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<br />Marian Meadows Rezone and Subdivision Final Environmental Impact Statement 3-36 <br />Alternative 3D: No Action with 5-Acre Lots in the Airport Safety Zones (ASZs) including both the <br />western and eastern portions of the site with 3-acre lots to the east outside the ASZs would result in a <br />reduction in total lots to about 75 percent of those in Alternatives 3A or 3B to about 113 lots. This would <br />result in similar impacts as Alternatives 3A and 3B but at a slightly lower level due to the reduced number <br />of lots and slightly larger lots. <br />The existing large lots located immediately adjacent to the site would be bounded by 5-acre lots more <br />similar in size to the existing. Residences would likely be set farther from the boundaries of the plat than <br />Alternatives 3A, 3B and 3C and much less than Alternatives 1 and 2, resulting in less clearing apparent to <br />the adjacent lots and less impact of noise and lights nearby. <br />Other residents in the area likely would experience the following: <br /> The landscape in the area would no longer be characterized primarily by natural features and open <br />space. Native forest vegetation would no longer predominate on the site. The 5-acre lots within the <br />ASZs and the 3-acre lots outside the ASZs would retain somewhat more native vegetation, but <br />elements of the built environment such as buildings and ornamental landscaping would be <br />substantial. <br /> The observed visual character of the community would change to a similar extent as Alternatives <br />3A and 3B, but to a lesser extent than Alternatives 1 and 2. Clearing and grading for roads and <br />residences on the upper eastern portion of the site would be about the same as Alternatives 3A and <br />3B because of the prevalence of 3-acre lots, and would be readily visible to residents in the area. <br />The number of residents would be substantially less than Alternatives 1 and 2, and slightly less than <br />Alternatives 3A and 3B. Like Alternatives 3A and 3B, Alternative 3D would substantially change <br />one of the visual elements that provides natural forest as the dominant visual character of this <br />portion of the Yakima River Valley (see Section 3.6). <br /> It is unlikely that forestry use would occur on 5-acre residential parcels, except cutting of trees for <br />firewood. <br /> As with other alternatives, residents would likely be predominantly commuters to urban areas or <br />recreational users. The amenities of larger lots may attract more persons desiring a community with <br />a rural character. The similarity with the value of existing community members may result in more <br />social interactions among members of the community. <br /> The increase in the number of people on local streets, in local businesses, and in schools and other <br />public places would be slightly less, though similar, to Alternatives 3A and 3B, but much less than <br />Alternatives 1 and 2. <br /> The site would likely experience a decline in on-site use by wildlife, especially large mammals such <br />as elk, even with 5-acre lots on the west side of the BPA easement. The location of the mini-storage