HomeMy WebLinkAbout13 - Amend City Council Policy K-3 to Incorporate Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Analysis Methodology - LetterMayor
Will O'Neill
Mayor Pro Tem
Brad Avery
Council Members
Joy Brenner
Diane Brooks Dixon
Marshall "Duffy" Duffield
Jeff Herdman
Kevin Muldoon
CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH
100 Civic Center Drive
Newport Beach, California 92660
949 644-3004 1949 644-3039 FAX
newportbeachca.gov
June 11, 2020
Governor Gavin Newsom
1303 10th Street, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814
Dear Governor Newsom,
I am writing to ask that you delay the implementation of the Senate Bill 743
(Vehicle Miles Traveled) regulations until July 1, 2021. Consistent with many
jurisdictions throughout the state, the City of Newport Beach has experienced
and is experiencing a decline in revenues, and has incurred unanticipated
budget impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On June 9, 2020, our City Council approved methodology for the
implementation of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) analysis in California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents, as required by Senate Bill
743. As part of this analysis, if a project generates daily VMT above a
significant threshold, the project developer would be required to pay for
potentially costly mitigation. These mitigation costs could drive up the costs
of residential development. This will happen at a time when the current
housing crisis is mandating cities to develop plans for additional housing in
their jurisdictions.
Travel by car remains a necessity for the overwhelming majority of Newport
Beach residents and employees who do not, or cannot, use the limited public
transit that exists in our city. Our residents rely on a car to complete the
essential tasks of getting to work, purchasing necessary goods such as food,
and obtaining medical care.
The COVID-19 pandemic is resulting in dramatic changes in transportation
patterns such as expansion of working from home, learning from home, and
receiving medical care from home. Because this health crisis has produced
reductions in VMT, we believe that a pause in implementing SB 743 is
appropriate.
The City of Newport Beach is committed to being part of a solution to climate
goals, but we strongly advocate for a brief delay in the July 1, 2020
implementation date so we can focus on ensuring the best economic recovery
for our local business and working communities.
Sincerely,
Mayor Will O'Neill