PC 030404 - Laserfiche WebLink

Discussion ensued on the Commission's options regarding additional sites, priority of housing types and location requirements, and densities and impacts. The following points were made: • The intent is to meet the Housing Element requirements while keeping numbers below the housing cap as much as possible. ^ Pleasanton is almost abuilt-out community, and it is important to get input from the citizens if they want to lower the housing cap before deciding where to put housing. Development cannot be denied on the basis of inadequate school facilities. ^ In order to understand what the density would look like, provide models, photos of existing communities, or computer-generated pictures showing development with 15, 20, and 25 units per acre. Small housing units (below 2,000 square feet), including low- and very-low-income affordable rental and market-rate units are encouraged, particularly for first-time homebuyers and seniors. This is preferred to large housing development on hillsides, particularly on the west side of Foothill Road. ^ Provide for smaller homes with open space, greenbelts, cabanas, and pools, such as those across from Golden Eagle Farm, for families that are downsizing. Traffic impacts should be addressed so that additional housing does not create additional traffic. ^ Construct high-density housing as close to freeways as possible. • Building houses on vacant sites is preferred to redevelopment of existing buildings. ^ Concern was expressed that if only affordable housing were built, impact fees for schools, roads, and infrastructure, which are waived for affordable housing, would no longer be available and existing facilities and infrastructure would be impacted; therefore, the need for a balance between market-rate and affordable units. • Since most of the sites presented would not pose many of the environmental impacts normally caused by development, such as loss of trees and wildlife habitat, special attention should be given to the environmental impacts on the residents, such as noise and pollution issues, Encourage more green building and energy efficiency measures in housing; assign a task force from the Pleasanton Energy Committee to oversee these aspects as the projects develop. The 2.5-acre site proposed for the construction of the West Las Positas Boulevard interchange is suitable for affordable housing. PLANNING COMMISSION GENERAL PLAN UPDATE MINUTES, 3/4/2004 Page 9 of 13