SSU Master Plan Revision

Open Space Comments and Responses

1. Be sure that the Music Center does not intrude on the riparian corridor of Copeland Creek.

• Response: Phil Northen, Chair of the SSU Biology Department, proposes that biologists in that Department be brought into the planning process at the point where the specific site plan and creek setback are being established.

2. The entire Music Center complex should be pushed north toward Rohnert Park Expressway, leaving an area for natural habitat restoration on the level land north of the Creek.

• Response: This comment comes from Phil Northen, Chair of the SSU Biology Department and experienced in environmental planning and analysis. What additional on- and off-campus resources could be brought to bear in addressing issues concerning Copeland Creek?

3. Does the plan include saving and upgrading the existing nature trail along Copeland Creek?

4. Would the proposed bike paths along both sides of Copeland Creek be subject to 100' setbacks requirements?

5. What will be the effect of the proposed University Center on the existing Main Quad? The existing Student Union?

• Response: No specific modifications to the existing Main Quad have been proposed. Possibilities could include landscaping to create effective outdoor "classroom" areas. No specific new uses have been proposed for the existing Student Union.

6. I believe that we need to have more open spaces than buildings on campus. I have heard several times that enrollment will not increase over the average of 8,000. IF we are building new classrooms and dorms, I tend to believe that we have been lied to. I came to Sonoma State because of the very low enrollment. There are plenty of classrooms on campus to accommodate all the present students.

7. Why not construct multi-level parking and leave more open space?

• Response: See Comment/Response #11 under Parking and Vehicular Circulation.

8. I'm concerned over the loss of general use recreational sport fields and facilities.

9. Why are the designs for open areas for pedestrian convenience instead of general purpose recreation?

10. Use new development (e.g., the Music Center) as an opportunity to also restore Copeland Creek.

11. Consider both habitat preservation and safety at proposed Copeland Creek crossings.

12. Integrate lighting of Copeland Creek crossings and access with the landscape.

13. How will human impacts that would result from increased access to Copeland Creek (e.g., litter) be addressed?

14. What are expected environmental impacts of increased oil and gas runoff from the new north parking lot into Copeland Creek? How will they be addressed?

15. Regarding traffic in and around Copeland Creek: The old master plan has probably been updated. I know in its earlier incarnation it was not only expensive to go over the creek, but did not take habitat into consideration. Has the road itself been reconsidered? What kind of bridge is planned -- construction? Materials? Width? Where exactly will it cross the Creek? What kind of riparian buffer will remain (width? vegetation?) Thanks.

16. Can you explicate the details of the maintenance and improvement of Copeland Creek? What does that mean?

17. I believe that open spaces should be of the utmost importance to the future and success of any changes at Sonoma State. However, I believe that theses open spaces should be at the disposal of on-campus clubs. I believe there is a problem on campus: the students are not allowed the flexibility to explore their own abilities and boundaries when "regulations" are consistently being imposed on students, especially campus clubs. I believe that the current Sonoma State Student Union should be entirely devoted to [remainder of message lost].

18. At the 3rd workshop, there was a mention of putting trees in "unarticulated open spaces" such as the main quad to make them more inviting or usable. Before doing that, please make sure that various programming needs of the campus are met by alternative areas on campus (possibly over by the University Center). The large grass areas of the main quad currently are used for programming various events by clubs, organizations, Rec Sports, and Associated Students Productions.

19. While pedestrian circulation is very important and efficient flow and access are the goals, we should not overlook the need for more benches to accommodate pedestrians that seek a respite from their day's "commute."

20. Any chance of laying utilities near the proposed open field adjacent to Sauvignon Village and the proposed University Center so that lighting those fields can be considered in the future?

21. I concur with comment #8 (above). I believe that with the anticipated relocation of intercollegiate softball and soccer fields (which always need to be designated off-limits to the general student user), there seems to be a loss of general recreational field space. Currently, all of the fields that are not designated as intercollegiate playing fields are shared amongst the needs of Kinesiology classes, intercollegiate team practices, sport clubs, intramural leagues, and general informal play. Sometimes it can [remainder of message lost]

22. Take the possibility of Copeland Creek flooding into account, and the possibility of flooding the north parking lot and paths.

23. Are there enough recreational fields to meet all types of students needs? (intramural, casual, etc.)

24. It is important to plan the location and configuration of specific athletic and recreational fields.

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