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indicated that he totally agrees with the incentives and suggested that open space, if <br />available, be tied in with the pedestrian pathway. <br />Commissioner Blank noted that there is a pedestrian connector which would be great to <br />tie in with Parcels 1 and 2, but it really parallels the Iron Horse Trail and would almost <br />be like there are two different trails. <br />Commissioner Pentin clarified that the idea is to have a trail that directly connects the <br />TOD to transit and that the Iron Horse Trail does not do the same thing because it is not <br />part of the three parcels. <br />Commissioner Blank stated that he thinks there might be some value in the one <br />connector piece, but it is depicted in the entire property. He indicated that he is not <br />certain that it is necessary to have a lower piece come across when there might be <br />other ways to get there. He added that he agrees that this connector piece is of value; <br />however, it looks like a parallel to the Iron Horse Trail and seems redundant. He stated <br />that he agrees with the incentive idea and is very supportive the trail system; however, <br />he wants to be sure that incentives are being used properly and wisely so that the <br />wrong behavior is not being incentivized. <br />Commissioner Olson agreed with Commissioner Blank. He stated that his other <br />concern is if the requirement is built in for this trail and then Kaiser does not come to the <br />table, it would leave the developer nowhere. <br />Commissioner O’Connor indicated that the applicant has asked for relief if this does not <br />come to fruition. He noted that there is a timeline, but he was not sure where or not the <br />Commission would agree to it; however, he stated that if the developers did not come to <br />it in time and if they relinquished it because it could not be built, they will gain more units <br />or feasibility in building this tract. <br />Commissioner O’Connor stated that following up on Commissioner Blank’s comments, <br />one thing he noticed with respect to the trail is that it goes to the same place as the Iron <br />Horse Trail; however, there are only so many access points in the area that cross over <br />to the major roadways. He noted that the whole benefit of the trail system is really only <br />at Parcel 2, as one would need to go to the corners to cross from Parcel 3 and can <br />either get to the Iron Horse Trail or right up Willow Road for their shortest access point. <br />He added that he does not see much use in Parcel 1 coming south on the trail. <br />Chair Narum stated that the idea is to have a walkable TOD and without a trail <br />connection at Parcel 2, one would have to either walk over to the Iron Horse Trail and <br />up or walk over to Willow Road and up. She indicated that with connections in place, <br />someone living on Parcel 2 can have a direct, usable, and convenient way to walk to the <br />BART station. <br />Commissioner O’Connor noted that it would benefit only about 2/3 of Parcel 2. <br />PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES, January 26, 2011 Page 27 of 50 <br /> <br />