RES 12493 - Laserfiche WebLink

4.Written Comments on the Draft EIR and Responses to Comments 2-4 The comment requests that Site 7 be included in Alternatives 2, the Transit Oriented Alternative. As described on page 5-7 of the Draft EIR, the Transit Oriented sites were selected based on their location along a transit service corridor,specifically described as BART,ACE and Bus Route 10. Site 7 is not considered a transit oriented site as transit service is not currently provided along the project frontage, with the only bus stop currently service by local Bus Route 8 being at the intersection of Bernal at Valley Avenues on the northeastern corner of the property. Site 7 is included in other alternative scenarios analyzed in the Draft SEIR. 2-5 The comment describes Site 7's proximity to Bus Route 8, which like Bus Route 10, provides service to BART, Downtown,and ACE. The comment further points out the current bus stop and shelter in place on Valley Avenue which anticipates the realignment of transit service. The comment is noted. In defining the Transit Oriented Alternative, the frequency of service was also considered. Bus Route 10 has 15 minute headways during commute hours and 30 to 40 minute headways during other parts of the day and evening from 4:50 a.m. to midnight. Bus Route 8 has 30 minutes headways during the commute period and hourly service at 6 a.m. and to 8:50 p.m. Further, Bus Route 10 is considered a regional route as it connects Pleasanton to both Livermore and Dublin. 2-6 The comment questions the definition of Alternative 2 in limiting sites to those along Bus Route 10 and BART. As noted in response to comments 2-4, the definition of Alternative 2 is described on page 5-7 of the Draft SEIR. Although Bus Route 8 may provide access to an important destination, it did not meet the defined criteria the Alternative was derived from, along transit corridors that provide frequent service and/or regional access. 2-7 The comment defines Transit Oriented Development(TOD) to include neighborhood serving amenities in addition to adjacency to transportation corridors. The comment states that Site 7 should be included in this definition. A TOD is a mixed-use development that is designed to maximize access to public transit or other alternatives to single occupancy vehicles. However, to clarify, the Alternative 2 was named Transit Oriented,not because it specifically promoted TODs, but to describe it as the alternative with sites that are along regional transit corridors. Although it can be assumed that the transit agency may provide better service to Site 7 in the future by increasing frequency and route realign, it does not currently meet the criteria used for defining Alternative 2. That said, if Alternative 2 is the preferred project ultimately adopted by the City Council, Site 7,along with other potential sites for rezoning,could be included as add-ons,as the Draft SEIR analyzes the full buildout of all the potential sites for rezoning. General Plan Amendment and Rezonings 4-9 ESA 1 210016 Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report December 2011