PC 11/10/99 - Laserfiche WebLink

Discussion ensued relating to the upcoming election and the people that will form the committee. Commissioner Maas noted she would desire the potential uses of the San Francisco Bemal property to include lighted sports fields and some type of water element, such as boat rentals, a restaurant on the lake that would be revenue producing, a wildlife reserve, and an outdoor amphitheater. Commissioner Kameny noted he would desire the potential use for the San Francisco Bernal property to include a performing center, high-tech office or retail space to create additional jobs and to create revenues to reduce the General Obligation bond, lighted sport fields, and recreational water use. Commissioner Kumaran noted he would desire the potential uses for the San Francisco Bernal property to include the train station and adequate parking, a car pool lot, telecommute centers and satellite offices to reduce use of the transportation system, cemeteries, Zone 7 overflow areas, and a high school. Commissioner Sullivan noted it is critical that a conceptual plan be in place before placing this issue on the ballot. He further commented on the price for the project and inquired whether this is the asking price or the real price of the property. He expressed his support with a Committee being developed to address issues of use on this property; however, he noted his desire for the actual development plans to be developed by a citizen's committee to address issues relating to the resident's desired use of the property. Further, that a public/private partnership be developed for purchase of the property to reduce the General Obligation bond for the residents. Commissioner Sullivan noted he would desire the potential use of the San Francisco Bemal property to include building of a transit village, relocating the ACE train station to the property, and development of a high-density transit, mixed use development, if it is the right size and scale. He noted that the use should include an opportunity for affordable housing. Commissioner Sullivan noted he would be in favor of a new ACE station being included on this property and a new high school. He noted he would be in favor of Zone 7 purchasing open area through the arroyo and maintaining the riparian habitat and addressing the drainage problems. He noted he would be in favor of East Bay Regional Parks and Nature Conservancy providing funding for open space nature preserves on the west parcel through the arroyo, which would include a wildlife preserve. He noted he would be in favor of the Bernal property containing a sports park, multi-use park, and community center or common community use center such as a performing arts center. He noted his ambivalence with a golf course on this property, due to the golf course being developed on the Happy Valley property and he suggested that agricultural use of the property be examined. He further noted his concern with possible radioactive contamination on the Bemal property and requested that more information be provided on this issue prior to the City's purchase of the property. Commissioner Arkin noted he would desire the property to be a joint private/public use and that the private use encompass the parcel west of Interstate 680 and east of the train tracks. Further, that the center section of the property be preserved for the public. He stated that the General Obligation Bonds for the citizens needs to be reduced to $50 million. He noted his desire for a three-pronged joint use facility consisting ora high school, performing center, and sports park. Further, he expressed his desire for the property to be utilized as a lake, a nature walk/botanical garden, a rustic outdoor amphitheater, train station, and transit center. He noted he was not in favor of the property being utilized as a golf course and that one public golf course is ample. Further, he noted that a cemetery is needed in the area; however, the ideal location for a cemetery would be the Staples Ranch property. PLANN1NG COMMISSION MINUTES Page 14 November 10, 1999