PC 01/23/1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

~ Chainman Mahern and Commissioner Michelotti asked Mr. Lofland for further clarification as to the water problems experienced by homeowners in the Ventena Hills area. Mr. Lofland explained that a number of homes there have been determined to have water underneath them: at least one had to completely relandscape their yard. Geologists have investigated the matter and it appears the water ;s dreining from the hill. Wayne Strickler, 851 Independence Court, said he has Lot 88 in Ventana Hills. He presented a copy of his remarks regarding the EJR to the Commission and the Recording Secretary. He stated he and his wife have many concerns regarding possible development and feels it is being pursued too quickly, without the proper time to review the project. He said the Draft ElR is over 350 pages and has only recently been available for public scrutiny. He noted his concerns to be an extreme water drainage problem for a number of homes and even under the streets: he felt additional grading would compound that problem. He said as 8 tax accountant it was not proper for the Williamson Act to be canceled as is proposed. In conclusion, he supported no development. Commissioner Horan asked Mr. Stickler to clarify his comments regarding tax benefits for use of the Williamson Act. George Britain, 1152 Hopkins Way, agreed with all the previous comments. He could not see why any development should be allowed and referred to the issue of the Pleasanton Ridge and said he felt this was a similar situation. He felt the EIR did not address the visual impact or the traffic impact that development would create. He expressed concern about increased traffic along the bus stop and along the park in that area. He stated that he is not advocating no growth, as he has only lived here for about two years; however, he would urge that great care and consideration be taken in any possible development. He felt the EIR had many llholes" in it and should be more carefully researched. Leonard Hicks, 833 Independence Court, presented his written comments to the Commission and Recording Secretary. He said his property backs the project and is one of the homes with severe drainage problems. He said he has reviewed the EIR and even though done in great detail, has some serious shortcomings. He felt the cancellation of the Williamson Act would create a great impact on the public and the nearby areas. He was opposed to the loss of any Heritage trees; he felt that water problems would be increased by more grading and potential lawsuits to the City might be possible in that regard should development be pursued. In conclusion he felt they are simply trying to move too fast with the proposed project. ~ Commissioner McGuirk asked Mr. Hicks to point out his particular location and whether drainage was a year- round problem. Mr. Hicks agreed that it is a year-round problem and is greatly concerned that it will definitely increase when the rains come. Commissioner McGuirk expressed concern that the EIR might not take into account the fact that there has been little rain in the last four years. Commissioner Michelotti asked Mr. Swift whether it has been ascertained if the drainage is coming from natural springs. Mr. Swift indicated he has no testimony to that effect, but apparently there are some springs that could come from the Bonde, Lund, or Foley sites. Extensive studies would have to be done to conclude that is where the water comes from. Gay Hamerton, 683 Windmill Lane, stated she has had over $100,000 damage done to her property and landscape because of the water problem. She said they have had to use a sump pump to keep the water drained. She said she has seen two engineering reports that show the water comes from the Bonde Ranch. She is greatly concerned that further damage will increase if development along with grading takes place. Commissioner McGuirk asked Ms. Hamerton if the engineers are pointing to the Bonde Ranch as the source of water. Ms. Hamerton agreed this was true. Her house is not the only one affected and noted that the person across the street has also had an engineers report done. Commissioner Hovingh questioned Ms. Hamerton as to her feelings about development if drainage ditch mitigations would solve the water problem. She was concerned that the existing drainage ditch might create extra problems for her residence when the rains come. Mr. Higdon noted that the City is aware there is surface water under Mirador Court, even with no rain. He said it is obviously coming from the hills, and affects many areas of Pleasanton. Commissioner Hovingh questioned whether the problem can be mitigated as he thought Pleasanton had once been a lake area. Commissioner Horan assured the audience that the Commission would keep well aware of the water problem. He said that he also lives in the Ventans Hills area and is very familiar with the water issue. MINUTES PLAIIMIIG CllIIlISSIDII JAIIlARY 23. 1991 PAGE 6 ..