PC 06/28/99 - Laserfiche WebLink

response to an inquiry by Commissioner Maas, Mr. Arkin noted that in his opinion a more suitable use for the property would be an additional high school, cultural project, a sports park, a portion of property being utilized for nature trails and a portion of the property being developed to pay for infrastructure. Stan Erikson, 3684 Chillingham, noted that the residents have not provided adequate input relating to the property and he suggested that outside consultants, chosen by the residents, be retained to perform an unbiased analysis of the EIR and fiscal report on property. Further, that the Commission consider tempering approval of the agreement to the General Plan, and that the Commission consider the alternatives that staff and residents have suggested for use of the property. Carol Varela, 3858 Mohr Avenue, noted that even through the developer has worked on this project for ten years that does not mean it is a benefit to the community. She noted that the General Plan can be amended up to four times a year. She expressed concern with water issues at the golf course, density of project, traffic issues, and infrastructure. She stated there should be public input relating to what the community desires on the property and notes the reasons residents have not offered input relating to development of the property. Mr. Erikson readdressed the Commission and commented on the lack of public input on the project. Mr. Arkin readdressed the Commission and commented on possible ways to inform the public of the project including billboards on front lawns and freeway on-ramps and off-ramps, notification at the farmers market, and e-mail. Mr. Grote noted that the project has allocated 15 acres to parks, 34 acres in open space, and a site for a middle school. He noted that the project reflects the requests of the City of Pleasanton of what it desired on the site and the cooperative efforts between the two cities. He noted that the project offers a sports park, a golf course, and diversity in housing. He requested that the Commission forward this project to the City Council. (Recess taken from 9:15 to 9:20 p.m.) PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Chairperson Kumaran expressed gratitude to the staff, citizens and developer for their diligent work and input on this project. He further noted that the Commission should only address issues relating to the EIR at this time. Commissioner Sullivan noted that he would not be in support of certifying the current EIR due to the information that has been recently disclosed. He noted that the EIR utilized the 1998 Base Line Traffic Report which uses the existing city traffic model forecast for short term traffic and buildout traffic versus the more current Base Line Traffic Report which deems the existing model inaccurate for forecasting buildout traffic. He noted that traffic buildout forecasts based on the older Base Line Traffic Report could render information in the EIR inadequate. Commissioner Sullivan stated that information has been received relating to public health and safety issues as it relates to possible radioactive contamination on the site, as referenced by Mr. Morrison. He stated that if evidence of contamination PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 4 June 28, 1999