PC 01/23/1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

~ Ernest Priestly, 866 Independence Court, also experiences 8 water problem. He stated that at this time he greatly enjoys the views of the Bonde hills. He put up a large computer-generated render;ng of what the Bonde hills would look l;ke with development in place. He felt that with development the homes would be so close that residents could reach to each other's homes. Blaise Lofland returned to the podium. He thought it was nice to see 8 computer picture but did not feel that it gave 8 really accurate view of what the ares would look like should development take place. Mike Glenn, 1164 Hopkins Way, called attention to a computerized picture in the EIR of 8 before.and-after scenario. He stated he wants to go on record 8S wanting no development to take place. He said that should development take place, grading would create extra surface water on his property. He also thought grading and extra water could cause 60 ft. eucalyptus trees to topple and create damage, with the poSSibility of some falling on his house. He felt the EIR does not address those issues. No matter whether development takes place or not, he would recommend the pruning of eucalyptus trees to minimize possible hazards. If development proceeds, he thought a homeowner's association should be fanned to direct pruning of the trees at certain intervals of the year. He thanked the Planning Commission for an opportunity to at least air his concerns. Amy Lofland, 1039 Nelson Court, also expressed concern that should grading occur the eucalyptus trees would be endangered. Mr. Swift assured her this is under investigation. Steve Clarkson, 4507 Mirador, summarized a letter from Rebecca Dennis, who is a member of the Preserve the Area Ridgelands committee and presented a copy to the Commission. He noted that some of the wonderful things about Pleasanton are the open space and the hills, such as Bonde. He stressed that he did not wish Pleasanton to end up looking like an equally-developed San Ramon. He felt two incompatible issues are present: the community has certain interests and the developer has opposing interests. He said the property should not even be discussed until it ;s no longer in the Williamson Act which will not be over unti l 1999. (Much applause.) Mike Faver, 833 Abbie Street, spoke as President of Pleasant Heights Home Association and the Pleasanton Regional Association. He noted they have been active as an association for about 20 years and also active in community activities. They have been active in discussions with Shapell Industries and have stated their opposition to the early cancellation of the Williamson Act. They are in the process of further research of the EIR and items which they feel are not properly addressed, and as to what is mitigated and what is not. Tonight their biggest concern is the optional site alternatives. They do not feel it is even the proper time for discussion of development to take place as the Williamson Act is still in place. In going through the EIR, they have discovered 51 impacts; of that 36 could cause adverse affects on the environment. They are concerned that not enough is being done in the way of site alternatives, such as a park or open space. Joe Fisher, 611 Windmill Lane, stated he felt the EIR is premature and inappropriate at this time, and was opposed to the early cancellation of the Williamson Act. He has been a resident of Pleasanton for about eight years and is active in the community and in the last General Plan review. He felt things are going much too fast as a project plan was not even available a year ago, and also felt betrayed by the Mayor and City officials regarding development of the Bonde property. He did not think the EIR has addressed any traffic issues should development take place. He requested that things slow down and let the residents of his area settle down before any further talk of development comes about. Len Zuris, 812 Independence Court, stated his house also had a water problem and he had to put in a French drain to mitigate the problem. He thought the EIR lacks information on pedestrian and school traffic counts. He noted that the entire school area has just been rezoned to Foothill High School which will cause an increase of traffic. He felt that issue needs to be addressed in a supplemental EIR report. Gary Schawaergle, 189 W. Angela, proposed a tradeoff of property for the San Franciso property and build a golf course on it. Margo Kelly, 5157 Independence Court, said she has been a Pleasanton resident for 10 years and has seen many changes in that time. She was concerned about the impact on the schools if the project takes place. Even now she and other residents are thinking of taking their children to schools outside of Pleasanton because they are already overcrowded. She wanted the Commission to be aware there is an emotional as well as physical side to the issue should development on the Bonde property take place and all this is taking its toll on her neighborhood. Commissioner Michelotti noted there is a school site facilities plan at the school district which is available for review should anyone care to pick one up. It shows exactly which schools are planned to accommodate future development. ~ MINUTES PLANNING aMlISSIOIl ~_y 23, 1991 PAGE 7