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The Commission took a break from 8:56 p.m. and thereafter reconvened the regular meeting at 9:02 p.m. Julie Testa asked staff if they are familiar with REACH, a program that provides affordable housing for special needs adults. She stated Pleasanton voters have voted three times for a 29,000 housing cap and while she recognized there was a lawsuit and that the city has RHNA requirements, numbers have been exceeded. To rezone properties when not needed is defiant of the will of voters and the cumulative effect of this project and those not yet built will be a significant burden on already overcrowded schools. She acknowledged that Sunflower Hill is a wonderful concept and she would love to see it happen, but it comes with housing units the city cannot accommodate at this time and she asked the Commission to respect the General Plan. Scott Raty, CEO, Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, said he used to buy bait at Irby's and used to go fishing at Shadow Cliffs and he was also able to do this with his young son. He said both buildings are beyond repair and thinks this project which the applicant and Sunflower Hill have put together is something to be proud of and hoped for approval. John Sensiba said he is the Board Chair of Innovation Tri- Valley Leadership Group and member of the Sunflower Hill Advisory Board, as well as boardmember of a local non- profit with 1500 employees and Pleasanton employer with 40 employees. He echoed all comments of Scott Raty and said the city's chronic lack of adequate housing has a negative impact on families, the community and the society in general. He urged approval of the General Plan amendment and this project and the ability to have Sunflower Hill to be a part of it. Jan Batcheller said the entire Bay Area is in a housing crisis and Pleasanton is a job center and needs homes for people to work here. Housing is often controversial but neighbors are supporting this plan. As the founder of the Downtown Association and a person who is passionate about the Downtown, this plan expands the Downtown and will bring added dimension and customers. Sunflower Hill will add a great deal to the Downtown and to the lives of those who live there. It will provide them with a measure of independence and confidence. She also recognized the infrastructure and open space the plan provides and asked the Commission to give benefit to the Irby family who have owned the property and have paid taxes for generations. Janet Brown said she is a lifelong resident since 1966 and she has seen a lot of positive growth and change. Her children all attended local schools and her son Austin is in a special education program from age 5 to 22. He is now 26 and she and her husband need to plan for his future. Sunflower Hill is the type of development where special needs adults can live and thrive. The noted Reach's waiting list is 3 -5 years away and asked the Commission to approve the project. Janeen Brumm said she and her husband have raised their family in Pleasanton and she voiced their support for the Irby Ranch and Sunflower Hill development. She cited the project's ability for inclusion into the mainstream population as well as families with the option to buy a home in that community so their family member can take advantage PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, August 10, 2016 Page 14 of 33