CC MIN 02082022 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mayor Brown expressed concern that increasing the density would result in 5 to 6 story buildings and would not fit in with the existing buildings. She advised she would like any new development to look like Pleasanton. Councilmember Balch expressed concern regarding the units that have already been zoned on the site and is cautious about increasing the density on the site. Councilmember Narum expressed concerns regarding traffic concerns and maintaining the look and feel of Pleasanton. Mayor Brown advised with the already zoned 486 units plus the 810 units is approximately 1,300 units and noted there is no reason it cannot move forward in steps. Director Clark explained the EIR will analyze the bigger envelope of development and the City Council could choose a different base density for the site at that time. Mayor Brown advised she agrees with staff's original recommendation. Councilmember Arkin noted decisions will impact the schools. She advised this is an opportunity to increase density without impacting neighborhoods. She moved to include Site 2 in the inventory with a density of 50 to 95 units per acre. In response to Councilmember Testa, Traffic Engineer Tassano clarified he is picturing the 400 units and the 800 units along with the potential of 350,000 square feet of retail. He advised if the traffic goes back to pre-pandemic conditions it is a concern to add the additional 800 units. He explained if conditions go back to the status quo there will be several traffic impacts in the area. Councilmember Testa seconded the motion. In response to Mayor Brown, Interim City Manager Dolan confirmed the City would collect impact fees for a large development project, but it would not be enough to cover all needed infrastructure improvements. He expressed concern that placing the burden on a developer to pay for large infrastructure changes may cause HCD to deny the site. Councilmember Balch advised he will not be able to support the current motion based on the traffic impacts but will support the staff's original recommendation. Mayor Brown expressed support for the location but expressed concern for the increase in density. She agrees with Councilmember Arkin that this is a great location for additional housing. She advised she can support the motion if the density is reduced. Councilmember Arkin reminded the dais that the developer is interested in making this work at an even higher density. Mayor Brown advised she could support a 55 to 75 unit per acre density. Councilmember Arkin suggested 60 to 80 units per acre. Director Clark advised 55 units per acre is 990 units. Councilmember Balch cited the traffic concerns stated by Traffic Engineer Tassano and is having a hard time supporting any increase in density even if the developer is interested in making it work. He urged the dais to use caution in going any higher than 55 to 75 units per acre density. In response to Mayor Brown, Traffic Engineer Tassano advised General Plan policy allows a level of service F at the freeway onramps. He advised improvements have been made but the volume levels continue to increase to get to the BART station or get to Workday. He advised if housing is put on the west side there is a possibility that traffic will not be so negatively impacted. City Council Minutes Page 11 of 27 February 8,2022