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Agenda Item
17-1015 Adoption by Board of Education of Resolution 1617-0155 - Authorizing the Filing of a Notice of Exemption - California Environmental Quality Act (" CEQA" ) - Hillcrest Finishing Kitchen and Cafeteria.
The CEQA exemption proposal is flawed. If anyone actually captured data they would see that there is a severe traffic problem in the area given the overcrowded environment during student drop off & pick up. This is exacerbated by the very narrow streets and inconsiderate parking among many parents. This creates a safety issue for students as well as a public safety issue as emergency services cannot access all streets in the area.
This exemption should not be granted- the impact of this project on the environment including old growth trees is very significant. There is also significant cost to this project (5 million dollars for a 4000 sq ft facility which is only supposed to act as a warming kitchen), this is fiscally and socially irresponsible for Oakland. There has been no public review process and no accountability for this project, and it is time to properly review this and its impact to Oakland community.
Measure J funds are being proposed for a structure that is not within the forefront intended parameters of Measure J. The measure specifically states seismic upgrades, and other facility upgrades which Hillcrest has not received. It's fiscally irresponsible to use $5MM in the highest socio economic school in Oakland. There is no data to support intended structure and use of the structure. Maintaining the structure is fiscal hardship to the district.
The neighbors were promised CEQA evaluation will be performed. This building has significant environmental impact on the neighborhood visually and in terms of the quality of life of the neighbors. It will wipe out an entire block of old growth oaks and native trees, overshadow, overwhelm neighbors' houses. It will be a two story building from the street, not one. There are underground streams AND we now have a sinkhole about 25 feet away. Narrow streets, no parking, block fire responders.
We strongly oppose the proposed CEQA exemption for a number of reasons including: Loss of parking and nature habitat are significant issues; it is my understanding (from long time neighbors) there is an underground stream; there is a LARGE sinkhole that recently appeared less than ~50 feet from the proposed site (at Buckeye and Mandalay) proceeding without more research to determine the impact on the environment and potential unanticipated costs due to subterranean issues is irresponsible.
The CEQA exemption proposal is flawed. If anyone actually captured data they would see that there is a severe traffic problem in the area given the overcrowded environment during student drop off & pick up. This is exacerbated by the very narrow streets and inconsiderate parking among many parents. This creates a safety issue for students as well as a public safety issue as emergency services cannot access all streets in the area.
This exemption should not be granted- the impact of this project on the environment including old growth trees is very significant. There is also significant cost to this project (5 million dollars for a 4000 sq ft facility which is only supposed to act as a warming kitchen), this is fiscally and socially irresponsible for Oakland. There has been no public review process and no accountability for this project, and it is time to properly review this and its impact to Oakland community.
Measure J funds are being proposed for a structure that is not within the forefront intended parameters of Measure J. The measure specifically states seismic upgrades, and other facility upgrades which Hillcrest has not received. It's fiscally irresponsible to use $5MM in the highest socio economic school in Oakland. There is no data to support intended structure and use of the structure. Maintaining the structure is fiscal hardship to the district.
The neighbors were promised CEQA evaluation will be performed. This building has significant environmental impact on the neighborhood visually and in terms of the quality of life of the neighbors. It will wipe out an entire block of old growth oaks and native trees, overshadow, overwhelm neighbors' houses. It will be a two story building from the street, not one. There are underground streams AND we now have a sinkhole about 25 feet away. Narrow streets, no parking, block fire responders.
We strongly oppose the proposed CEQA exemption for a number of reasons including: Loss of parking and nature habitat are significant issues; it is my understanding (from long time neighbors) there is an underground stream; there is a LARGE sinkhole that recently appeared less than ~50 feet from the proposed site (at Buckeye and Mandalay) proceeding without more research to determine the impact on the environment and potential unanticipated costs due to subterranean issues is irresponsible.