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2. Why is the City interested in developing an EDZ? <br /> The City is interested in exploring options that will develop this vacant land to its full potential and <br /> add value to the existing businesses within the EDZ. The City is seeking to change the land use rules <br /> that govern development on the site to encourage new uses that will diversify the City's land use <br /> and economic base in order to offer a wider range of services and to continue to evolve and grow <br /> the City's economy. This approach is consistent with various policies in the City's General Plan, <br /> which seeks to: <br /> • encourage comprehensive planning of underutilized areas (Land Use Element, Policy 6); <br /> • enhance Pleasanton's economic base(Economic and Fiscal Element,Goal 2, Policy 1);and <br /> • maintain a diverse and stable revenue system (Economic and Fiscal Element, Policy 18). <br /> 3. How were the boundaries of the JDEDZ drawn? <br /> Staff evaluated sites throughout the City to determine whether they would be suitable for an EDZ, <br /> and quickly focused on Johnson Drive as the most appropriate area because of its large cluster of <br /> available properties suitable for new business growth, its location near a major freeway interchange, <br /> and the fact that it is not immediately adjacent to a residential neighborhood,thus minimizing <br /> impacts on residents. <br /> Also, interest in the former Clorox site, recently vacated, presented an opportunity to be more <br /> proactive in the City's planning process. The JDEDZ boundaries were identified based on existing <br /> land use conditions and consultation with property owners. The overall size and scale of the JDEDZ <br /> were intentionally limited in order to focus on properties with the most potential for change,and to <br /> reflect the desire of the City to proceed in a cautious and thoughtful manner. <br /> 4. What types of development may be allowed in the JDEDZ? Will there be a Costco?Hotel? <br /> No specific development is proposed as part of the JDEDZ. Rather,the City is evaluating the merits <br /> of transforming the underlying land use rules and transportation infrastructure in the area to attract <br /> different types of businesses than are currently allowed.The existing"General and Light Industrial" <br /> zoning allows primarily for warehousing and light-industrial uses,with some limited office <br /> development—uses that were once more popular in the area but that don't realize the potential of <br /> the site's highly-visible and freeway-accessible location.The proposed JDEDZ would allow for the <br /> development of a broader range of retail,visitor-serving,and office uses, including hotels, <br /> bookstores, department stores,food markets,gymnasiums,specialty stores,and club retail uses. <br /> The club retail use could include a Costco, or a similar tenant,and although the City has had <br /> conversations with Costco regarding property in the JDEDZ, no club retail operator(including <br /> Costco) has submitted an application to build a new retail facility within the JDEDZ. Major hotel <br /> operators have also expressed interest in developing hotels within the JDEDZ area, but also have not <br /> submitted an application to the City. <br /> 2 <br />