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that there are not many vacant lots but also conceded that there is always the potential for <br /> redevelopment, in which case the Council would have to deny the application or modify the <br /> development agreement. <br /> Mayor Hosterman said she could support all suggestions with exception of the cap, as she preferred to <br /> allow future Commissions and Councils to determine what is appropriate for the property at that point in <br /> time. <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kallio said that looking at total capacity is important, so long as the City retains <br /> the ability to make exceptions. She felt that if the City had been flexible to begin with, it might not have <br /> found itself in court. <br /> Councilmember Sullivan requested clarification on "larger development," as referred to on page 25. Mr. <br /> Williams explained that under open space regulations, development size is based on the number of <br /> units. This way, it is assured that "larger developments" will have sufficient open space to provide the <br /> types of amenities described under that section. Councilmember Sullivan asked and Mr. Williams <br /> confirmed that it is discretionary in terms of actually requiring these amenities; however, <br /> Councilmember Sullivan felt it should be more compulsory. <br /> Councilmember Sullivan said he liked the concept of situating parking structures up against the <br /> freeway, which should provide some buffer to other uses on the site. He concurred with staff that this <br /> would be the appropriate location, if such a place exists, for this kind of development in Pleasanton. <br /> However, he felt that much more public input was needed and asked that staff increase advertizing and <br /> outreach before the item returns before the Council. He also asked that the BART site be required to <br /> provide garbage enclosures and source separated containers. <br /> Councilmember Thorne said his comfort level had increased since learning about the amount of <br /> flexibility built into the guidelines. Any proposal that comes forward needs to make economic sense and <br /> flexibility is a significant factor in ensuring these guidelines can stand the test of time. <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kallio said her primary concern is with flexibility with respects to Regional <br /> Housing Needs Allocation and the City's ability to be proactive in planning through the next several <br /> cycles. She agreed with need for community education in terms of why the guidelines are prepared in <br /> this fashion and felt that clarification on building height relative to number of stories would be critical to <br /> public understanding. She also agreed that some of the numbers put forward seem provocative but <br /> suggested that they view the cafeteria of options as an "or rather than "and" situation. <br /> Councilmember McGovern maintained her position regarding her earlier comments. She referred to <br /> page 8, which discusses the bedroom mix of affordable units, and asked why studios are not included. <br /> She requested clarification on the term "porch," as referred to on page 13, and stressed that actual size <br /> is important when considering livability standards. She asked that internal circulation standards be safe <br /> for cyclists of all ages and said she did not consider "paseos" to be open space. On page 29, she asked <br /> that bay friendly landscaping and water conserving irrigation methods be required, rather than <br /> encouraged. She also expressed concern that the density listed under different development styles <br /> could be construed as a guaranteed density. <br /> Mr. Dolan said the densities listed are the typical yield for a specific type of development. Internally, the <br /> documents do state a maximum net yield because some sites might take advantage of a very intense <br /> development in order to also include low-density development along certain sensitive frontages. He <br /> acknowledged that this may be confusing, although it may be justified in order to retain flexibility, and <br /> recommended that the focus be on maximum densities averaged over the entire site. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 10 of 11 June 5, 2012 <br />