CCMIN040296 - Laserfiche WebLink

Bob Cordtz, 242 West Angela, wanted to know what the lease arrangement was between the Fair Board and Alameda County; the amount of the lease money from the golf course and driving range; whether the Fair Board is a nonprofit organization; whether it is under the Brown Act; are there minutes of the meetings available; does Pleasanton provide police or fire services and is the City compensated for the service? He complained about the local press coverage and referred to an article in the San Francisco Chronicle regarding the corporate structure and the offer through the Fnmklin Fund for development of the area. He talked about the Jockey Company and the Operating Company' s relationship. Red Mann, 6139 Corm Aliamira, wanted to see the City stay the way it is. The obvious problems of a race track operation is noise, traffic, odor, and the people from outside the community. During the fair time, he was told people live in the creek area. He felt there would be more of this if the race track is allowed. He was aim concerned with people drinking and driving in this area because of the proximity of the middle school. He cited incidents. Mr. Mann believed there would be city-wide support of residents to oppose this proposition. He currently feels powerless that someone can change his community without his control. Maura Mitchell, 6159 Corm Santiago, asked for Council help in getting information on what is actually being proposed. She felt there was a huge credibility gap from the Fair Board and no cooperation. Her second request was to get assistance in being heard by the Board of Supervisors. She felt individuals would not be listened to and wanted to make it clear to the Fair Board, the Board of Supervisors and the owners of Bay Meadows that Pleasanton does not want this and they should back off now and go to another location. Steve Boyer, 5987 Via dcl Cielo, indicated he moved here because it was a nice and safe community. He is a veterinarian and works with thoroughbred race horses. He is in private practice and works at Golden Gate Fields and Bay Meadows. He felt there was a lot of misinformation. There are people who have lived in Pleasanton for generations who have been involved in racing. They are not criminals and are hard working taxpayers. There is a much larger percentage of people involved in racing like that than some people think. There is an element that is not desirable, but that occurs in any activity. He felt a new facility would be very good for the industry. He felt the facility would be different that what is presently located at Bay Meadows or Golden Gate. It would be much smaller. Racing has changed due to simulcast facilities, which reduces the number of people attending a live event. The flyer stated there arc 12,000 people attending live racing and he said presently there are only 3,000 a day during the week and 5,000 to 6,000 on weekends. The problem he sees is traffic. He wanted Council to know there are people who support this and those who don't support this say they don't want Pleasanton to change. It is changing already. He felt we could help the city not to change if we can preserve the Fairgrounds with fair-type activities, which racing has traditionally been in California. Ron Mickaels, Rose Avenue, felt the racing will create a demand for pawnshops on Main Street and other "trashing" of downtown. 04/02/96 -10-