CCMIN03192019 - Laserfiche WebLink

Councilmember Testa inquired regarding the number of emails received on this item. Staff said there is no official number but guessed it was between 50 and 80. Councilmember Testa reported most were in opposition to the project adding there has been a sprinkling of support versus a huge opposition. She added the City has met all of its housing requirements and the City does not need to move forward on this project at this point. She noted the importance of community input and asserted residents' concerns should be respected. Councilmember Narum acknowledged the traffic is horrible and improvements are needed, as well as acknowledging that other projects require attention and completion. She agreed to keep it as a Priority C and consider changing the priority after other projects are completed. The additional time will help with planning and addressing neighbor concerns. Councilmember Brown indicated the timing is not yet right to move the project forward, agreed with the need for traffic improvements in the area, discussed the number of trips per day and per household, in terms of the rule of thumb, and noted for 90 units that would equate to approximately 900 trips per day. Additionally, she addressed water restrictions in the state and watering requirements for 1/2 acre lots. She indicated there may be other projects coming forward but did not think it was an appropriate time for the Merritt property project. City Manager Fialho reported a straw vote resulted in a 2-1 to keep the Merritt property project as a Priority C. Councilmember Brown reported she opposed the East Pleasanton project when it was first brought forward. She indicated the City has housing needs assessments that need to be addressed and felt the project needs to be on the table for discussion. Councilmember Testa stated the City's housing requirements are met until 2023 and felt the City should wait until the next priority setting and not move forward at this point. Councilmember Pentin commented on the importance of keeping local control, noted the City must show Pleasanton is moving forward in terms of housing and stated his support of the project. Mayor Thorne and Councilmember Narum agreed with Councilmember Pentin's comments. Councilmember Narum commented on other projects that have come forward for the property, noting the need to follow the General Plan to develop a specific plan, and be ready for the next Housing Element. She indicated her support of the project. Councilmember Testa reiterated her comments there is no need to build housing at this time. She reported speaking to a County Supervisor who indicated the County is City-centered and does not want to remove local control. Councilmember Pentin disagreed, adding he met with the co-author of SB 50, who indicated Pleasanton is the poster child for not using its local control. They are looking forward to see how SB 50 works in the City and showing how it uses local control within the next few years. Councilmember Testa stated she spoke to Senator Weiner and did not feel he has enough concern about Pleasanton, adding that it is important to stand up for the community. City Manager Fialho reported the item will stay as a Priority A. He continued addressing City Council support for the various projects and their priority. City Council Minutes Page 6 of 11 March 19, 2019