PC 07/24/1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

Dave Benzl, 404 Pine Hill Lane, Pleasanton, read the definition of "socialism" to be "democratic control of private property and businesses" and requested that the definition should be put on the initiative so the citizens will be aware of the exact nature of the initiative. He felt in that way voters could make up their own mind if this was a facet of socialism. Becky Dennis, 838 Gray Fox Circle, urged that the Commission fully study the report before it is put on the ballot. She felt that if 2,640 units were developed on 850 acres that the park would be like a "tot lot". She felt the plan as presented would rob the citizens of a natural resource. She urged that the Commission get a thorough analysis of the report and that the public is given the opportunity to evaluate this analysis. Ms. Dennis said she felt that the ballot language as it stands is a "sales" push. If it does go to the November ballot, she would like the following changes made to the ballot language: 1) Allow for up to 2,640 housing units in the Ridgelands; 2) Use a density transfer program to concentrate development on 12 % of the land; 3) Leave 88 % of the land which is developed as open space. ~ Jeff Cooper, 7534 Flagstone Drive, Pleasanton, wished to point out that the committee was not a complete representative body of the citizens of Pleasanton. He noted that while on the committee they were not allowed to discuss the impact of the proposal on existing Pleasanton neighborhoods. He felt that as proposed the plan devalues his Foothill Road neighborhood. As stated in the staff report, he thought it was clear that the taxpayers will end up subsidizing the development. He felt it was the job of the Planning Commission to make this clear on the ballot. Emily Wagner, 520 Rowell Lane, Pleasanton, stated she served as Chairman of the Ridgelands Committee and supported the Committee report. As Chairman, she was not allowed to vote, but was only allowed to help the group reach a consensus. She supported the Committee plan as presented and felt it reached her goal to preserve the Main and Sunol Ridges and also preserve open space. She stated she would support the idea of additional studies being done if the surrounding cities paid for it. In regard to road access to the Ridge, she said she never envisioned a road cutting up the face of the Ridge. Ms. Wagner stated she agreed with Ms. Dennis that the ballot language as presented did not clearly represent what the Committee proposed. She felt, for instance, that all the recommendations of the Quasi-Public Committee for uses be included, as well as others. Ms. Wagner felt the staff report gave more credibility to the minority committees than some other people indicated. In response to Commissioner Hovingh's question, Ms. Wagner said she certainly felt this proposed plan should be self-supporting. Martin Interbitzen, a long-time resident of Pleasanton and attorney representing many of the land owners, suggested that a smaller committee could work with City staff and come up with clarified Minutes Planning Commission July 24, 1991 Page 9 .. .