SEATUE DATE: February 9, 2018 PUBLIC SCI-IOOLS TO: Recipients of the State Environmental Policy Act Determination of Non- Significance (SEPA DNS) for the Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project
FROM: Pegi McEvoy, SEPA Environmental
Seattle Public Schools has identified that the SEPA Environmental Checklist dated February 2018, meets our environmental review needs for the current proposal to install athletic field lighting at Franklin High School with funding from the Building Technology and Academics/Athletics (BTA) IV Capital Levy. Six (6) pole mounted athletic field state-of-the- industry LED lighting is proposed. Construction is proposed to occur in the summer of 2018.
After conducting an independent review, SPS has determined that the project does not have significant adverse impacts on the environment as documented with the enclosed Determination of Non-Significance (DNS).
The SEPA Environmental Checklist, February 2018, discusses the potential environmental impacts that could result from the addition of lighting for the athletic field. A draft of the Checklist was released for public comment from October 30, 2017 through November 8, 2017. Comments received informed revisions to the final SEPA Checklist on which the DNS is based. The responses to written comments received are documented in the summary table, Attachment A to this memo.
Thank you for your participation in the Seattle Public Schools Building Excellence program. Your involvement has helped to make the athletic field lighting at Franklin High School a much better project.
Attachment A — Summary of Public Comments on SEPA Environmental Checklist Enclosure — Determination of Non-Significance
Pegi McEvoy, Assistant Superintendent, Operations, District SEPA Official P0 Box 34165, MS22483, Seattle WA 98124 * (206) 252-0102 WAC 197-11-970 Determination of Nonsignificance (DNS).
DETERMINATION Of NONSIGNWICANCE
FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC FIELD LIGHTING
Description of proposal.
Proponent. Seattle School District
Location of proposal, including street address, if any. Franidin High School 3013 South Mt. Baker Blvd., Seattle, WA 98144
Title of document being adopted. SEPA Checklist for Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project.
Date adopted document was prepared. February 2018. Description of document (or portion) being adopted. Seattle Public Schools (SPS) proposes to install six (6) pole mounted, state-of-the-art LED athletic field lighting.
The document being adopted is the final SEPA Checklist which represents the assessment of environmental impacts specifically related to the project described above. In addition to the SEPA Checklist, the document includes Construction Best Management Practices, Greenhouse Gas Emissions Worksheet, Cultural Resources Assessment Report, Transportation Technical Report and responses to written comments on the draft SEPA checklist submitted to the School District by within the comment period ending November 8, 2017.
If the document being adopted has been challenged (WAC 197-11-630), please describe. The document has not been challenged to date.
The document is available to be read at (place/time). John Stanford Center, 2445 Third Avenue South, Seattle (attn: Jeanette Imanshi, Phone: 206-252-0663) and on line at http://sepa.www.seattleschools.org
The lead agency for this proposal has determined that it does not have a probable significant adverse impact on the environment. An environmental impact statement (EIS) is not required under RCW 43.21C.030 (2)(c). This decision was made after review of a completed environmental checklist and other information on ifie with the lead agency. This information is available to the public on request.
D There is no comment period for this DNS.
D This DNS is issued after using the optional DNS process in WAC 197-11-355. There is no further comment period on the DNS.
This DNS is issued under WAC 197-11-340(2); the lead agency will not act on this proposal until after 5:00 PM, February 26, 2018. ______
This DNS may be appealed by written notice setting forth the reasons for the appeal, received not later than 5:00 PM, February 26, 2018:
Superintendent Seattle Public Schools Box 34165, MS 32-151 Seattle, WA 98124-1165
We have identified and adopted this document as being appropriate for this proposal after independent review. The document meets our environmental review needs for the current proposal and will accompany the proposal to the decision-maker.
Name of agency adopting document. Seattle Public Schools
Responsible official Pegi McEvoy, Assistant Superintendent for Operations
Position/title Seattle Public Schools SEPA Official
Phone (206) 252-0102
Address MS 22-183, P.O. Box 34.,165.Seattle, WA 98124-1165
Date Signature______
2 FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
for the proposed
Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project
prepared by
February 2018
EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC Associated Earth Sciences, Inc. Musco Lighting SWCA Environmental Consultants Heffron Transportation, Inc. PREFACE
The purpose of this Final Environmental Checklist is to identify and evaluate probable environmental impacts that could result from the Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project and to identify measures to mitigate those impacts. The Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project would involve the installation of six, 70-foot tall lighting fixtures to illuminate the school’s athletic field and track.
The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)1 requires that all governmental agencies consider the environmental impacts of a proposal before the proposal is decided upon. This Final Environmental Checklist has been prepared in compliance with the State Environmental Policy Act; the SEPA Rules, effective April 4, 1984, as amended (Chapter 197-11, Washington Administrative Code); and the Seattle City Code (25.05), which implements SEPA.
This document is intended to serve as SEPA review for site preparation work, building construction, and operation of the proposed development comprising the Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project. Analysis associated with the proposed project contained in this Environmental Checklist is based on Master Use Permit (MUP) plans for the project, which are on-file with the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) (Permit #3029729). While not construction-level detail, the schematic plans accurately represent the eventual size, location and configuration of the proposed lighting project and are considered adequate for analysis and disclosure of environmental impacts.
This Environmental Checklist is organized into three major sections. Section A of the Checklist (starting on page 1) provides background information concerning the Proposed Action (e.g., purpose, proponent/contact person, project description, project location, etc.). Section B (beginning on page 6) contains the analysis of environmental impacts that could result from implementation of the proposed project, based on review of major environmental parameters. This section also identifies possible mitigation measures. Section C (page 32) contains the signature of the proponent, confirming the completeness of this Environmental Checklist.
Project-relevant analyses that served as a basis for this Environmental Checklist include: the Geotechnical Engineering Services Report (Associated Earth Sciences, Inc., 2017), the Lighting Summary Report (Musco Lighting, 2017), the Cultural Resources Survey (SWCA Environmental Consultants), and the Transportation Technical Report (Heffron Transportation, Inc., 2017). These reports are included as appendices to this SEPA Checklist.
1 Chapter 43.21C. RCW
Final Environmental Checklist i Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project Table of Contents
A. BACKGROUND ...... 1 1. Name of Proposed Project: ...... 1 2. Name of Applicant: ...... 1 3. Address and Phone Number of Applicant and Contact Person: ...... 1 4. Date Checklist Prepared ...... 1 5. Agency Requesting Checklist ...... 1 6. Proposed Timing or Schedule (including phasing, if applicable): ...... 1 7. Future Plans...... 2 8. Additional Environmental Information ...... 2 9. Pending Applications ...... 2 10. Government Approvals or Permits ...... 2 11. Project Description ...... 2 12. Location of the Proposal...... 5
B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS ...... 6 1. Earth ...... 6 2. Air ...... 8 3. Water ...... 9 4. Plants ...... 11 5. Animals ...... 12 6. Energy and Natural Resources ...... 13 7. Environmental Health...... 14 8. Land and Shoreline Use ...... 20 9. Housing ...... 23 10. Aesthetics ...... 23 11. Light and Glare ...... 24 12. Recreation ...... 27 13. Historic and Cultural Preservation ...... 28 14. Transportation ...... 31 15. Public Services ...... 34 16. Utilities ...... 35
C. SIGNATURES ...... Error! Bookmark not defined.
REFERENCES ...... 36
FIGURES ...... 37
APPENDICES ...... 43
A - Construction Management Best Practices B - Geotechnical Report C - Lighting Report D - Cultural Resources Survey (on-file with Seattle Public Schools) E - Transportation Report F - Draft SEPA Checklist Public Comment Matrix
Final Environmental Checklist ii Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project PURPOSE
The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), Chapter 43.21 RCW, requires all governmental agencies to consider the environmental impacts of a proposal before making decisions. The purpose of this checklist is to provide information to help identify impacts from the proposal (and to reduce or avoid impacts, if possible) and to help Seattle Public Schools to make a SEPA threshold determination.
A. BACKGROUND
1. Name of Proposed Project:
Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project
2. Name of Applicant:
Seattle School District No. 1 (Seattle Public Schools)
3. Address and Phone Number of Applicant and Contact Person:
Jeanette Imanishi Project Manager Seattle Public Schools 2445 – 3rd Ave. S. MS 22-332, P.O. Box 34165 Seattle, WA 98124-1165 206-252-0663
4. Date Checklist Prepared
February 1, 2018
5. Agency Requesting Checklist
Seattle School District No. 1 2445 – 3rd Avenue South MS 22-332, P.O. Box 34165 Seattle, WA 98124-1165
6. Proposed Timing or Schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
The Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project that is analyzed in this Final Environmental Checklist involves site preparation work, construction, and operation of the project referred to as the Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project. Site preparation and construction could begin in June 2018 with field operation by Fall 2018.
Final Environmental Checklist 1 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project 7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or connected with this proposal? If yes, explain.
No future plans for further development of the project site are proposed.
8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be prepared, directly related to this proposal:
Geotechnical Engineering Services Report (AESI, 2017); Lighting Summary Report (Musco Lighting, 2017); Cultural Resources Assessment (SWCA, 2017); and, Transportation Technical Report (Heffron Transportation, 2017).
These reports are included as appendices to this Checklist.
9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other proposals directly affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain:
There are no known other applications that are pending approval for the Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project site.
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known:
City of Seattle
Department of Construction and Inspections -- permits/approvals associated with the proposed project, including: - Master Use Permit - Building Permit - Electrical Permits
11. Give a brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size of the project and site. There are several questions later in this checklist that ask you to describe certain aspects of your proposal. You do not need to repeat those answers on this page.
Overview
The proposed Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project site is located within south Seattle’s Mount Baker neighborhood and adjacent to Franklin High School (see Figures 1 and 2). The approximately 252,647 sq. ft. project site is bounded by
Final Environmental Checklist 2 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project 30th Avenue South. to the east; South Mount Baker Boulevard to the south; Martin Luther King Jr. Way South to the west; and single-family residences and retail/commercial buildings to the north.
Existing Site Conditions
The project site contains an existing synthetic turf athletic field and a six-lane running track surrounding the field; associated track and field facilities (i.e. long jump/triple jump areas, discus/shot put area, etc.) are located along the western edge of the field between the turf field and the track area. The Franklin High School gymnasium building is located along the eastern edge of the track area but is outside of the project site boundaries.
Existing uses of the field area by Franklin High School include football practices, boys’ soccer practices, track and field practices, and unified soccer practices. Due to limitations and field availability, several existing school athletic activities are currently located on off-site field areas, including: girls’ soccer practices and games; football games; boys’ Frisbee practices and games; lacrosse games and practices; girls’ Frisbee practices and games; baseball practices and games; and, softball practices and games. Pursuant to the existing Joint Use Agreement (JUA) between Seattle Public Schools and the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department, Franklin High School maintains the use of the field until 6:45 PM, at which time the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department utilizes the field for its programming uses until dusk.
The City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department currently utilizes the field for a variety of recreation programming uses, including youth soccer practices and games; adult soccer games; youth football practices and games; ultimate Frisbee practices and games; and, youth track practices.
Currently, on-street parking is used to access the Franklin High School athletic field and track. A nearby Seattle Public Schools-owned parking lot at the corner of South Byron Street and Wetmore Avenue South is currently temporarily used for equipment storage but would also available for overflow parking for school and athletic events.
Proposed Project
As noted previously, the existing field is currently used for a variety of athletic uses by Franklin High School and the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department. The project design for the Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project is intended to illuminate the athletic field and track for use by Seattle Public Schools during after- daylight hours which would allow for increased use of the field, particularly during the late-fall and winter months when there is less daylight available to use the field. The lights are also being installed to meet the purposes of the existing JUA to increase youth and community access to Seattle Public Schools facilities, as well as student access to Seattle Parks and Recreation Department facilities.
The project design would provide lighting for increased use of the field and track, while minimizing lighting spill and glare impacts to the surrounding area. The proposed project would consist of six, approximately 70-foot tall field lighting poles and
Final Environmental Checklist 3 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project mountings that would illuminate the existing field and track. The existing field would remain in its current configuration and no new buildings or other field improvements are associated with the lighting project. The proposed project would not provide additional parking. See Figure 3 for a site plan.
Six, approximately 70-foot tall lighting poles would be provided as a part of the project (three on the east side of the site, and three on the west). The poles on the east side of the project site would be located just outside of the track, spaced evenly along the length of the track with light fixtures oriented west. The poles on the west side of the site would be located in between the track and the field area, with light fixtures oriented both east (towards the field) and west (towards the track). See the Table 1 below for information regarding the light fixtures and mounting locations for each pole; see Figure 4 for an illustration of corresponding light pole locations. Total Light Control (TLC) – LED – 1150 luminaires would be used, for a total of 46 light fixtures.
Table 1 Proposed Light Fixtures and Mounting Locations
Fixture Location Fixture Height Fixture Quantity Group** 70' 5 A F1* 70' 4 B 25' 1 A 70' 5 A West F2* side of 70' 4 B site 70' 5 A F3* 70' 4 B 25' 1 A 70' 5 A F4 25' 1 A East F5 70' 5 A side of site 70' 5 A F6 25' 1 A Lighting poles at these locations have back-to-back * mountings at the 70' height (5/4) ** Group A fixtures light the football/soccer field while Group B fixtures face away from the field and light the track only.
With the completion of the Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project, school-related athletic activities that currently occur on the field would continue and the school would be able to utilize the field for additional activities that currently occur on off-site fields. Girls’ soccer practices and games that are currently held at Genesee Park would be able to utilize the field during the fall. Boys’ Frisbee practices and games would also utilize the field during the fall. During the spring, boys soccer, track and field and lacrosse would continue to utilize the field and the implementation of new field lighting would allow the school to reduce the amount of practice time lost. Boys’ Frisbee practices and games would also utilize the field during the spring.
Final Environmental Checklist 4 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project The City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department could continue to utilize the field for its current activities (i.e., youth soccer practices and games, adult soccer games, youth football practices and games, etc.) and could also utilize the fields for youth lacrosse practices and games, adult lacrosse games and other athletic activities.
Field usage between Seattle Public Schools and the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department would continue to occur in accordance with the JUA and evening use of the field would be consistent with City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department Policy #060-P7.1.1. Policy #060-P7.1.1 allows for athletic activities to occur until 10:45 PM and lighting to be operational until 11:00 PM, except on fields where residences are located on two or more sides (unless residences are separated by arterials, significant topography, and/or other buffers). For fields that have residences adjacent on two or more sides, field activities are allowed until 9:45 PM and lighting is allowed to be operational until 10:00 PM. The Franklin High School Athletic Field has residences adjacent to the north and east boundary of the site and these residences are not separated by arterial streets or other buffers. As a result, field activities could occur until 9:45 PM and the proposed lighting could be operational until 10:00 PM consistent with Policy #060-P7.1.1.
12. Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand the precise location of your proposed project, including a street address, if any. If a proposal would occur over a range of area, provide the range or boundaries of the site(s).
The Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project site is located at 2880 Rainier Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98144, immediately west of the Mount Baker Boulevard Park greenway and Franklin High School. The site is bounded by 30th Avenue South to the east; South Mount Baker Boulevard to the south; Rainier Avenue South at the southwest corner; Martin Luther King Jr. Way South to the west; and single family residences and retail/commercial buildings to the north (which are accessed via South McClellan Street to 29th Avenue South and 30th Avenue South). See Figure 1 and Figure 2 for vicinity maps of the project site
Final Environmental Checklist 5 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project B. ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS 1. Earth a. General description of the site (circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other:______
The majority of the Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project site is flat, with a steep slope area to the northeast of the existing field, adjacent to 30th Avenue South. See Figure 5 for a survey of the existing project site.
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)?
The steep slope area to the northeast of the existing field contains an approximately 15 to 20 percent slope. It is likely that this slope was created during the original grading for the site (AESI, 2017).
c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat, muck)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and note any agricultural land of long-term commercial significance and whether the proposal results in removing any of these soils.
As noted in the Geotechnical Report for the project (AESI, 2017), the soils on the project site generally consist of surficial fill ranging in depths from 8 to 13 feet below the ground surface. Below the fill is generally very loose silty sand and very soft silt that is interpreted as Holocene relict wetland deposits and Vashon recessional lacustrine sediments. These deposits and sediments range in depth from 8 to 26 feet below the ground surface. Pre-Olympia glacial diamict was also encountered in certain areas of the site at a depth of 24 feet below the ground surface (see Appendix B for further details).
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so, describe.
Based on City of Seattle critical areas GIS maps, the project site is located within a Liquefaction Zone Environmentally Critical Area (ECA).
The Puget Sound region is a seismically active region; thus the project site could experience seismic activity, which may cause surface rupture, liquefaction and subsidence, and landslides. However, based on site conditions, the risk of these hazards is considered low in this
Final Environmental Checklist 6 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project area of Seattle. Historical information indicates that no landslide activity has occurred on the proposed project site.2
e. Describe the purpose, type, and approximate quantities and total affected area of any filling, excavation, and grading proposed. Indicate source of fill.
No grading would be required as a part of the proposed project. A minimal amount of excavation would be required to install the foundations for each of the proposed light poles.
f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
Erosion is possible in conjunction with any construction activity. Site work would expose soils, but the implementation of a Temporary Erosion Sedimentation Control (TESC) plan would mitigate potential impacts. Once the project is operational, no erosion is anticipated.
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)?
The completed project would not substantially change the percentage of the site that is covered in impervious surfaces, which is approximately 75 percent under existing conditions.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any:
As outlined in the Geotechnical Report (Appendix B), the project would follow City of Seattle regulations, including providing a Temporary Erosion and Sedimentation Control (TESC) Plan and Best Management Practices (BMPs). Appendix A also provides a summary of Construction BMPs that are typically utilized by Seattle Public Schools during the construction process. The following measures would be implemented during construction to control erosion:
• Provide storm drain inlet protection; • Route surface water away from work areas; • Keep staging areas and travel areas clean and free of track- out; • Cover work areas and stockpiled soils when not in use; and, • Compete earthwork during dry weather and site conditions, if possible.
2 Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) GIS Map. http://web6.seattle.gov/dpd/maps/dpdgis.aspx.
Final Environmental Checklist 7 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project 2. Air a. What type of emissions to the air would result from the proposal (i.e., dust, automobile, odors, industrial wood smoke) during construction and when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and give approximate quantities if known.
During construction, the Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project could result in temporary increases in localized air emissions associated with particulates and construction-related vehicles. It is anticipated that the primary source of temporary, localized increases in air quality emissions would result from particulates associated with on- site excavation and site preparation as part of the proposed light pole installation. While the potential for increased, air quality emissions could occur throughout the construction process, the timeframe of greatest potential impact would be at the outset of the project in conjunction with the site preparation and excavation/grading activities. However, as described above under the Earth discussion, minimal amounts of excavation would be required for the project and air quality emission impacts are not anticipated to be significant.
Upon completion of the project, the primary source of emissions would be from vehicles travelling to and from the site. Emissions from such vehicles would not be anticipated to result in a significant adverse air quality impact.
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so, generally describe.
The primary off-site source of emissions in the site vicinity is vehicle traffic on surrounding roadways, including Rainer Avenue South and Martin Luther King Jr Way South. There are no known offsite sources of air emissions or odors that may affect the proposed project.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any:
The following measure would be provided to reduce/control air quality impacts during construction:
• Construction activities would be required to comply with Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) regulations, including Regulation I, Section 9.11 (prohibiting the emission of air contaminants that would be injurious to human health) and Regulation I, Section 9.15 (prohibiting the emission of fugitive dust, unless reasonable precautions are employed). Additional mitigation measures to minimize air quality impacts during construction are identified in Appendix B.
Final Environmental Checklist 8 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project 3. Water a. Surface: 1) Is there any surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the site (including year-round and seasonal streams, saltwater, lakes, ponds, wetlands)? If yes, describe type and provide names. If appropriate, state what stream or river it flows into.
There is no surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project site. The nearest surface water body is Lake Washington, which is located approximately ½ mile east of the project site (see Figure 1).
2) Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) the described waters? If yes, please describe and attach available plans.
The proposed project will not require any work over, in, or adjacent (within 200 feet) of any water body.
3) Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or removed from surface water or wetlands and indicate the area of the site that would be affected. Indicate the source of fill material.
No fill or dredge material would be placed in or removed from any surface water body as a result of the proposed project.
4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
The proposed project would not require any surface water withdrawals or diversions.
5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan.
The proposed project site does not lie within a 100-year floodplain and is not identified as a flood prone area on the City of Seattle Environmentally Critical Areas map.
6) Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters? If so, describe the type of waste and anticipated volume of discharge.
There would be no discharge of waste materials to surface waters.
Final Environmental Checklist 9 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project b. Ground: 1) Will ground water be withdrawn, or will water be discharged to ground water? If so, give a general description of the well, proposed uses and approximate quantities withdrawn from the well. Will water be discharged to groundwater? Give general description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
During geotechnical investigations on the site (AESI, 2017), three borings were completed ranging from a depth of 16.5 feet to 26.5 feet below the ground surface. Groundwater was encountered within all three borings and ranged from a depth of approximately 8 to 12 feet below the ground surface. The groundwater levels represent a shallow water table that is present within the Vashon recessional and Holocene sediments that are found within this portion of the Rainier Valley area. No groundwater would be withdrawn or water discharged to ground water as part of the proposed project.
2) Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or other sources; industrial, containing the following chemicals; agricultural; etc.). Describe the general size of the system, the number of such systems, the number of houses to be served (if applicable), or the number of animals or humans the system(s) are expected to serve.
Waste material would not be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or other sources as a result of the proposed project.
c. Water Runoff (including storm water): 1) Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method of collection and disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow? Will this water flow into other waters? If so, describe.
Approximately 75 percent of the existing site is in impervious surfaces, including existing paved surfaces, existing turf surfaces and existing rubberized track surfaces. The amount of impervious surfaces on the site would not substantially change with the project and stormwater management for the field area would continue to be provided as under the existing conditions.
2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe.
The existing stormwater management system for the site would continue to ensure that waste materials would not enter ground or surface waters as a result of the proposed project.
Final Environmental Checklist 10 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project 3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If so, describe.
The proposed project would not alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the site vicinity.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water impacts, if any:
The following measures would be implemented to control surface, ground and runoff water impacts:
• A Temporary Erosion and Sedimentation Control (TESC) Plan and Best Management Practices (BMPs) would be implemented during construction to reduce erosion and minimize impacts to water resources.
• Impervious surfaces would not substantially increase on the site and the existing stormwater management system would continue to serve the field area.
4. Plants a. Check or circle types of vegetation found on the site: X_deciduous tree: __evergreen tree: __shrubs X_ grass __ pasture __ crop or grain __ wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other __ water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other _ other types of vegetation
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered?
Existing trees and grass areas are located in the northeast corner of the Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project site, beyond the field and track area and adjacent to 30th Avenue South. Approximately 33 deciduous trees are located within this area. No trees would be removed or altered as a part of the proposed project.
c. List threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site.
No known threatened or endangered species are located on or proximate to the project site.
Final Environmental Checklist 11 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance vegetation on the site, if any:
All existing trees and the existing grass area in the northeast corner of the site would be retained as part of the project. Landscaping and additional vegetation is not proposed as a part of this project.
e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site.
Noxious weeds or invasive species that could be present in the vicinity of the site include giant hogweed, English Ivy and Himalayan blackberry.
5. Animals a. Circle (underlined) any birds and animals that have been observed on or near the site or are known to be on or near the site: birds: songbirds, hawk, heron, eagle, other: seagulls, pigeons, mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other: squirrels, raccoons, rats, mice fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other: None.
Birds and small mammals tolerant of urban conditions may use and may be present on and near the Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project site. Mammals likely to be present include: raccoon, eastern gray squirrel, mouse, rat, opossum, and feral cats. Birds common to the area include: European starling, house sparrow, rock dove, American crow, seagull, western gull, Canada goose, American robin, and house finch.
The Cheasty Natural Area/Greenspace is located approximately 0.6 miles to the southwest of the project site and is generally bounded by South Andover Street to the north, Cheasty Boulevard on the west and South Columbian Way to the south; associated, connected greenspace/forested areas also extended further to the north near South Bayview Street. The Cheasty Greenspace provides habitat for small mammals (i.e., squirrel, raccoon, opossum, coyote, etc.) and several species of birds (i.e., stellar’s jay, downy woodpecker, winter wren, song sparrow, wilson’s warbler, hummingbird, etc.), and is designated as a wildlife habitat area by the City of Seattle’s Environmentally Critical Areas maps. While not a part of the formal Cheasty Greenspace site itself, a portion of the associated, connected greenspace/forested area is located to the west of the Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project site, beyond Rainier Avenue South and west of 27th Avenue South. This area that is most proximate to the project site is also designated as a wildlife habitat area by the City of Seattle’s Environmentally Critical Areas maps; however, the area is located over 500 feet from the project site and is separated from
Final Environmental Checklist 12 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project the project site by existing, intervening development (Sound Transit Light Rail tracks, roadways, residential and commercial development) and existing street trees. The design of the proposed lighting system would be intended minimize the amount of light spillage from the site (see Section 11, Light and Glare, for further details on the proposed lighting system) and as a result, significant impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitat in the project area, including Cheasty Greenspace, would not be anticipated.
b. List any threatened or endangered species known to be on or near the site.
The following are listed threatened or endangered species that could be present within the site area or surrounding vicinity based on data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: marbled murrelet, streaked horned lark, yellow-billed cuckoo, bull trout, and north american wolverine3. However, it should be noted that none of these species have been observed at the site and due to the urban location of the site, it is unlikely that these animals are present on or near the site
c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain.
The entire Puget Sound area is within the Pacific Flyway, which is a major north-south flyway for migratory birds in America—extending from Alaska to Patagonia. Every year, migratory birds travel some or all of this distance both in spring and in fall, following food sources, heading to breeding grounds, or travelling to overwintering sites.
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any:
No specific measures are proposed to enhance wildlife and/or habitat.
e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site.
Invasive species known to be located in King County include European starling, house sparrow and eastern gray squirrel.
6. Energy and Natural Resources a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet the completed project’s energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating, manufacturing, etc.
Electricity is the primary source of energy that would serve the proposed Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project.
3 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. IPaC. https://ecos.fws.gov/ipac/location/index. Accessed May 2017.
Final Environmental Checklist 13 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project During operation, this energy source would be used for lighting the athletic field and the field lights would generally operate until approximately 10:00 PM, consistent with Seattle Parks and Recreation Department Policy #060-P7.1.1.
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties? If so, generally describe.
The proposed project would not affect adjacent properties use of solar energy.
d. What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this proposal? List other proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if any:
The following measures would be provided to conserve energy and minimize energy impacts.
• The proposed field lighting for the project would utilize LED lighting fixtures which would be more efficient and conserve energy when compared with traditional metal halide light fixtures.
• The proposed field lighting system would be connected to a fully programmable control system with remote operation to allow field lights to be turned off after play is completed and area lights would remain on for a short period of time to allow for ample light for safe egress from the site.
7. Environmental Health a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste that could occur as a result of this proposal? If so, describe.
The proposed Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project would have no known environmental health hazards that could occur as a result of this proposal.
1) Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses.
No known sources of potential contamination are present on the site
Final Environmental Checklist 14 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project 2) Describe existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect project development and design. This includes underground hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines located within the project area and in the vicinity.
No existing hazardous chemicals/conditions are located within the project area.
3) Describe any toxic or hazardous chemicals that might be stored, used, or produced during the project’s development or construction, or at any time during the operating life of the project.
No toxic or hazardous chemicals are anticipated to be stored, used or produced during the project’s development or operation.
4) Describe special emergency services that might be required.
No special emergency services are anticipated to be required as a result of the project. As is typical of urban development, it is possible that normal fire, medical, and other emergency services may, on occasion, be needed from the City of Seattle for field activities (i.e. injuries during athletic events, etc.).
5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any:
No known environmental health hazards are anticipated as part of the project and no mitigation measures would be required.
b. Noise 1) What types of noise exist in the area that may affect your project (for example: traffic, equipment operation, other)?
Existing uses of the field, such as football practices, boys’ soccer practices, track and field practices, and unified soccer practices generate noise associated with those activities, including participant voices and whistles. These existing field uses and associated noise levels can also occur in the evening hours during the Spring through early Fall when longer daylight hours allow for extended use of the field. The primary source of noise in the site vicinity is traffic noise associated with adjacent roadways, including Martin Luther King Jr Way South and Rainier Avenue South (located adjacent to the western boundary of the site). Noise from traffic on these roadways is relatively high due to the amount of vehicle traffic on those roadways. In addition, the Mount Baker Transit Center and Mount Baker Link Light Rail Station and associated elevated Sound Transit light rail tracks are located immediately west of Martin Luther King Jr Way South and Rainier
Final Environmental Checklist 15 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project Avenue South, and are a source of noise in the area. Neither the vehicle traffic noise, nor the noise from light rail or transit uses, are anticipated to adversely affect the proposed Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project.
The City of Seattle Noise Code (SMC 25.08) regulates noise in the city based on the land use that is generating noise and the land use that is receiving the noise. From one residential property to another, the maximum allowable noise from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM is 55 dBA Leq4. Between the hours of 10:00 PM and 7:00 PM the allowable noise level is reduced to 45 dBA Leq. In addition, the Noise Code allows for short, discrete increases in noise levels, including up to 5 dBA above the continuous limit for up to 15 minutes per hour; up to 10 dBA above the continuous limit for up to 5 minutes per hour; and, up to 15 dBA above the continuous limit for up to 1.5 minutes per hour.
Noise measurements were conducted at existing Seattle Public School fields as part of a noise analysis for Roosevelt High School to identify existing noise levels at Seattle Public School fields located within urban residential environments (ESA, 2017). Several measurements were taken between the hours of 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM when no evening athletic events were occurring at Roosevelt High School and indicated that the average ambient sound level at the field was approximately 58 dBA Leq, which would be above the maximum allowable noise level for residential receivers according to SMC 25.08 (55 dBA Leq). Noise sources primarily included vehicle traffic on adjacent roadways (NE 65th Street, 12th Avenue NE and 15th Avenue NE), noise from nearby bus routes and bus stops, vehicle noise (car horns and engines starting) and pedestrian noise. It is anticipated that these noise sources and levels would be representative of existing noise levels for a school field in an urban residential environment, and that noise levels would likely be similar at the Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project site. However, due to its proximity to substantial vehicle traffic (Rainier Avenue South, Martin Luther King Jr Way South, and South Mount Baker Boulevard), the Mount Baker Transit Center and the Mount Baker Link Light Rail Station, it is anticipated that existing ambient noise at the Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project site is higher than existing noise levels at the Roosevelt High School site.
4 Leq is the equivalent sound level which is used to describe noise of a specified period of time. It is also referred to as the average sound level.
Final Environmental Checklist 16 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project 2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a short-term or a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indicate what hours noise would come from site.
Short-Term Noise
Construction-related noise would occur as a result of on-site construction activities associated with the project. Residential land uses (particularly those to the immediate north and northeast of the site) would be the most sensitive noise receptors and could experience occasional noise-related impacts throughout the construction process. The proposed project would comply with provisions of Seattle’s Noise Code (SMC, Chapter 25.08) as it relates to construction-related noise to reduce noise impacts during construction.
Long-Term Noise
With the completion of the Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project, school-related athletic activities that currently occur on the field would continue and the school would be able to utilize the field for additional activities that currently occur on off-site fields. Girls’ soccer practices and games that are currently held at Genesee Park would be able to utilize the field during the fall. Boy’s Frisbee practices and games would also utilize the field during the fall. During the spring, boys’ soccer, track and field and lacrosse would continue to utilize the field and the implementation of new field lighting would allow the school to reduce the amount of practice time lost. Boy’s Frisbee practices and games would also utilize the field during the spring. The City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department could continue to utilize the field for its current activities (i.e., youth soccer practices and games, adult soccer games, youth football practices and games, etc.) and could also utilize the fields for youth lacrosse practices and games and adult lacrosse games.
Noise sources from additional activities would be similar to those activities that currently occur on the site and would reflect the increased usage of the field; including use of the field later in the evening (until 9:45 PM with lights shut off by 10:00 PM). Increased noise on the site would primarily be associated with noise from athletic participants during practices and games and crowd noise during games. Typical noise levels from sporting events were analyzed as part of the City of Seattle’s 2002 EIS for the Sand Point Magnuson Park Drainage, Wetland/Habitat Complex and Sports Fields/Courts Project (2002 Sand Point Magnuson Park EIS), which included similar athletic activities as the proposed Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project. The 2002 Sand Point Magnuson Park EIS indicated that youth soccer practices/games and adult league soccer games would all generate the following
Final Environmental Checklist 17 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project 5 6 noise levels, including: 52 dBA L25 at 30 meters and 68 dBA Lmax at 30 meters.
A subsequent noise study completed for Seattle Public Schools in December 2017 for Roosevelt High School also included an analysis of existing evening athletic uses at Seattle Public School fields that currently contain field lighting (ESA 2017). An analysis of existing noise during an evening adult soccer game (8 PM to 9 PM) in the immediate vicinity of the athletic field at Ingraham High School indicated a noise level of approximately 64 dBA Leq with noise sources consisting of passing cars on N 130th Street and Ashworth Avenue N, field activity (including ball kicking and whistling), and residential activity (dog calling and other voice activity). While these noise levels would exceed the exterior sound level limits identified in SMC 25.08.410, (55 dBA Leq for residential receiving properties between 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM), the noise levels during an evening soccer event would add to the existing ambient noise sources at Seattle Public School fields with no evening athletic use and contribute to the current exceedance of noise levels (i.e. in the vicinity of Roosevelt High School which already contains evening ambient noise levels above the Noise Code thresholds).
It would be anticipated that youth soccer practices/games and adult soccer games (and other athletic activities, practices and games) at the site would generate a similar level of noise as identified above in the 2002 Sand Point Magnuson Park EIS and the December 2017 noise analysis by Seattle Public Schools which could result in noise levels that would contribute to the current exceedance of the noise limits identified in SMC 25.08.410. These noise sources and noise levels would also be similar to existing noise that occurs at the field currently, including in the evening hours during the Spring through early Fall when longer daylight hours allow for longer use of the field. Noise from athletic events would be most noticeable for residences to the immediate north and east of the project site. However, as described above, based on existing noise measurements at similar field sites, it is anticipated that existing ambient noise levels at the Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project site already exceed the City Noise Code levels of 55 dBA Leq due to the site’s urban location and proximity to substantial vehicle traffic noise (Rainier Avenue South, Martin Luther King Jr Way South, and South Mount Baker Boulevard), noise from the Mount Baker Transit Center and noise from the Mount Baker Link Light Rail Station. While potential noise levels from the Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project would contribute to the current exceedance of the City Noise Code levels, it is anticipated that proposed athletic activities/events would
5 L25 represents the average sound level measured over 25 percent of every hour (15 minutes)
6 Lmax represents the maximum sound level measured during a period of observation (typically one hour).
Final Environmental Checklist 18 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project represent a small portion of those noise levels when compared to existing ambient noise from the surrounding environment (vehicle noise from Rainier Avenue South, Martin Luther King Jr Way South, and South Mount Baker Boulevard, and noise from the Mount Baker Transit Center and the Mount Baker Link Light Rail Station). In addition, as noted above, the Noise Code allows for shorter duration increases in noise such as those that could occur during athletic activities/events, including louder voice levels, cheering and referee whistles.
3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any:
The following measures would be provided to reduce noise impacts:
• Construction of the project would comply with provisions of the City’s Noise Ordinance (SMC 25.08); specifically: construction hours would be limited to standard construction hours (non-holiday) from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. If extended construction hours are necessary, the applicant would apply for a noise variance.
• The use of the field would comply with City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department Policy #060-P7.1.1, which allows for activities until 9:45 PM and field lighting until 10:00 PM.
• The proposed project would not include the provision of any permanent public address system. Amplified sound through the use of portable systems could be allowed on a limited basis for school-related events to the extent that they are necessary for the operation of the event/activity7. The use of portable amplification systems would be restricted for non-school-related events.
• As part of the Master Use Permit process for the project, the City of Seattle will review the potential increase duration of noise and Seattle Public Schools would consider any noise mitigation recommended by the City.
• In the event that specific individual activities may cause noise issues, the City of Seattle maintains a 24-hour noise complaint hotline that can be used by the community surrounding the project site.
7 Pursuant to the current JUA, Franklin High School maintains the use of the field until 6:45 PM.
Final Environmental Checklist 19 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project 8. Land and Shoreline Use a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Will the proposal affect current land uses on nearby or adjacent properties? If so, describe.
The Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project site is comprised of the existing field and track that is currently used for school activities such as soccer, football (practice only), track and field (practice only), lacrosse, ultimate Frisbee, baseball and softball drills, Physical Education classes, conditioning workouts, band rehearsal, and graduation rehearsal. The Seattle Parks and Recreation Department also utilizes the field for a variety of recreation programming uses, including youth soccer practices and games, adult soccer games, youth football practices and games ultimate Frisbee practices and games, and youth track practices. The Franklin High School gymnasium building is located along the eastern edge of the site area but is outside of the project’s limits of work boundaries (see Figure 3 for the site plan of the project).
Adjacent land uses south of the project site, across South Mount Baker Boulevard include a 3-story multifamily residence that is currently under construction; Seattle Fire Station 30; and a Wells Fargo bank with associated surface parking.
Adjacent land uses west of the project site, across Martin Luther King Jr. Way South, include a U.S. Bank building and coffee shop with associated surface parking. Other nearby uses west of the site include the Mount Baker Transit Center, the 4-story Artspace Mount Baker Lofts (residential/commercial mixed-use), and the Mount Baker Light Rail Station.
A single-story, retail building is immediately northwest of the site and includes several retail and service uses. To the north and northeast of the site are 1-2-story single family residences and 29th Avenue South. The residences are situated at the top of the sloped area, above the field site, and are also separated from the site by several mature deciduous trees.
To the east of the project site, across 30th Avenue South, are 1-3 story, single family residences, Mount Baker Boulevard Park, and Franklin High School.
While the site is currently utilized for a variety of scholastic and non- scholastic athletic activities, the proposed athletic field lighting would allow for an intensification of the current use (i.e., increased noise, traffic, etc.) by allowing activities to occur later into the evening (particularly during the late fall and winter months). This use would continue to be consistent with the current use and significant impacts would not be anticipated.
Final Environmental Checklist 20 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project b. Has the site been used as working farmlands or working forest lands? If so, describe. How much agricultural or forest land of long-term commercial significance will be converted to other uses as a result of the proposal, if any? If resource lands have not been designated, how many acres in farmland or forest land tax status will be converted to nonfarm or nonforest use?
The site has no recent history of use as a working farmland or forest land.
1) Will the proposal affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or forest land normal business operations, such as oversize equipment access, the application of pesticides, tilling, and harvesting? If so, how:
The site is located in an urban area and would not affect or be affected by working farm or forest land; no working farm or forest land is located in the vicinity of this urban site.
c. Describe any structures on the site.
The site is occupied by an approximately 53,786 sq. ft., 2-story aggregate building that was constructed in 1959. The building is used as a gymnasium for Franklin High School. As noted previously, this building is outside of the project’s limits of the work boundaries.
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what?
No structures would be demolished as a result of the proposed project.
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site?
The site is currently zoned as Single-Family Residential (SF 5000).
The site is immediately adjacent to a Seattle Mixed zone (to the west and south), and lowrise residential-commercial zones (to the south).
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
The Future Land Use Map in the Seattle Comprehensive Plan identifies the site within a designated Hub. Specifically, the project site is located within the North Rainier Hub Urban Village. Hub Urban Villages “provide a balance of housing and employment, generally at densities lower than those found in urban centers. These areas provide a focus
Final Environmental Checklist 21 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project of goods, services, and employment to communities that are not close to urban centers”8.
g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site?
The project site is not located within the City’s designated shoreline boundary.
h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify.
According to the City of Seattle Environmental Critical Areas Maps there are two Environmental Critical Areas located on the project site.
A steep slope area is located within the northeast portion of the project site. However, the proposed light poles would be located to the south and west of the steep slope area. Most of the site is also classified as a liquefaction prone area, aside from the northeast corner. The light pole locations would occur within the liquefaction prone area.
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project?
The proposed project would not provide living or work opportunities.
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace?
The proposed project would not displace any people.
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any:
No displacement impacts would occur and no mitigation measures are necessary.
l. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land uses and plans, if any:
The project is compatible with existing land uses and plans. Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) 23.51B.002(D)(6) allows light poles for public school athletic facilities to exceed the maximum permitted height up to a maximum of 100 feet tall if it is determined that additional height is necessary to ensure adequate illumination and that impacts from light and glare are minimized to the greatest extent practical. Section 11,
8 Seattle’s Comprehensive Plan. Urban Village Element.
Final Environmental Checklist 22 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project Light and Glare, provides further discussion on the proposed light poles and how light and glare would be minimized through the use of taller light poles.
m. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with nearby agricultural and forest lands of long-term commercial significance, if any:
The project site is not located near agricultural or forest lands and no mitigation measures are necessary.
9. Housing a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing.
No housing units would be provided as part of the project.
b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high, middle, or low-income housing.
No housing presently exists on-site and none would be eliminated.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any:
No housing impacts would occur and no mitigation would be necessary.
10. Aesthetics a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is the principal exterior building material(s) proposed?
The height of the six proposed lighting poles is approximately 70 feet tall.
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed?
Views of the existing track and field area on the site would generally remain similar to the existing conditions. Six, approximately 70-foot tall light poles would be provided on the site and would be visible from surrounding adjacent areas. No new buildings or other field improvements are associated with the project and views would remain generally similar to the current conditions.
Final Environmental Checklist 23 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project The City’s public view protection policies are intended to “protect public views of significant natural and human-made features: Mount Rainier, the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, the downtown skyline, and major bodies of water including Puget Sound, Lake Washington, Lake Union and the Ship Canal, from public places consisting of specified viewpoints, parks, scenic routes, and view corridors identified in Attachment 1” to the SEPA code9. No public view protection sites are located on or adjacent to the project site.
View protection from City-designated Scenic Routes is also encouraged10; however, there are no designated Scenic Routes adjacent to the project site.
The adjacent Franklin High School building is designated by the City of Seattle as a City Landmark and views of designated historic structures is also a consideration11. The proposed Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project would not result in any modifications to the existing Franklin High School building and views of the building would remain generally unchanged. Views of Franklin High School from the west could include a portion of the field lighting poles that are included as part of the proposed project; however, these lighting poles would not obstruct views of the existing building and are not anticipated to significantly impact views of Franklin High School.
There are no designated views of the Space Needle on or adjacent to the project site12.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:
No significant impacts are anticipated with regard to aesthetic impacts and no measures are proposed.
11. Light and Glare a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly occur?
Short-Term Light and Glare
At times during the construction process, area lighting of the job site (to meet safety requirements) may be necessary, which would be noticeable proximate to the project site. In general, however, light and
9 Seattle Municipal Code Chap. 25.05.675 P.2.a.i. and the accompanying Seattle Views: An Inventory of 86 Public View Sites Protected under SEPA (May 2002) document. 10 Ord. #97025 (Scenic Routes Identified by the Seattle Engineering Department’s Traffic Division) and Ord. #114057 (Seattle Mayor’s Recommended Open Space Policies). 11 Seattle Municipal Code Chapter 25.05.675 P.2.b.i. 12 Seattle Municipal Code Chap. 25.05.675 P. and Seattle DCLU, 2001
Final Environmental Checklist 24 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project glare from construction of the proposed project are not anticipated to adversely affect adjacent land uses.
Long-Term Light and Glare
The proposed Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project would introduce new sources of light and glare on the project site, including pole-mounted field lighting and additional mobile sources of light associated with additional vehicles travelling to and from the vicinity of the field. The use of the field and associated lighting would comply with City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department Policy #060-P7.1.1, which allows for activities until 9:45 PM and field lighting until 10:00 PM.
Six, approximately 70-foot tall lighting poles would be provided as a part of the project (three on the east side of the site, and three on the west). The poles on the east side of the project site would be located just outside of the track, spaced evenly along the length of the track with light fixtures oriented west. The poles on the west side of the site would be located in between the track and the field area, with light fixtures oriented both east (towards the field) and west (towards the track). Total Light Control (TLC) – LED – 1150 luminaires would be used, for a total of 46 light fixtures (Musco Lighting, 2017).
The design of the lighting system would minimize the amount of light spillage from the site. By utilizing a pole height of 70-feet (compared to 30-foot poles that had been historically used for field lighting)), the amount of light spillage would be reduced by allowing the lights to be focused down toward the field and away from adjacent properties. The height also allows for increased effectiveness of the internal/external shielding on the lights to control the emitted light and prevent light from escaping beyond the site. In addition, “sky glow” would also be minimized through the use of 70-foot tall poles and internal/external shielding.
Typical Shielded Floodlight Fixtures
Due to the zone of darkness above the field, separate up-lights would be provided at a height of 30 feet on the proposed light poles on the west side of the field to safely track balls that fly up high in the air. The up-lights would be on a separate circuit and would only be used for football events. These fixtures are included in the overall spill-light
Final Environmental Checklist 25 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project calculation and modeling. Proposed lights mounted at 25 feet are also provided as security and egress lighting. This is standard practice for all lighted, outdoor public assembly spaces, and would allow the larger field lighting system to be shut down sooner, while allowing safe passage for participants. These fixtures are aimed toward the field, and are also included in the overall spill-light calculation and modeling.
The primary sources of glare from the proposed project would be from direct glare from the lights, as well as reflected glare off of the light poles, lights and surfaces around the field. Mounting the lights on 70- foot tall poles would reduce the amount of glare by creating steeper aiming angles and more effective use of the light shields. Residences that are immediately north/northeast of the site would have the potential for low to moderate levels of direct glare due to their proximity to the site; however, the potential for direct glare would be reduced due to the higher elevation of the residences when compared to the site (see Appendix C for further details on light and glare).
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views?
Light and glare associated with the proposed project would increase as part of the project when compared to the existing conditions, but the proposed lighting design is intended to minimize impacts from the field lighting system and associated glare. As a result, light and glare are not be expected to cause a safety hazard nor interfere with views.
c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal?
No off-site sources of light or glare are anticipated to affect the proposed Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any:
The following measures would be implemented to minimize light and glare impacts from the proposed project:
• Light fixtures would be mounted on 70-foot tall poles to minimize light spillage and glare by allowing the fixtures to be focused more directly down to the field and away from offsite areas. The height of the poles would provide for greater effectiveness of internal/external shielding on the lights and allow the proposed lighting to meet the City of Seattle’s recommended guidelines for light spillage.
• Light fixtures would utilize a reflector and shielding design to reduce the amount of light emitted from the site and into the atmosphere. An additional external visor would be mounted
Final Environmental Checklist 26 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project onto the light that extends to the front of the light to further limit the amount of light that is emitted above the system.
• The proposed field lighting system would be connected to a fully programmable control system with remote operation to allow field lights to be turned off after play is completed and area lights would remain on for a short period of time to allow for ample light for safe egress from the site.
• The use of the field would comply with City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department Policy #060-P7.1.1, which allows for activities until 9:45 PM and field lighting to be operational until 10:00 PM for fields with residential uses on two or more sides that are not separated by arterial streets. Seattle Public Schools could also consider an earlier shut off time for the proposed lights.
12. Recreation a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?
The Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project site contains the existing track and football/soccer field that is utilized by the school for various athletic activities, including football practices, boys’ soccer practices, track and field practices, and unified soccer practices. However, due to daylight limitations and field availability, several existing school athletic activities are currently located at off-site field areas.
There are several additional parks in the vicinity of the project site, including:
• Mount Baker Boulevard Park is located immediately east of the site; • Mount Baker Park is located approximately 0.4 miles to the northeast of the site; • Colman Park is located approximately 0.6 miles to the northeast of the site; • Lake Washington Boulevard Park is located approximately 0.6 miles to the northeast of the site; • Martin Luther King Memorial Park is located approximately 0.4 miles to the north; • Jefferson Park and Jefferson Park Golf Course are located approximately 0.4 miles to the southwest; • Lake People Park is located approximately 0.5 miles to the south; • York Playground is located approximately 0.3 miles to the southeast; and,
Final Environmental Checklist 27 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project • Cheasty Greenspace is located approximately 0.6 miles to the southwest.
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe.
The project would not displace any existing recreational uses. Informal use of the field would continue to be permitted during times when scheduled activities are not taking place.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any:
No impacts would occur and no mitigation is necessary.
13. Historic and Cultural Preservation a. Are there any buildings, structures, or sites, located on or near the site that are over 45 years old listed in or eligible for listing in national, state, or local preservation registers located on or near the site? If so, specifically describe.
The existing gymnasium building that is adjacent to the track and field area was constructed in 1959, but is not listed on any national, state, or local preservation registers.
Designated City Landmarks in the immediate vicinity include Franklin High School, located immediately east of the project site at 3013 South Mount Baker Boulevard. The school was established in 1912 and became a City Landmark in 1986. No modifications to the existing Franklin High School building are included as part of the proposed project.
Other City Landmarks in the vicinity of the project site include: the Kraus/Andersson House (approximately 0.4 miles to the east), the Mount Baker Presbyterian Church (approximately 0.4 miles to the east), Cheasty Boulevard South (approximately 0.5 miles to the southwest), and the Charles P Dose House (approximately 0.4 miles to the north).
Final Environmental Checklist 28 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project b. Are there any landmarks, features, or other evidence of Indian or historic use or occupation? This may include human burials or old cemeteries. Are there any material evidence, artifacts, or areas of cultural importance on or near the site? Please list any professional studies conducted at the site to identify such resources.
As noted above, the Franklin High School building was designated as a City Landmark in 1986. The proposed project does not include any modifications to the existing building.
A cultural resources survey was completed for the project and included an analysis of the natural and cultural setting of the site, background research on the site and surrounding area (archival research about the natural history and human settlement of the area, identification of previous cultural resource assessments in the area, and identification of recorded archaeological sites and historic buildings in the area), and field investigations of the site (SWCA, 2017).
Background research indicated that two archaeological sites have been previously recorded within a 1-mile radius of the site, including what appears to be a former landfill site approximately 0.1 miles to the west of the project site, and a former dump site approximately 0.3 miles to the southeast of the project site. Both of the previous archaeological sites contained historic debris scatters (SWCA, 2017).
Onsite investigations included a pedestrian survey of the entire project area and shovel probes within the proposed light pole locations. Since five of the six proposed light pole locations are located on areas that are currently covered with asphalt, only one shovel probe was completed in the northeast corner of the project area. The shovel probe was excavated to approximately one meter below the ground surface and into glacial sediments. No significant cultural material was identified on the surface during the pedestrian survey or during the excavation of subsurface shovel probes. Soil profiles from the shovel probe consisted of fill material that directly overlaid Pleistocene-age glacial material. As a result, it is anticipated that there is a very low potential for cultural resources to be found during construction activities for the proposed Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project and no further cultural resource investigations are recommended (SWCA, 2017). See Appendix D for further details on the cultural resource survey.
Final Environmental Checklist 29 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project c. Describe the methods used to assess the potential impacts to cultural and historic resources on or near the project site. Examples include consultation with tribes and the department of archeology and historic preservation, archaeological surveys, historic maps, GIS data, etc.
Potential impacts to historic resources on or near the site were evaluated by consulting the City of Seattle Landmarks map and the Washington Information System for Architectural and Archaeological Records Data (WISAARD).
In addition, as noted previously, a cultural resources survey was completed for the project (Appendix D) and included a review of existing documentation on the natural, cultural and historic setting of the site and surrounding area; a review of previous studies that were conducted in the project area; and, surface and subsurface investigations on the site, including one subsurface shovel probe excavation within the proposed light pole locations.
d. Proposed measures to avoid, minimize, or compensate for loss, changes to, and disturbance to resources. Please include plans for the above and any permits that may be required.
Although no impacts to historic or cultural resources are anticipated with the proposed project, the following measure would be implemented to minimize impacts from a potential inadvertent discovery of cultural resources:
• Although archaeological resources are not anticipated on the site, it is possible that undiscovered pre-contact or historic cultural material is present within the project area. In the event of an inadvertent discovery, King County, the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) and affected Tribes (including the Duwamish) would be contacted. If construction encounters any human remains, whether burials isolated teeth, bones or mortuary items, work in that area would be stopped immediately and the area secured surrounding the discovery. Local law enforcement, DAHP and affected Tribes (including the Duwamish) would be contacted and no further excavation would occur until a process has been agreed upon by those parties. Seattle Public Schools has also developed an Inadvertent Discovery Plan (IDP) which sets forth the specific procedures to be followed in the event of an inadvertent discovery and includes provisions for pre-construction briefings and on-call response, if necessary.
Final Environmental Checklist 30 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project 14. Transportation
A Transportation Technical Report (Heffron Transportation, Inc., 2017) has been prepared for the proposed project and the results of the report are summarized in this section. For further details on the Transportation Technical Report, please refer to Appendix E of this Checklist.
a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site or affected geographic area and describe the proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any.
The proposed Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project site is bounded by Martin Luther King Jr. Way South/Rainier Avenue South to the west, South Mount Baker Boulevard to the south, and 30th Avenue South to the east. The following provides a brief description of the streets in the site vicinity.
• Martin Luther King Jr Way South – This street is a Minor Arterial to the north of Rainier Avenue South and a Principal Arterial to the south. It provides two-way, north-south access between I- 90 and I-5 and connects the Mount Baker, Columbia City and Rainier Valley neighborhoods. In the site vicinity there are two travel lanes in each direction and a center turn lane. There are curbs, gutters and sidewalks on both sides, but parking is not allowed on either side of the street.
• Rainier Avenue South – This street is a Principal Arterial that provides two-way, north-south access between I-90 and neighborhoods along the southwest shore of Lake Washington. In the vicinity of the site there are two travel lanes in each direction; north of South McClellan Street there is also a center turn lane. There are curbs, gutters and sidewalks on both sides, but parking is not allowed on either side of the street.
• South Mount Baker Boulevard – This street is a Collector Arterial that provides two-way, east-west access between Rainier Avenue South and Lake Park Drive South. It is a boulevard with westbound and eastbound lanes separated by a wide, grassy median with intermittent pedestrian and roadway crossings. There are curbs, gutters and sidewalks. To the east of 30th Avenue South, parking is allowed on the median side of the street. Along some wider sections to the east of 33rd Avenue South, parking is allowed on both sides of the travel lane.
• 30th Avenue South – This street is a north-south Local Access street with curbs, gutters and sidewalks on both sides. Parking is allowed on both sides of the street in the site vicinity.
Final Environmental Checklist 31 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project Access to the site would continue to be provided by Martin Luther King Jr Way South, Rainier Avenue South, South Mount Baker Boulevard and 30th Avenue South. It is anticipated that users of the field would use existing on-street parking adjacent to the site and in the surrounding area. An existing off-street parking lot that is owned by Seattle Public Schools is located at the intersection of South Byron Street and Wetmore Avenue South and would be available for use as well.
b. Is site or affected geographic area currently served by public transit? If not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop?
The project site area is well-served by public transit, including bus service from King County Metro and Link light rail service from Sound Transit. In the vicinity of the site, Rainier Avenue South is designated as a Principal Transit Street north of South Mount Baker Boulevard and Major Transit Street to the south. Martin Luther King Jr Way South is designated as a Minor Transit Street north of South Mount Baker Boulevard and a Major Transit Street to the south. The Mount Baker Transit Center is located immediately west of the site and provides Metro bus service from Routes 7, 8, 9, 14, 48 and 106. These routes provide service to surrounding neighborhoods, including Downtown, Mount Baker, Columbia City, Rainier Beach, Queen Anne, Capitol Hill, Madison Valley, the International District, Central Area, Skyway and Renton. Headways range from 8 to 30 minutes.
The Mount Baker Link Light Rail Station is located directly west of the Mount Baker Transit Center (beyond Rainier Avenue South) and currently provides service to Angle Lake, SeaTac Airport, Rainier Beach, Columbia City, Mount Baker, Beacon Hill, Downtown, Capitol Hill and the University of Washington. Headways range from 6 to 15 minutes (see Appendix E for further details on transit).
c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate?
The proposed Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project would not add or eliminate any parking spaces. Existing on-street parking supply and demand counts were conducted in May and June of 2017 for streets in the vicinity of the project site (within an 800-foot walking distance from school site corners). Unused street parking currently accommodates demand from individual activities on the field and would be anticipated to continue to accommodate additional use of the field that would occur with the proposed project (primarily from October until early March). See Appendix E for further details on parking.
Final Environmental Checklist 32 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project d. Will the proposal require any new or improvements to existing roads, streets, pedestrian, bicycle or state transportation facilities, not including driveways? If so, generally describe (indicate whether public or private).
The project would not require any new street or related facilities, or significant improvements to existing facilities.
e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air transportation? If so, generally describe.
The project/proposal would not use water or air transportation. Sound Transit’s Mount Baker Light Rail Station is located to the west of the project site (beyond Rainier Avenue South). It is likely that some of the new trips generated as a result of the Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project would occur by light rail and that number is likely to include students and family members that already commute to and from the site by light rail. Most of the new light rail trips generated as a result of the field lighting project are expected to occur outside of the peak commute hours and are not expected to adversely affect light rail service or facilities in the area. See Appendix E for further details on light rail use.
f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project or proposal? If known, indicate when peak volumes would occur and what percentage of the volume would be trucks (such as commercial and nonpassenger vehicles). What data or transportation models were used to make these estimates?
The Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project is anticipated to generate approximately 200 to 250 additional vehicle trips per day for part of the year (primarily from October until early March). Peak volumes (estimated at approximately 85 trips per hour) associated with the field lighting could occur in the PM peak hour as a high school athletic practice or game is ending (up to approximately 55 outbound trips) and the participants and spectators for a recreational game arrive (approximately 25 inbound trips and 5 outbound trips). It is anticipated that the proposed Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project would not result in significant adverse impacts to traffic operations in the site vicinity (see Appendix E for further details on trip generation and traffic operations).
Final Environmental Checklist 33 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project g. Will the proposal interfere with, affect or be affected by the movement of agricultural and forest products on roads or streets in the area? If so, generally describe.
The project would not interfere or be affected by the movement of agricultural and forest products on the roadway network near the site area.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any.
The proposed Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project is not anticipated to result in significant adverse impacts to traffic or parking in the site vicinity. However, the following measures would help to manage parking at the field site and in the site vicinity.
• Seattle Public Schools could examine options to make the District-owned parking lot located at the corner of South Byron Street/Wetmore Avenue South more desirable for use during evenings when large events are scheduled at the same time as evening field use.
• The athletic field-use schedule could be adjusted to avoid use during evenings with large events at the school or its gymnasium.
15. Public Services a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire protection, police protection, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally describe.
While the completed project would result in increased use of the playfield which could result in some injuries due to athletic activities and uses, it is not anticipated to generate a significant increase in the need for public services. To the extent that emergency service providers have planned for gradual increases in service demands, no significant impacts are anticipated.
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any.
The potential increase in people using the athletic field may result in incrementally greater demand for emergency services; however, it is anticipated that adequate service capacity is available within the Mount Baker area to preclude the need for additional public facilities/services.
Final Environmental Checklist 34 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project
16. Utilities a. Circle utilities currently available at the site: electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system, other.
All utilities are currently available at the site.
b. Describe the utilities that are proposed for the project, the utility providing the service, and the general construction activities on the site or in immediate vicinity that might be needed.
Utilities and providers (in parentheses) proposed for the project would include the following:
• Electrical (Seattle City Light) – for the proposed field lighting system and associated pad mount transformer.
• Refuse Service (Seattle Public Utilities/Waste Management Northwest) – Seattle Public Utilities, through a contract with Waste Management Northwest, provides refuse service for the south Seattle area, including the project site, and would continue to provide service. Seattle Public Schools would consider the provision of additional receptacle for garbage and recycle at the field.
Final Environmental Checklist 35 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project REFERENCES
Associated Earth Sciences, Inc. Subsurface Exploration and Geotechnical Engineering Report for Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting. March 10, 2017.
City of Seattle. City of Seattle Comprehensive Plan. Accessed July 2017.
City of Seattle. City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Landmarks Website and Map: https://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/programs-and-services/historic- preservation/landmarks. Accessed July 2017.
City of Seattle. City of Seattle GIS website: http://web1.seattle.gov/dpd/maps/dpdgis.aspx. Accessed July 2017.
City of Seattle. City of Seattle Municipal Code. Accessed July 2017.
City of Seattle. Ordinance No. 97025. August 26, 1958.
City of Seattle. Ordinance No. 114057. July 11, 1988.
City of Seattle. Sand Point Magnuson Park Drainage, Wetland/Habitat Complex and Sports Fields/Courts Project EIS. 2002.
City of Seattle. Seattle Views: An Inventory of 86 Public View Sites Protected under SEPA. May 2002.
Heffron Transportation, Inc. Transportation Technical Report for Athletic Field Lighting at Franklin High School. September 26, 2017.
Musco Lighting. Franklin High School Lighting System Design and Summary. January 5, 2017.
Seattle School District and Seattle Parks and Recreation. 2016-2019 Agreement for the Joint Use of Facilities between the Seattle School District No. 1 and Seattle Parks and Recreation. 2016.
SWCA Environmental Consultants. Cultural Resources Survey for the Franklin High School Athletic Field. August 17, 2017.
Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. Washington Information System for Architectural and Archaeological Records Data. Accessed July 2017.
Final Environmental Checklist 36 Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project
Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Appendix A
CONSTRUCTION BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Appendix B
GEOTECHNICAL REPORT
Appendix C
LIGHT AND GLARE REPORT
Appendix D
CULTURAL RESOURCES SURVEY (On-file with Seattle Public Schools)
Appendix E
TRANSPORTATION TECHNICAL REPORT
Appendix F
Draft SEPA Checklist Public Comment Matrix
Attachment A Franklin High School Athletic Field Project Draft SEPA Checklist Public Comments and Responses
SEPA regulations recommend that public comments on Draft Checklists be considered and responded to, but provides flexibility in how the comments are presented. 190 individual comment letters or postcards were received during the comment period, including 174 comment letters that were in support of the proposed project. The comments are listed below, including responses to the comments and references to applicable portions of the Final SEPA Checklist. Any person interested in reading the individual comments may contact Seattle Public Schools (SPS) for access to them.
1. Comment: The District should issue a Determination of Significance for the project and provide further detailed environmental review through an EIS. Believes the project has significant adverse environmental impacts, which require a DS and EIS.
Response: Seattle Public Schools considered these comments in making a final SEPA determination for the project. As SEPA lead agency, Seattle Public Schools reviewed the SEPA Environmental Checklist and supporting documentation, considered comments received during the SEPA process, and determined that no probable significant adverse environmental impacts would occur under the proposal13.
2. Comment: The proposed project to install field lights would occur in summer 2018 and be operational by fall 2018. LED floodlights would be installed on six 70-foot tall poles: three poles on the west side and three poles on the east side. The School District and City Parks Department propose that evening use of the field would occur until approximately 10:00 PM year round. The project would not add or eliminate any parking spaces.
Response: Seattle Public Schools considered these comments in making a final SEPA determination for the project.
3. Comment: The Checklist fails to disclose what seems to be the broader context of the project which is that at Franklin as at similar proposed lighting projects at Ballard and Roosevelt, the lighting is being driven by changes in school start times. It is an error to not provide this information to the Franklin neighborhood. The Ballard checklist states “Lighting is being installed as a mitigation for impacts to SPS’s change in school start times. Dismissal
13 Seattle Public Schools review conducted consistent with WAC 197-11-330
times will be approximately one hour later than the previous schedule…..The later dismissal time for high schools means that school athletic fields are used for school practice and games later in the day, reducing the time that unlighted fields are available for community use under the Joint Use Agreement with Parks…..Lighting of the Ballard High School field would allow SPS and Parks to schedule events later in the evening than currently possible.”
Response: While the field lighting project is proposed in part to allow for field use due to the change in school start times, there are other needs that are also met through this project. As noted in this SEPA Checklist, the proposed lighting would also allow for extended use of the field by Franklin High School and some school activities that currently occur at off-site locations would be able to be held on the Franklin High School fields (i.e. girls’ soccer practices that are currently held at Genesee Park could be held at the field). This would allow for more efficient use of the field and reduce transportation costs and time for activities that are currently required to be held at off-site locations. The field with new lighting would also provide an additional resource for the community to use, including the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department and other community sports organizations and activities. (SEPA Checklist page 3-5 and page 22-24)
4. Comment: Noise is a probable adverse impact. There will be noise impacts on residents. “Increased noise on the site would be associated with noise from athletic participants during practices and games and crowd noise during games.” SMC 25.08.41 sets noise limits of 55 Leq (dBA) from 7:00AM to 10:00PM and 45 Leq (dBA) from 10:00PM to 7:00AM and notes that during these evening hours the code further regulates noises considered unreasonable including “loud raucous, and frequent repetitive or continuous sounds made by the amplified or unamplified human voice”. The Checklist notes that the project would increase noise levels but not beyond the limits of the City code. This seems inconsistent with the noise analysis for Roosevelt lighting. The assertion that Franklin field noise would not exceed noise limits seems unlikely, as similar impacts at Roosevelt are expected to exceed noise limits even though residences are further away. Perhaps part of the problem is the noise analysis for Roosevelt was compared to Ingraham, whereas Franklin was compared to Sand Point Magnuson Park. The Checklist states that the nearest residences are only separated by 10 to 15 meters, whereas the nearest residences at Roosevelt are twice as far away but yet with added field lighting Roosevelt is expected to exceed noise limits: “the noise increase with the addition of field lighting would exceed the 55 Leq (dBA) limit at adjacent residences between 7:00AM and 10:00PM and also exceed the 45 Leq (dBA) limit between 10:00PM and 7:00AM.” Portable speakers may be used and the Checklist does not rule out the use of noise amplification. The Ballard Checklist notes that “No public address system would be used at the athletic field. Participants in community events may bring portable speakers. The use of these speakers would be limited by ending events at 10:00PM.” Does this include using speakers for music? One mitigation for noise impacts would be to prohibit the use of portable speakers at the field. Response: As noted in the SEPA Checklist, the site and vicinity is located in an area that currently includes a high level of existing noise (vehicle traffic noise, light rail traffic noise,
noise from the existing transit center, noise from the existing fire station, noise from existing commercial/retails uses, noise from existing school and field activities, etc.). The SEPA Checklist acknowledges that noise at the field would increase as a result of increased use of the field, particularly during late fall to early spring, when evening use of the field would occur that does not currently happen on the site. It is anticipated that noise sources and noise levels would be similar to the current uses on the site, but activities that would generate these noise sources would occur for a more extended period of time due to the provision of field lights. The Sand Point Magnuson Park noise analysis was used for comparison purposes due to the location of that park in a urban area with a range of mixed uses (residential, commercial, institutional uses), as well as its proximity to an arterial street that provides substantial transit usage which would be similar to the proposed project site. Additional discussion on noise has also been added to the SEPA Checklist. Pursuant the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department Policy #060-P7.1.1, field lighting is typically allowed to be operational until 11:00 PM; however, since the Franklin High School field has residences adjacent on two or more sides of the field that are not separated by arterial streets or other buffers, athletic activities would end by 9:45 PM and the field lighting could remain operational until 10:00 PM. Seattle Public Schools could also consider an earlier shut off time for the proposed lights. In addition, in the event that specific activities may cause noise issues that exceed the City of Seattle noise ordinance requirements, the City of Seattle maintains a 24-hour noise complaint hotline that can be utilized.
The proposed project would not include the provision of any permanent public address system. Amplified sound through the use of portable systems could be allowed on a limited basis for school-related events to the extent that they are necessary for the operation of the event/activity. The use of portable amplification systems would be restricted for non-school-related events. (SEPA Checklist page 15-17)
5. Comment: Parking is a probable significant impact. The Checklist states that parking is not a significant impact and states that no added parking would be supplied. The Checklist states the proposed project “is not anticipated to result in significant adverse impacts to traffic or parking in the site vicinity. However, the following measures would help to manage parking at the field site and site vicinity. Seattle Public Schools could examine options to make the District-owned parking lot located at the corner of S Byron Street/Wetmore Avenue S more desirable to use during evening when large events are scheduled at the same time as evening field use. The athletic field use schedule could be adjusted to avoid use during evenings with large events at the school or its gymnasium. Without access to the Transportation Report there is no way to directly verify the above Checklist assertions. However, the Checklists for lighting projects at Ballard and Roosevelt did not seem to analyze simultaneous non-athletic field events. These are likely to be significant. With regard to the Checklist reference to the District-owned parking lot providing mitigation of impacts, there is reason to believe that such mitigation would not be effective, as it has been my
understanding that the District has not been able to find a way to use this lot productively for some years (decades?).
Response: As stated in the Transportation Technical Report, the project is expected to generate some additional parking demand that is not currently occurring at the site. The peak demand is estimated to range from about 65 to 90 vehicles during the short period between activities. Outside of these periods, total demand is expected to range from 20 to about 60 vehicles when activities are occurring on the field. Unused on-street parking can and does accommodate the demand from individual activities on the field. On average, 45% of the on-street parking was utilized during weeknight counts (about 175 spaces unused) and 57% of the parking was utilized during the weekend counts (near 140 spaces unused). Simultaneous activities, including field use, already occur at Franklin High School throughout the school year. The new activities that would be made possible by the field lighting project (primarily recreational adult and youth sports scheduled by Seattle Parks and Recreation) and some new scholastic activities (such as soccer, lacrosse, or ultimate games) do not draw large attendance and would not be considered large events. As a result, no new long-term restrictions on field use are recommended as a result of the field lighting project. During evenings when there may be a large event at the school or in the gymnasium, the combined demand from the event and from added activities on the athletic field could increase utilization in the area to 85% or higher. However, these large events occur relatively infrequently and the added demand resulting from the field lighting project could be mitigated through use of the District-owned surface parking lot located at the northwest corner of the S Byron Street/Wetmore Avenue S intersection. As stated in the Technical Report, the District is examining options to make the District- owned parking lot located at the northwest corner of the S Byron Street/Wetmore Avenue S intersection more desirable for use during evenings when large events are scheduled at the same time as evening field use. Alternatively, the field-use schedule could be adjusted to avoid use during evenings with large events at the school or its gymnasium. No other mitigation would be required to accommodate the project. (SEPA Checklist page 27-30 and Appendix E) 6. Comment: Tall light poles are a probable significant adverse impact. The lights will impact nearby neighbors. The Checklist states “light and glare associated with the proposed project would increase….and Residences that are immediately north/northeast of the site would have the potential for low to moderate levels of direct glare due to their proximity to the site.” A City Conditional Use Permit is required for the 70-foot poles which is an indication of expected adverse impacts. The Ballard Checklist states that “The height limit for light poles in residential areas is 30 feet (SMC 23.76). SMC 23.51B.002(D)(6) permits light poles at public school athletic fields to exceed the maximum permitted height up to a maximum of 100 feet if the Director determines the additional height is necessary to ensure adequate illumination and that light and glare are minimized to the extent practicable”.
Response: The SEPA Checklist identifies potential light and glare impacts that could occur from operation of the proposed field lighting system, including new light sources and an increase in light on the site. As noted in the SEPA Checklist, light poles up to 70 feet tall
would actually minimize the amount of light spillage from the site by allowing the lights to be focused down toward the field area and away from adjacent land uses. With the implementation of the proposed light pole heights, LED lighting technology and reflector and shielding design within the fixtures, the amount of light that is transmitted off-site would be minimized and significant light and glare impacts would not be anticipated. (SEPA Checklist page 22-24) 7. Comment: Tall light poles adversely impact views. Tall light poles have been installed by the Port of Seattle at its facilities north of the West Seattle Bridge. People driving toward the bridge from the West Seattle Fauntleroy entrance have a view of downtown and Puget Sound, which is distinctly obscured and changed by tall light poles and the lighting that falls beneath them. Near the top of the upper bridge, drivers can see wonderful views of Mount Rainier to the south, but it is natural for drivers to find themselves straining around for a view beyond the electric power towers and other tall features. The Checklist states that the “lighting poles would not obstruct views of the existing building and are not anticipated to significantly impact views of Franklin High School”. We disagree. Views of the City Landmark Franklin are protected and the six poles would tend to spoil views of the landmark from the west up over the top of the gym buildings.
Response: As noted in the SEPA Checklist, views of the Franklin High School from the area to the west of the field could include a portion of the field lighting poles depending on the location of the view. While these poles could be located within the field of view, they would not obstruct the building from view and are not anticipated to result in a significant adverse impact. (SEPA Checklist page 21-22) 8. Comment: Impacts to trees. There are a number of large trees nearby to the field. The effect of night lighting on trees can be viewed in many places in Seattle, where deciduous trees retain their leaves and other growth cycles are altered. These can be adverse effects from field lighting and significantly adverse for such wonderful trees on the edge of the field. The Checklist did not acknowledge such impacts.
Response: The proposed project would not remove or alter any of the existing deciduous trees within the site area. Pursuant the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department Policy #060-P7.1.1, field lighting is typically allowed to be operational until 11:00 PM. However, since the Franklin High School field has residences adjacent on two or more sides of the field that are not separated by arterial streets or other buffers, activities could occur until 9:45 PM and the field lighting could remain operational until 10:00 PM, which would not be anticipated to result in a significant adverse impact to existing deciduous trees. Seattle Public Schools could also consider an earlier shut off time for the proposed lights. (SEPA Checklist page 11-12)
9. Comment: Any use of lighting beyond one hour per day is not essential to the stated goals of the project. This is because the project is meant to mitigate for the loss of one hour of field use because of a one hour change in school dismissal time. The use of lighting beyond one hour per day is a significant adverse impact. The Change in School Start Time Programmatic EIS identified the one hour loss of field use resulting from later school dismissal as producing
a significant adverse impact. Extending field use impacts for several hours per day to 10:00 PM is likewise significant. The Traffic Report states that “scholastic activities on the two fields is expected to end between 5:30 PM and 6:45 PM. As a result, the primary increase in field use due to the lighting project would be non-scholastic activities scheduled through Parks such as youth and adult soccer, lacrosse, ultimate, and flag football after school use and until 10:00 PM. So the lighting project will be adding 3 ¾ to 4 ½ hours each day to supposedly compensate for the bell time losses of one hour per day. The School District and City have been selling off and filling up open spaces. For example, Thornton Creek and Loyal Heights Elementary Schools have recently lost large chunks of outdoor field and playground space. To attempt to “mitigate” these losses the remaining open space is being scheduled for more intensive use, which creates further impacts. An EIS can and should explore alternatives, such as retaining and acquiring more open space.
Response: As noted in the SEPA Checklist, the proposed lighting would allow for extended use of the field by Franklin High School and some school activities that currently occur at off- site locations would be able to be held on the Franklin High School fields (i.e. girls’ soccer practices that are currently held at Genesee Park could be held at the field). The field with new lighting would also provide an additional resource for the community to use, including the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department and other community sports organizations and activities. Pursuant the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department Policy #060-P7.1.1, field lighting is typically allowed to be operational until 11:00 PM; however, since the Franklin High School field has residences adjacent on two or more sides of the field that are not separated by arterial streets or other buffers, athletic activities could occur until 9:45 PM and the field lighting could remain operational until 10:00 PM. Seattle Public Schools could also consider an earlier shut off time for the proposed lights. (SEPA Checklist page 3-5 and page 22-24)
10. Comment: We appreciated that the Checklist states that if excavation encounters historic or cultural Indian remains or items then the District will notify the Duwamish Tribe, consistent with the School Board’s adoption of a Resolution supporting Federal Treaty Rights for the Duwamish.
Response: Seattle Public Schools considered these comments in making a final SEPA determination for the project. (SEPA Checklist page 25-27)
11. Comment: The Checklist states that “The project would not displace any existing recreational uses.” Informal uses of the site would be displaced.
Response: Informal use of the Franklin High School field would continue to be permitted during times when scheduled activities are not taking place.
12. Comment: The Draft Checklist posted on the District website did not include any appendices or figures. For example, Figures 3 and 4 are referred to in section A.9 but no figures are included in the Checklist. The missing appendices are apparently A- Construction Best Management Practices; B: Geotechnical Report; C: Light and Glare Report; D: Cultural
Resources Survey; and E: Transportation Technical Report. Given that the mailed notice of the October 30, 2017 meeting was received on October 27, 2017, there was no reasonable opportunity to obtain and examine a paper copy of the Checklist prior to the meeting. We request the District resolve the availability of different versions online and in paper form and extend the comment period for Franklin.
Response: SPS has implemented a new policy to comply with a 2015 Consent Decree that requires SPS to make all documents posted to its website accessible to persons with visual impairments. The technical appendices and figures contain materials that are difficult to format to meet ADA accessibility requirements. As part of its policy, the SPS SEPA website provides contact information for obtaining appendices and figures in a hard copy or electronic copy format.
13. Comment: When publishing Final Checklists after public review, the District has lately been choosing not to reproduce actual comments, but rather summarizing comments instead and responding to the summary of comments. Some of the summaries have been inaccurate. It would be better to have the Checklist include actual copies of public comments received.
Response: Seattle Public Schools considered these comments in making a final SEPA determination for the project and has reproduced the comments within this summary.
14. Comment: Delay the comment deadline and issuing a SEPA determination until after more public meetings. Response: An additional community workshop was scheduled for the project and will be held on January 30, 2018.
15. Comment: Please reset the meeting to a time after reasonable notice to all impacted neighbors, including Mt Baker Lofts. Hold a workshop first for adequate mitigation of DNS with Parks Reps.
Response: An additional community workshop was scheduled for the project and will be held on January 30, 2018.
16. Comment: Not enough parking. What about the SPS lot? Response: Please see the response to Comment #5 regarding parking. The District is examining options to make the District-owned parking lot located at the northwest corner of the S Byron Street/Wetmore Avenue S intersection more desirable for use during evenings when large events are scheduled at the same time as evening field use. (SEPA Checklist page 27-30 and Appendix E)
17. Comment: Late hours of the proposed lighting schedule.
Response: As noted in the SEPA Checklist, the proposed lighting would allow for extended use of the field by Franklin High School and some school activities that currently occur at off-
site locations would be able to be held on the Franklin High School fields (i.e. girls’ soccer practices that are currently held at Genesee Park could be held at the field). The field with new lighting would also provide an additional resource for the community to use, including the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department and other community sports organizations and activities. Pursuant the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department Policy #060-P7.1.1, field lighting is typically allowed to be operational until 11:00 PM; however, since the Franklin High School field has residences adjacent on two or more sides of the field that are not separated by arterial streets or other buffers, athletic activities could occur until 9:45 PM and the field lighting could remain operational until 10:00 PM. Seattle Public Schools could also consider an earlier shut off time for the proposed lights. (SEPA Checklist page 3-5 and page 22-24)
18. Comment: Remove provision for amplified noise. Enough already. Response: The proposed project would not include the provision of any permanent public address system. Amplified sound through the use of portable systems could be allowed on a limited basis for school-related events to the extent that they are necessary for the operation of a specific event/activity. The use of portable amplification systems would be restricted for non-school-related events. (SEPA Checklist page 15-17)
19. Comment: Garbage – add more cans and schedule additional pickups.
Response: The project design will consider the provision of additional receptacles for garbage and recycling at the field. Seattle Public Schools will also engage with Franklin High School staff regarding litter issues surrounding the field and school area.
20. Comment: Please extend the comment period until after a community working group meeting to provide comments. Response: An additional community workshop was scheduled for the project and will be held on January 30, 2018.
21. Comment: As one of the closest residents, located at the Mt Baker Artist Lofts, and a business tenant in the same building, I disapprove of this project as it is. We need far more community input, as this project has significant impacts on our community and living conditions.
Response: The project design will consider the provision of additional receptacles for garbage and recycling at the field. Seattle Public Schools will also engage with Franklin High School staff regarding litter issues surrounding the field and school area.
22. Comment: Mitigation is lacking. Hours should be limited to 8:00 PM. Develop parking to use parking attendants to encourage use. Limit amplified sound to Saturday/Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Extend the comment deadline a minimum of 6 weeks. Schedule a working
meeting to discuss mitigation measures within the open comment period. Provide more notice for next meeting. Response: As noted in the SEPA Checklist, the proposed lighting would allow for extended use of the field by Franklin High School and some school activities that currently occur at off- site locations would be able to be held on the Franklin High School fields (i.e. girls’ soccer practices that are currently held at Genesee Park could be held at the field). The field with new lighting would also provide an additional resource for the community to use, including the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department and other community sports organizations and activities. Pursuant the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department Policy #060-P7.1.1, field lighting is typically allowed to be operational until 11:00 PM; however, since the Franklin High School field has residences adjacent on two or more sides of the field that are not separated by arterial streets or other buffers, athletic activities could occur until 9:45 PM and the field lighting could remain operational until 10:00 PM. Seattle Public Schools could also consider an earlier shut off time for the proposed lights.
Please see the response to Comment #5 regarding parking. The proposed project would not include the provision of any permanent public address system. Amplified sound through the use of portable systems could be allowed on a limited basis for school-related events to the extent that they are necessary for the operation of a specific event/activity. The use of portable amplification systems would be restricted for non-school-related events.
An additional community workshop was scheduled for the project and will be held on January 30, 2018. (SEPA Checklist page 3-5, page 15-17, page 22-24, page 27-30 and Appendix E))
23. Comment: We need a public meeting before the SEPA comment period closes. The meeting needs a Parks rep. The District should explore options to use the Wells Fargo and Boy Scouts parking lots in the evenings to offset parking impacts. Very poor public process. Very little community notice. 3 day notice prior to the meeting is ridiculous and indicates little interest in public comments. Improve the frequency of trash pickups and more trash cans on site. 10:00 PM lights every night is unacceptable. Parks needs to discuss uses after 6:45 PM. Is Jefferson Park and Genesee Park fully utilized?
Response: An additional community workshop was scheduled for the project and will be held on January 30, 2018.
The project design will consider the provision of additional receptacles for garbage and recycling at the field. Seattle Public Schools will also engage with Franklin High School staff regarding litter issues surrounding the field and school area.
As noted in the SEPA Checklist, the proposed lighting would allow for extended use of the field by Franklin High School and some school activities that currently occur at off-site locations would be able to be held on the Franklin High School fields (i.e. girls’ soccer
practices that are currently held at Genesee Park could be held at the field). The field with new lighting would also provide an additional resource for the community to use, including the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department and other community sports organizations and activities. Pursuant the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department Policy #060-P7.1.1, field lighting is typically allowed to be operational until 11:00 PM; however, since the Franklin High School field has residences adjacent on two or more sides of the field that are not separated by arterial streets or other buffers, athletic activities could occur until 9:45 PM and the field lighting could remain operational until 10:00 PM. Seattle Public Schools could also consider an earlier shut off time for the proposed lights. (SEPA Checklist page 3-5 and page 22-24) 24. Comment: I have a lot of concerns about the lighting project at Franklin. We are already impacted by noise pollution, increased traffic and lack of parking when there are events at the gym or playfield now. With this ability to have events until 10:00PM every night the impacts will become exponentially worse. Franklin is the only public school that I know of that does not offer parking. 10:00PM is too late. Noise is already considerable. People attending these events are not always considerate, parking on neighborhood lawns and other no parking areas. I’m also concerned about light pollution. Another concern is that appeared to be almost no effort to let the neighborhood know about the meeting.
Response: As noted in the SEPA Checklist, the site and vicinity is located in an area that currently includes a high level of existing noise (vehicle traffic noise, light rail traffic noise, noise from the existing transit center, noise from the existing fire station, noise from existing commercial/retails uses, noise from existing school and field activities, etc.). The SEPA Checklist acknowledges that noise at the field would increase as a result of increased use of the field, particularly during late fall to early spring, when evening use of the field would occur that does not currently happen on the site. It is anticipated that noise sources and noise levels would be similar to the current uses on the site, but activities that would generate these noise sources would occur for a more extended period of time due to the provision of field lights. As under current conditions, it is anticipated that athletic activities would represent a small portion of the noise within the site area when compared to the existing ambient noise from the surrounding environment (i.e., vehicle noise from Rainier Avenue South and Martin Luther King Jr Way South, and noise from the Mount Baker Transit Center and Mount Baker Link Light Rail Station). In addition, the City Noise Code allows for shorter duration increases in noise such as those that could occur during athletic activities, including intermittent cheering/louder voice levels and referee whistles. Pursuant the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department Policy #060-P7.1.1, field lighting is typically allowed to be operational until 11:00 PM; however, since the Franklin High School field has residences adjacent on two or more sides of the field that are not separated by arterial streets or other buffers, athletic activities would end by 9:45 PM and the field lighting could remain operational until 10:00 PM. Seattle Public Schools could also consider an earlier shut off time for the proposed lights.
Please see the response to Comment #5 regarding parking. Concerns related to illegal parking on City of Seattle streets can be addressed through a Parking Service Request: www.seattle.gov/police/need-help/parking-issues. Notification of the public meeting was provided pursuant to Seattle Public Schools standards. An additional community workshop was scheduled for the project and will be held on January 30, 2018. (SEPA Checklist page 15-17, page 27-30 and Appendix E)
25. Comment: As a Franklin neighbor for over 20 years, I wish to express my concern regarding the plan to add field lighting. My specific concerns are regarding noise, light pollution, traffic, parking and trash. I believe an EIS is needed. Response: Seattle Public Schools considered these comments in making a SEPA determination for the project. Please see the responses below to Comment 26, 27, 28 and 29 regarding noise, light, traffic/parking and trash.
26. Comment: Even though we live more than a block away from the field on 31st Ave South just south of McClellan, we often hear noise from the field during athletic events. This includes whistles and cheers primarily. The idea that this noise intrusion would be allowed to extend into our homes every evening until 10PM is absolutely unacceptable. We already have fire trucks, police sirens, and air traffic from Sea Tac to name a few of the more annoying sources of noise in our neighborhood. It is simply not acceptable to add athletic field noise every evening of the year until 10 PM.
Response: As noted in the SEPA Checklist, the site and vicinity is located in an area that currently includes a high level of existing noise (vehicle traffic noise, light rail traffic noise, noise from the existing transit center, noise from the existing fire station, noise from existing commercial/retails uses, noise from existing school and field activities, etc.). The SEPA Checklist acknowledges that noise at the field would increase as a result of increased use of the field, particularly during late fall to early spring, when evening use of the field would occur that does not currently happen on the site. It is anticipated that noise sources and noise levels would be similar to the current uses on the site, but activities that would generate these noise sources would occur for a more extended period of time due to the provision of field lights. As under current conditions, it is anticipated that athletic activities would represent a small portion of the noise within the site area when compared to the existing ambient noise from the surrounding environment (i.e., vehicle noise from Rainier Avenue South and Martin Luther King Jr Way South, and noise from the Mount Baker Transit Center and Mount Baker Link Light Rail Station). In addition, the City Noise Code allows for shorter duration increases in noise such as those that could occur during athletic activities, including intermittent cheering/louder voice levels and referee whistles. Pursuant the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department Policy #060-P7.1.1, field lighting is typically allowed to be operational until 11:00 PM; however, since the Franklin High School field has residences adjacent on two or more sides of the field that are not separated by arterial streets or other buffers, athletic activities would end by 9:45 PM and
the field lighting could remain operational until 10:00 PM. Seattle Public Schools could also consider an earlier shut off time for the proposed lights. (SEPA Checklist page 15-17) 27. Comment: Light pollution is disturbing and prevents appreciation of the night sky. The lights need to be turned off at a reasonable hour to enjoy this basic human experience that I among others enjoy while walking my dog in the evening, or walking with friends and family. Our rights as local property owners are just as important as the need to create evening opportunities for athletic field use. Response: Potential impacts from light and glare, including new sources of light on the site, are identified in the SEPA Checklist. The design of the light system is intended to minimize light spillage to adjacent properties and minimize “sky-glow” through the provision of 70- foot tall light poles which would allow the fixtures to the focused onto the field area and the provision of internal and external shielding on the fixtures to control the light emitted from fixture and prevent light from escaping beyond the site. Pursuant the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department Policy #060-P7.1.1, athletic activities would end by 9:45 PM and the field lighting could remain operational until 10:00 PM. Seattle Public Schools could also consider an earlier shut off time for the proposed lights.
28. Comment: When there are basketball events at Franklin I often can’t park on my own street when I come home from work, even though I have paid the city for the use of an RPZ. Activities at the school and current gym events create such parking challenges several days per month as it is. By adding evening field use this will make a greater impact on me and my guests. For instance, when my 85 year old mother in law comes for dinner we need to assist her in finding a place to park, usually moving the car for her to a location over a block away. Parking in the lot to the south of the fire station needs to be made available for participants using the field and school to reduce this impact on the surrounding neighborhood. Parking at a distance from our home exposes us to the very real risk of car break ins, which is rampant in our neighborhood.
Response: Please see the response to Comment #5 regarding parking. (SEPA Checklist page 27-30 and Appendix E) 29. Comment: Lastly trash impacts are considerable. The athletic participants tend to be young and lack a social conscious regarding production of litter. Just take a look at 30th Ave South near the gym and you will see a horrendous dumping of water and sports drink bottles, as well as fast food waste. I participate in a monthly volunteer neighborhood brigade that spends many hours every month cleaning up after the current users of the gym and athletic field, with basically NO contribution from the school community despite numerous attempts to engage them. To extend their use into the evening will undoubtedly contribute to a significant increase in trash dumped behind on our neighborhood’s streets. Seattle Public Schools needs to commit resources to weekly cleanup of the fields and surrounding streets
to offset this anticipate harm to our neighborhood. For all of these reasons I urge you to restrict the use of lighting on the Franklin Athletic fields. Response: The project design will consider the provision of additional receptacles for garbage and recycling at the field. Seattle Public Schools will also engage with Franklin High School staff regarding litter issues surrounding the field and school area.
30. Comment: I attended a public meeting this evening to learn more about the Franklin High athletic field lighting project. The meeting was informative and raised a few issues for me as a neighbor of the school, which I will list below. As well, it was revealed that there has been a frightful lack of due process, and neighborhood groups have not been consulted. Those of us who received postcards announcing the public meeting did so on Friday, for a Monday evening meeting. And the online packet is missing attachments relevant to parking and environmental impacts. All of this makes the case for an extended comment period, to encompass a working community meeting.
Response: An additional community workshop was scheduled for the project and will be held on January 30, 2018.
31. Comment: Provide parking: street parking in this part of Mount Baker is already impacted by the high school, the gym and track, the light rail, the new "apodment" building across from the gym (60 units with no parking) and other high density development. I request that Seattle Public Schools open the lot owned by the school district at Byron Street. And I request that the Parks and Recreation Department partner with local parking owners (Wells Fargo, the Boy Scouts) to provide off street parking during contracted athletic events. Response: Please see response to Comment #5 regarding parking. In addition, as described in the Transportation Technical Report, the analysis prepared for the proposal included review of and accounted for other planned development projects that could affect traffic and parking conditions around the site. (SEPA Checklist page 27-30 and Appendix E)
32. Comment: Minimize additional noise: I see a provision in the proposal to allow portable amplifiers. That is unacceptable to me as a neighbor who already hears referee whistles and crowd noises from soccer and Ultimate games, in addition to light rail noise. The sound already carries up from the field, and the impact on the neighborhood of additional amplified sound would be, well, amplified.
Response: The proposed project would not include the provision of any permanent public address system. Amplified sound through the use of portable systems could be allowed on a limited basis for school-related events to the extent that they are necessary for the operation of a specific event/activity. The use of portable amplification systems would be restricted for non-school-related events. (SEPA Checklist page 15-17)
33. Comment: Limit late hours: the rationale being given for adding lighting is that the school day ends later by one hour. What about that justifies extended use of the athletic field until
10:00 p.m. seven days a week? I request that the hours be limited to 8:00 p.m. at the latest to assist with the parking and noise mitigations requested above. Response: As noted in the SEPA Checklist, the proposed lighting would allow for extended use of the field by Franklin High School and some school activities that currently occur at off- site locations would be able to be held on the Franklin High School fields (i.e. girls’ soccer practices that are currently held at Genesee Park could be held at the field). The field with new lighting would also provide an additional resource for the community to use, including the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department and other community sports organizations and activities. Pursuant the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department Policy #060-P7.1.1, field lighting is typically allowed to be operational until 11:00 PM; however, since the Franklin High School field has residences adjacent on two or more sides of the field that are not separated by arterial streets or other buffers, athletic activities could occur until 9:45 PM and the field lighting could remain operational until 10:00 PM. Seattle Public Schools could also consider an earlier shut off time for the proposed lights. (SEPA Checklist page 3-4 and 22-23)
34. Comment: Pick up the garbage: If you want an expert on where trash pools and drifts in the neighborhood during weekend athletic events, I am happy to share my 23 years of expertise. Additional cans and additional pickups during peak use would go a long way towards mitigating the impact of water bottles, fast food trash, Uncle Ike's packaging, dirty diapers and other detritus left by athletes and their fans.
Response: The project design will consider the provision of additional receptacles for garbage and recycling at the field.
35. Comment: Extend the comment period: as mentioned above, I request that the comment period be extended to provide for more community impact. The entire Arts Loft Building across the street from the athletic field was excluded in the postcard mailing -- that is unacceptable given the impact this project will have on those residences. At tonight's meeting, the project manager from the school district assured us there would be an additional community meeting in a workshop format to gather input and suggestions. That meeting is only effective if the comment period is extended to encompass the input generated there. In addition, the Parks and Recreation Department should send a representative to the meeting, as a good percentage of the field use that will impact the neighborhood will be on their watch in the evenings and on the weekends. Response: An additional community workshop was scheduled for the project and will be held on January 30, 2018.
36. Comment: Provide parking: street parking in this part of Mount Baker is already impacted by the high school, the gym and track, the light rail, the new "apodment" building across from the gym (60 units with no parking) and other high density development. Athletic events bring increased traffic, cars, and need for parking. During these events I see cars parked up on neighbors' yards, on the median strip, in the alleys blocking passage, on both sides of Mt. Baker Boulevard where parking is permitted on one side only. I see cars traveling the wrong
on one way streets. Streets are blocked for the passage of emergency vehicles including the fire trucks at the station across from the field. It's a mess. I can't imagine extending the use of the field without offering more parking. I request that Seattle Public Schools open the lot owned by the school district at Byron Street. And I request that the Parks and Recreation Department partner with local parking owners (Wells Fargo, the Boy Scouts) to provide off street parking during contracted athletic events.
Response: Please see responses to Comments #5 and #58 regarding parking. Concerns related to illegal parking on City of Seattle streets can be addressed through a Parking Service Request: www.seattle.gov/police/need-help/parking-issues. (SEPA Checklist page 27-30 and Appendix E) 37. Comment: Minimize additional noise: I see a provision in the proposal to allow portable amplifiers. That is unacceptable to me as a neighbor who already hears referee whistles and crowd noises from soccer and Ultimate games, in addition to light rail noise. The sound already carries up from the field, and the impact on the neighborhood of additional amplified sound would be appalling. Response: As noted in the SEPA Checklist, the site and vicinity is located in an area that currently includes a high level of existing noise (vehicle traffic noise, light rail traffic noise, noise from the existing transit center, noise from the existing fire station, noise from existing commercial/retails uses, noise from existing school and field activities, etc.). The SEPA Checklist acknowledges that noise at the field would increase as a result of increased use of the field, particularly during late fall to early spring, when evening use of the field would occur that does not currently happen on the site. It is anticipated that noise sources and noise levels would be similar to the current uses on the site, but activities that would generate these noise sources would occur for a more extended period of time due to the provision of field lights. As under current conditions, it is anticipated that athletic activities would represent a small portion of the noise within the site area when compared to the existing ambient noise from the surrounding environment (i.e., vehicle noise from Rainier Avenue South and Martin Luther King Jr Way South, and noise from the Mount Baker Transit Center and Mount Baker Link Light Rail Station). In addition, the City Noise Code allows for shorter duration increases in noise such as those that could occur during athletic activities, including intermittent cheering/louder voice levels and referee whistles. The proposed project would not include the provision of any permanent public address system. Amplified sound through the use of portable systems could be allowed on a limited basis for school-related events to the extent that they are necessary for the operation of a specific event/activity. The use of portable amplification systems would be restricted for non-school-related events. (SEPA Checklist page 15-17) 38. Comment: Limit late hours: the rationale being given for adding lighting is that the school day ends later by one hour. What about that justifies extended use of the athletic field until
10:00 p.m. seven days a week? I request that the hours be limited to 8:00 p.m. at the latest to assist with the parking and noise mitigations requested above. Response: As noted in the SEPA Checklist, the proposed lighting would allow for extended use of the field by Franklin High School and some school activities that currently occur at off- site locations would be able to be held on the Franklin High School fields (i.e. girls’ soccer practices that are currently held at Genesee Park could be held at the field). The field with new lighting would also provide an additional resource for the community to use, including the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department and other community sports organizations and activities. Pursuant the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department Policy #060-P7.1.1, field lighting is typically allowed to be operational until 11:00 PM; however, since the Franklin High School field has residences adjacent on two or more sides of the field that are not separated by arterial streets or other buffers, athletic activities could occur until 9:45 PM and the field lighting could remain operational until 10:00 PM. Seattle Public Schools could also consider an earlier shut off time for the proposed lights. (SEPA Checklist page 3-4 and 22-23)
39. Comment: Pick up the garbage: If you want an expert on where trash pools and drifts in the neighborhood during weekend athletic events, I am happy to share my 23 years of expertise. Additional cans and additional pickups during peak use would go a long way towards mitigating the impact of water bottles, fast food trash, Uncle Ike's packaging, dirty diapers and other detritus left by athletes and their fans.
Response: The project design will consider the provision of additional receptacles for garbage and recycling at the field.
40. Comment: Extend the comment period: I request that the comment period be extended to provide for more community impact. The entire Arts Loft Building across the street from the athletic field was excluded in the postcard mailing -- that is unacceptable given the impact this project will have on those residences. At Monday night's meeting, the project manager from the school district assured us there would be an additional community meeting in a workshop format to gather input and suggestions. That meeting is only effective if the comment period is extended to encompass the input generated there. In addition, the Parks and Recreation Department should send a representative to the meeting, as a good percentage of the field use that will impact the neighborhood will be on their watch in the evenings and on the weekends.
Response: An additional community workshop was scheduled for the project and will be held on January 30, 2018.
41. Comment: In speaking with my neighbors, there are three things that can rather inexpensively be addressed to garner much neighborhood support for lighting the fields. First, add more trash cans (and more frequent trash removal) around the fields. Current trash cans are overflowing after sport events by both the school and the community. To address parking, pave and open the current lot owned by Seattle Public Schools a mere block
from Franklin High School. The cost of paving the lot would be small when added to the cost of lighting the fields and would assist in addressing neighbors’ concerns about increased parking issues in a neighborhood. Additionally, as stated above, the field is located next to many mass transit options to decrease the impact on neighborhood parking. Lastly, removing the ability to have amplified noise after 8 PM would greatly address neighbors’ concerns about noise.
Response: The project design will consider the provision of additional receptacles for garbage and recycling at the field. Please see response to Comment #5 regarding parking. The proposed project would not include the provision of any permanent public address system. Amplified sound through the use of portable systems could be allowed on a limited basis for school-related events to the extent that they are necessary for the operation of a specific event/activity. The use of portable amplification systems would be restricted for non-school-related events. (SEPA Checklist page 15-17, page 27-30 and Appendix E)
42. Comment: I have particular concerns about parking on South Mount Baker Boulevard. It is already very difficult to park near my house and my driveway is too steep and narrow for my car. I have arthritis and need to park near my house.
Response: Please see response to Comment #5 regarding parking. Seattle residents who possess a valid Washington State Disabled Parking Permit may request installation of a disabled parking space adjacent to their residence, subject to certain conditions. A signed space may be used by any vehicle with a valid permit and is not dedicated to the exclusive use by the requesting resident. Please contact Kelly Hall at [email protected] or (206) 684-8175 with any sign requests. (SEPA Checklist page 27-30 and Appendix E)
43. Comment: I also have concerns about garbage at the field.
Response: The project design will consider the provision of additional receptacles for garbage and recycling at the field.
44. Comment: I believe the Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project has probable significant adverse environmental impacts. Please provide further detailed review through an EIS. Response: Seattle Public Schools considered these comments in making a final SEPA determination for the project.
45. Comment: The proposed project will directly impact me as an adjacent homeowner with concerns about parking in the surrounding area.
Response: Please see responses to Comments #5 regarding parking. (SEPA Checklist 27-30 and Appendix E)
46. Comment: Noise and lighting until 10PM, and litter are also a concern.
Response: As noted in the SEPA Checklist, the site and vicinity is located in an area that currently includes a high level of existing noise (vehicle traffic noise, light rail traffic noise, noise from the existing transit center, noise from the existing fire station, noise from existing commercial/retails uses, noise from existing school and field activities, etc.). The SEPA Checklist acknowledges that noise at the field would increase as a result of increased use of the field, particularly during late fall to early spring, when evening use of the field would occur that does not currently happen on the site. It is anticipated that noise sources and noise levels would be similar to the current uses on the site, but activities that would generate these noise sources would occur for a more extended period of time due to the provision of field lights. As under current conditions, it is anticipated that athletic activities would represent a small portion of the noise within the site area when compared to the existing ambient noise from the surrounding environment (i.e., vehicle noise from Rainier Avenue South and Martin Luther King Jr Way South, and noise from the Mount Baker Transit Center and Mount Baker Link Light Rail Station). In addition, the City Noise Code allows for shorter duration increases in noise such as those that could occur during athletic activities, including intermittent cheering/louder voice levels and referee whistles. The proposed project would not include the provision of any permanent public address system. Seattle Public Schools would also consider restricting the use of portable public address systems for non-school-related events Pursuant the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department Policy #060-P7.1.1, field lighting is typically allowed to be operational until 11:00 PM; however, since the Franklin High School field has residences adjacent on two or more sides of the field that are not separated by arterial streets or other buffers, athletic activities could occur until 9:45 PM and the field lighting could remain operational until 10:00 PM. Seattle Public Schools could also consider an earlier shut off time for the proposed lights.
The project design will also consider the provision of additional receptacles for garbage and recycling at the field. (SEPA Checklist page 3-4, 15-17 and 22-23)
47. Comment: I believe the Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project has probable significant adverse environmental impacts. Please provide further detailed review through an EIS.
Response: Seattle Public Schools considered these comments in making a final SEPA determination for the project.
48. Comment: As a neighbor of the school and track I request mitigation to adverse effects on parking. Response: Please see responses to Comment #5 regarding parking. (SEPA Checklist page 27- 30 and Appendix E)
49. Comment: Noise – no portable amplifiers should be allowed.
Response: The proposed project would not include the provision of any permanent public address system. Amplified sound through the use of portable systems could be allowed on a limited basis for school-related events to the extent that they are necessary for the operation of a specific event/activity. The use of portable amplification systems would be restricted for non-school-related events.
50. Comment: Later hours – lighting should be limited to 8PM.
Response: As noted in the SEPA Checklist, the proposed lighting would allow for extended use of the field by Franklin High School and some school activities that currently occur at off- site locations would be able to be held on the Franklin High School fields (i.e. girls’ soccer practices that are currently held at Genesee Park could be held at the field). The field with new lighting would also provide an additional resource for the community to use, including the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department and other community sports organizations and activities. Pursuant the City of Seattle Parks and Recreation Department Policy #060-P7.1.1, field lighting is typically allowed to be operational until 11:00 PM; however, since the Franklin High School field has residences adjacent on two or more sides of the field that are not separated by arterial streets or other buffers, athletic activities could occur until 9:45 PM and the field lighting could remain operational until 10:00 PM. Seattle Public Schools could also consider an earlier shut off time for the proposed lights. (SEPA Checklist page 3-4 and 22-23)
51. Comment: Garbage – additional cans should be provided and pickups.
Response: The project design will consider the provision of additional receptacles for garbage and recycling at the field.
52. Comment: Comment period – please extend the comment period past a working community meeting promised at the public meeting held on 10/30 and include the Parks Dept. Response: An additional community workshop was scheduled for the project and will be held on January 30, 2018.
53. Comment: I believe the Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project has probable significant adverse environmental impacts. Please provide further detailed review through
an EIS.
Response: Seattle Public Schools considered these comments in making a final SEPA determination for the project.
54. Comment: I believe the Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project has probable significant adverse environmental impacts. Please provide further detailed review through an EIS.
Response: Seattle Public Schools considered these comments in making a final SEPA determination for the project.
55. Comment: SPS also received 174 comment letters in support of the Franklin High School Athletic Field Lighting Project, including support for extending use of the field to allow increased opportunities for students, extending use of the field to allow for increased opportunities for community use and other recreation programs, allowing students and the community to practice and play closer to their homes, providing increased field capacity within the City, and providing increased opportunities for physical activity.
Response: Comments in support of the proposed project are noted.