PC 10/13/99 - Laserfiche WebLink

John Spotomo, 1028 Harrison Avenue, Redwood City, noted that the issues relating to this property are very complicated as they relate to the City's goals and desires and neighborhood goals and desires. He stated that with all the forces facing this project it is on the verge of collapse. He commented on the history of the custom lots and noted that when the original PUD was submitted, there was an aggressive approach to custom lots, especially in the locations that staffhas noted. He noted in the staff report there was a reference that the medium-density area was exceeding the original 15 acres, and he noted that as the specifics of the plan have been developed, it has been revealed exactly what the requirements should be and the acreage. He noted that step one in the current proposal was to comply with the staff requirement and pull back on the area being developed, and that the uphill slopes have been eliminated, which would reduce impacts on the uphill slopes. He noted that due to saving the three heritage trees along the lower side of back lots, the four lots were reduced to three lots creating more space between houses, grading, and driveways. He noted that he concurs with staff that specific grading plans would have to be performed. He noted that the FARS go from a maximum of 31 percent down to 17 percent depending on the configuration of the lot, with three houses being down slope and two up slope. He noted that garages will be detached to mitigate in the landscaped area, all cross slopes would be a maximum of 33 percent, the houses would be split level, and the garden area would be controlled and retained, for fire reasons. He noted that the existing infrastructure is being utilized for the medium- density area, but adds to the density by providing custom lots that would relate to the environment they are in, and that the nine lots have been reduced to five in the current proposal. Discussion ensued relating to the location of the access road and location of the creek. Frank Rosenhlum, 2593 Abacca Way, Fremont, provided an overview of the memorandum he presented to the Commission dated October 13, 1999. He noted his surprise with staff comments contained in the staff report. He noted that great care was taken by the developer's engineers to preserve environmental resources and minimize the grading. He noted that the development plan has addressed the cooperative work of many entities, including the City. Further, that the development plan has addressed all of these concerns and may be the only viable plan for the City of Pleasanton. He noted that after he performed calculations, the average change in grade is 1.85 feet, due to earthwork quantities. Laveme Spotorno, Spotomo Ranch, provided an overview of the Spotorno family's involvement in this process, including the family's involvement in the golf course. She commented on the density bonus option and stated that the Council accepted the family's reasoning that the ranch remainder parcel is an inheritance for the grandchildren and the family's financial security. She noted that the family has a deep-seeded love for this land, that the family consists of ranchers not developers, and the family is not interested in getting rich at any price. She commented on the efforts of her husband, A1 Spotoruo, to maintain the family heritage and noted this is more important than any perpetual deed that would preclude any future consideration for these efforts. She noted that it was made clear to the Council at the June 16, 1999, meeting that the family would not participate in a perpetual deed for the remainder parcel, and the Council has accepted that decision. Ms. Spotorno noted that the constraints and problems with the plan are not the fault of the Spotorno's, as referenced in the staff report. She noted that staff decided zoning designation, density figures, and the urban boundary line, without benefit of soil studies, geotechnical studies, engineering reports or Planning Commission Minutes October 13, 1999 Page 15