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short, the following options: 1) direct staff to examine alternative locations and assemble the <br /> previously approved task force ASAP, or 2) approve a conditional grant for rezoning the <br /> minimum number of parcels required to address the 2003 Housing Element requirements, with <br /> the provision that the task force be established immediately. His proposal continued, to request <br /> that the task force include input from all stakeholders, is tasked with approving any and all plans <br /> to be presented before the Planning Commission and City Council, and ensures that there is no <br /> financial impact to residential stakeholders as a result of such plans. He asked the Council to <br /> remember its commitment to the community in considering its decision and distributed a written <br /> copy of his proposal. <br /> Shenggao Li said that as an engineer, he doubts that the proposed density could be supported. <br /> He said that while this development may provide short-term financial benefits to the City, the <br /> burden of increased infrastructure costs will result in an overall negative impact. He also <br /> requested additional data on all impacts identified this evening. <br /> Barbara Hempill said that Pleasanton's employment opportunities have grown vastly in the past <br /> 25 years but while some of these jobs are at the executive level, the majority are service level <br /> positions. She said that these jobs make the comfortable lifestyle here possible, yet most of <br /> these employees cannot afford to live here and enjoy them as well. She said that Pleasanton is <br /> limited in its supply of land which is both available and meets Housing Element requirements for <br /> high- density zoning. She said that this rezoning would help to address the local jobs housing <br /> imbalance as well as provide amenities offered by transit oriented development. She urged the <br /> Council to seize this opportunity and enable Pleasanton to achieve a better balance by including <br /> workers from the entire pay spectrum, decrease traffic congestion, decrease pollution, and <br /> improve the quality and stability of family life. <br /> Dolores Bengston said everyone is Pleasanton is a stakeholder in what happens here; she <br /> understands and appreciates that those residing in the Hacienda community may feel <br /> threatened by the proposed rezoning, but noted the very same arguments were used when the <br /> very housing they live in was first proposed. She suggested that the PUD process would <br /> sufficiently address the concerns expressed tonight and at previous meetings. She said that <br /> while most Pleasanton residents complain of traffic, they fail to accept responsibility for <br /> exacerbating the problem by limiting entry-level workforce housing and forcing so many workers <br /> to live elsewhere. She believes that the fabric of the City is strengthened by increasing the <br /> number of people who live and work here, applauded efforts to bring this item forward and <br /> encouraged the Council to act now, with foresighted courage, and support the rezoning of all <br /> three properties. <br /> Patricia Belding, Citizens for a Caring Community, said the course of her work has enabled her <br /> to meet many people in the community in need of housing. She provided a thumbnail <br /> description of some, noting that they are everyone from young teachers to veterans to <br /> employers who cannot staff their businesses with local employees. She read the minutes of the <br /> September 13, 2009 Planning Commission meeting and learned that some Pleasanton <br /> residents see them as "those people," a reference that she deemed ignorant and regrettable. <br /> She found similar change fearful when Hacienda Business Park was first proposed, agreed that <br /> change is difficult, but thought that the rich, mixed -use community which the General Plan <br /> envisions for this area would enliven the entire community. <br /> James Paxson, Hacienda Business Park, said he very much supports staff's position and is very <br /> anxious to move forward with the planning process. He assured the Council and public that the <br /> park is committed to maximizing every opportunity and benefit here. He said Hacienda Business <br /> City Council Minutes Page 12 of 25 October 20, 2009 <br />