PC 11/09/1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

designations for the land and summarized a number of statutes the School District and the City must adhere to when disposing of surplus school land. Staff advised that a park designation means the City would have to acquire the land in the short term. The other open space designations are not applicable to this land because it is school land. Staff does not believe this land should be designated public institutional use. A medium density residential designation does fit the surrounding residential areas. Staff recommends this property be rewned to a PUD designation. In response to Chairman Wright, Mr. Swift noted that the School District is the official body to determine if school site designated property is surplus property. Chairman Wright inquired of staff what the procedure would be if the Planning Commission, after review, decides the property should still be designated as a school site. Mr. Swift advised that it is already designated on the General Plan as a school site, both public or private. If the designation is never changed, it would continue to be used for a public or private school. If the School Board chooses not to build a school, the land may sit unused for years. If the School Board tries to sell the land, a potential buyer of the land would have to seek a modification to the General Plan to build something other than a school. The staff report notes a school use would have the most impact on the neighborhood due to increased traffic. Chairman Wright commented that he would like to extend this project so that the variation in demographic figures could be addressed by the School District and the neighbors. Mr. Swift advised that the General Plan Update Steering Committee took testimony for several days, and they voted unanimously that the General Plan designation stay as a school designation, as well as request the City work with the School District regarding how a school could be built on this property. In response to Commissioner Barker, Mr. Swift noted that the School District used a small citizens committee to develop their Master Plan, as well as publish agendas and noticing, although not as intensely as does the Planning Department. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Peter McDonald, 400 Main Street, representing the Pleasanton Unified School District, complimented the staff for its high quality staff report. He advised State law mandates surplus school sites be designated to surrounding compatible uses. He advised the School Board would like a list of prioritized uses the City envisions for this site. Mr. McDonald advised the City should not designate it as an open space or park unless they are willing and able to purchase the land. Seeking a fair market value for the land, the School District is not advocating the use of low income housing. Planning Commission Minutes Page 10 November 9, 1994