TAHA INNOVATIVE SERVICES

Aesthetics and Visual Impacts

Today, many of our clients are concerned about a project creating a contrast with its surroundings. TAHA has the tools and experience to assess the potential aesthetic impact (or visual contract) of a project in relation to the surrounding environment. TAHA can conduct technical aesthetic analyses for residential, commercial/retail, mixed-use, institutional, industrial and transportation projects addressing the following areas: visual character, massing (i.e., size), scale and height; views and vistas; scenic resources, lighting, glare, and reflection; and shadows. Our technical analysis emphasizes graphic representation using the latest models and software, all designed to meet our client’s needs.

3-D Project Modeling. TAHA is experienced in preparing technical reports analyzing the potential massing, scale, height, views and vistas and shadow impact of a project. TAHA uses the latest 3-D modeling software such as SketchUp to provide our clients with 3-D models of project that illustrate building height, massing and scale, as well as development patterns and even shadows. These models can be animated to show different points in time, such as a shadow moving over the course of a day, or development changes through the lifetime of a long-range plan. The results of the project modeling are documented in a technical report, assessed using local thresholds of significance, and include graphic representations exported from the 3-D modeling software.

Lighting Modeling. Many projects include security, decorative or functional lighting that can introduce a new source of light or glare to an area during nighttime hours. Utilizing visual lighting design and modeling software, TAHA can create a model illustrating the locations of proposed light poles and /or fixtures and the amount of light that may potentially spill over onto nearby sensitive uses (e.g., residences) at night. TAHA has expertise in preparing lighting models and comparing the results with applicable local lighting standards. Our technical lighting reports may include a graphic representation of the proposed lighting scheme, properties that could be impacted by the proposed lighting and possible mitigation measures.

Greenhouse Gas/Global Warming Analysis

In response to growing scientific and political concern with global climate change, California has recently adopted a series of laws to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere from commercial and private activities within the State.  California is committed to reducing Statewide GHG emissions by 174 million metric tons by 2020.  Land use will play a key roll in controlling GHG emissions and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) has been in an important tool in facing the challenge of reducing emissions.  New CEQA guidance requires that project sponsors quantify GHG emissions and demonstrate how projects will be consistent with State goals to combat global warming.

TAHA is an expert in generating project-specific GHG emission inventories.  We use the most current methodologies to calculate GHG emissions from vehicle activity, electricity use, natural gas consumption, and energy use associated with the transport and consumption of water.  TAHA’s expertise in GHGs goes beyond evaluating project-specific GHG emissions and creating emissions inventories.  Our firm has experience in large-scale, regional planning and energy efficiency.  By taking an innovative approach, TAHA continues to be at the forefront of the global warming and GHG field.  

Noise Analysis

TAHA’s projects often require noise monitoring to assess ambient conditions.  Noise monitoring is used to determine construction impacts to sensitive land uses near project sites for mixed-use developments, commercial properties, and industrial land uses.  TAHA also uses noise measurements to assess operational impacts associated with mechanical equipment use, automobile noise, and the compatibility of proposed land uses with the existing noise environment.  For example, TAHA has completed many analyses to determine if a proposed school site would be located in a noise environment compatible with a learning atmosphere.          

TAHA operates a Quest Technologies SoundPro DL data logging sound level meter and calibrator to assess ambient noise levels.  The sound level meter is capable of monitoring in the A, C, and Z frequency weightings with a fast or slow response time and it can log data in intervals from one second to 60 minutes.  TAHA owns an outdoor measurement system that is designed to complete 24-hour noise measurements.  The system includes a weatherproof case, internal battery, and a microphone mast.  The outdoor measurement system is used to record daily noise metrics such as the Community Noise Equivalence Level or the Day-Night Level.   
Recent Work Highlights

Metro Projects

TAHA is busy with environmental work on several Metro projects throughout the Los Angeles Region.

TAHA is preparing the Final EIS/EIR for the Crenshaw-Prairie Transit Corridor Project. This corridor includes Crenshaw Boulevard, extending from Wilshire Boulevard to the City of Inglewood and continues south on Prairie Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard potentially to the I-105 and terminating at LAX. In November 2009, The Metro Board selected the light rail option as the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) making it the sole option to be considered in the Final EIS/EIR.

TAHA is preparing technical reports in support of the Regional Connector Transit Corridor EIS/EIR. The Regional Connector, while only two miles in length, is expected to result in major transportation improvement benefits well beyond Downtown Los Angeles. It creates a much needed transit link between the Metro Gold and Metro Blue Line light rail system and will connect the Gold Line Eastside Extension with the Expo Line, linking the Central Business District to Culver City.

TAHA is also working on the Westside Subway Extension Draft EIS/EIR. Based on the Alternatives Analysis prepared for the project, the Metro Board approved analyzing two recommended build alternatives. The two alternatives under consideration include extending the existing underground Metro Purple Line subway from its terminus at the Wilshire/Western station west to Santa Monica via Wilshire Boulevard and extending the existing Metro Red Line from its existing terminus at the Hollywood/Highland Station to connect with the Wilshire Boulevard Line. The project, also known as the “Subway to the Sea” is expected to result in travel time improvements by about 30-60 percent from various parts of the region to Westwood/UCLA compared with existing transit schedules.

TAHA recently completed the Final EIR for the Canoga Transportation Corridor Project, located in Canoga Park in the San Fernando Valley. This project includes a six-mile northern extension of bus service from the current terminus of the Orange Line at the existing Canoga Avenue Station to the Chatsworth Street Metrolink Station. Several project and corridor alternatives were evaluated and screened during the EIR process, including an alternative to extend the project an additional two miles north to a potential park-and-ride facility adjacent to the 118 Freeway. As part of a larger team of experts, TAHA focused on evaluating the air quality, noise and vibration, land acquisition, relocation, and displacement and environmental justice impacts. The project is now under construction and expected to be completed in three years.
Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach Air Programs
We've had our contract extended to conduct real-time air quality monitoring for the Port of Los Angeles and begun the monitoring at the Port of Long Beach as well. The program monitors fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at six sites located in Wilmington, San Pedro, and Long Beach. PM2.5, which is emitted from the combustion of diesel, is of particular concern to the Port communities because of health risks associated PM2.5. The results of the studies should identify not only how much PM2.5 is present in the air, but also pinpoint its major source. TAHA is responsible for regular visits to the air monitoring sites, maintaining accurate data records, and consistent communication with the project team regarding the studies' status.

Jordan Downs Specific Plan EIR

TAHA is preparing the Draft EIR for the Jordan Downs Specific Plan, which is currently being prepared the City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning (DCP).  The adoption of the Jordan Downs Specific Plan is required to modify the existing zoning designations and establish development guidelines to accommodate the development envisioned in the Jordan Downs Master Plan prepared by the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA).  Since the area covered by Jordan Downs Specific Plan includes property located within the County of Los Angeles, the proposed project also includes the annexation of approximately 41.74 acres of public- and privately-owned land from the County of Los Angeles to the City of Los Angeles.
And...

We've had many changes here at TAHA. Last month, we said goodbye to three members of our staff and are very happy to welcome two new Planners, Ryan Leonard and Jared Jerome and two new Assistant Planners, David DeRosa and Joanna White. We look forward to the energy these new TAHA team members will bring. And we've temporarily (three months!) lost our Adminstrative Assistant, Michelle Flores, due to a broken ankle. But we are being very ablely assisted by Kenyada McLean in the meantime.
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