Laserfiche WebLink
was not in favor of it at all. She said to repeat the caveat that the City will not rezone more than <br /> it is supposed to by law is something that should be reflected as many times as possible when <br /> sending the plan onto HCD. She was somewhat inclined to agree with Nancy Allen about Site 7, <br /> and said this is a place under-utilized. She understands the neighborhood's concerns with traffic <br /> and schools but it is proximity to services and the freeway which makes it a prime site. <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kallio seconded Councilmember Thome's motion. <br /> Councilmember Sullivan thanked everybody involved in the process. Even though this is not a <br /> process that anybody wanted to do, because of State pre-emption and court pre-emption over <br /> local control and decision-making processes, they were forced into it. Despite this, the task <br /> force process and the process the City underwent with Hacienda are excellent examples of <br /> democracy in action and grassroots planning. The task force specifically laid out ranking criteria <br /> to look at the sites such that they be close to modes of public transportation, services and <br /> amenities, look at any impacts of existing and future residents, be compatible with existing <br /> neighborhoods, consistent with the General Plan, and others. It is important for the Council not <br /> to forget about that criteria in getting to the next step of refining the list and not overburdening <br /> one area of town or one neighborhood with too much high density zoning. Currently, the City is <br /> doing this, as the east side is overburdened and half of the City's need is being put on that <br /> corner. <br /> Councilmember Sullivan said he will support the motions made tonight, but he asked for an <br /> amendment that once feedback is received from HCD, the Council will go through the process <br /> of refining and revisiting sites with the goal of meeting the criteria and getting it closer to the true <br /> need. He said the East Side Specific Plan needs to be completed as part of this not only to <br /> ensure the City is planning for this but also that the City has some sort of funding plan, <br /> mechanism, and timeline in place so it knows how the infrastructure will get built. He has long <br /> advocated that the Auf de Maur/Richenback Site to be part of the East Side Specific Plan, but <br /> said no one has ever agreed with him on this. If not in the East Side Specific Plan it should be <br /> part of the funding plan because otherwise, the developers are getting a 'free ride' on <br /> infrastructure. He also thinks the Stoneridge Mall site is under-utilized, as it is right next to BART <br /> and retail, there is a sea of pavement, not too many neighbors, and it is an ideal site for high <br /> density housing. Similarly, regarding the need to create the City's growth management plan, <br /> also needed are design guidelines and development standards for high density housing. This <br /> would help both the property owners, developers and the community better understand what <br /> high density housing looks like. He also voiced support with policies which were refined through <br /> the task force process and changes suggested with the deferment of some of the suggestions to <br /> the other committees. <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kallio stated that as the other member of the task force it is important to <br /> look at criteria in terms of how sites are chosen. Councilmember Sullivan pointed out that this <br /> criterion is located on pages 45 and 46 of the report. <br /> Councilmember Thorne agreed to make this part of the motion. Councilmember Cook-Kallio <br /> seconded the motion, as amended. <br /> Mayor Hosterman questioned if Councilmember McGovern was supportive of increased <br /> densities on Site S for the sake of going through the review process with HCD. Councilmember <br /> McGovern said she would be supportive, but made the point that she thinks a better product is <br /> offered to the community and neighborhoods when some feathering of development is done so <br /> that it is all not 4 stories and heavy mass. <br /> Councilmember Sullivan agreed and said both CM Capital and Auf de Maur changes are out in <br /> 'left field', and the task force wanted nothing to do with them. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 13 of 14 July 19,2011 <br />