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of the court. She said that her experience has taught her that the larger amenities, such as gifting fund contributions, programs, and park space, tend to come with larger developments. She urged the public to acknowledge that the Council is in a difficult position and, having focused on a number of initiatives and processes that the public requested, is now behind the eight ball on this matter. She acknowledged residents' frustrations over not being included in this process, but said that much more would follow if action is further delayed. Justin Fried, Association of Bay Area Governments, said that by participating in the Regional Development and Conservation Strategy for the Bay Area, Pleasanton received a grant for planning and future development of the Hacienda Business Park, in particular the area near the BART station. This rezoning is but one step in the development of a PUD modification that addresses the infrastructure and amenities required to develop a well -served complete community near transit. He agreed with the public that these sites need to be developed properly and said that the process laid out for this development is very sound. John Rennels, Principal Property Development Officer with BART, said he is the project manager for a $250 million transit- oriented development at the Pleasant Hill BART station. He said a UC Berkeley professor conducted a study of residential developments within a 1/2 mile radius of the Pleasant Hill BART station and determined in both 1993 and 2004 that 45% of residents took transit to work. He cited a recent survey by the California State Automobile Association which asked significant businesses where they would relocate their headquarters if moving outside of San Francisco. Many considered Hacienda Business Park, but ultimately opted for Pleasant Hill at the Contra Costa Center because of the mixed -uses within walking distance to those headquarters and public transit. He commended staff on an outstanding report and supported the recommendation, and said both Pleasanton and the business park are fortunate to have owners formidable enough to want to move forward with this in the current economic climate. John Carroll said his primary concern is with the cumulative density of development. He urged the Council to require that any residential development here be offset by a reduction in the total square footage of approved commercial space for the park. The General Plan process identified a 46% increase in traffic to the area based on the current design of the business park, an increase that he believed would significantly impact air quality. He strongly believes in the value of public input and is disappointed to learn that a task force has not yet been established. He voiced distaste for what he considered to be heavy handed scare tactics and disappointment that the City is in such a legal predicament, requested full disclosure and community involvement, the promised task force, and a commitment to creating a transit oriented development that will benefit the entire community. Bruce Fielder said since moving here 25 years ago, the community has matured with new housing developments, businesses, schools, public buildings, and amenities. He feels that the City has lived up to its motto of planned progress and has done so quite well. He read the minutes of the Planning Commission meeting and found it curious that residents of neighborhoods which have been added to Hacienda would assume that any additional residential use would create crime, vandalism, and poor schools. He was also dismayed by the suggestion that persons of low income or renters might be "bad people." He urged the Council to approve staff's recommendation. He advised that doing so might help to deflect litigation and said that whatever is ultimately developed will undoubtedly bring enough taxes and fees to support local schools and infrastructure. He also supported rezoning efforts in other parts of the community. City Council Minutes Page 15 of 25 October 20, 2009