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Dolores Bengtson, Task Force and Pleasanton Gardens Board Member, said she is acutely aware of the need for affordable senior housing and the deficiencies of existing senior housing. This type of project, which has taken 10 years to reach this point, increases housing stock, social service opportunities and management efficiencies. She thanked everyone who has participated in the project to date, said its present form meets the goals and expectations of both the task force and Council, and urged approval of the staff recommendation. Christine Steiner, task force member, also thanked everyone for their tireless work on the project. She noted that the disposal of public housing in favor of project-based housing is quickly becoming a national trend, though it is a difficult process. She acknowledged that the city is being asked for a considerable amount of funding but said it can be very effectively leveraged against tax dollars. She strongly urged the Council to support staff's recommendation. Tim Hunt, Pleasanton Gardens Board President, said the progress made in the last 19 months is truly remarkable. He said he was incredibly pleased to see a project that doubles the number residential units, eliminates studio units, and increases storage, accessibility and efficiency. He also urged the Council to approve the staff recommendation. Wayne Couto, task force member, said he is extremely pleased with the evolution of the plan and what is being presented tonight as it represents a remarkable change over what was proposed only 2 years before. As a Kottinger Drive resident, he worked closely with neighbors to keep them informed of meetings and changes and to facilitate changes to the plan that would decrease opposition. As a result, there is almost complete support for the current plan by the surrounding neighborhood. He said there are still some outstanding concerns related to parking, cut through traffic, privacy, lighting encroachment, noise abatement and control of resident animals but said he believed strongly that MidPen and staff would work together to address these appropriately. Mayor Thorne closed public comment. Councilmember Pentin, former task force member, agreed that the plan had evolved remarkably over the last 18 months. He referred to a letter from former Councilmember McGovern which cited several concerns with the plan proposed in 2009, and noted that the changes presented tonight directly respond to those concerns. He said he was very pleased to have achieved a minimum of 185 units and this is a wonderful project whose time has come. He also referred to recent discussion regarding the historical value of older buildings in Pleasanton, noted that at one point there was discussion about preserving Regalia House for use as common multi-use space and asked if that is still the intent. Mr. Bocian said "no." He explained that it was examined through the predevelopment process but ultimately not included in the original plan approved by the Council. Councilmember Pentin shared his disappointment but said it is certainly outweighed by the many positive aspects of the project. He requested clarification on what the $300,000 relocation line item is intended to cover. Mr. Bocian explained that some current residents of Kottinger Place will be moving off-site, which is covered by the relocation expense, while some will be transitioning to the new development. Existing residents of Pleasanton Gardens will relocate to the new development. Councilmember Pentin thanked staff, the task force, MidPen and the community for their amazing work and moved acceptance of the staff recommendation. Vice-Mayor Cook-Kallio seconded the motion. She said she particularly enjoyed sitting on such a collaborative task force and thanked the developer for being so responsive to all stakeholder groups. She said the project begins to make a small dent in a huge need. She acknowledged Pleasanton City Council Minutes Page 11 of 13 November 5, 2013