The City of Watsonville has prepared an Initial Study to evaluate the environmental impacts of the proposed Watsonville City Plaza Expansion and Revitalization Project, described below.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Watsonville (the City) has prepared an Initial Study to evaluate the environmental impacts of the proposed Watsonville City Plaza Expansion and Revitalization Project, described below, and intends to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act. The Initial Study concludes that the proposed project would not have a significant adverse effect on the environment if the mitigation measures identified in the Initial Study are adopted and made conditions of approval of the proposed project.
FROM: Nick Calubaquib, Director, Parks and Community Services Department
City of Watsonville
231 Union Street
Watsonville, California 95076
831-768-3240
nick.calubaquib@cityofwatsonville.org
PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD: The Initial Study and Proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration are available for public review at the following locations:
- City of Watsonville Parks and Community Services Department, 231 Union Street, Watsonville, California 95076
- City of Watsonville Community Development Department, 250 Main Street, Watsonville, California 95076
- Online under the “Planning Documents” page of the City’s website: https://www.cityofwatsonville.org/DocumentCenter/Index/157 under “Projects.”
The Initial Study and proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration are available for a 20‐day review period beginning Friday, October 18, 2019 and ending Thursday, November 7, 2019. Comments on the Mitigated Negative Declaration must be submitted in writing within the 20‐day review period and sent by mail, fax or email to:
Nick Calubaquib, Director, Parks and Community Services Department
City of Watsonville
231 Union Street
Watsonville, California 95076
831-768-3240
nick.calubaquib@cityofwatsonville.org
LOCATION OF PROJECT: The project site consists of the existing Watsonville City Plaza at 350 Main Street, Watsonville, California, 95076. It includes portions of the three streets adjacent to the Plaza: Union Street to the northeast, Peck Street to the southeast, and Main Street to the southwest.
SUMMARY PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The proposed project would involve a redesign of the existing Watsonville City Plaza, in order to revitalize and improve the Plaza’s function and appeal and to renovate and preserve the site’s historic features. Project components include: seismic and cosmetic improvements to the Plaza’s existing gazebo; refurbishment of the Plaza’s existing fountain area; installation of an 18-inch high stage and spectator area; installation of a restroom, a game table area, a group picnic area, and a historic/art element pedestal; repaving of the Plaza’s existing pathways; removal of 16 trees, planting of 24 trees, and preservation of 17 existing trees. The proposed project also includes improvements to adjacent streets, including: resurfacing of Peck Street with permeable pavers; resurfacing of the existing Union Street parking area with permeable pavers; installing a raised crosswalk with removable bollards at the corner of Main Street and Peck Street; and installing an enhanced curb bulb-out at the Main Street and Peck Street intersection in the Main Street right-of-way. These improvements would marginally expand the footprint of the Plaza to facilitate better accommodation of special events.
If you have questions regarding this notice, please contact Nick Calubaquib, Director, Parks and Community Services Department, City of Watsonville, 231 Union Street, Watsonville, California 95076, or by telephone at 831-768-3240.