r a semi-rural single family residentialneighborhood but a conflicting mixture of residential densitiesand vacant property. In 1976 the neighborhood contained 342dwelling units of Which 162 were single family residences and 180were multiple family residences. Since that time 545 new dwellingunits have been const~ucted of which only eight were single familyresidences. The balance of housing types has shifted from 52percent multiple family residential to 83 percent multiple family.

Neighborhood stability has been jeopa~dized by a sudden andextreme change in residential tenure. Only 50 percent of theneighborhood's single family dwellings and only eight pe~cent ofthe total dwelling units are occupied by the owner. This lack ofstability may be reflected in an apparent hesitation to maintainor improve property conditions. Housing conditions appear to havecontinued to deteriorate since 1976 with several structures havingbeen abandoned.

Neighborhood conditions and high vacancy rates have also affected-theabi1 i ty or -will ingness .af;-"iUulti-pleo-family"pr:-oper:tyowners-n)'-'­maintain propert ies in good condit ion. Severa 1 0 lder complexeshave deteriorated in appearance and physical condition since1976. Even newer complexes show signs of deferred maintenancewith damaged units remaining vacant and unrepaired.

Schools

Student enrollments have increased significantly in central cityarea schools over the past five years including those serving theYosemite School planning area. Several new elementary schoolsites will be sought in the next five years to meet this need.The Yosemite School campus. which has been changed from a juniorhigh with three grades to a middle school with only two-grades isalso nearing its 1.000 student capacity.

- 15 -

The Fresno Unified School District is considering changing to ayear-round instructional schedule and adding portable buildings

·to increase capacity. However, the fifteen acre campus is alreadysmaller than preferable and the addition of classrooms willincrease neighborhood congestion and demands on other facilities.

Since the development of intensive mul t.Lp l,e family uses in theneighborhood the school has experienced increasing use andproperty damage. Unauthorized use of the campus by individuals orgroups has increased maintenance obligations and created nuisancesto nearby residents.

Parks and Recreation

The nearest city park to this neighborhood is Romain which is amile to the southwest. The Yosemite campus and the ponding basinboth located within the neighborhood provide the closest openspace and recreational areas. However. the ponding basin isdeeply excavated and also serves as a groundwater recharge basin.It represents an enticing but potentially dangerous outdooractivity opportunity. Although fenced. it has been used bytrespassing youngsters and was the site of a tragedy in the fallof ~987 when two young boys drowned.

Since December. ~986. the City of Fresno Parks and RecreationDepartment has operated a neighborhood recreation program at theYosemite School campus. This program provides supervised athleticand recreational activities during nonschool hours for nearbyresidents as a substitute for unsupervised street activities andrecreational opportunities not provided by the mUltiple familyresidential developments. The age of participants extends fromyoung school aged children through young adults.

Due to the scarcity of facilities the school athletic facilitieshave also been used for unauthorized or unsupervised adult sportsactivities. These activities. particularly on weekends, generated

-c;veltic Le traffic. noise and l-i t te r whictt was a nuisances to near-byresidents. In ~987 renewed efforts were made to reduce theseactivities.

Public Safety

Residents of this neighborhood have expressed their concernregarding increased crime. property damage. pUblic disturbancesand lack of personal security with the advent of intensiveresidential development within the Yosemite School planning area.Justification for this concern is confirmed by Police Departmentstatistics indicating that significant increases have occurred inreported crimes and calls for police service concurrently with thedevelopment of high density mul.t.Lp Le family residences. Annualcalls for police service in this neighborhood increased by 250percent. from 490 calls to ~.759 calls. during a five year period

- ~6 -

extending from 1979 through 1984. The number of serious crimesreported within this neighborhood increased 170 percent in threeyears from 119 crimes in 1983 to 342 crimes in 1986.

The Police Department has noted that a substantial majority of theannual reported crimes and calls for service have occurred withinthe mUltiple family residential complexes (78 percent of theserious crimes in 1983). However, single family residences havealso experienced an extremely high increase of 230 percent inreported crime as intensive development occurred in the area.Although increased vandalism and pUblic disturbances have become aproblem more serious crimes including drug related violence are ama j o r concern. I llega1 drug act i vi ty has been a chronic problemassociated with one or more of the mUltiple family residentialcomplexes. One complex in particular has warranted the use ofspecial drug enforcement tactics.

Two generally accepted physical or design factors associated withneighborhood crime are the absence of p r op r i.e t o ry or territorialinterests and the presence of opportunities. Proprietoryinterests can be encouraged by appropriate design measures even innonowner occupied mUltiple family residential complexes. However,incompatible land uses and intrusive thoroughfares ortransportation systems can increase a neighborhood's vulnerabilityto crime regardless of the onsite design precautions taken.

The Yosemite planning area is characterized by poorly designedmUltiple family complexes, conflicting land uses, easyaccessibility and e~posure to nonresident traffic. These combinedfactors have made the neighborhood extremely vulnerable to crime.Few opportunities remain to make effective land use or circulationchanges to enhance crime prevent ion. However, further conf 1ictsmay be reduced and onsite design measures implemented todiscourage crime.

Several conditions have been noted by the Police Department Whichmaycon.tribute to crime andlcaw enforcement p r o b Lems, ':rhenew~J:

mUltiple family residential complexes have been poorly designedfor crime prevention purposes and appear ill equipped to meet theneeds of the residents. These complexes have been developed athigher densities (25 dwelling units per acre) with small dwellingunit sizes and few amenities.

Most of the complexes have little physical control or visualsurveillance over access and use of the property. Non residentscan pass through or loiter freely in parking and other commonaccess areas. The quality of construction and level of propertymaintenance appear inadequate to deter illegal entry_ Thesecomplexes seem to be excessively populated. considering the unitsizes and lack of amenities. which may contribute to theoccurrence of public disturbance and vandalism. Public streetsare not we 11 lighted or fully improved and may provideopportunities for concealment of illegal activities.

- ~7 -

To compound these design problems several of these complexes donot appear to be diligently managed. One absentee property ownerhas complained to the Police Department concerning illegal entryand use of vacant apartments. However. the problem may rest withthe absence or indifference of ons i t e management. or the failureto establish and enforce commonly accepted rental agreement rules.

During the plan review process the Police Department initiatedrenewed efforts to encourage area residents and property owners toinstitute crime prevention measures. These measures includeimproving property security and organizing tenant watch programs.While there were several cooperative mUltiple family propertyowners and managers. a significant amount of indifference wasencountered. .

PROBLEMS. STRATEGIES. AND CONCLUSION

The examination of neighborhood conditions prior to and during thespecific plan update resulted in the identification of problemsand deficiencies which have contributed to the deterioration ofthe neighborhood I s living environment. These problems anddeficiencies can be generally described as follows:

1. High crime rates and drug activity. vandalism. poor propertymanagement and inadequate neighborhood cooperation in crimeprevention programs.

2. The failure of past planning policies to resolve problems ofexcess i ve resident ia1 density. land use and zoning conf 1 icts ,irregular parcelization. poor access and deterioratedneighborhood conditions which have inhibited the deve lopmentof single family residences within balanced neighborhood.

3. Excessive residential densities with deficientstandards for adequate on-site open space.faci 1itLes , access contro1. crime prevent ionmeasures tQ~promote~and use capability.., .-. .,-:,"-' __ C" ,', _. . •• ,' --,'. __. .; .• --

developmentrecreation

and design

4. Lack of storm water drainage facilities andimptovements such as curbs. gutters and sidewalks.

street

S. Inadequate property maintenance. unsight ly condit ions. zoningviolations. sUbstandard housing and excessive littering.

6. High local street traffic and inadequate on-street parking andtraffic control measures.

7. Inadequate local street circulation between East Floradora andEast McKinley Avenues.

8. Inadequate student capacity at Yosemite Middle School andsurrounding elementary schools.

- 18 -

9. Lack of readily available recreation facilities and supervisedactivities for neighborhood young people.

Several of these neighborhood problems such as land useincompatibility. lack of pUblic improvements. unsightly conditionsand physical limitations were present in 1976. Other acuteneighborhood problems have arisen since that time such asincreasing crime. lack of security. congestion and deficientneighborhood facilities. Many of these more critical problemshave originated or become more severe concurrently with theincreased density and changing characteristics of t heneighborhood's residential environment.

The specific plan was adopted in 1976 to guide the development ofcompatible uses and improve the neighborhood's livingenvironment. However. the subsequent development of high densitymUltiple family residences (25 dwelling units per acre) and theassociated population increases have occurred without acomprehensive program to assure the provision of adequate pub t i cand private facilities. As a result a significant decline in theneighborhood's living conditions has occurred. The area is nolonger a tranquil cohesive neighborhood with aging housingconditions but a congested incohesive. sometimes hostile.neighborhood with deteriorated and poorly managed housingconditions. The primary concern of those residents who continueto live in their single family homes appears to be that ofsalvaging a reasonably acceptable living environment from thepresent turmoil.

In order to reverse the momentum of the neighborhood's decline asignificant and abrupt departure from past policies is necessaryto affect a change in neighborhood conditions. This requires anew specific plan identifying the neighborhood problems andspecifying the policies and strategies appropriate to addressthem. In addition to identifying appropriate uses and circulation·features t ne plan must form.ulate a systematic program to achieveneighborhood objectives. Therefore. the Yosemite School AreaSpecific· Plan. endorsed by both the update advisory committee andthe Development Department. proposes an aggressive strategyaddressing four major areas. These include a land use andcirculation element to reduce congestion and promote a compatiblearrangement of uses and circulation features: a communitydevelopment and improvement effort to stimulate neighborhoodrevital izat ion through a program to provide pub l, ic improvementsand property rehabilitation: the implementation of propertydevelopment and maintenance standards to improve theneighborhood's physical condition: and the pursuit of a crimeprevention. community organization and recreation strategy topromote a sense of well-being and security among neighborhoodresidents.

- 19 -

Based upon the severity of the neighborhood's problems andconditions. the specific plan recommends the cessation of allmultiple family residential development and the activefaci 1 i tat ion of the deve lopment of single fami ly owner occupiedresidences. It also recommends that nonresidential uses not beexpanded beyond those existing or previously planned to reduceexposure to nonresidents. Identification of this neighborhood asa high priority area for the focusing of community developmentimprovements and programs. housing rehabilitation and neighborhoodr e c t e a t ion faci lit ies is advocated. A code enforcement campaignwould be initiated to abate unhealthy and unsightly housing andproperty conditions. Finally the plan presents a program forneighborhood participation and advocacy.

This plan will provide the basis for a continuous effort by pUblicagencies and interested neighborhood residents and property ownersto implement a strategy for neighborhood improvement. Cont inuedoversight and constant vigilance will be necessary on the part ofthe community residents who suffer or benefit most directly formthe decline or improvement of neighborhood living conditions.

DU:vs4787T/242

- 20 -

YOSEMITE SCHOOL AREA SPECIFIC PLANEXISTING LAND USE

I ~=-, t Lot ...J' L.' ....1' LJL-I LE. McKINLEY AVE.

E. HOME AVE.

J:...ffi·~~...w

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LEGEND

M:~l~l~~J Multiple Family Residential

~ Professional Office

~ Commercial

mm········.........Agricultural

Single Family Residential

~ Vacant

~ Public Facilities

• Quasi - Public

t Church

F. 1.0 Fresno Irrigation District

,- --o 100 100

AMENDMENTS

CITY. OF FRESNO • DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT • PLANNING DIVISION

YOSEMITE SCHOOL AREA SPECIFIC PLANEXISTING ZONING

~E. HOME AVE.--

e-p

R ; c-~ rH,"MONO AV<.

R-2-A

R-2h R-2-~

H I IRt~f-

I

R+AI Li j CoG

1-----'1 A-A

R A

R-AYOSEMITE

MIDDLESCHOOL

I I I

1Tl I

R-3

R-A

R-I

~ t-::~~=-, R-2-AR-3 R.;k I- I ~.,--1 t-~--:-..,

IRtI R'~ -B'-A

IIII r- 'III iA'~A f-J

R·3·Acz R-3-AR-2 L-

R-1"':""":.1 R-A·C-PI

,-=:"I I ~I ....�' ~ .....1 WL..J LE. MCKINLEY AVE.~:Jl ~-n--r----r-.,..,.-----t

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] ....... ... _-

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L - - J---..._-r......,-'--t 1--..-----1JEt R~~L _ .J R-3-A R'Z'A~ '----l R 1-"3~--i

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'-r LEGEND

IR-AI'SFR Agricultural ( , unit /36,000 sq. ft.)

IR-11SFR (, unit /6;000 sq. fl. )

IR-21 MFR (' unit /2,700 sq. ft.)

IR-31 MFR (I unit / 1,500 sq. ft.)

:z:...z,W...><tlW-'W

Z

IR-pl Residential and Professional Office

Ie-pi Administrative and Professional Office

le- 11 Neighborhood Commercial

le-al Heavy Commercial

i _

o 100 IClO

AMENDMENTS

SFR - Single Family Residential

MFR - Multiple Family Residential

\.. CITY OF FRESNO • DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT • PLANNING DIVISION ~

YOSEMITE SCHOOL AREA SPECIFIC PLANHOUSING QUALITY

E. HOME AVE.--

12.d.u.o

90d.u.o

%~

Z.Ill~>toIII-'III

Z

o

~O

121

o

, , , ,

rI4l~d.u.[J IOOd.u.

,JaJ 0

[J

'm IZI

• 32d. ILL

m 0

121

IZI•

IZI

.~

~ ----,' ,-' ----', WL..J LE. MCKINLEY AVE.

,..- - - -t E. OLIVE AVE.~"'I----tj I • ,...--------.....,.Wr~w .. lii :;; .' ~Gl> % % II:

~C ~ ~ ~Ill- Z ~

Z Z Z Z

!~=-1 I ,

:]

l0

:09d.u.

LEGENDo STANDARD

AMENDMENTS121 MINOR REHABILITATION

S MAJOR REHABILITATION

• DEMOLITION

DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT ePlANNINGDIVISION, . .", _._ .,' _..• ' ,'. - .. '- .. ,' ',""'."'. '.'c'

: ,-

YOSEMITE SCHOOL AREA SPECIFIC PLANSEWER DISTRIBUTION

I ~':'12'=.1 L-..10 M 10 M-1 L- 8 M8~ LJL....J L

------...---------------------..--------..----------------~ MCKINLEY AVE.

~ -- ~

J~ ti UEL1 8 M

110 - 0 Iri---"8 M I L-l 1:=4

L 116 M :8 M J~'-----_--.J E. HOME AVE.

8~!: 11 Ik· 18lr-ML -":8 M I I:

JI ,...- ; I ; I II \--1 I i L..--t I

§M i _~% if-J 8M

•. i I I J ~~_~ l:r.-FLORADORA AVE.

8~1 iii I ! 8- I II'i, 1 8M i : ! ' r-: I 6 M

- - : TI .-- j I I

L - - f I I :8 M 18 -§.Jitj ~.---J ! in [

Ji8 M t::: ITl! iH I 18~ I r- i 8 M

L - - I 8 I ..---------......_HEDGES AVE.

8~1 L!8M

: I I I :[- I B I ~I ~ 1.. I8 M

: f---J : :. u.8.: ::---:tf :8- /~-: E. HAMMOND AVE.

l:w :: :~M12:JL_.J1SMh LJl15i-)on1S~ I ilT 12':....- iboM

--.a.;;-----------:.&.:------------:&::------------4----------.::;::.a..:1I@l!IIII OLIVE' AVE.~I II II i.r

g ~ ~ ~ ~~~ ~ m ffi~- <Ill> J: J: ""'" a:~~ ~ ~ ~ ~:i 0 z w w

iii z' to>Z

r LEGEND--- SEWER MAIN . ---o Mel eoo

AMENDMENTS

'- CITI.Df.. FRESNO • DEVELOP,.,ENT. DEPARTMENT • PLANNING DIVISION ./

YOSEMITE SCHOOL AREA SPECIFIC PLANWATER DISTRIBUTION

r

...•...

r LEGEND

- WATER MAIN

i _

o 100 eoo

AMENDMENTS

'- ~ITY OF FRESNO • DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT • PLANNING DIVISION ~. ' ..

[ CITY OF FRESNO NEGATIVE DECLARATIONInitial Study is on file in the. DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENTCITY HALL -2326 Fresno St.- Fresno, CA 93721 (209) 488-1361

Applicant:City of FresnoDevelopment Department

Planning Division File No.Draft Yosemite SchoolArea Specific Plan

Project Description and Location:Draft Yosemite School Area Specific Plan and relatedamendments to the Roosevelt Community Plan and the 1984Fresno General Plan for a l60-acre area bounded by E.McKinley, N. Cedar, E. Olive and N. Millbrook Avenues.

Filed with:JACQUELINE L. RYLE,

City Clerk

2nd Floor - City Hall2326 Fresno StreetFresno, CA 93721

The proposed project has been evaluated with respect to each item on the attached environ­mental checklist. This completed checklist reflects comments of any applicable responsibleagencies and research and analysis conducted to examine the interrelationship between theproposed project and the physical environment. The information contained in the Environ­mental Assessment Application, the checklist, and any attachments to the checklist,coobined to form a record indicating that an initial environmental study has been completedin compliance with the State CEQA Guidelines and the California Environmental Quality Act.

Any rating of "2" on the checklist indicates that a specific adverse environmental effecthas been identified in a category which is of sufficient magnitude to be of concern. Suchan effect may be inherent in the nature and magnitude of the project or may be related tothe design and characteristics of the individual project. Effects rated in this mannerare not sufficient in themselves to require the preparation of an Environmental ImpactReport and/or have been mitigated to the extent feasible.

All new development activity and many non-physical projects contribute directly orindirectly toward a cumulative impact on the physical environment. The incremental effectcontributed by this project toward such a cumulative effect' is not considered substantialin itself.

The proposed project is not expected to result in any significant adverse effects in termsof the factors considered on the environmental checklist, .including any such factors forwhich minor effects have been identified. Cumulative effects of a significant nature arealso not expected. The proposed project will not result in any adverse effects which fallwithin the "Mandatory Findings of Significance" contained in Section 15065 of the StateCEQA Guidelines. The finding is therefore made that the proposed project will not have asignificant adverse effect on the environment. '

This Negative Declaration will be deemed final and effective if no appeal is filed in themanner specified by Section 12-513 of the Fresno Municipal Code.

lnttial Study Prepared By: Darrell UnruhPlanner III

Submitted By: NICK YOVINO,Development Manager

'.,. ·Cate:·· .. ?4., ..1. 9 8 7-- --------------"------------------------'

E~iVIRONHEtlTAL CHECKLIST

Explanation of Ratinqs

"0" Insufficient Information--Insufficient information isavailable to dete=mine the potential envi=onmentaleffects which may result from the proposed projectin this category.

"1" No Significant Environmental Effect--The proposed projectwill not have an adverse environmental effect in thiscategory, or any such effect is not substantiallyunusual or of undesirable-magnitude. This rating isalso utilized in cases where the category is notapplicable to the particular project under consideration.

"2" Mode=ate Environmental Effect--The proposed project willhave an adverse envi=onmental effect in this categorywhich is of suf=icient magnitude to be of specificconcern. However, this effect is not substantial enoughin itself to require the preparation of an EnvironmentalImpact Report. .

"3" Significant Adverse Environmental Effect--The environ­mental effect iden·tified in this category substantiatesin itself or contributed toward a finding that theproposed project has a potentially significant adverseeffect on the envi=onment sufficient to requi=e thepreparation of an Environmental Impact Report.

I - 2

Potential Environmental Effects

ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLISTDraft Yosemite SchooArea Specific Plan

1.0

_'_1.1

I 1.2

I 1.3

I 1.4

2.0

L2.1

, 2.2-r2.3=r::..2.4

-1.-2.5

3.0

-1.-3.1.-1-3.2

, 3.3~3.4

_'_3.5

4.0

-!-4.1

-'-.4.2_'_4.3

.-1.-6.07.0

I 7.1:::I:::.7 • 2

S.O

.L:».»

....L-S.2

TOPOGRAPHIC, SOIL, GEOLOGICCONSIDERATIO:-lS

Geologic hazards, unstable soilconditionsAdverse change in topography orground surface reliefDestruction of unique geologic orphysical featuresIncreased water erosion

AIR QUALITY

Substantial indirect source ofpollution (large vehicle generator)Direct on-site pollution generationGeneration of objectionable odorsGeneration of dust except duringconstructionAdverse local climatic changes

Insufficient ground wateravailable for long-term project useUse of large quantities of groundwaterWasteful use of ground waterPollution of surface or groundwater suppliesReduction in ground water recharge

Reduction of the numbers of anyunique, rare, or endangered speciesReduction in acreage of agriculturalcropPremature or unnecessary conversionof prime agricultural land

ANIMAL LIFE

Reduction in the numbers of any rareunique, or endangered speciesDeterioration or displacement ofvaluable wildlife habitat

HUM.'l.N HEALTH

Increases in existing noise levelsExposure to high noise levels

LIGHT & GLARE

Production of glare which willadversely affect residential areasExposure of residences to high levelsof glare

LAND USE

Incompatibility with adopted plansand policiesAcceleration of growth rateInduces unplanned growthAdverse change in existing orplanned area characteristics

10.0

-'-10.1

I 10.2

.1-10.3

I ~0.4

I 10.5-r-10.6

11.0

+ 11. 111.2

~11.3-r11.4~11.5

_'_11.6

_'_11.7

-'--l1.S_'_11.9

12.0

_'_12.1

I 12.2=Z:::::12.3

/ 12.4::Z::::12.s

13.0

...-!.-13.1

_1_13.2

-!..-13.3

-'--13.4

14.0

-L14.1

.-1-14.2

15.0

-'-15.1

-1-15.2

_1_15.3

TRANSPOR'r'.'\TION & CIRCULATlml

Generation of vehicle traffic sufficientto cause capacity deficiencies onexisting street systemCumulative increase in traffic on a majorstreet for which capacity deficienciesare projectedSpecific traffic hazard to motorists,bicyclists. or pedestriansRouting of non-residential trafficthrough residential areaInsufficient or poorly located parkingSubstantial increase in rail and/orair traffic

URBAN SERVICES

Availability of fire protectionLack of emergency vehicle accessAdequacy of design for crime preventionevercrowding of school facilitiesAvailability of water mains of adequatesizeAvailability of sewer lines of adequatecapacityAvailability of storm water drai~age

facilities (on or off site)Availability of adequate park an.irecreation areasUnusually high solid waste generation

HAZARDS

Risk of explosion or release ofhazardous substancesSite subject to floodingAdverse change in course of flow of floodwatersPotential hazards from aircraft accidentsPotential hazards from landfill and/ortoxic waste sites

AESTHET:::CS,Obstruction to public or scenic vistaor viewCreation of aesthetically offensiveconditionsRemoval of street trees or other valu~ble

vegetationArchitectural incompatibility withsurrounding area

HtSTORICAL/ARCHEOLOGICAL

Removal of historic building, disruptionof archeological siteConstruction or activity incompati~le

with adjacent historic site

Use of substantial amo~'ts of fuel orenergySUbstantial increase in demand uponexis~ing sources of energyWasteful use of energy

* See reverse side for explana~ion of rati~gs

I 3

Environmental Assessment Initial Study(Yosemite School Area Spcific Plan)

The draft Yosemite school Area Specific Plan proposesto establish policies and strategies to address neighborhoodproblems such as conflicting land uses, congestion, lack ofpublic improvements, deteriorated housing conditions and highcrime rates. The specific plan would supersede the YosemiteJunior High Area Specific Plan adopted in 1976 and would sub~

stantially reduce the intensity of planned residential devel­opment. All residential properties not already developed withmultiple family residences will be limited to single familyresidential development (medium density 5 to 10 dwelling unitsper acre). Those properties zoned for multiple family resi­dential use but not develope as such shall be rezoned to R-lsingle family residential.

The plan proposes to mitigate existing physical and communitydefincies which have become increasingly more severe over thepast decade with few prospects for improvement. Several highdensity multiple family developments now show signs of econo­mic distress and deferred maintenance. Numerous substandardsingle family residences exist throughout the neighborhood aswell as several abandoned structures. Implementation of theplan will have a positive effect upon the environment andliving conditions, and enhance property values as propertydamage, vacancy rates and criminal activities decline.

The reduced population holding capacity of this area to beaccommodated by the proposed specific plan will reduce impactsupon limited public resources and facilities. The neighbor­hood lacks appropriate street and storm water drainage improve­ments and adequate open space or recreation facilities. Over­stressed street, school, open space and recreation facilitiesand services are proposed to be improved to meet existing needsas-well-as th~ mbde~t ih~r~ases in traffic, student enrollmentand population that may occur with significantly less intensiveresidential development. The achievement of these improvementswill necessitate a considerable commitment of time and resources.

Based upon a review of the proposed project it has been concludedthat adoption of the specific plan will not have a potentiallysignificant adverse environmental impact.

I - 4

(Staff and AdvisoryCommittee Recommendation)

BILL NO. B-9

INTRODUCTED BY COUNCIL MEMBER PETERSEN

ORDINANCE NO. 88-9

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FRESNO.CALIFORNIA. ADOPTING A NEW SPECIFIC PLANFOR THE YOSEMITE SCHOOL AREA

WHEREAS. on Ma~ch 4. 1976. by O~dinance No. 76-22. the Council

adopted the Yosemite Junio~ High A~ea Specific Plan: and

WHEREAS. on Janua~y 27. 1987. the Council autho~ized the

p~epa~ation of an update of the specific plan: and

WHEREAS. an advisory committee. consisting of neighborhood

residents. property owners and ~epresentatives of community groups o~

pUblic agencies appointed by the Council. has worked with the

Development Department staff to examine the applicability of plans

and policies in addressing cur~ent neighborhood problems and

deficiencies in the specific plan area: and

WHEREAS. the Development Depa~tment and advisory committee have

recommended that a new specific plan be" adopted to establish land

use. community improvement and community organization-crime

prevention strategies in an effort to improve the living environment

in the specific plan area: and

WHEREAS. on November 10. 1987. the Council initiated proceedings

to consider the adoption of the Yosemite School Area Specific Plan:

and

~'...).....lltt!-(0 gFFFE:;·,··~ . .if1./'{9!J.5 f __ II - 1

WHEREAS, the envi~onmental assessment fo~ the specific plan shows

that the~e is no substantial evidence in the ~eco~d that the p~oject

may have a significant effect on the envi~onment, ~esulting in the

filing of a Negative Decla~ation; and

WHEREAS, on Decembe~ 9, 1987, the Planning Commission held a

pUblic hea~ing to conside~ the Yosemite School A~ea Specific Plan and

adopted Resolution No. 9315 ~ecommending app~oval of the specific

plan with ~evisions: and

WHEREAS, on Janua~y 12, 1988, the Council held a public hearing

to consider the Yosemite School Area Specific Plan and determined,

based upon the testimony and info~mation presented, that the adoption

of the p~oposed amendment is in the best interest of the City of

FI:esno.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY ·OF FRESNO DOES ORDAIN AS

FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The Council finds and deteI:mines that the~e is no

sUbstantial evidence in the record that the specific plan may have a

significant effect on the environment and hereby approves the

Negative Decla~ation ptepated fOt this pI:oject.

SECTION 2. The Yosemite School Area Specific Plan consisting of

the plan document and accompanying maps ident.ified as Exhibit "A"

attached and incorpo~ated herein by reference is hereby adopted.

'* '* '*

II - 2·

SECTION 3. This o~dinance shall supersede Ordinance No. 76-22.

and shall become effective and in full force and effect at 12:01 a.m.

on the thirty-first day after its passage.

CLERK'S CERTIFICATE

STATE OF CALIFORNIA)COUNTY OF FRESNO ) 5S.CITY OF FRESNO )

t. JACQUELINE L. RYLE. City Clerk of the City of Fresno. certifythat the foregoing ordinance was adopted by the Council of the Cityof Fresno. California. at a regular meeting held on the 12th dayof January, 1988.

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JACQUELINE L. RYLECity Clerk

ByDeputy

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EXCERPT OF MINUTES OF JANUARY 12, 1988.CITY COUNCIL MEETING

HEARING TO CONSIDER YOSEMITE SCHOOL AREA SPECIFIC PLAN

Mayor Pro Tempore Kimber announced the time had arrived to consider theissue and opened the hearing. Supervising Planner Beach made a comprehensivepresentation encompassing the history of the study and the results of theproposed plan; explained various portions of the resulting study, on file;reviewed the hearing conducted by the Planning Commission and the concerns ofthree property owners in the area, and concluded by stating staff recommendedapproval of the negative declaration and of the draft Yosemite School AreaSpec if ic Plan as recommended by the staff and advisory committee, and adoptthe related amendment to the Roosevelt Community Plan and the 1984 FresnoGeneral Plan.

City Attorney Wallace advised of the inappropriateness of Council actionon the issue of condemnation action and explained; and recommended thefollowing changes to IV. 5 on page 6 of the draft plan: replace the wordsummarizes with investigate, and add at the end ·subject to availability of1. funding, 2•. detailed staff review, and 3. final Council approval. Mr.Wallace continued regarding the issue of law enforcement and suggested thoseissues be pUlled from the final approval (4-0) of the land use issues foradditional review by the study committee and staff, and additional input.

Councilmember Hum~hrey stated she would like to see the document adoptedin its entirety, with those issue of concern removed for additional review bythe committee. Discussion continued with Mr. Wallace clarifying which issuesneed additional discussion in IV as they do not specifically relate to landuse issues. In response to Councilman Petersen, Mr. Beach advised theSpecific Plan could be amended after adoption by following the normal PlanAmendment procedure, and explained.

A motion to approve staff recommendation, with the understanding the plancould be amended and with the proviso relating to condemnation action wasacted upon after additional discussion and testimony. Councilman Petersenstated he felt the concerns could be worked out by the committee and staff.

Joe Reich, representing Logan and Associates, stressed the problems werenot pertaining to land use but were ·people problems· and elaborated onvarious points contained in the study.

Mayor Doig arrived at 7:25 P.M. The following people spoke in support ofthe motion: Jan Whitteberry, Vice Chair of the Yosemite Committee; JoeMeschlich, Chai r; Charles Misakian, property owner; Bonnie Withers, 3822 E.Floradora; and Albert Haro, committee member, who suggested this be a pilotproject for other areas.

Upon call no one else wished to speak and Mayor Doig closed the hearing.Councilman Petersen stated adoption of this Specific Plan was the first steptoward returning control to the community, and that it was up to the communityto make it work.

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RESOLUTION NO. 88-14 - AMENDING THE ROOSEVELT COMMUNITYPLAN AND 1984 FRESNO GENERAL PLAN

BILL NO. B-9, ORDINANCE NO. 88-9, ADOPTING THE YOSEMITESCHOOL AREA SPECIFIC PLAN (STAFF AND ADVISORY COMMITTEERECOMMENDATION

On motion of Councilman Petersen, seconded by Councilman Michael, dulycarried, the above entitled Resolution No. 88-14, and Bill No. B-9, OrdinanceNo. 88-9 hereby adopted; the Negative Declaration is hereby approved, and thedraft Yosemite School Area Specific Plan as recommended by staff and advisorycommittee, with the changes to IV. 5 on page 6 of the plan as delineatedearlier, including the proviso regarding condemnation action is herebyapproved, by the following vote:

AyesNoesAbsent

Humphrey, Kimber, MacMichael, Petersen, Scharton, DoigNoneAnaforian

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