PC 051904 - Laserfiche WebLink

of low- and very-low-income housing in Pleasanton. She stated that these two sites were good locations for seniors, the disabled, and returning young adults as they aze close to schools, parks, and transportation, and urged the Planning Commission to support these projects. James Tong, Charter Properties, 4690 Chabot Drive, Suite 100, stated that the current proposal for the Vintage Hills Shopping Center consisted of 188 senior housing units and 8,500 square feet of retail space. He noted that 10 percent of the 188 units are designated for rents based on affordability for households at 50 percent of the average median income, and the remaining 90 percent are based on 60 percent of the average median income. He encouraged the Planning Commission to move the project forward and recommend its approval to the City Council. Chairperson Roberts asked Mr. Tong how the project would be financed, considering its affordability, and if there were another project whose affordable units would be put on this property in terms of affordable credit transfers. Mr. Tong replied that he was applying for bond financing. He added that there was currently no other project that was dependent on this project for affordable units. He indicated, however, that he might ask for some credits for a future project, referring to the 98-unit Oak Grove project on Kottinger Hills. Commissioner Arkin asked Mr. Tong if it were possible to include some market-rate housing in his proposal for retiring seniors. Mr. Tong replied that it would not be feasible to mix for-sale with for-rent units because it would present difficulties for allocating homeowner association dues as well as for maintenance and other issues. Commissioner Arkin then asked staff if there were any technical reasons why market-rate units cannot be included in the project. Mr. Swift replied that lenders do not take kindly to mixed-use projects, particularly if they are for low-income housing. He added, however, that the project could have separate buildings for rental and for-sale units and that the Commission could so designate it as part of the General Plan or PUD application. Commissioner Sullivan asked staff how far along the project is and what kind of preliminazy conditions have been attached to it. Mr. Swift replied that no actual application has been filed but that staff has seen versions of the senior project. He added that a traffic analysis is being done for the project and that the project would be referred to the Planning Commission before it goes to the Housing Commission Commissioner Arkin asked if it were possible to have a neighborhood meeting prior to completing the traffic analysis. Mr. Swift replied that staff intends to have a Planning Commission workshop on the project once an application is filed and before all CEQA documents aze developed. Commissioner Roberts inquired if the property needs to be rezoned specifically for senior or affordable housing. Mr. Swift replied that the Commission could designate it as senior housing in the General Plan. PLANNING COMMISSION GENERAL PLAN UPDATE MINUTES, 5/19/2004 Page 4 of 8