In 2001 the NASA Ames Research Center released its Draft Ames Development Plan (ADP), which is a multi-year development plan for Moffett Federal Airfield. The proposed development under the ADP would integrate public and private research and development efforts with Ames Research Center serving as a hub of technology transfer. The area which the ADP covers includes approximately 1,500 acres of land between U.S Highway 101 and the San Francisco Bay and is further divided into four sub-areas.

In support of the ADP, NASA conducted an environmental assessment of the consequences associated with the project development plan. NASA released a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) on November 26, 2001. The NASA DEIS was developed under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and according to the Procedures for Implementation of NEPA for NASA. NASA is not subject to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). However, the development of the university campus will be subject to CEQA because the University of California is considered a State agency.

After review of the plan, staff identified Alternative 5 of the ADP, NASA’s preferred alternative to be most in line with the Cities’ priorities. This Alternative plan proposes the development of approximately 8.4 million square feet of space (2.6 million square feet net new space), with some new development in each of the four development areas concentrated primarily in the NASA Research Park area.

2. Economic Development

1. Support housing, transportation and other fees and exactions to mitigate the impacts of development and provide infrastructure to address quality of life issues.

3. Support the promotion of technology-based exports by lowering controls on high technology products that pose no threat to US security.
4. Support state and federal economic development strategies with sufficient funding for new economic development initiatives, and recognition of local involvement in strategies for economic viability (i.e., trade policies).

6. Encourage federal cooperation with local governments if planning to restore, replace, close, or relocate a federal facility.

5B/C/D. Economy and Employment

Support research and development funding that increases the capabilities of our existing industries, and increase the role of federal research and development in civilian research and technology. Support programs that promote continued/increased research and development that is innovative, entrepreneurial and has growth potential.

In February 2002, to address the areas requiring additional mitigation the City of Sunnyvale and Mountain View convened a group of staff from each City to meet with NASA and discuss the next steps in the DEIS. Sunnyvale and Mountain View both agreed that prior to finalizing the DEIS, additional meetings were needed to work through the mitigation areas. The areas of concern were then divided into three categories Job/Housing Imbalance, Sewer/Water/Infrastructure and Traffic/Air Quality/TDM.

At the conclusion of the meetings, staff was able to reach several concessions with NASA. The comments discussed in this Report to Council will focus on the four (4) categories previously identified as requiring additional mitigation, with the first representing the overall impact of the project. The responses to each area have been developed through subject specific team meetings. Please see Attachment C summarizing each topic and discussing NASA’s and staff’s response to the issue.

In summary, the City discussed the following areas and have reached the following conclusions:

1. The cumulative impacts are understated because the DEIS does not take into account adopted development plans, pending projects and current plan revisions (e.g., Moffett Park Specific Plan).

Discussion Conclusion: The overall impact of the project has been re-examined in light of the changes made to the proposed housing numbers within the draft plan. Staff has accepted the new study and will continue to work closely with NASA on the details.

2. The proposed Traffic Demand Management (TDM) program is a critical and supported mitigation, but it falls far short of mitigating the cumulative impacts of the proposed project on the transportation system.

Discussion Conclusion: NASA has increased the number of housing units and provided greater detail on implementation of their TDM plan. City staff concurs with the feasibility of the proposed approach and believes that the TDM goals are achievable. However, in the NASA Development Plan traffic will still contribute to cumulative traffic congestion in Sunnyvale, although not at levels above environmental thresholds. NEPA and TIA requirements do not require this impact to be mitigated. Sunnyvale’s general practice on development in the City that contributes cumulatively has been to require a financial contribution to planned future transportation system improvements. NASA does not propose to make such a contribution, but rather submits that the proposed investment in TDM combined with planned improvements on or near the project site offset the value of a contribution to system improvements. Although this process differs from current practices, the City can accept the mitigation efforts.

3. The EIS states that Alternative 5 will create 7,222 new jobs (and attract an unspecified number of students) requiring a minimum of 3,930 new housing units. On-site housing is providing only 1,040 housing units, thereby exacerbating the present regional jobs/housing imbalance.

Discussion Conclusion: NASA has worked with their consultants to increase the number of housing units from their original numbers. New numbers represent an increase of 75% in on-site residents, an increase in the number of units by 85% and an increase in the diversity of housing. The original Plan proposed 2,808 on-site housing, the new plan proposes 4,886. NASA has also committed to at least 10% of their housing being affordable to low-income occupants. To address future growth NASA has committed to exploring additional housing opportunities with the military. Overall we are satisfied that NASA’s commitment to phasing in the housing with the R & D construction.

4. The DEIS does not adequately analyze the cumulative impact on the sanitary sewer conveyance to the Water Pollution Control Plant.