PC 08/09/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Barbara Allen, 3166 Half Dome Drive, President of the Chamber of Commerce, responded to the final draft of the General Plan Update. The Chamber is in concurrence with a majority of the items, however, they have concern on some issues. Comments included 1) the lack of dialogue between the subcommittees and the Steering Committee, 2) the draft recommendations are very complex and confusing, 3) fiscal analysis did not materialize from the subcommittees, 4) differences between subcommittee and Steering Committee recommendations, and 5) the development of citizen ad hoc review committees. Shelby Martin, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, advised Commissioner Hovingh that the Chamber would like a combination of both public and private funding for mass transit in the Valley. Ms. Martin presented the Chamber's position paper regarding the General Plan Update. Of the 220 recommendations of change proposed to the General Plan, the Chamber took 38 positions, 13 of those they support in their entirety or a portion thereof. Major issues they are concerned about are: . the change in definition of gross development acres . the change in definition of Medium and High Residential Density land use . the elimination of the West Las Positas interchange . regional mass transportation projects and/or roadway improvements with specific restrictions . the housing cap of 27,000 units . the elimination of affordable housing unit programs through reduction in allowable densities . the development of a major minority in the General Plan Amendment Process . sewer issues Peter MacDonald, 400 Main Street, Suite 210, addressed the issue of the gross developable acreage definition. The Steering Committee is proposing to change the definition by instituting a series of land deductions. Mr. MacDonald feels this is a very subjective situation. Regarding the requirement of needing a 4/5ths vote of the City Council to increase housing, the Chamber feels the City will not provide its fair share of housing for the region. Regarding the population cap, Mr. MacDonald advised there is an inconsistency in the build- out numbers between the award-winning 1986 General Plan and the proposed Update. The Chamber supports the Steering Committee's position on water reclamation. However, the Chamber does not agree with the City's support of the LA VMA-EBDA agreement which provides for an informed limitation of all the Valley's sewer plants. Mr. Swift advised that staff and the Commission are looking for comments directed toward items to be reviewed in the EIR. Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 August 9, 1995 .