PC 052213 - Laserfiche WebLink

Ms. Allen stated that the second question is how much of the RHNA allocation should be met in East Pleasanton, which is somewhat related to the first question. She indicated that she focused on the RHNA allocations specifically for just the affordable housing category, which is a little different from Mr. Dolan's numbers, and looked at low - and moderate - income and what the share is, which makes the percentages look even worse than what Mr. Dolan shared. She stated that she believes, as the past Council did, that balance is critical and that it can include units near BART because that is where transportation is and where jobs are today, it reduces pollution and gets the people where it is easy to get transportation, and it also eliminates traffic issues. She reiterated that Alternatives 2 and 3 really concern her as it puts 50 percent to 60 percent of the RHNA affordable housing in East Pleasanton, which is not balanced; furthermore, East Pleasanton is about as far away from BART as any area in Pleasanton. She recommended that the RHNA affordable housing allocation for East Pleasanton be at no more than 25 percent to 35 percent, which also favors an Alternative 1 scenario. Ms. Allen stated that this leaves the elephant on the table, which is the challenge that staff has of what to do with the rest; where they go if they are not allocated in East Pleasanton. She indicated that she does not have all the answers, but she thinks it is related to looking, which has never been done yet, at the questions and having a process to look at the question of what Pleasanton will look like in 20 years. She noted that the last Housing Element cycle looked at today but did not look at where the opportunities will be in 20 years. She questioned what would happen if a referendum went on with this project and no housing could be developed there. She noted that she asked that question of Nelson Fialho, City Manager, and his response was that the City would rezone commercial property near BART or elsewhere in the City to residential. Ms. Allen stated that she hates to put the cart before the horse and just dump this all on East Pleasanton because the City has not thought through a 20 -year vision. She reiterated that the City needs to create a neighborhood that is right for the City and not just one for which we need numbers as that would not be healthy. She encouraged the Commission to take a long -term view and to do it really quickly. She stated that she thinks the City has a tremendous opportunity in a beautiful area to serve not only the residents who live here but all Pleasanton residents with bike trails and walking lakes. She encouraged the Commission to treat this prime spot like a treasure and spend the time to look at where else a balance can be created across the City. Julie Testa stated that she has been attending the East Pleasanton Specific Plan Task Force meetings, and her message is that, while it is a great opportunity to create a new part of our community, everything should be done to mitigate potential traffic or any other quality -of -life issue so that there not be any financial burden on the existing community through additional taxes that might be asked later to mitigate any future impacts. She pointed out that one of the things mentioned was moving the PGS Transfer Station, and stated that the cost of the move should not fall to the ratepayers. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, May 22, 2013 Page 16 of 41