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their representatives now show divergent opinions regarding these height restrictions. She said she <br /> appreciated Mr. Paxson and the property owner for working with the community but stressed that the <br /> terms agreed upon were not the neighborhood's preference. In fact the strong preference was then and <br /> still is a full reversal to the original zoning. She asked the Council to either rezone the site to <br /> commercial only or support the proposed amendment and height restrictions. <br /> Councilmember Brown asked if Ms. Kriegbaum was speaking on behalf of all residents or a <br /> representative group. <br /> Ms. Kriegbaum explained that a core committee conducted a survey that included almost every home <br /> in the Parkside development. The core committee, which is largely comprised of block captains, then <br /> polled residents to see what compromise could be achieved throughout this process. She reiterated <br /> that the predominant view was that the CM Capital 2 site should remain a commercial only site, but <br /> residents understand the financial implications of such a change and were willing to consider reduced <br /> residential density. <br /> James Paxson, Hacienda Business Park, said he also spoke on behalf of Embarcadero Properties, the <br /> current owner of the CM Capital 2 site. He also shared his appreciation for time spent by the Parkside <br /> residents to reach a reasonable compromise. He said the CM Capital 2 site is an important component <br /> of the Housing Element and represents a strong housing opportunity. While there are still some points <br /> of mutual disagreement, he felt they were not the most consequential. They would like an opportunity to <br /> clarify the height limit in the future and at one point had discusses something to the current <br /> development envelope allowed for office space. They also support the concept of setbacks and a <br /> density in the neighborhood of 12.5 units per acre. He stressed that to eliminate the residential zoning <br /> entirely would be a significant setback for both the business park and the city, and that the opportunity <br /> to weigh in on the matter was available to the public when it was considered as part of the last Housing <br /> Element Update. <br /> Sharon Morris, Parkside, urged the Council to halt all new residential development throughout the city <br /> and to remove the residential zoning overlay from the CM Capital 2 site. <br /> Joan Natsch, Parkside, read from several of the more than 300 letters collected by the Parkside <br /> neighborhood although noted that the comments came from residents throughout the city. The <br /> comments related to preserving the historical charm of Pleasanton, the "Dublinization" of Pleasanton <br /> with high-rise high-density housing, the city's limited resources and the current drought. One <br /> predominant theme expressed was a desire for the Council to prioritize the concerns and desires of the <br /> community over the statewide housing goals and to adopt a growth plan that is slow and balanced. Ms. <br /> Natsch said the Council has both an opportunity and responsibility to be innovative leaders in <br /> developing affordable housing in a way that will enhance rather than detract from the city's character. <br /> She also requested that the CM Capital site be down-zoned and the height restricted as described. <br /> Matt Morrison expressed concern that the Housing Element relies on an Urban Water Management <br /> Plan that the city knows is insufficient to meet current requirements during drought periods. Zone 7's <br /> Plan, which was prepared in 2010, presumes an ability to obtain water reserves from Kern County <br /> during periods of heavy drought, but this has proven to be unreliable. The Housing Element fails to <br /> provide the tools needed to slow development and turns all the control over to Zone 7. <br /> George Bowen said the city serves two masters, its residents and the state, which seem to be in <br /> conflict. He noted that the Housing Element opens by stating an intent to form the goals and objectives <br /> sought by the community. Law mandates that the city hold public forums to take comment and then act <br /> on behalf of and in accordance with the wishes expressed by the community. He expressed concern <br /> that the Background Report omits the rather considerable comments regarding growth that were made <br /> at one of the two community workshops held on the Housing Element. He acknowledged staffs <br /> interpretation of Program 46.5 but cautioned that the state may not have the same interpretation. He <br /> City Council Minutes Page 10 of 17 September 2,2014 <br />