PC 07/16/99 - Laserfiche WebLink

Joseph Cunningham, advised that he has been a resident of Pleasanton since 1975 and that he has seen a lot of growth in Pleasanton. He commented that construction creates a lot of dust and if the Bernal property starts development before a suitable decision is made regarding the possible nuclear waste that the dust will blow across the schools. He asked that the development not begin until the situation is investigated. Mr. Cehn stated that he believes that the releases from the Nuclear Laundry were so low that the potential for any real significant contamination on the property is also very low. He advised that he has been involved when there has been a real emergency when the State has needed to be involved and that they dealt with it immediately. He commented that this is not an emergency situation. He agreed that the inhalation of dust can be a hazard, but that there has to be a significant source of contamination at the surface; he noted that most of the sludge has been buried. He indicated that tritium is very soluble and that it washes into the soil and ends up in the groundwater. Mr. Lymburn commented that in speaking with Mr. Cehn, Mr. Cehn indicated that a "trace" or small level is what is naturally in the environment and that Mr. Cehn stated it would take 100 times more than a trace or small level to cause him concern. Mr. Lymbum reported that according to Mr. Cehn there is no significant difference between radioactivity and radionuclide. With regard to Issue #22 of the straw vote, Mr. Grote referred to the "Tree Survey" prepared by HortScience, Inc. He advised that there are seven valley oaks in the area of the finger tributary and that the remainder of the trees are primarily black walnuts, with some willows and buckeyes. He noted that along a portion of Bernal there are some black walnuts, with some sycamores in the center of Bemal. He indicated that the valley oaks will be saved and this is shown in the plan. He advised that the black walnuts do not have the longevity of the valley oaks, and, therefore, they are not proposing to save those trees. He stated that there is an opportunity for moving trees around. He noted that some trees could be planted on the site and transplanted later. Some sycamore trees could be relocated, but this does not work with black walnuts. He advised that there is only one "good" cottonwood tree; the others are rated "moderate" or "poor." He suggested that after examination by an arborist, if any of the "moderate" trees are worth moving that they be moved to the drainage area at the base of the knoll or another appropriate location. With regard to Issue #23 of the straw vote, Mr. Grote presented a new cross-section of the plans for the Arroyo. He noted the modifications that would be necessary along the channel, the trees that would be saved, and the improved conditions that would result. He noted that this plan would handle 27,000 cfs, while Zone 7's plan is for only 25,000 cfs with a wider setback. With regard to Issues #1, 2, and 9, Mr. Grote requested the Commission's support for a transit hub. He stated that this is a perfect location for shuttles to BART, ACE, etc., and that it is a wonderful component in and around the Village Green. He noted that this is not a large scale hub and would not accommodate large busses. He commented on the Commission's discussion about Issue #2 with regard to the density in the Village, noting that the applicant would be willing to consider raising the bottom level of the density. He pointed out that a development plan will be done for the Village Center and suggested that the Commission may want to hold its final decision until it sees the development plan. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 7 July 16, 1999