Laserfiche WebLink
• <br /> development an developers plan in funding the infrastructure and amenities that people feel are such a <br /> valuable part of life in Pleasanton. <br /> Bob Silva, East Pleasanton Specific Plan Task Force, said his professional opinion as a retired civil <br /> engineer is that the finalization of Specific Plan in this area is very critical to a sound planning process. <br /> The plan begins to establish the parameters around what can be done and identifies how its <br /> components will benefit future residents and businesses within the plan area. Satisfaction of the current <br /> RHNA obligation outside of East Pleasanton means this can become more of a market driven planning <br /> process, based on what will work in terms of investment and community acceptance. He stressed that <br /> any Specific Plan would involve phasing and completion of the plan does not necessarily mean each of <br /> its components will materialize. He agreed with Mr. Olson that the planning process may benefit from <br /> better community outreach, but said it would be wrong to stop the process at this stage. <br /> Michael Brown introduced himself as an attorney representing the Irby family. He said he was first <br /> retained by the late Jeanette Irby several years ago when the family was asked to consider the sale of <br /> an easement to the city for sewer purposes. Through the subsequent process, he learned the Irby <br /> family was eager to see their property developed for housing. He noted the site is ideally situated in its <br /> proximity to downtown, is highly walkable and represents a wonderful infill opportunity. He explained <br /> that he has met with staff to discuss how to develop this site in a way that truly the benefits the <br /> community and hoped the Council would ultimately agree that moving forward with a project here is the <br /> right thing for Pleasanton. <br /> Mike Serpa introduced himself as the developer in contract.to purchase the Irby property. He said the <br /> represents a unique opportunity both to Pleasanton and to his development experience as a whole. He <br /> thanked city staff for their cooperation and frankness. He explained that while he was disappointed to <br /> learn that the city no longer needs the intended project to accommodate;its RHNA obligation, he and <br /> staff still believe it is the right development in the right location. His interest in this as well as the <br /> Kaplan and Zia properties places him in a position to assist the city in connecting Nevada Street to help <br /> serve the long term sewer needs of the city. Additional benefits include downtown traffic alternatives, <br /> historic preservation opportunities, and the ability to recognize the Irby family's role in Pleasanton's <br /> history. He encouraged the Council to consider this favorably as part of the Housing Element update <br /> and said he is excited about the opportunity to work so closely with the city. <br /> Becky Dennis, Citizens for a Caring Community, said she did not believe the city should continue to <br /> move forward with a plan based on maximizing development to the point that it makes such <br /> development feasible. She cautioned that the current draft of the plan fails to mitigate the demand <br /> impacts that it creates and in fact creates a need for more affordable housing than it provides. She also <br /> cautioned against analyzing the city's current land inventory based on a default density of 30 units per <br /> acre because this does not account for the programs and services that actually determine whether or <br /> not such acreage is sufficient. She referred to her letter to the Council, in which she described an <br /> aggressive program involving non-profit developer partnerships that would satisfy the city's entire <br /> RHNA obligation. She said that under the current Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance, the city will fall <br /> significantly short of its lower income targets by nearly 850 units unless it identifies an additional 260 <br /> acres for development. She asked that the Council consider replacing the 7 acres that would be lost in <br /> rezoning the Windstar development, noting that the California Government Code specifies that a net <br /> loss of land for housing in the lower income categories is to be avoided. She also noted that in addition <br /> to losing housing, rezoning the site as requested will bring approximately 4,000 more employees to <br /> Pleasanton and increase the need for workforce housing even further. <br /> Pat Costanzo, Kiewit, requested the Council's support to continue to the Specific Plan process. He <br /> acknowledged the recent determination that the city has no outstanding RHNA obligation but noted that <br /> the East Side Specific Plan is identified in the General Plan as a requirement prior to any development <br /> in the plan area. He said completion of this process is essential to allowing a full analysis of the costs <br /> associated with providing the infrastructure and public benefits being asked of the plan and should not <br /> City Council Minutes Page 8 of 12 March 4,2014 <br />