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With regards to the caveat noted by the Vice-Mayor, Mr. Fialho explained that the city will have an <br /> opportunity to respond to all comments provided by HCD prior to preparing the Housing Element for <br /> adoption by the Council in January. If for some reason HCD were to disagree with the down-zoning of <br /> the CM Capital 2 site the Council will have an opportunity to respond in a public meeting prior to final <br /> submittal. <br /> MOTION: It was m/s by Narum/Brown to accept the Planning Commission recommendation to <br /> rezone the CM Capital 2 site to a density of 12.5 units per acre and to implement a building height <br /> limitation of 40-feet. Motion passed by the following vote: <br /> AYES: Councilmembers Brown, Narum, Pentin, Mayor Thome <br /> NOES: Councilmember Cook-Kallio <br /> ABSENT: None <br /> Referring back to Program 46.5, Councilmember Narum requested a modification to the section which <br /> discusses "secure(ing) property" as she infers something different than what staff has described as the <br /> intent. <br /> Mr. Fialho agreed that staff could work to clarify that the city is in the process of planning the east side <br /> and that inherent in that process is a commitment to not discriminate against family housing that is <br /> affordable to low and very low incomes. With direction from the Council staff would submit the new <br /> language to HCD for review and bring it forward to the Council prior to adoption. <br /> Councilmember Brown said the comment that "growth is choking our small town feel" resonates with <br /> her as true. She conceded that some Council at some point approved the development that she now <br /> lives in but said that does not preclude this Council from recognizing the need for a pause in <br /> development. She reiterated that Program 10 requires that development be consistent with the city's <br /> infrastructure capacity and thought perhaps the Council should more firmly direct staff to identify a <br /> feasible method for using a lack of such infrastructure to slow growth. She said that the development of <br /> East Pleasanton is not needed to meet the city's housing obligations nor does it necessarily make for a <br /> good community. She thanked Mr. Bowen for pointing out that the Housing Element's intent is to <br /> develop the goals and objectives sought by the community. She assured the public that she is here to <br /> represent them, whether it relates to water or schools, and will not sit here with her tail between her <br /> legs simply because the city was sued for taking a stand in the past. She stressed that her priority is <br /> ensuring that Pleasanton has the authority and the ability to retain its greatness and said that to do so <br /> they must take a step back and look at how to reasonably and responsibly take on more development. <br /> She said it was with great reluctance that she approved the down-zoning of the CM Capital 2 site as <br /> she would have preferred to remove the residential overlay altogether. She noted that even with the <br /> reduced zoning there is the potential for over 1,300 units to be developed in the Hacienda area in the <br /> near future. Despite the stated goal of spreading high-density development throughout the community, <br /> the majority of development that has come forward remains in this area. She appreciated <br /> Councilmember Narum's comments regarding Program 46.5, which she felt reaffirmed the very <br /> planning efforts that she voted against not long ago. <br /> Mayor Thorne explained that the primary reason he voted to move forward with planning of the east <br /> side is because he made a commitment to the community that they would place any plan on the ballot if <br /> and when it was complete. What that does is ensure that no high-density housing will be distributed <br /> through this area with approval by the voters despite whatever RHNA numbers may come forward. He <br /> repeated his strong desire for slow growth but said he would trust in Growth Management to <br /> accomplish that as much as is possible while still ensuring the city has a certified Housing Element. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 15 of 17 September 2, 2014 <br />