PC 051315 - Laserfiche WebLink

Hacienda Drive and West Las Positas Boulevard where there will be a pocket plaza for residents and guests; the pedestrian paseo and central courtyard with walking path, ornamental trees and flowers, picnic tables, shade trellises and barbecue grills; the open grass area and children's play area; and the landscaping design that provides a relaxing and functionally attractive, outdoor environment for the community. Mr. Ebrahimi noted that as with the 177 -unit apartment project, there will be a six -foot tall concrete wall at the southern edge of the property to help screen the Parkside neighborhood from noise and view. He further noted that the irrigation system and landscaping will meet the water - efficient landscaping standards, with the planting design that minimizes turf areas and primarily uses low water use and native plant species and ornamental plants that are adapted to the local climate. He added that because the project site will soon be serviced by recycled water, the landscape design uses plants that grow well with the recycled water system. Mr. Ebrahimi stated that as earlier mentioned, the project includes ten inclusionary units, which is 10 percent of the total number of units, and the remainder would be paid into the City's Low - Income Housing Fund. He indicated that the proposed town home-condomin ium community is a much improved project for the site and that Summerhill has received positive feedback from the community and staff. George Bowen, representing the Parkside community, stated that the first date he came down here and spoke about this project was about 2 years ago, and with him were 50 to 100 concerned residents from the neighborhood; and over the course of that time, tonight there are just two of them, which is a sign that he is here tonight to express the support of the Parkside community for this project, and to express their appreciation for Summerhill Homes and James Paxson of Hacienda Park for their work in accommodating the neighborhood concerns in original plan for this property. Mr. Bowen stated that when the 177 -unit project in their backyard was first proposed, the neighborhood took a survey, and there was considerable concern among the neighbors about design features and the impact on their neighborhood. He noted that a number of members of the community emerged as representatives of the neighborhood and worked with the Summerhill folks, and they made a number of accommodations that ultimately the neighborhood reached consensus that they were reasonable and met their concerns. He indicated that it was good news for them to hear that Summerhill had opted to revise its plans and go to a less dense owned project. He added that the Summerhill representatives were very proactive in meeting with them and again addressing their concerns, and the feedback from the 225 homes in the Parkside neighborhood was unanimous in support of this project. Mr. Bowen thanked Summerhill for really building trust, for excellent communication, and for continuing the same design revisions made in the prior project that are relevant to this project. He stated that the Summerhill representatives did an excellent job in working with the neighbors, and they are just very pleased to be here tonight to express their support. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, May 13, 2015 Page 26 of 32