PC 02/27/1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

COMMXSSXOR'S COMMENTS: Chairman Mahern asked Mr. Swift to address Ms. Dennis' concerns about any inconsistencies in the Negative Declaration. Mr. Swift stated that CEQA does not require that Council be the ultimate authority. What CEQA does require is that the decision makers, which in this case are the city Council, Planning Commission, and the Design Review Board, be apprised of any potential environmental impacts of the project before they make their decision. He continued that staff feels that all potential impacts have been disclosed; what the mitigations are; and that nothing is hidden from the decision makers or public scrutiny. He concluded that staff can wholeheartedly recommend approval of the Negative Declaration as being conclusive without an additional EIR. He stated that the conditions of approval absolutely dictate how the project is to be safeguarded. Commissioner Hovingh stated he likes and supports the project. However, he had several conditions which he would like to be considered. (1) with respect to water, that the construction of residential units not commence until the Planning Director is certain there is no constraint on water usage; (2) He was concerned that traffic would be dumped on Foothill Road from the project. He proposed that C Court be extended to the Presley project intersecting with the western extension of Stoneridge as shown on page 13 of the development plan. (3) If the ridgelands are developed so that roads are coming down from the hills, that this traffic be directed into Stoneridge instead of Muirwood Drive. He concluded that he does think the proposed project concept is exciting. Commissioner Michelotti stated she is pleased with the concept of the project and is looking at the townhouse concept as one that will be a pacesetter for Pleasanton. She was pleased with the width of the streets and the sideyard setbacks. She was somewhat uncomfortable with putting a cap of 4,500 square foot on the first tier of lots of the project. Mr. Swift responded that anything larger than 4,500 square feet would be too large for those lots. commissioner Michelotti continued to say that she felt stucco siding should be allowed if used in conjunction with another material. She concluded that she is satisfied that the commission has carefully looked at all aspects of the case and felt a Negative Declaration addresses all concerns. Chairman Mahern said she agrees with Commissioner Michelotti, and is basically pleased with the project. She felt the project provides the community with different housing options and the opportunity to live along Foothill Road. She said at first she felt that an EIR should be done; however, now she is convinced that the Negative Declaration has addressed all the concerns. In MINUTES PLAHNING COMMISSION FEBRUARY 27, 1991 Page 9