June 24, 2019 FROM: DANIEL ZACK, AICP Assistant Director Development and Resource Management Department BY: LAURA GROVES van ONNA Historic Preservation Specialist Development and Resource Management Department SUBJECT: ..Title REVIEW AND COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED DESIGN FOR THE SOUND WALL ALONG THE EASTERN BOUNDARY OF ROEDING PARK FROM THE CALIFORNIA HIGH-SPEED RAIL AUTHORITY PURSUANT TO FMC 12-1606(b)(6). ..Body RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the Commission review and comment on the proposed design for the sound wall along the eastern boundary of Roeding Park from the California High-Speed Rail Authority pursuant to FMC 12-1606(b)(6). The purpose of this review and comment is to initiate discussion and to provide advisement before moving forward in preparation for a proposed project. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The California High-Speed Rail Authority has requested that their proposed design for the sound wall along the eastern boundary of Roeding Park be reviewed and commented upon by the Historic Preservation Commission. Primary concern for Staff is the design of the sound wall. Staff encourages discussion in pursuit of optimal design that enhances, and minimizes any potential adverse effects to, the historic character of the property. Pursuant to FMC 12-1606(b)(6), Staff requests that the Commission review and comment on the proposed design for the sound wall along the eastern boundary of Roeding Park from the California High-Speed Rail Authority for the purposes of initiating discussion and providing advisement before moving forward in preparation for a proposed project. BACKGROUND The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) proposes to construct, operate, and maintain an electric-powered high-speed train (HST) system in California. Two of the nine sections of the 800-mile route meet here in Fresno; a Merced to Fresno HST Project would connect a Merced station and a Fresno station. A Fresno to Bakersfield HST Project would connect Fresno with Bakersfield to the south. Due to federal funding, the project meets the definition of a "federal undertaking," pursuant to 36 CFR Part 800.16(y). As a consequence the Project must comply with both federal and California environmental laws and protocols. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is the lead agency for compliance with both the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as well as other federal laws. The California High-Speed Rail Authority is serving as a joint-lead agency under NEPA and is the lead agency for compliance under the California Environmental Quality Act. In August 2011 the joint agencies released an EIS/EIR for the two sections, Merced to Fresno and Fresno to Bakersfield. As part of the technical studies for these environmental reports, historic surveys were prepared that identified and evaluated the cultural resources within the Project's Area of Potential Effect (APE), with "cultural resources" defined as including "prehistoric archaeological site, historic-era sites, traditional cultural properties as well as historic buildings, structures, landscapes, districts and linear features." Pursuant to FMC 12-1606(b)(5) and (6) the Historic Preservation Commission has the authority to participate in environmental reviews and to comment on land use and planning as they may affect designated Historic Resources, Historic Districts, and Heritage Properties "as the Commission deems appropriate." In addition, both federal and State statutes ensure public participation. In December 2011 Mayor Ashley Swearengin signed an Agreement with the California High-Speed Rail Authority accepting Consulting Party status for the City of Fresno pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act. The California High-Speed Rail Authority has requested that their proposed design for the sound wall along the eastern boundary of Roeding Park be reviewed and commented upon by the Historic Preservation Commission. These conceptual plans entail the construction of an approximately 2,866-ft long, 14-ft high sound wall along the eastern boundary of Roeding Park within the High-Speed Rail right-of-way. The sound wall would be constructed using pre-cast concrete panels with a river rock texture on both sides, supported by posts. In accordance with High-Speed Rail environmental mitigation measures for Roeding Park, plants would be installed at regular intervals along the park side of the sound wall. Staff encourages discussion in pursuit of optimal design that enhances, and minimizes any potential adverse effects to, the historic character of the property. Attachments Exhibit A: Proposed Aesthetic Treatment for Sound Wall at Roeding Park, California High-Speed Rail Authority, June 2019.