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ATTACHMENT 3 Community Character Element of the General Plan Review and provide comment on a Draft Community Character Element of the General Plan. Ms. Stem summarized the staff report and described the highlights of this optional element, including the added paragraph in the Overview section on sustainability and how it related to community character; added information about community character challenges such as keeping open space and community separation as Pleasanton develops in the future; and updating information on streetscapes, patterns and architectural style. Information was also added on historic resources, residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and agriculture. The Public Improvements and Maintenance section was added, including information on the arroyos and canals, which added to the City's identity; maintenance information was also included. References were added to the Downtown Specific Plan, the Design Guidelines, and Downtown events. The design of residential and high-density neighborhoods would be improved, and there would be the removal of power lines, particularly in residential areas; tree replacement and maintenance; and public maintenance of streets and sidewalks. Home and yard improvements would also be encouraged and recognized through cleanup or competitive programs. Commissioner Fox noted that on page X.t. regarding "land transitioning from dry land agriculture to urban uses on the Staples Ranch property," she would like the word "urban" to be deleted, which she believed gave the image of a huge city with a lot of commercial development. She suggested the phrase "mixed use" instead. Commissioner Fox noted that the document referred to the southern edge of the city as Happy Valley and noted that Happy Valley was not officially in Pleasanton because it had never been annexed. Ms. Stem replied that the General Plan generally looked at the entire planning area boundary, which extended farther than the City limits. Commissioner Pearce noted that she liked the new emphasis on walkability on pages 3 and 4. Chairperson Arkin agreed with her comment. Commissioner Blank noted that with respect to the Alameda County Fairgrounds on page 5, some language should be added to recognize the Annual Fair and to encourage agricultural gatherings. Commissioner Fox noted that with respect to Historic Resources on pages 6 and 7, the language should be modified to read as follows: "The Downtown and surrounding residential neighborhoods contains most of Pleasant on's recognized historic resources." Commissioner Blank noted that on page 8, the sports park was mentioned, but the community activities goals on page 9 did not discuss sports as a community activity. He would like to work that aspect into the community activities section. Commissioner Fox noted that on page to, the discussion of activities such as farmer's market should include the children's fair as well. EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, September 27,2006 Page 1 of2