PC 12/11/85 - Laserfiche WebLink

Minutes Planning Commissic 12/11/85 taken by the East Bay Regional Park District. Ms. Oliverius asked that if the Planning Commission is having trouble with park access, perhaps a joint work session should be held to discuss the matter. However, the Park and Recreation Commission has no desire to hold up development approval of the Walter Johnson Foundation property. Commissioners Lindsey and Innes then addressed the proposed staging areas, controlled use of the park and other details. Further Ms. Oliverius indicated she felt a typical day would have a maximum of 25-30 cars at the staging area except when a school bus came to the site. Richard Combs, indicated he would leave development approval to the Commission and Council and addressed the park. He would like to see an access which didn't impact surrounding neighbors and suggested an easement perhaps on the north end of the property with the staging much lower. Commissioner Lindsey then discussed with Mr. Combs the time it takes to hike to the ridge. Howard Long, Longview Drive, urged approval. of a public access road to the park with a controlled gate or other controlled devices to ensure use of the park by Pleasanton residents. He has had no problem with hikers using access from his property but does not want to have vehicular traffic in the area with open use to everyone. Dr. Long was in favor of the proposed development and encouraged the Commission to recommend approval of 228 units. Commissioner Michelotti asked if the access provided by Dr. Long would still exist once access has been provided through another source such as this development. Dr. Long indicated he would not change a thing. There is no room to park in the area however. Susan Scott, 1590 Foothill Road, spoke in favor of the development. She feel the original plan should be approved with the alternative plan being acceptable. Concerning traffic, she felt the problem was not volume by rather the "S" curve in Foothill Road at this particular location. Regarding fencing she felt property owners along Foothill Road have a right to fencing. She did not want to see fences and hedges put in the same category. She felt property owners should have the right to landscape their own lots. She felt the staging area of the park should be as close to the park as possible. She did not favor a scenic corridor. The public hearing was closed. Dolores Bengtson, Director of Parks and Community Services, addressed the Planning Commission. She commended Mr. Fairfield for his work to provide park access. She was in favor of the access on the original plan indicating it is a beautiful area worth visiting in itself. She reviewed access to the park as it now exists and the fact that Longview Drive doesn't even have sidewalks to be used. Parking must be done along various residential areas. Commissioner Lindsey then discussed the staging area and park access with Ms. Bengtson. Ms. Bengtson - 5 -