11 - Laserfiche WebLink

BACKGROUND Please refer to the November 19, 2019, agenda report (Attachment 1) for background information, including the plan area, prior planning efforts, key planning considerations and proposed work program. At the November 19, 2019, meeting, staff introduced the item and provided a background and overview of the prior efforts. The meeting minutes for this item are included as Attachment 2 to this report. In summary, the discussion was focused on the themes outlined below: - City Council Input and Community Participation. Although the Planning Commission, rather than a Steering Committee, will help guide the EPSP process, the City Council emphasized its desire to play a central role in the planning process for East Pleasanton, and that the process include robust opportunity for public and community participation. - Process to Initiate Planning for East Pleasanton. Some public comments raised the question of whether a "vote of the people" should be required to re- initiate the EPSP process. Staff notes that at the time of the prior decision to halt work on the EPSP, the City Council directed that any decision to re-start the EPSP "shall occur as part of the future regular City Council priority-setting meetings." (Resolution No. 15-766, Adopted June 16. 2015). In January 2019, the City Council voted to include a restart of the EPSP among the list of 2019/20 Work Plan priorities, as a "Priority A" item. - Role of Ponderosa Homes. Discussion at the meeting also included the role of Ponderosa Homes in the specific plan process. Staff confirmed that, although Ponderosa will be providing funding to support third-party consultants to assist staff, the EPSP process is to be directed and implemented solely by the City Council and staff. The City routinely follows a similar model of applicant reimbursement when outside consultant services are needed to assist with processing of applications, including in the prior East Pleasanton Specific Plan effort. The developer or applicant is required to sign a reimbursement agreement with the City, explicitly acknowledging that the funding does not provide any preferential treatment, predetermined or favorable outcome. - RHNA and Housing Element. Several City Council members inquired about how the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) will dovetail with the East Pleasanton process. Information on this topic is provided in the "Discussion" section below. - Plan Area. Some City Councilmembers inquired about the extent of the plan area, location of the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), and the proportion of the plan area inside and outside City limits. Attachment 3 to this agenda report includes a map of the plan area, with approximate acreages as defined by City limits and the UGB. In summary, approximately 261 acres are within City limits and 855 acres are outside City limits. Page 2 of 4