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Director Clark stated there will be a need to balance out housing and employment, with the result <br />being the City may see an increase in their RHNA numbers. <br />Councilmember Narum requested clarification as to whether Ponderosa was a "hired consultant" <br />and what is their actual role. Director Clark stated Ponderosa is interested in a development <br />program/concept in East Pleasanton, which they are willing to support through reimbursement to <br />the City. Ponderosa's plan will be considered along with the other alternatives presented. They are <br />a proponent of the EPSP process, however they are not a consultant hired by the City. Assistant <br />City Manager Dolan clarified Ponderosa's role in the process is to speak with one developer who <br />represents a particular proposed project. <br />Councilmember Testa inquired whether the East side of Pleasanton is the ideal location for RHNA <br />sites. Assistant City Manager Dolan noted having TOD is a priority, but there are only two BART <br />stations in the City. The City Council expressed interest in geographic dispersal of proposed RHNA <br />sites and some are not near transportation hubs. <br />Councilmember Testa expressed concern as to the actual amount of housing that is needed and <br />noted this process may be premature due to recent acknowledgment that needed housing units in <br />the state have been overblown. She noted that East side Pleasanton is zoned industrial, not <br />residential and expressed concern the State will plan the City's housing if the City does not take a <br />proactive approach. Assistant City Manager Dolan responded the State is taking away more local <br />control in this process but by going through the specific plan process, the threat of more State <br />control is lessened The specific plan process, resulting in a development agreement, can be <br />regulated by the City. He also affirmed if there is no adopted specific plan, it allows non City - <br />controlled development to happen more easily. <br />City Manager Nelson Fialho stated that based on existing law the State cannot preempt and control <br />planning in the City. <br />Mayor Thorne inquired as to whether the State could direct planning on County property. City <br />Manager Fialho replied there would be some limitation but the State could get involved with County <br />property. He stated the City could address the underlying light industrial zoning inside the urban <br />growth boundary. The City would want all mitigations addressed. The EPSP affords the City the <br />ability to comprehensively plan and work in a manner that is consistent with the expectations of <br />Council. <br />Mayor Thorne stated he has heard that 1900 homes have been planned. City Manager Fialho stated <br />the City is driving the process with advisement from the Planning Commission and that he has not <br />seen a plan for homes. The City will develop a comprehensive plan which will include opportunity <br />for public participation. <br />Mayor Thorne opened public comments <br />Isaac Elias expressed his support for developing the EPSP and noted Pleasanton has not built <br />enough affordable housing and feels developing the area could align with the Pleasanton Climate <br />Action Plan by lessening miles traveled by Pleasanton residents. <br />Zarina Kiziloglu expressed her support for developing the EPSP and would like to see more <br />affordable housing in Pleasanton. <br />Sandy Yamaoda expressed her opposition for developing the EPSP at this time and feels it is <br />premature to do so without the City's RHNA numbers. She presented a petition signed by 312 <br />residents supporting that request. <br />City Council Minutes Page 5 of 14 February 18, 2020 <br />