PC 07/24/1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

Review of Ridl!eland~ Committee ReDort To Review and comment on the Ridgelands Committee's Fmal Report and Recommendations for the 7,000 acre Ridgelands area located generally west of Foothill Road, south of 1-580, east of Palomares Road, and north of the Ridgelands Regional Park. Mr. Swift stated that Chandler Lee would present the report and that Michael Roush, City Attorney was also present to answer questions. Letters from Grant and Leigh Syphers and Richard Dobbs were given the Commission urging the Commission not to approve the report for the November ballot. Mr. Lee gave a brief background of how the Committee was formed and asked that the Commission raise any questions they may have in regard to the report. Commissioner Horan commented that a number of people are concerned about possible development around the Sinbad Canyon area, and asked Mr. Lee if he could clarify this matter. Mr. Lee replied that the Committee was not clear as to how this area should be handled. Commissioner Horan asked if the guidelines in regard to the 670 ft. elevation for the Foothill Road Corridor is applicable with regard to any development on the Ridgelands near 1-580. Mr. Lee responded that these Guidelines could possibly be applicable. The staff report states that "the existing policies that apply to everywhere else in the City of Pleasanton also will apply to the Ridgelands area unless they conflict with a particular policy recommended by the Committee. Commissioner McGuirk noted that in reading the documents as far as the different definitions of "open space" is concerned, what and for how long are they trying to protect these areas. Mr. Lee replied that this was another thing that the Committee was unclear about. Their intention was not to develop more than 80 % . The majority of the opinions had three different techniques of how to preserve the open space: (1) fee title; (2) conservation easements (could remain in private ownership to run cattle, etc.); and (3) public access easements (right-of-ways to be used for public trails, etc.). Commissioner Horan discussed density transfer with Mr. Lee and how much of the area is actually buildable. Mr. Lee estimated that about 850 acres is considered buildable land; the bottom line is an approximate yield of 2,600 units. The Committee was clear in that they did not want development to break the Ridgelands. Commissioner McGuirk asked Mr. Lee to further explain density transfer credits. Mr. Lee gave an example, noting density transfers can be variable. The Committee did not assign specific densities. Commissioner Horan expressed concern that development could possibly go beyond the 2,640 units as stated in the ballot language. Commissioner Hovingh noted that the language says, "not to exceed 2,640 units". ~ Minutes Planning Commission July 24, 1991 Page 6 I. .