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Ms. Dennis noted that the Housing Commission did not support the option with regards to California Center because it lacked the depth of affordability to mitigate the impact of its market rate units. She questioned the benefit in predetermining a course of action if the financing should fall through. Having said that, Citizens for a Caring Community appreciates the depth of affordability and services promised by the project. She said that the services and management of affordable housing are a really a community asset and it is important that the Council retain whatever oversight it can to ensure that those benefits materialize and that they meet the needs of the residents. She noted that the impact of IUCs varies greatly depending on their use and urged the Council to exercise whatever control might be available in that regard. Ingrid Plemmons said she approved of the overall concept and appearance of the project but that she had concerns about the proposed tree removals and site preparation. She noted that the applicant's plans call for the removal of 78 trees, 8 of which are heritage trees and 13 of wnich offer the Verona development some measure of privacy. She asked how many and why type of trees are proposed to be planted as mitigation. She also called the Council's attention to subsidence and stabilization issues along West Las Positas and asked what measures the applicant has proposed to address this. James Paxson, Hacienda Business Park, called the Council's attention to a letter of support from his organization. In addition to the technical points addressed in the document, Hacienda Business Park appreciates the fine work that went into the project and the applicant's efforts throughout the entire process. He noted that in addition to the 54 referenced by Ms. Rivera-Hendrickson, one of the park's high frequency circulator buses stops in front of the development. Through the park's business service program, all residents would have free access to that bus, which provides service to the rest of the park as well as Bart, and to the entire Wheels system. Ardie Zahedani, Vice-President of Development, explained that St. Anton Partners is a multi-family developer out of northern California. His organization, which is privately owned by 2 individuals and supports over 300 employees, owns approximately 6,500 residential units throughout the state. He stressed that owner equity is invested in every project and that ownership itself is very involved in each project as well as the surrounding community. He provided an overview of the review process to date, noting that both the Housing Commission and Planning Commission unanimously approved the project and acknowledging the City Manager's efforts to help them meet the bond financing deadlines. He presented an overview of the site plan and architecture, which is designed to be compatible in terms of massing, height and finishes with the adjacent uses. He stressed that the proposed project offers good density and affordability while still meeting the supermajority of requirements relative to open space, parking, circulation and private open space and accumulating a significant number of green building points. He acknowledged concerns regarding parking and explained that St. Anton Partners recently recorded a reciprocal access agreement with Valley Care and has since reached additional agreement to add another access point to the development on West Las Positas. He described project amenities, which focus on providing long-term residents with the facilities they need to feel comfortable. Councilmember Brown asked him to expand upon the parking and access agreements with Valley Care. Mr. Zahedani explained that the reciprocal access agreement provides the development with access to 22 additional parking spaces after business hours and on weekends as well as through access. Councilmember Brown asked if the project proposes any market rate accessible units over the 3 affordable units already mentioned. Mr. Zahedani said the project offers 3 ADA and universal design compliant units at 50% AMI. In addition, each unit in the rear building meets the City's universal design standards and is accessible by elevator. He respectfully urged the Council not to increase the requirement for accessible units. With City Council Minutes Page 9 of 14 May 21, 2013