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Chair O'Connor replied that he does not want to relive that lawsuit, but by that argument, the City had so many jobs and so few houses. He stated that everyone who lived here should have worked here; but that does not happen either, even if there were more jobs than housing. Commissioner Balch referred to Program 8.1 which basically says that the City will regulate condominium, townhome, and mobile home conversions to mitigate tenant displacement. He inquired if, once a certain number of condominiums have converted and the total number is already at 50 percent, there can be no further conversion until someone else falls off the mix. He noted that it seems more like a black -or -white versus a where -it- makes -sense approach. He further asked, for example, if one place is first but it does not make sense to allow the conversion, if the City would then grant it just because it's 70 percent and still above the mark. Ms. Wallis replied that this program is focused on rental units converting to ownership units. Commissioner Balch clarified that it is being converted in order to sell it Ms. Wallis replied that the City is encouraging apartment living right now because apartments are typically more affordable. She stated that this is the way the program has been written, and currently the mark is at 27 percent. She indicated that if it theoretically did get all the way up to the 50- percent mark, the City would probably re- evaluate the program. She added that she does not foresee the City getting to the 50- percent mark within the next eight years; it might be something the City would look at within the next Housing Element Update if it starts to get close to it. Commissioner Balch then pointed out that the document says that affordable housing is to be located near transit centers, BART, etc., but leaves out "next to parks ". He indicated that the park was an extremely important element in the MidPen Housing application on Kottinger Place. He noted that a transit center may not be so convenient, but a park is, and it could be for family housing of four or more. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. George Bowen welcomed those who are new on the Commission and thanked them for their public service. He then stated that the comment was made that the City needs more rental housing in Pleasanton. He indicated that he has not read much of the Housing Element, and there are a lot of data in there that come from regional sources that he does not know how factual they are, but he knows that his perception and that of probably most of the people in this room is that the City does not need housing beyond what is compliant with the latest RHNA allocation. He stated that he sees a train -wreck coming in fact if the Housing Element is approved in excess of a couple of thousand units, and the residents of Pleasanton begin to see these things going up around them. He pointed out that folks are busy and not paying attention to notices sent to them and what the agendas are, and he believes there could be a very violent reaction on the part PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, June 25, 2014 Page 8 of 29