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Mayor Thorne asked and Mr. Dolan confirmed that rezoning of the adjoining property, which is largely supported by the Parkside neighborhood, would occur as part of the Housing Element update process. He also asked and Mr. Dolan confirmed that the project includes significant water conservation measures. Vice-Mayor Pentin noted that access from the project to the Arroyo has been eliminated. He asked why, given that the Arroyo is a public feature that supports a healthy and happy lifestyle, Parkside residents would want to prevent them from having access to something they are able to access themselves. Mr. Dolan explained that there was a clear neighborhood desire to minimize the amount of activity taking place in what is essentially Parkside's backyard. He said that while some homeowners enjoy access to the Arroyo, not all see that public access as a distinct benefit and expressed concern over noise, litter, and similar issues. Staff felt that because the northern portion is not a developed trail, nor is it called for in the Trails Master Plan, project residents could achieve similar or greater benefit from using existing access to the full trail off of Hopyard Road. Councilmember Narum asked and Mr. Dolan confirmed that the decision regarding affordable units versus the in lieu fee would take place through a traditional public hearing process. Councilmember Cook-Kallio said there is a lot of public misunderstanding regarding AMI and affordable units. She noted, and staff confirmed that in particularly difficult economic climates it is possible for market rate units to rent for less than affordable or income controlled units. She asked whether AMI levels adjust with the market. Mr. Bocian stated that AMI is adjusted annually. Councilmember Cook-Kallio requested an example of income levels for affordable units. Mr. Bocian stated that three person household at 100% AMI, which would equate to an annual income of $79,650, would pay $1,991 for a two bedroom unit. A 2013 rent and vacancies survey shows two bedroom market rate rental units ranging up to $2,700. Councilmember Cook-Kallio asked whether AMI is specific to the southern portion or all of Alameda County. Mr. Bocian said it includes the Oakland-Alameda region and perhaps a portion of Contra Costa County. Mayor Thorne opened the public hearing. Kevin Ebrahimi, Vice President of Development, Summerhill Apartment Communities, said he is proud of the participative process that went into developing this high-quality apartment community which is consistent with the city's Design Guidelines and zoning requirements and minimizes privacy impacts to Parkside neighbors. Summerhill Apartment Communities, a subsidiary of Summerhill Housing Group, is a privately owned company headquartered in San Ramon and has developed two successful for sale communities in Pleasanton. He provided a summary of outreach related to the project, which includes several Planning Commission study session, open house and community meetings, individual outreach to neighbors, resident hosted neighborhood meetings and a formal Planning Commission hearing on February 26, 2014 that resulted in a unanimous recommendation for approval. He stated that the proposed "class A" apartment community features a timeless Spanish colonial inspired architecture, attractive landscaping and distinctive amenities as well as convenient proximity to jobs, services, transit and trails. He presented the Council with a materials board, noting the non- reflective masonry roof tiles. The proposed landscaping will provide an attractive and usable open City Council Minutes Page 5 of 18 March 18, 2014