NOTICE OF WORKSHOP - Laserfiche WebLink

INITIATIVE / BALLOT MEASURE Bill Wheeler of Black Tie Transportation and resident Paul Southern filed a "Notice of Intent to Circulate Petition" with the City Clerk on March 21, 2016 with the goal of having the initiative placed on the November ballot. This initiative would add a new program, Program 15.6, to the Land Use Element of the Pleasanton General Plan (2005-2025) in order to prohibit all retail uses 50,000 square feet or greater within the JDEDZ. In addition to prohibiting retail uses of 50,000 square feet or larger, Program 15.6 as proposed to be amended would encourage highway and service commercial, business and professional offices, and retail uses of less than 50,000 square feet per building. As written, Program 15.6 would not apply to an existing development project or activity with a vested right obtained prior to the effective date of the initiative, and would not prevent the City from complying with its housing obligations under State law. If the initiative proponents are successful in collecting the signatures of 10 percent of the registered voters in Pleasanton (4,015 signatures), the Council would then need to decide whether to adopt the initiative (and prohibit all retail uses that are 50,000 square feet or greater) or to put the issue on the ballot for Pleasanton voters to decide. NEXT STEPS/OPTIONS Staff acknowledges that the proposed land use changes for the Johnson Drive area has become a contentious issue in the community. We also recognize that there are pros and cons to any land use change. We remain committed to working diligently with the community, stakeholders and property owners, the Planning Commission and City Council to explore options and solutions that respect existing uses and provide opportunities for new uses in the community. In addition to providing an update on the JDEDZ effort to date, listening to public comment, and hearing from City Council and the Planning Commission, staff is seeking direction on the following options: 1. Direct staff to stop work on the JDEDZ; 2. Direct staff to pause work on the JDEDZ pending the outcome of the initiative/ballot measure; 3. Direct staff to convene public hearings to allow the Planning Commission and Council to consider certification of the JDEDZ FSEIR and approval of the associated General Plan & Zoning Amendments. This would enable the Council to place the matter on the November ballot (time permitting) or to hold a Spring election in 2017 to allow the public to vote on the matter; or 4. Direct staff to set a limit on the size of retail buildings in the JDEDZ, attempting to address the concerns of the initiative petitioners. Page 9 of 10