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MOUNTAIN HOUSE NEIGHBORHOODS KAND L INITIAL STUDY 5.ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST 1 AESTHETICS Old River forms the northern boundary of Neighborhoods K and L but is not — visible from existing roads due to the levee that screens it from view. From Finck Road,just north of Old River,the project site is largely blocked from view by the existing levees. From Byron Road,one looks north into the Neighborhood L area,across the railroad tracks toward the Old River levee and fallow fields in the foreground. Neighborhood K is separated from Byron Road by Neighborhood J,which has not yet been developed. Views from Waterways Old River forms the northern boundary of Neighborhoods K and L and the entire Mountain House community. The existing levee along Old River is about 12 feet higher than the ground level to the south, providing long-distance views when one stands atop the levee(see Figure 5.1-1,Views A and B). Vegetation that includes some mature trees along the banks of the levee creates a visual contrast to the nearby waterway and agricultural fields. Due to the height of the levee,views into the project site from boats using Old River are blocked. Boating use in this part of the river is limited due to the presence of the Department of Water Resources(DWR)barrier,' heavy vegetative growth(e.g., Brazilian elodea, sometimes referred to as Brazilian waterweed [Egeria densa],water hyacinth[Eichornia crassipes]), and the shallow depth and narrow width of Old River. The nearest marina is located at the northwest corner of the Mountain House community. Many boaters head north from this point along Old River rather than east along the edge of the Mountain House community. No major roads are located at the northern side of Old River that would provide views into _ the Neighborhoods K and L project site. From Finck Road, a narrow two-lane road north of Old River,one cannot see the project site unless one climbs onto the adjacent levee. Even from this location,views are limited. Design Review Process The Mountain House Community Services District(MHCSD) has adopted the Mountain House Community Services District Design Manual(MHCSD, 1999), which addresses the design standards for public facilities that would be under the jurisdiction of the MHCSD. Elements addressed by the MHCSD Design Manual include streetscapes, walls and fences, paths, street furniture, lighting, signage, entries, community edges, parks, schools,civic facilities, and public works facilities. The MHCSD will review subdivision plans, building designs, and improvement plans for all new MHCSD facilities within the community for conformance with the MHCSD Design Manual and with all applicable Mountain House Master Plan programs, policies,and standards. This barrier is set up in the summer to prevent saltwater intrusion. Boaters are required to stop and to be shuttled across the barrier using boat trailers. (97111) 5-7