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Councilmember Brown questioned whether time and resources should continue to be invested in a <br /> project that be cancelled in the near future. <br /> Mr. Dolan acknowledged the point but explained that this is an inefficient point in the planning process <br /> to stop. The draft plan, Environmental Impact Report and economic study are almost completed and <br /> really factor into the ability to have an informed discussion on the merits of the plan. Without the <br /> additional funding, which is relatively modest compared to what is already invested, the documents will <br /> be incomplete and of no use moving forward. <br /> Councilmember Brown stated that RHNA is a significant game changer and questioned whether the <br /> information gained today would even be valid in the 2022 timeframe. <br /> Mayor Thorne noted that the current lawsuits against ABAG and MTC could be another game changer, <br /> ultimately increasing RHNA numbers significantly. <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kallio distinctly recalled that the goal of the East Pleasanton Specific Plan was <br /> good planning and that RHNA only came into play as a result of the Urban Habitat lawsuit. For her, <br /> RHNA was part of the sidebar. She said the city is obligated to the twenty plus individuals who have <br /> spent the last two years serving on a task force with the expectation that their efforts would yield some <br /> sort of vision for the east side. The city also has an obligation of sorts to the school district to actively <br /> work to identify future school sites. <br /> Mayor Thorne opened the public hearing and, seeing no speakers, closed the public hearing. <br /> Mayor Thorne concurred with Councilmember Cook-Kallio's recollection, noting that discussions about <br /> an east side study began well before RHNA even existed. <br /> Mr. Dolan also noted that completion of the plan is identified as a program within the General Plan. <br /> Vice-Mayor Pentin recalled that when the Planning Commission reviewed the rezonings several years <br /> ago, there was specific direction not to include the Kewitt or Legacy properties in that process. The <br /> intent was to wait for completion of the Specific Plan to provide them with clear and fair direction <br /> regarding the city's expectations. RHNA was certainly at play but not the impetus. <br /> Councilmember Narum concurred and said she thought it would be a great disservice to the task force <br /> and the community to stop at this point. She said she was in the Council audience when then Mayor <br /> Pico decided there would be a comprehensive plan for the east side and noted that this was well before <br /> RHNA. She acknowledged that what comes out of this plan may not ultimately be built but said it will <br /> still serve as a solid framework for what is to come. <br /> Councilmember Brown noted that many citizens, if given the choice, envision parks and open space <br /> rather than high density development on the east side. She. asked that they be given equal <br /> consideration. She noted that many projects spend years in the planning process before it is ultimately <br /> determined they are not a good fit and stressed that the investment of time, effort and resources is not <br /> a good reason to keep pushing this forward. <br /> Mayor Thorne asked how much time had passed since completion of the Vineyard Corridor Specific <br /> Plan and its build out, noting that these are not intended to serve as short term documents. <br /> Mr. Fialho said it was approved in 1998 and is not yet complete. <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kallio asked and Mr. Fialho confirmed that the plan is funded solely by the <br /> developers in real time. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 14 of 15 February 4,2014 <br />