Commission to host hearing on Fairview
Costco, homes proposed for project
A draft Final Environmental Impact report prepared for the Fairview at Northgate project found that air quality and transportation are the two significant and unavoidable impacts for the proposed development in northeast Vallejo.
Vallejo-Fairview Developers, LLC is proposing to construct several commercial buildings, including a 152,000 square foot Costco, and 178 homes on 51 acres of open land off of Admiral Callaghan Lane and Turner Parkway.
Consultants with Kimley-Horn, the firm which wrote the environmental report, determined that even with mitigation measures the project would still exceed established regional thresholds for Nitrogen Oxides (NOX) emissions effecting the surrounding air quality.
They further noted that at least seven nearby traffic intersections would “operate at a deficient level of service during at least one peak hour.”
It was also discovered that the development would cause Eastbound I-80, west of Redwood Parkway, to “operate at an unacceptable level of service.”
They suggested construction of a right-turn pocket on northbound Admiral Callaghan Lane/ Turner Parkway and signal timing coordination along Turner Parkway as a way to mitigate the impacted area.
“No other feasible mitigation measures have been identified which would further mitigate the impacts,” they wrote. “The project area is located in a developed urban area and insufficient right-of-way exists to add capacity to the
City of Vallejo intersections which are significantly impacted.”
Besides Costco, the new mixed-use development will include a 27,500-squarefoot commercial center, composed of four different buildings, ranging in size from 3,000 to 9,400 square feet. The developers are anticipating a drive-thru restaurant for one of the buildings, with the other three buildings used for various uses such as health and fitness clubs, medical clinics, pharmacies, salons, restaurants, clothing, convenience stores, and laundries.
The Costco portion is slated to be outfitted with a new gas station to include 30 pumps, and a 2,700 sf tire center. There would be 962 parking stalls located next to the commercial center.
Approximately 10 trucks a day will make deliveries to the store.
“The existing Costco building will be available for re-use for general commercial uses consistent with the existing zoning,” the report states. “The existing gas station would be decommissioned and removed from the property.”
A 5.7-acre open space will divide the commercial section and homes.
“Development would be prohibited in this area. The adjacent residential developments to the south and southeast of the proposed project site drain into this area, certain portions of which are designated as wetlands pursuant to federal regulations,” the report states.
Under the proposed project, Admiral Callaghan Lane will get a face lift with the construction of two travel lanes in each direction, an eleven-foot landscaped center median, a 5-foot wide bike lane in each direction, and a 4.5foot wide pedestrian sidewalk on the eastern side (northbound direction) of Admiral Callaghan Lane along the project frontage, the report says.
Road widening
would span Blue Rock Springs Creek and would not require placing fill material or extend the existing culverts.
A new bus pull-out would be placed on eastbound Turner Parkway. Signage, a shelter, lighting, and trash receptacle will be installed with the new pull-out.
“We’re excited about this project getting to this point,” Will Morat, assistant to the city manager — economic development, told the Vallejo Planning Commission in January. “(It’s a) weird doughnut in the middle of a hub of activity.”
The commission held a study session regarding receiving information about the proposed development.
“For Vallejo, this is a major project. people have been looking at that hunk of land for many years, wishing it was developed,” said commission Chair Robert Schussel during the Jan. 22 meeting.
The commission will hold a hearing on the Draft Environmental Impact Report during its meeting at 7 p.m., Monday inside the Vallejo City Hall Council Chambers, 555 Santa Clara St. Residents have until then to register their opinions about the document.
Following that meeting, the commission is tentatively scheduled to meet on April 20 whether to recommend that the Vallejo City Council approve the EIR and project. The council is expected to meet in June regarding formal certification of the environmental report.