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the people who have lived and worked in Pleasanton for two to three years and those who have <br /> lived their entire life in Pleasanton. The top three applicants on Ray Street averaged a mere five <br /> years of Pleasanton residency. He felt this was wrong and therefore he approached the Housing <br /> Commission. He said most people live here and work somewhere else. He said there was much <br /> discussion that led to the proposal that is before the Council tonight. He believed the proposal is <br /> much better than the current system. It recognizes people who live in Pleasanton and extends the <br /> opportunity to those who work in the Tri-Valley to purchase a home in Pleasanton. Applicants <br /> are further distinguished based on their longevity of residence and employment. This did not <br /> happen under the old system. The system still maintains special bonus points based on single <br /> head of household and physically disabled residents. He felt it was only fair to recognize the <br /> long-term residents. He said the proposal passed 4 to 1, the only person voting against it stated <br /> "if someone can't afford to live in Pleasanton, then they should move." He said this is the wrong <br /> approach to take. He has watched several friends and neighbors leave this town because they <br /> cannot afford to live here. He said tonight the Council has a chance to make a difference. He <br /> said under the new proposal the top ten applicants are unchanged by staffs recommendation by a <br /> mere bonus point. He said if staff's recommendation is adopted, there will be no significant <br /> opportunity for long term residents to purchase their first home in Pleasanton. If the City is <br /> going to have an affordable housing project, it only seems fair that they include long-term <br /> residents. He felt the business fees should not color the debate and ignore the contributions that <br /> the people who have grown up in Pleasanton have made. He favored the Commission's proposal <br /> that was before the Council tonight. <br /> <br />..... There being no further speakers, the public heating was closed. <br /> <br /> Ms. Ayala asked staff to elaborate on the nexus between the affordable housing fees <br /> collected in Pleasanton. <br /> <br /> Mr. Bocian said the City assesses an in-lieu affordable housing fee on all new businesses. <br /> The money is then used to provide revenue to the lower income housing fund, which is then used <br /> to provide support for housing projects within the City. The concern staff has had is that there is <br /> an expectation on the part of businesses that their fees are going to be used to provide housing for <br /> their employees. The foundation for those fees is based on a nexus between jobs and housing. <br /> Staff feels the revenue should be used to ensure a balance between jobs and housing, rather than <br /> worrying about the housing jobs/balance that may be occurring in Livermore or other cities in the <br /> Tri-Valley area. <br /> Mayor Tarver asked the percentage of the lower income housing funds that come from <br /> commercial projects. <br /> <br /> Mr. Bocian said it is significant. <br /> <br /> Ms. Acosta said the fee is low, but the dollars are high. <br /> <br /> Pleasanton City Council 6 03/24/99 <br /> Minutes <br /> <br /> <br />