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for the residents who are there. He pointed out that the mission is to provide housing and make the independent living quality of life as high as possible. He noted that MidPen Housing has done a phenomenal job of planning, of adjusting, of outreach; dealing with individual residents of that number is not an easy chore, and they have accomplished it and have done a terrific job. He pointed out that the City has a great partner in MidPen Housing and their team with Gates & Associates and the Dahlin Group. Mr. Hirst stated that Pleasanton Gardens is now going to put its money where its mouth is, and contribute to this project free and clear land, Section 8 housing, and over a quarter of a million dollars in cash, a substantial contribution because they see the need with the City's residents. Having said all of that, he stated that he would like to show a little impatience, and to put the ten years that the City has been massaging this project in perspective, none of the Planning Commissioners were on board then; three of the four City staff did not work for the City; Mr. Bocian's son was in junior high school; Commissioner O'Connor had dark hair; and Commissioner Ritter's son was a Cub Scout instead of the Eagle Scout he is now. He stated that 90 percent of the progress has been accomplished in the last 2' /z years since MidPen Housing came on, and the City has really gotten on board. He noted that the whole project was stymied for 7' /z years, and these are dwelling units with single -pane windows, asbestos, leaking water pipes, leaking roofs, all kinds of things. He thanked Chair Olson for raising the energy issue and noted that this project is going to be an improvement in energy consumption, an improvement in quality of life for residents, and twice as many residents will be served. He noted that there will be some people opposing this, but nothing is perfect; five percent will be against any more housing, and ten percent will be against any affordable housing. He stated that ten years should be enough to get this project right and urged the Commission to move forward with it. Charles Whites stated that he is a new resident to Pleasanton and that one thing that really drew him and his family to Pleasanton was the Downtown kind of historic feel, the sense of community, and the great view out of their backyard. He indicated that his only concern with this project is the tree removal. He noted that about 85 percent of the trees that are currently on the property will be lost, and 60 of those are heritage trees. He further noted that while they will be replaced by another 100 trees, he will never see those trees grow to fruition probably during his lifetime. He also inquired if the overall height of the three -story building has been addressed. Brian Ross stated that he has been to several meetings the past two years and has a few general concerns, the first of which is the crosswalk. He noted that there is a bend right there on Kottinger Drive and he is concerned that no matter what is put up there, people are still going to be driving very fast and will not see pedestrians crossing there. He indicated that he has two small girls who love going to the park across the street. He added that a lot of people use Kottinger Drive to go to Valley View Elementary School in the morning, and sometimes those moms are late and they drive really fast. He stated that with twice as many residents who do not have access to cars, there will probably be more pedestrians on that road. He suggested that any kind of education or safety classes be provided to make sure people who use that area and the people that live there stay safe. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, March 12, 2014 Page 15 of 24