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Page 2 of 3 BACKGROUND In 2005, the City began discussions to update the General Plan land use element, including the 30-acre Austin property, which was being considered for a general plan amendment to include housing and was considered an opportunity to augment the Alviso Adobe Park. On March 1, 2006, City Council and the Planning Commission held a joint meeting to discuss the land use element updates to properties on the west side of Foothill Road. The Planning Commission then reviewed the proposed development in April 2006 and the Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed the proposed plan in May 2006. Both commissions supported the project and the conservation of the 22 acres of open space surrounding the project. On October 17, 2006, City Council approved the Meadowlark development, PUD-58, which included a condition of approval that “the applicant shall install or provide funding for a trail in the open space area as determined by the Director of Parks and Community Services.” Over the next several years, little occurred with the project, but in 2016, the project with all its entitlements was sold and City staff was contacted by the new owner/developer regarding the implementation of the project in compliance with the Conditions of Approval, including discussion of planning the open space owned by the City and the proposed trail alignment within the open space. The developer prepared its construction plans and final map per the requirements of the project’s Conditions of Approval. On March 3, 2020, City Council approved the final map, subdivision agreement, and easement and maintenance agreement for Tract 7813. This included the approval of the trail plans and payment from the developer of $57,379 to construct the trail. In 2017, as the developer began preparing their project construction plans, the City began the Trail Master Plan (TMP) update. As part of that process, a website was created (www.pleasantontrails.com) and the City conducted significant city-wide public outreach. The Trails Master Plan was adopted in May 2019 and was used as a reference by both city staff and the Meadowlark developer as the Meadowlark trail plans were developed. The Meadowlark trail project was advertised for bid in September 2021. Bids for the trail were opened in late October 2021 and on November 16, 2021, City Council awarded the contract for the construction of the trail project to the lowest bidder, American Ramp Company, for $59,500. Before construction could begin, the City heard from many residents opposing the construction of the trail adjacent to their properties, stating they had never been informed a trail was planned in the open space. This was unexpected, but since the City heard the same thing from multiple residents, staff delayed construction until the City could discuss the project with neighbors and conduct a further review of the project. After reviewing the approval process, city staff determined that a public outreach meeting regarding the open space and trail should be held. Staff held the community meeting on March 2, 2022. Approximately 30 residents attended the meeting. However, the goal of discussing the alignment of the trail and making minor modifications, if necessary, in response to concerns was not achieved. Most residents in attendance at the meeting simply did not want a trail constructed.