Planning 2017-04-27 COMPLETE AGENDA PACKET

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Topography & Vegetation The parcel is mostly level. The site contains perimeter landscaping. Access The site has two vehicular access points, both along S 128th Street. A 5 -foot wide sidewalk is located adjacent to both E Marginal Way S and S 128th St. at the back of the curb. Pedestrian access into the bus parking lot is currently through either of the two vehicular access points. PUBLIC COMMENTS Two public comments were received, one in writing from Brian Kennedy on March 13, 2017 and another as a phone call from Virginia Whitzel on March 2, 2017. Their comment and the applicant's responses are as follows: Response to Brian Kennedy Letter dated March 13, 2017 The comment letter raised the following concerns: 1. Upkeep of landscaping — Mr. Kennedy commented that many shrubs have been removed. He would prefer indigenous plants that attract birds. a. Applicant response: Ten -foot wide perimeter landscape buffers will be provided, which will improve the aesthetic appearance, buffering and screening of the use to surrounding residences and the right -of -way. City code requires plant materials in the buffer to consist of the following: i. Trees: A mix of deciduous and evergreen trees. ii. One shrub per 7 linear feet to achieve a continuous vertical layer in 3 years. iii. Groundcover of varying heights, colors and textures to achieve 100% coverage within 3 years. The proposed landscaping will be verified to ensure the plantings are done according to City standards, including the species used. We are planting native plants, in particular Serviceberry, which is a native plant species that's popular with birds. We also have two different huckleberry and Oregon grape plants which produce fruit that attract birds. 2. Parking— He would prefer no street parking. a. Applicant response: Employee parking will be accommodated onsite. The project is providing 25 vehicular parking spaces for bus driver use. There are approximately 18 bus drivers that will be using the new transportation building. 3. Noise and Traffic — Both have consistently increased in the neighborhood over the years and have impacted the livability of the neighborhood. a. Applicant response: The proposal is to provide a new indoor office facility for the transportation staff to improve their daily work life by offering them a place to take a break, use the restroom, eat lunch, etc. There is no additional capacity (i.e. more traffic) that will result from the proposal. The building itself provides offices, restrooms and breakroom facilities none of which will generate any new noise to the neighborhood as these are typical office -type activities that occur indoors. The school buses do cause some noise, however they have been using this site for several years and primarily run during school start and end times. They are required to follow strict protocols to limit idling when not in use. The District has recently purchased new buses that will be replacing the older buses. They will be quieter and reduce emissions. The proposed transportation building is located within the Neighborhood Commercial Center (NCC) zoning district, and is considered a "Conditional use." This means that this use is only approved subject to conditions and mitigation measures that ensure compatibility with surrounding uses. 5 n