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approvals that would tie all new commercial development in the north Pleasanton area to the interchange question. If the City wants to impose this condition on the Stoneridge project, in fairness, it should apply to every north Pleasanton project. Stoneridge will be part of the study and is committed to any necessary traffic improvements. He asked that the City confirm its support of Stoneridge Mall with respect to the additional density and that it not be conditioned on an ultimate resolution of the West Las Positas interchange. Mr. Pico indicated Council does not want to eliminate what has already been approved, but in this case Taubman is asking for additional density above what has been approved. He believed the Council did support Taubman and the Stoneridge Mall as valued partners in the community along with the residents. We all want to make this a better place to live, work and do business, in that priority. Mr. Tarver felt this was a critical piece of a potential solution and did not want to lock in a decision for fifteen years at the brink of a process that is supposed to let the residents find solutions to their problems. There is no question that the City values the regional mall and its expansion would be good for the City' s financial position, but there are many residents who need solutions to their problems and the Taubman Company could help them do that. Mr. Tarvet believed that approving the application now would mean that Taubman would not participate in the search for solutions. He was very upset that people who are affected by this were not noticed. Ms. Dennis indicated she has heard comments to the effect that if the interchange does any good to improve traffic, how long will that last and will it be worth the impact. Traffic problems continue to get worse despite anything cities try to do to solve them. It seems that if the interchange is not built, those most impacted are the commercial areas near the mall and Hacienda Business Park, more than the neighborhood. She did not feel it was right to say to these residents that major contributors to the City's financial well-being cannot go forward because of concerns about their neighborhood. These commercial entities could be beneficial in finding other solutions to the traffic problems. Ms. Dennis felt most traffic is going to these areas, not to Muirwood. There is potential for development which cannot be used unless the traffic problems are solved. As in the situation with Hopyard Road off-ramp, it is important to protect the access to the commercial centers. Of all the solutions discussed, reducing the amount of commercial development has never been suggested. Suggestions included improving mass transit, preserving the Stoneridge off-ramp, and other intersection improvements. She did not have a problem with the Taubman and Wells Fargo proposals because she felt if the interchange is not built, it will impact them more than anyone. It was moved by Ms. Ayala, seconded by Ms. Dennis, to adopt Resolution No. 96-141, making a de minimis f'mding and approving a negative declaration for the Stoneridge Regional Shopping Center application. Ms. Michelotti asked how this decision will impact other development applications. 15 12/03/96