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wider units, briefly described and presented samples of architectural qualities, and emphasized <br /> that what is being shown are not development proposals but rather tests of the guidelines. He <br /> presented a sample podium project which is more expensive to build, but are more of a garden <br /> style apartment. Lastly, he showed upper ranges of densities and presented a wrap product with <br /> garages, with less land used for parking. <br /> Public Comment <br /> Carl Farrington, Social Justice Committee of the Catholic Community of Pleasanton, expressed <br /> support for affordable housing and reducing dependence upon automobiles, creation of a <br /> neighborly and welcoming social environment with provisions for ample green spaces, attractive <br /> landscaping, and pedestrian and bicycle thoroughfares. He asked that the projects bring as <br /> much stability, peacefulness, community pride, and active civic and cultural life as possible. <br /> Becky Dennis, Pleasanton Citizens for a Caring Community, spoke of the great experience in <br /> being part of the task force process, thinks there are many good possibilities, and asked for <br /> clarification of the core settlement hearings in terms of housing affordability. She said unless <br /> people come with Section 8 vouchers they are not going to be accepted if they earn much less <br /> than 50% of the median income. Their preference is to have non - profit developers involved in <br /> providing at least some of the very low income housing. She also supported the design <br /> guidelines, having development spread over the three parcels, and invited people to a tour on <br /> January 29, 2011 to visit sites on the Peninsula. <br /> Wayne Corcoran, Electrical Union Local No. 595, cited the poor economy and unemployment, <br /> and asked to see that jobs be given to local skilled craftsmen. <br /> Cory Moore, Sheet Metal Workers International Association Local Union No. 104, echoed <br /> comments of the previous speaker that jobs be given to local workers. <br /> Scott Bohner, expressed support for the hiring of local workers. <br /> Peter Cohen, East Bay Housing Organizations, said they are an advocacy member organization <br /> for affordable housing development, felt the disperse retail nodes is critical to support residents <br /> in the fairly close geography, it makes the properties highly competitive for tax credit financing <br /> which is another way to subsidize costs by developers, and he supported the mix and match of <br /> building type policies. He questioned the opportunity for joint development to have some pieces <br /> built by an affordable housing partner in order to focus on certain household types, or whether <br /> the proposal will include inclusionary housing which can be dispersed throughout the project, or <br /> both types. <br /> Delores Bengston, Citizens for a Caring Community, thinks the focus of retail was to serve <br /> BART customers and not necessarily the residents. She asked the Council to carefully examine <br /> prioritizing retail on the corner of Hacienda and Gibralta higher than it is now prioritized, and that <br /> retail be convenient and safe for residents. <br /> Mayor Hosterman closed the public comment period and asked task force members to provide <br /> comments on the proposal. <br /> Task Force Member John McPartland, BART Director, District 5, said his concern regarding <br /> BART's ability to actively participate in this is to ensure there is balance of retail and residential <br /> Joint Workshop Minutes Page 4 of 13 December 16, 2010 <br />