12 ATTACHMENTS - Laserfiche WebLink

to push this proposal through and that litigation only requires the City to create a zone and not to build actual houses. He noted that there was an attempt in the past year to build houses in Hacienda and that because there was not enough representation from owners, a joint task force was to be formed, which never occurred. He stated that he felt rezoning the properties is a push to line up developers to build apartment housing, which would only cause traffic jams, congestions, and school problems. He added that 99 percent of the US population actually choose their houses based upon not where their job is located but where there is good schools, less traffic, better culture, and peace. He noted that the Business Park was planned for commercial buildings and urged the Commission to not allow Pleasanton to be ruined and deteriorate, as what happened to Fremont. Yogesh Joglekar stated that he moved to Pleasanton in 2006 at the peak of the housing market. He indicated that he has two children who go to two different elementary schools because of problems with class sizes and overcrowded classrooms due to the School District's financial crisis. He expressed concern about having more residents coming into the City, noting that Valencia is already surrounded by apartments. He indicated that adding more units would not bring vitality but would deteriorate property values and affect the peace and quiet of the area. He urged the Commission to re -think its decision to rezone the properties. Suhas Kulkarni stated that he has lived next to the proposed development for six years and that he works at Oracle across the street from where he lives. He disagreed with the arguments for housing in proximity to the BART station, adding that he never walks to work. He noted that in Third World countries, there are 100 children in one classroom, and there are no extra curricular activities. He indicated that he did not want this to happen to his children and urged the Commission to not spoil the school program in Pleasanton or he will be forced to move to another community for his children's sake. Bob Lee stated that he is a resident of Valencia and moved to the City 13 years ago after retiring. He indicated that he researched Pleasanton carefully and that people informed him that it good place in which to live. He added that he was told then by Signature Properties that they were moving into a business community and that the three existing communities would be the extent of housing in the area other than the Archstone Apartments to the east. He stated that he felt the people at this meeting represent only a small percentage of the residents in the area who have the same sentiments and are not in favor of the proposed rezoning. He urged the Commission to find other solutions to the City's housing issue. Stan Kataoka stated that he moved to Pleasanton 12 years ago and acknowledged that while the designation of the Business Park was fairly stable, times have changed and the City is moving towards higher density living. He voiced concern that the process put in place a year ago for a joint task force where residents, school representatives, and developers would be represented has not been started and urged the Commission to begin the process immediately. He added that he has heard nothing but building high DRAFT EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, 9/23/2009 Page 4 of 18