CC MIN 02082022 - Laserfiche WebLink

units per acre with an initial capacity assumption of 204 units. She reported the Planning Commission recommended including the site in the initial inventory. In response to Mayor Brown, Director Clark confirmed the City Council can discuss any preferences for the sites, including mixed-use zoning to include a commercial component on a site. She advised it may change the capacity for housing units on a site. She noted it would be helpful for staff to know the housing to commercial ratio envisioned so they can adjust their estimates accordingly. Mayor Brown clarified this discussion would only center around a capacity figure for environmental study purposes and is not for an actual rezoning. Councilmember Narum recommended Site 25 should be included in the EIR with the current density. She noted they could decrease this site's capacity, but it is much harder to increase it if it was not done for the EIR. In response to Councilmember Narum, Director Clark stated 15 to 25 units per acre will typically yield a townhouse-style project with two- or three-story buildings and tuck-under parking. The Andares project on West Las Positas Boulevard is an example of what the site would be likely to see for development. Interim City Manager Dolan advised if the capacity is closer to 25 units per acre, it would become garden apartments and look like the Civic Center Apartments. Councilmember Narum reported she agrees with the site's proposal but would not want to see the density go any higher. In response to Councilmember Narum, Director Clark clarified a policy intended to have this site be specifically used as affordable housing for teachers could be addressed by the City Council. She explained that mandating the affordable units go to teachers could be a challenge if PUSD is not the site's developer. Councilmember Balch reported he is comfortable including the site. He noted there will have to be discussions with PUSD for the coming year about its plans and for EIR purposes they should evaluate an even higher density for portions of the site. He noted how buildings can be designed to be shorter in the front and taller in the back to hide their size and remain compatible with the neighborhood. He agreed this is a good site for workforce housing where residents can walk to downtown, but noted he is not discussing something with the appearance of the Harrison Street project. Councilmember Arkin reported there has been a lot of public input expressing valid concerns over the density, traffic impacts, area neighborhood cut-throughs, and fronting both historic homes and a major street. Her preference is to not include the site however, if the majority wants the site included, she strongly suggests designating it as workforce housing at 10 units per acre with ground-floor retail. Mayor Brown reported a residential poll by staff shows a preference for new housing on vacant infill sites instead of building out into undeveloped areas. She advised she is challenged by this site due to legitimate concerns of neighbors about traffic, noise, and the feel of the gateway into downtown. She reported residents could walk to downtown, schools, grocery stores, and others from this centrally located site. She advised PUSD has discussed moving out of the core of the City to more of a business-centric area for years. She expressed support for a lower density for an environmental study and a retail component at a later date. Councilmember Balch suggested staying at staff recommended density for EIR purposes since there are so many sites to discuss and he would retract his suggestion to increase the density for the site. City Council Minutes Page 6 of 27 February 8, 2022