PC 09/22/99 - Laserfiche WebLink

In response to a question from Commissioner Kameny, Mr. Plucker noted that it is staff's intent not to restrict future development on the 1.8-acm parcel, but to allow them to maintain the horses on the site. Mr. Champion noted that the location of the barns require that they be removed, and that the horses will be relocated, perhaps to the Fairgrounds. He advised that once the development is started there will not be any animals on the property. Chairperson Roberts asked if any consideration has been given to preserving the older house because of its historical value. Mr. Champion noted that their development plan never encompassed any aspect of the house. Mr. Plucker noted that it is recognized that the home is an asset to area. Mr. Champion provided an overview of the drainage plan. He noted that Condition No. 71 addresses this plan and they are prepared to look into it, but have not had an opportunity to study it. Mr. Plucker noted that the way the condition reads makes it much more absolute. Commissioner Kameny asked how long staff and the applicant have been working on the development of the affordability aspect of the project. Mr. Plucker advised that it has been two to three weeks. He noted that is why staff is uncomfortable with making it an absolute requirement, but based on some initial discussions with the applicant and the City's Housing Specialist, there are some things that can be done to accomplish it. Mr. Goins noted that the Housing Commission would have to support the program and staff did not have time to get to the Commission before this evening. One of the conditions allows for this to occur prior to the tentative map process. Commissioner Kameny noted that he is a liaison to the Housing Commission, and he served on the Housing Commission for five years. He advised that he is speaking for himself, not for the Commission in general, but one of the major issues with regard to affordability of homes or moderate-priced homes is the first ownership of the homes, not the rental aspect. He noted that he is a major proponent of moderate-priced housing and that he hopes the applicant can find some way to include it in the project. Mr. Champion advised that they are prepared to look into it, noting that they can move pretty quickly once they have all the input as to how the program is going to be structured. Mr. Plucker noted that staffs preference would be for a turn-key product. Beatrice Nolan, 1027 Rose Avenue, the owner of the property, stated that they have lived on the property for over 40 years. She advised that application for the PUD on the 15 acres is really at the recommendation of the City of Pleasanton. She noted that this property has always been zoned 6,500 square foot lots and that they could have built 72 homes. She noted that they are only applying for approval for 31 homes. She provided background on the approval process and noted that it has been a frustrating experience. She stated that they believe the soundwall is not needed for the lovely area and the true country setting. She invited the Commissioners to visit the property to see what they intend to do with this development. She advised that they do not intend to keep horses on the property once the project is under development. Rick Pickering, 4501 Pleasanton Avenue, represented the Alameda County Fair Association. He noted that they have not had an opportunity to review the plans in a great amount of detail, but did receive a copy of the staff report late this afternoon. He submitted a letter noting items the Fair Association would like to see addressed. He thanked staff for Condition No. 18 which restricts construction in the PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 8 September 22, 1999