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DRAFT <br />Ms. Harryman clarified that this would not be setting a precedent if it is applied only to <br />the Staples Ranch project rather than to something general. She noted that this is <br />considered on a case-by-case basis, such as the assisted living facility on the corner of <br />Sunol Boulevard and Case Avenue which the City Council did not count as housing units <br />under the cap. She noted that she did not know the rational behind the Council's decision <br />or the housing types but that while there is parking, there are no garages. <br />Ms. Stern noted that most of the units have kitchens, and the rational was that the rent not <br />only includes a place to live but other types of services such as congregate services, <br />congregate meals even if they have their own place to cook, taxi services, personal <br />health, and other services as well. <br />Commissioner Blank stated that the larger issue is what the Commission should do to <br />encourage affordable housing and TOD as the City approaches the housing cap. He <br />indicated that he would to trade the 240 units for affordable housing and TOD even if it <br />meant going 240 units over the housing cap. <br />Ms. Stern stated that staff has received sufficient direction at this point to provide some <br />input to the City Council regarding what the Commission feels about the issue of <br />applying some units toward affordable housing and TOD. <br />Commissioner Pearce stated that she was interested in making Hacienda Business Park <br />viable in whatever way possible as this is important for sustainability and the health of <br />the City. <br />Commissioner Blank concurred and stated that if the units are not given to Hacienda, <br />they should be affordable housing units. <br />Commissioner Narum agreed but noted that she would not want to exempt these units <br />from the housing cap if they turn around and build big houses. She added that she would <br />like a balance and recognition that some units will affect infrastructure and should not be <br />exempt from the cap. <br />Commissioner O'Connor stated that it would be difficult to recommend how many units <br />should be taken away from the project and moved to TOD if there is no plan on what the <br />project is. Ms. Stern clarified that the Commission is trying to get a general sense right <br />now rather than calculating a number. <br />Chairperson Fox stated that she would like to see more data on what kind of <br />infrastructure services each of the dwelling types uses before she can form an opinion <br />about this matter. She indicated, however, that she is supportive of TOD in general but <br />not of exempting all TOD from the housing cap. <br />Commissioner Blank congratulated staff on a great job. <br />DRAFT EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES July 1 1, 2007Page 23 of 24 <br />