PC 02/17/99 - Laserfiche WebLink

In response to an inquiry from Chairperson Kumaran, Mr. Rasmussen noted that the Draft EIR will address issues of preserving open space. Discussion ensued relating to the acceptable noise levels for the Specific Plan, whether there are adequate safeguards to ensure financing of infrastructure, and fees related to the South Livermore Area Plan. Chairperson Kumaran requested that staff provide an analysis of altemative measures to ensure financing of infrastructure. Commissioner Cooper expressed concern with the number of homes being enough to pay for the cost of the infrastructure, and allowing for completion of the project in a timely period. He requested that staff provide information to the Commission relating to inducement for property owners to make the Plan work, including whether there is a reasonable margin for error and whether increasing the number of homes would allow for a more feasible plan. He expressed concern with losing any agricultural uses and suggested that the two-year lapse restriction on agricultural uses and livestock be eliminated. He spoke in favor of the cattle operation use on the Foley property and relocating homes on Lot 28 to Lot 27 to lessen impacts on the cattle ranch. He expressed concurrence with Mr. Goodwin's statements relating to there being no reason for different residential zoning designations on Lot 27 versus Lot 28. He expressed concern with disrupting the nursery's operations due to the access street issues presented by four homes on Lot 3. Commissioner Cooper expressed concern with development of the school site before installation of infrastructure and noted that this is the School Board's decision but that it could create severe problems. He expressed concern with reducing the number of homes in the project and taxpayers having to subsidize the infrastructure. Commissioner Maas noted that the property owners had some very good comments. She expressed concern with the issues relating to the raising of livestock being eliminated if there is a lapse for a two-year period of time and requested that staff examine this issue. She expressed concern with using the master developer concept for the project economic analysis and asked that staff examine this issue. She requested that staff examine issues relating to whether the project will be phased and possible effects of that on the project. Further, she requested that staff examine issues relating to the undergrounding of utilities and the funds necessary for that. Commissioner Sullivan requested that staff address issues relating to the impacts of including the value of open space, school, and vineyards in the feasibility analysis. Further, that staff examine issues relating to consideration of housing calculation factors for future phasing of development. Commissioner Sullivan suggested that a country store be considered in the economic analysis. He noted that residents could utilize bike trails and pedestrian paths to access the store and this would cut down on the residents having to go elsewhere to shop. Commissioner Sullivan expressed support for the integration of housing and vineyards, if properly done; the effort of building the minimum number of lots that is economically feasible; design guidelines to minimize impacts of houses on hillsides; ample use of pedestrian and bike paths to allow for alternate forms of transportation to school and possibly a country store; and the development ora daycare center. He spoke in support of the effort to maintain large tracks of open space on hillsides; access to the southern hills with trails; and efforts to minimize PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 5 February 17, 1999