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for approval. <br />Commission Sullivan expressed concurrence with the condition for the one-acre donation, with <br />the caveat that this is not in exchange for something that will happen in the future. He noted his <br />support with staff s condition to eliminate some of the flat pad grading and utilizing a natural <br />looking slope. He noted he desired when orchard trees died that they be replaced with a big trees <br />such as a 24-inch box trees. Commissioner Sullivan noted that even though this is a small <br />project, there is a cumulative impact on traffic. He noted he does not support the Park District <br />access on West Los Positas and noted he would support the access being through the new street <br />into the neighborhood or the private road. Further, that the hills facing Foothill Road should not <br />be impacted by development due to that being the only space remaining on Foothill Road. He <br />noted that the project is supposed to retain and preserve the ridgeline park; however, in the <br />process, part of it is being destroyed to gain access to park. <br />Discussion ensued relating to alternate ways for accessing the park. <br />Commissioner Sullivan commented on the West Foothill Road Design issue and stated he <br />desired the changes that the Commission previously discussed and recommended as part of this <br />plan, and he inquired as to when the new guidelines would be in effect. He commented on the <br />Environmental Assessment and noted that Moller Ranch has been used as a precedent as to <br />whether a Negative Declaration is needed and he expressed concern with this precedent being <br />utilized based on the visual impacts of Moller Ranch. Commissioner Sullivan expressed <br />opposition with building any additional homes on the west side of Foothill Road and he spoke in <br />favor of a General Plan amendment for no additional building on Foothill Road based on visual <br />impacts, aesthetic impacts, wildlife impacts, and existing problems with traffic and school <br />impacts. He noted that if there is additional development, that wildlife will be affected, such as <br />the whipsnake. Further, that there are cumulative effects on the wildlife. In conclusion, he noted <br />he would be in support of a General Plan Amendment which would prohibit additional building <br />on the west side of Foothill Boulevard, including this project. <br />Chairperson Roberts noted that the buildings are clustered and designated where there is the least <br />environmental sensitivity. She noted that the offer from the Park District to help with the roads is <br />a good idea for this property and that alternate road designs can be examined. She noted that the <br />strip of land the Park District is utilizing and this property is not in a wilderness area. She <br />commented on the fact that this property is across from Foothill High School. She expressed <br />support with staff s recommendation for the trees, and noted that trees will be overcrowded if all <br />of the trees survive. She expressed support with the landscape strip to Foothill High School and <br />the whip snake barrier. She noted that it is impossible to do the wildlife studies in a specific <br />timeline due to wildlife not always being present. She expressed support with four single-story <br />houses and she stated would like to see the design review of homes brought back before the <br />Commission. She spoke in support of these homes not being huge, such as 5,000 square feet <br />homes. She noted she would be in favor of Ms. Sorensen being satisfied with where the cattle <br />gate crossing is located. Further, she would be in favor of including the wording for the open <br />offer of dedication and the credit for a future amenity. She noted she would be in support of <br />more sensitive grading for this project, the changes as indicated in Conditions 88, 89 and 139, <br />and utilization of open fencing. She stated that very limited private fencing can be examined at <br />EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES, September 8, 1999 Page 5 of 6 <br />