24 ATTACHMENT 3 - Laserfiche WebLink

ATTACHMENT 3 General Plan Draft Subregional Planning Element Review and Consideration of the Draft Subregional Planning Element of the General Plan. Ms. Stern presented the staff report and described the proposed changes in the background text of the Draft Subregional Planning Element of the General Plan. The Subregional Element is an optional element whose purpose is to facilitate Pleasanton's involvement with planning in the Tri-Valley. It was first prepared in 1996 as part of "Subregional Planning Strategy," grant-funded by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) as a separate document in a joint effort by seven Tri-Valley jurisdictions: Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore, Danville, San Ramon, and Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. It was thought that all Tri-Valley jurisdictions would adopt the strategy as part of their general plans. Dublin and San Ramon adopted parts of it, while only Pleasanton adopted the whole strategy in 1996. Figure 14-2 shows the planning area boundary of the Tri-Valley that includes parts of the two counties located in the Tri-Valley. Several topics are discussed including housing in a subregional context, economic development, all infrastructure, open space and natural resources, and the planning context. Transportation is also covered in this element, but because the City Council and Planning Commission are still discussing transportation and traffic issues, staff has not included this section. This section will be completed and reviewed after those circulation issues have been decided. Changes made to the Draft Element include updating the Planning Context. Additionally, Pleasanton continues to consider issues in the Subregional Plan; staff, however, has taken amore pragmatic approach in policies and background material, looking out more for Pleasanton's interest. Staff updated information related to ABAG and regional planning, in particular some ABAG initiatives such as Focusing Our Vision. Staff updated numbers related to subregional description and housing as well as added descriptions of new subregional housing initiatives. As mentioned above, the transportation section will be updated after the Circulation Element is prepared. Staff updated the sections on water, wastewater, hydrology, and solid waste while extracting much from the elements that Commission has already reviewed. Staff also updated the sections on open space, recreation, and trails and, for example, included information about the Altamont Landfill settlement funds. The Tri-Valley is using funds from that to acquire open space either through titles or easements. This is done through a subregional committee with ratification by individual cities. Regarding agriculture, revisions add information on the Tri-Valley Conservancy, Alameda County Resource Conservation District, and the Tri-Valley Business Council's Working Landscape Plan. Regarding economic development, revisions updated information regarding economic growth, including the Tri-Valley Business Council's Preserving Prosperity study. Staff EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, March 14, 2007 Page 1 of 8