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of amenities and social activities. Their family wants to buy a home in the new development so they can be a part of this special project. Peter Dragula said he is a case manager for Dublin High School and has worked in Pleasanton and Dublin. He shared his experience in dedicating his life to special needs communities and non - profit organizations. Once special needs children age out at 14 to 22, there is no dovetail program available and typically he sees parents and kids struggling to find a place which is heartbreaking. He referred to two books, "The Boy in the Moon" and "The Chef who Called" which tells the history that these problems are nothing new. People took care of people and society changed and he challenged the Commission to change the paradigm of how they think; not as Commissioners but as people first. Tanya Ludden said she and her family has seen the town grow and recognized the hard work and thought that went into development. She thinks the project is unusual and cited the many benefits the city is getting. Special needs folks need a place to live in the community and she encouraged the Commission to unanimously approve the project Sandy Yamaoda recognized that the city needs this type of affordable housing and said her nephew is a special needs adult. However, this 93 unit project has no yards, no driveways, and no homes for aging citizens. She questioned how many people could afford $800,000 for a home and the project will impact schools. There will be another bond issue and more portables will be added, and she questioned if this was right. The project will also impact water needs while the state is still in a drought and she asked to delay the project until it can be counted towards the City's RHNA. David Stark stated he is a resident and also Public Affairs Director for the Bay East Association of Realtors and commented that the median price for this community has been over $1 million all year long and it comes down to supply and demand. Putting the numbers aside, he said the 93 homes are an opportunity to put down roots in the community. He discusses new construction in Pleasanton and the vast majority of homes are rentals. There is a need for this, as well as for people to purchase a next step of their homeownership closer to the downtown and this product meets that demand. He thinks this is a fantastic opportunity and was glad that Susan Houghton recognized Pleasanton as a community of character and encouraged the Commission to accept the staff recommendation. Sblend Sblendorio said he is an advisor to Sunflower Hill and on the board of Tri- Valley Innovation Leadership Group and chairs the Housing Infrastructure and Transportation Committee. They are made up of the largest employers in the area and he endorsed the project and said it is a wonderful opportunity. Richard Spicka said he is a grandparent of a special needs junior at Foothill High School and supported the long time property owners, the developer, the Sunflower Hill group and supported development of a place for such adults with special needs. Darin Lounds, Executive Director of the Housing Consortium of the East Bay, said their mission is to create inclusive communities for people with special needs in Alameda and Contra Costa County through affordable, high quality housing. They have worked with PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, August 10, 2016 Page 15 of 33