13 - Laserfiche WebLink

Page 2 Bernal Specific Plan Compatibility We reviewed the Specific Plan to determine if the proposed use as a community farm is consistent with identified uses.Based on the information from the Specific Plan detailed below, we determined that utilizing Sub-area 7 and Sub-area 16 as a community farm including livestock,educational programs, agriculture and community farming would be consistent with the Specific Plan. This determination coincides with the findings included in the MD Fotheringham Draft Pleasanton Community Farm Master Plan. A summary of the information included in the Specific Plan follows. • Sub-area 7 designation—Agricultural club, agriculture, community vegetable garden, open space, passive recreation facilities, public utilities,trails. • Sub-area 16 designation—Agriculture(crops only), community vegetable garden,open space,passive recreation, public utilities, trails. The Specific Plan defines"agriculture club" as: Provides opportunities for children to grow crops, raise livestock and participate in a variety of related social and educational programs. Demonstration of club work and activities can be a valuable community asset. In addition,farming classes can be established where school children are assigned their own plots to experiment and learn about the mechanics of soil development, water use and conservation,organic amendments,plant requirements and nutrition. The Specific Plan defines"agriculture" as: The Bernal Property has historically been maintained in agricultural use. Crops have included hops, alfalfa,oats, corn,other seasonal field grains,and flowers.Agricultural use will continue, at least in the near term, as future site development occurs. Agricultural acreage will gradually be reduced and be replaced by a variety of uses, including primarily open space as defined by native woodlands and meadows. In addition to temporary agricultural use,permanent agriculture is a potentially permitted use.Agriculture would serve symbolic as well as functional purposes,and help to recall the early heritage of Pleasanton. It can also serve as an educational asset. Demonstration planting areas reflecting Pleasanton's agricultural heritage might be developed such as flowers, orchards, vineyards or hops. Gardening clubs could be provided with areas for the cultivation of flowers. Plots could be made available for local restaurants to grow their own produce. The sale of off-site grown holiday items such as pumpkins, Christmas trees, etc. might also be appropriate. Agricultural uses should generally be restricted to sustainable farming practices. The potential use of pesticides and fertilizers would need to be minimized and carefully managed. Sustainable agriculture would offer numerous educational opportunities to the