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13. INITIAL STUDY AND NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE LOS ALTOS HILLS/STANFORD TRAIL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, Arastradero and Page Mill Roads between Purissima and Baleri Ranch Roads; Project includes the restoration and construction of walking paths, bike lanes, a retaining wall, and a free -span pedestrian bridge across Matadero Creek. CEQA Review: Mitigated Negative Declaration (Staff. D. Pedro) Mayor Pro Tem Larsen pointed out that the staff recommendation was to continue the project to a date uncertain; however, he favored hearing the staff presentation and input from neighbors. The Council concurred. Planning Director Debbie Pedro introduced the item to the Council. The proposed project encompasses approximately one linear mile from the intersection of Arastradero and Purissima and ends near Tracy Court. The project included the repair and restoration of existing pathways, construction of new sections of pathways, and bike lane striping and road widening where feasible. Pedro proceeded with a PowerPoint presentation showing the proposed trail improvements. The project was consistent with the Town's Pathway Element as well as on the Town's Master Path Plan. The Planning Commission reviewed the project on March 3, 2011, and recommended that staff look into four additional issues: (1) identify current and forecast usage of the trails, parking and impact on local neighborhoods: (2) the potential safety impacts of additional bicycle traffic at the Page Mill Road vehicular bridge; (3) the impacts of increased foot traffic that might result from upgrading the existing native to native decomposed granite paths; and (4) the impacts on non-residents accessing local Los Altos Hills pathways from the proposed trail. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Edwina Cioffi, resident, provided a report on impacts to the residents. The issue was that the initial study and biological assessment was flawed, superficial, incomplete and irresponsible. It was felt that mitigation only addressed environmental factors and ignored long term environmental impacts to homeowners and wildlife. John Meadows, resident, addressed the issue of losing the peace and serenity of the neighborhood over the years due to bicyclists and parked cars. The cars that park on Arastradero force horse riders to travel on the street to get around the cars. Tom Turner, resident, commented on finding out that Stanford had offered Los Altos Hills over $1 million to enhance the trail to connect with the end of Stanford's trail to Pearson Park. His concern was that there was no clarity or disclosure to the people who were affected. Dru Anderson, resident, commented that residents enjoyed the trails when they were maintained according to Town standards. Concern was expressed about the safety issue created at the end of Stirrup due to bicyclists, horses, and cars. Breene Kerr agreed that the parking on Arastradero was out of control and improvements could be made by referring this issue to Town committees. An issue that needed to be addressed was that Palo Alto had not expanded the parking lot at the Open Space 5 Approved City Council Regular Meeting Minutes March 17, 2011