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Bob Russman, Congregation Beth Emek, shared safety pedestrian safety concerns related to the lack of <br /> crosswalk access between Nevada Court and the proposed retail development as well as overgrown <br /> vegetation that impairs the view of cross traffic when looking right from Nevada Court. He also <br /> expressed concern over the proposed dog run, which staff is recommending be located adjacent to the <br /> congregation's outdoor courtyard which hosts many functions throughout the year. He suggested that <br /> the applicant work with East Bay Regional Parks to use a portion of its land adjacent to the rear of the <br /> project site as an alternative location. <br /> Councilmember Brown asked and Mr. Tassano confirmed that the driveway entrance from Nevada <br /> Street to the project site is both ingress and egress. <br /> Vice-Mayor Cook-Kallio asked and Mr. Tassano agreed to install a crosswalk from Nevada Court to the <br /> project site. <br /> Pat Costanza Jr., Kewit Properties, said the applicant has assembled a first class team of consultants, <br /> many of whom he has worked with over the past 20 years, and that he fully supports the project as a <br /> Pleasanton resident. He referred to a letter received by the Council from Kewit which reminded the <br /> Council of Kewit's request that this project, if ever approved, pay its fair share of the El Charro <br /> extension. <br /> Mayor Thorne asked what flexibility the Council has in allocating Traffic Impact fees. <br /> Mr. Fialho said the fees may be allocated to the list of projects identified, which will eventually include <br /> the El Charro extension and underpass. He stressed that such an allocation should not be conditioned <br /> through this project, but rather evaluated in the context of the East Pleasanton Specific Plan. <br /> Mayor Thorne closed the public hearing. <br /> Vice-Mayor Cook-Kallio acknowledged that the total numbers of affordable housing units considered <br /> with these projects are really very small, but stressed that they provide an important opportunity for <br /> those looking to start their lives in Pleasanton or remain near family as they age. She recognized the <br /> cost in perpetuity of affordable housing and shared her appreciation for the developer's effort to honor <br /> the IZO even in light of the Palmer case. She said she would prefer to see actual units built but that if the <br /> city were to exercise the in lieu fee option, she would not support diverting those funds to anything other <br /> than affordable housing. She said she was sympathetic to Mr. Priscaro's concerns but said the simple <br /> truth is that the city cannot control its growth the way it might like and must deal with what comes. She <br /> said she was particularly concerned with the completion of El Charro and, where possible, would like to <br /> see traffic impact fees earmarked for the project with some flexibility. She said she would like to include <br /> some language acknowledging what Mr. Pringle discussed, which is that a portion of those fees <br /> collected from this project be used to offset the El Charro connection if built. She also expressed <br /> concerns with the lack of a safe connection from the Iron Horse Trail across Valley Avenue, though <br /> acknowledged that it is not the responsibility of this developer. She asked that staff consider some <br /> interim improvements, such as moving the barricade further west and perhaps planting some vegetation <br /> to discourage cyclists from crossing through there, to increase safety until the trail is improved as part of <br /> the East Pleasanton Specific Plan. <br /> Councilmember Pentin described this as a smart and well designed project, particularly for this portion of <br /> Pleasanton. However, he expressed concerns with the Affordable Housing Agreement and said he <br /> would be extremely disappointed to lose the 3 dedicated accessible units if the city were to opt for the in <br /> lieu fee alternative. <br /> Mr. Pringle assured him that the entire project would be ADA compliant and also agreed to retain the 3 <br /> special units regardless of which option the city chooses to exercise. He noted that in their older existing <br /> City Council Minutes Page 7 of 10 August 6,2013 <br />