PC 02/13/1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

--- commissioner Hovingh noted that the upcoming Shapell project indicates that ground water could be problem. He asked whether tests have been made to determine if ground water exists on the Moller project. Mr. Berlogger said they have done tests and some fairly shallow water has been discovered underneath. Measures would have to be taken to mitigate any possible problems with ground water. Commissioner Hovingh further discussed with Mr. Berlogger the reasons for avoiding Serpentine rock. Commissioner Wright asked why they incorporated townhomes on Foothill Road. He thought previous discussions indicated townhomes are not suitable for this rustic area. Mr. MacDonald said the townhomes are what make the project economically feasible and feels they can be attractively worked into the area. Gary Schwaegerle, 189 W. Angela, corrected the minutes of January 27. He said trees could be transplanted in the Foothill Road area, not seeds. In addition, he asked Mr. MacDonald whether a pond was still on the property. Mr. MacDonald said the pond is till there, but it contains no water. Mr. Schwaegerle suggested that the pond be developed as a natural amenity for public use. David Glenn, 5650 Foothill Road, referred to the EIR and said he noticed no provision to accommodate a major road past the Moller property to the ridgelands. Mr. Swift said this plan does not address that issue; however, he indicated the Ridgeland Committee is looking into the matter at this time and that a road could possibly be incorporated at some point. Staff has some major problems with a potential access road at the present time. Mr. Glenn again referred to the EIR and the definition of "open space." He felt the Moller staff report defines "open space" more clearly and asked that the EIR reflect this. He thought the words "dedicated" and "consecrated" should be added. He also wondered whether in the future homeowners would be able to decide to convert open space to recreational purposes, such as tennis courts, etc. Mr. Swift said this is proposed open space and there are no active recreational uses in it. However, it is possible the homeowners association could petition Council to modify the plan. He reiterated that any proposal of this nature would have to be approved by Council. Fred Hempy, 5000 Foothill Road, said he owns property near the proposed project. He stated he is pleasantly surprised about the small number of houses proposed for the site. He said Pleasanton owes the MoIlers a lot for preserving open space, and noted that 28 years ago Henry Moller had many opportunities to put in hundreds of homes on the property. He feels they are now doing a good job in keeping the homes as invisible as possible from MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 13, 1991 PAGE 10 n .