CCMIN051915 - Laserfiche WebLink

Gary Mello recalled when the City Council initiated the planning process for Hacienda Business Park in 1982, which is just one instance of how sound planning has allowed Pleasanton to evolve with quality. He asked the Council to support Option 1, cautioning that without an adopted plan the community would essentially be left with the "no project" alternative and none of the anticipated infrastructure improvements. He expressed particular concem should El Charro be completed without any of the development anticipated by the plan. Vice Mayor Brown asked staff to comment on how development fees or other transportation dollars might be used to support infrastructure if the area were developed under its current zoning. Mr. Fialho explained that approximately 130 of the 1100 acres in the plan area are within the city limits of Pleasanton. As the El Charro extension is currently outside the city limits, the county and Local Agency Formation Commission requires the city to have a land use plan in place before something like the extension can occur. In terms of financing, the city does have other financing options either through debt, local or regional measures or fees. Staff has not explored those options because the focus thus far has been on the specific plan process and the intent the developers pay for the infrastructure. Jan Batcheller said that "sprawl" is a politically charged word frequently used by those opposing the specific plan. She noted that as a 41-year resident of downtown Pleasanton, many of the developments throughout this community could be considered to sprawl to her. She stressed the importance of studying land use options and said that those who fail to plan, plan to fail, as is evidenced by the state's failure to plan for more water storage despite continued population growth. She said the specific plan is a long range vision for this community, not a development application, which is in keeping with the spirit of planned progress. Frank Capilla echoed many of Mr. Batcheller's sentiments. He reminded the Council that during the last election, all three of those elected supported completion of the east side plan. He urged them not to waste a $1 million EIR and almost 3 years of work by good citizens. Arne Olson concurred with Mr. Capilla, particularly that those who won the latest election were clear in their desire to complete the plan and protect the plan area from its current zoning. As elected officials it is therefore also clear that the silent majority, rather than the vocal minority here tonight, also supported completing the plan. He asked the Council to support Option 1, with the caveat that no development should occur until the drought is over and residents are no longer being asked to conserve. He also agreed that the final plan, whatever its form, should go before the voters. Robert Kahn said that as a private pilot he is very aware of the low altitudes at which planes routinely fly during critical phases of flight and that he did not consider 1.7 miles to be a safe distance from the runway to a school. He asked why the EIR has not been rigorously reviewed by an independent, autonomous and objective body and stated this as one of his primary points of objection. He disagreed with staffs suggestion that stopping the process would be a waste of either time or money and said that the information prepared and feedback gathered to date are all part of what is needed to make intelligent decisions for this city. Mr. Dolan explained the EIR process, noting that the consultants used for EIR and other planning related efforts are from independent and reputable firms with no interest in the final outcome. The EIR is intended to fully inform the public and the project description, its potential impacts and whether or not those can be mitigated to less than significant levels. It is not at typical to subject an independently prepared environmental impact analysis to third party review. Herb Ritter, Task Force member, thanked staff, his fellow committee members and the public for their efforts. He stressed that all interested groups were represented on the task force and that public questions and comments were given thoughtful consideration. He said that the Task Force is listening • City Council Minutes Page 10 of 15 May 19, 2015