PC 111313 - Laserfiche WebLink

Janice Stern indicated that Shweta Bonn, Associate Planner, will be presenting the staff report for this item. She noted that Wayne Rasmussen, Rasmussen Planning, Inc., project lead consultant, and Mary Bean, FirstCarbon Solutions, project environmental consultant, were present. Shweta Bonn presented the staff report, indicating that the purpose of the scoping session is to receive input from the Commission and the public on the scope and content of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the East Pleasanton Specific Plan. Brian Dolan reiterated the purpose of a scoping session for an EIR, as presented by Ms. Bonn. He noted that the Commission has been through many of these sessions over the years and that there is a great temptation for both the public and the Commissioners to start discussing the merits of the project. He emphasized that there will be plenty of opportunities to do that but that tonight is only to make sure that all of the potential environmental impacts that could occur from any of these alternatives under consideration are analyzed. He added that what staff and the consultants are looking for at this point is input on what should be the subject of these studies within the EIR and the technical environmental analysis that they will be preparing; rather than opinions about whether or not the Commission or the public is happy with or likes the Preferred Plan or the various Alternatives. Chair Pearce noted that staff is not asking the Planning Commission to make any decisions tonight. Mr. Dolan confirmed that no decisions will be made tonight and that staff will not be responding to any of the comments either. He noted that staff is writing these comments down and will be looking for those things they may have missed in the draft scope, adding to it and considering and discussing any of the suggestions to see if they are appropriately included in the document. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Heidi Massie stated that she is a member of the East Pleasanton Specific Plan (EPSP) Task Force, representing the Autumn Glen and Heritage Valley neighborhoods, located along Valley Avenue at Kolln Street near the Santa Rita Road/Valley Avenue intersection. She explained that her neighborhood's main concern about the project is around the increase in traffic and impact to schools. She requested that, for the purpose of the EIR component, which will include a traffic analysis, the EIR include looking at the recently approved high- density, multi - family Auf der Maur development at the corner of Stanley Boulevard and Bernal Avenue. Ms. Massie stated that based on a previous Planning Commission meeting, it was discussed that the "Preferred Plan" will add 31,000 new car trips per day on weekdays, and up to or around 27,000 new trips per day on weekends. She noted that this would mean adding six car trips per day for every new multi - family dwelling unit, such as at the PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, November 13, 2013 Page 4 of 50