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Mr. Desroches opposed adding 1,000 new units in the area. He stated that the number <br />one reason people want to live in Pleasanton is the school system and expressed <br />concerns about the negative impact these units would have on schools. He noted that <br />there are no clear plans on how the school problems could be resolved and could not <br />understand how this could be ignored. He indicated that he does not understand the <br />ramifications of the litigation but questioned why all the units need to be built in <br />Hacienda rather than locating some of them by the BART station near Stoneridge Mall. <br />Ashok Moghe stated that he moved to Pleasanton three years ago because of its <br />culture and peacefulness. He indicated that he felt the threat of litigation is being used <br />to push this proposal through and that litigation only requires the City to create a zone <br />and not to build actual houses. He noted that there was an attempt in the past year to <br />build houses in Hacienda and that because there was not enough representation from <br />owners, a joint task force was to be formed, which never occurred. He stated that he <br />felt rezoning the properties is a push to line up developers to build apartment housing, <br />which would only cause traffic jams, congestions, and school problems. He added that <br />99 percent of the US population actually choose their houses based upon not where <br />their job is located but where there is good schools, less traffic, better culture, and <br />peace. He noted that the Business Park was planned for commercial buildings and <br />urged the Commission to not allow Pleasanton to be ruined and deteriorate, as what <br />happened to Fremont. <br />Yogesh Joglekar stated that he moved to Pleasanton in 2006 at the peak of the housing <br />market. He indicated that he has two children who go to two different elementary <br />schools because of problems with class sizes and overcrowded classrooms due to the <br />School District’s financial crisis. He expressed concern about having more residents <br />coming into the City, noting that Valencia is already surrounded by apartments. He <br />indicated that adding more units would not bring vitality but would deteriorate property <br />values and affect the peace and quiet of the area. He urged the Commission to re-think <br />its decision to rezone the properties. <br />Suhas Kulkarni stated that he has lived next to the proposed development for six years <br />and that he works at Oracle across the street from where he lives. He disagreed with <br />the arguments for housing in proximity to the BART station, adding that he never walks <br />to work. He noted that in Third World countries, there are 100 children in one <br />classroom, and there are no extra curricular activities. He indicated that he did not want <br />this to happen to his children and urged the Commission to not spoil the school program <br />in Pleasanton or he will be forced to move to another community for his children’s sake. <br />Bob Lee stated that he is a resident of Valencia and moved to the City 13 years ago <br />after retiring. He indicated that he researched Pleasanton carefully and that people <br />informed him that it good place in which to live. He added that he was told then by <br />Signature Properties that they were moving into a business community and that the <br />three existing communities would be the extent of housing in the area other than the <br />Archstone Apartments to the east. He stated that he felt the people at this meeting <br />represent only a small percentage of the residents in the area who have the same <br />PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, September 23, 2009 Page 6 of 34 <br /> <br />