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Vice-Mayor Cook-Kallio referred to Mr. Rasmussen's comment that 8 units per acre provides the <br /> greatest land value. She asked if, staying within the overall structure, there is an opportunity to relocate <br /> certain densities in an attempt to maximize the value of certain sites to pay for infrastructure. <br /> Mr. Dolan confirmed, though cautioned that some higher densities are needed to accommodate RHNA <br /> and to achieve dynamic land use. <br /> Mayor Thorne asked who is responsible for the cost of studying additional alternatives. <br /> Mr. Dolan stated that the two primary property owners, Kewitt and Legacy, are assuming the full cost of <br /> the study. <br /> Councilmember Brown noted that, including the 1,398 units in existing inventory, staff's RHNA <br /> projection assumes that a total 2,067 units will be built prior to 2022. She questioned the validity of the <br /> assumption, particularly because some of these anticipated projects have yet to submit development <br /> plans. <br /> Mr. Dolan reiterated that it is a very conservative assumption but also noted that the extent to which <br /> RHNA obligations will increase is still very much unknown. <br /> Councilmember Narum asked whether the 2014 estimated inventory represents approved projects on <br /> which growth management allocations have already been applied. <br /> Mr. Dolan clarified that they are zoned only, as required by RHNA. <br /> Mayor Thorne opened the public hearing. <br /> Don Kahler, Pleasanton Gravel Company, read his letter to Mr. Dolan dated September 10, 2013. The <br /> letter identified a number of privacy and safety concerns related to developing housing adjacent to the <br /> aggregate operations and Chain of Lakes as well as pedestrian traffic crossing El Charro Road and the <br /> Arroyo. He stressed that children, which inevitably accompany housing, and gravel operations are an <br /> inherently dangerous combination and urged the Council to consider relocating residential development <br /> to a more appropriate location. He also described several recent incidents demonstrating how <br /> unauthorized access to Zone 7 land presents safety concerns. <br /> Susan Houghton introduced herself as president of Sunflower Hill, a locally based non-profit seeking to <br /> develop an intentional community within the east Pleasanton area. She acknowledged the concerns <br /> many have voiced related to traffic, density and schools. Sunflower Hill, a community designed for <br /> individuals with autism and developmental delays, presents an innovative solution to these concerns as <br /> well as low income requirements under RHNA. Sunflower Hill will be presenting its idea to the task <br /> force at its November 7th meeting and would be pleased to make a presentation to the Council at its <br /> convenience. <br /> Dolores Bengtson, Citizens for a Caring Community, expressed her support for Ms. Houghton's <br /> proposal. She expressed her appreciation for the work done to date and said she was particularly <br /> pleased to see the trails, open space and park components. She said she was also pleased to see an <br /> opportunity for another school/city park partnership. She expressed concern over the housing <br /> component of the plan, specifically the lack of effort made in attracting non-profit housing developers. <br /> She stated that high density alone does not translate to affordability, noting that the projects recently <br /> processed by the city yielded less than 15% affordability and each generated a greater need for <br /> affordable housing than it provided. She encouraged the city to embrace policies directed to the <br /> provision of workforce housing. She stated that each of the proposed alternatives create more need <br /> than they mitigate and she therefore could not support any of them. She urged the Council to direct the <br /> City Council Minutes Page 8 of 14 October 15, 2013 <br />