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308 <br /> <br /> Mr. John Innes, member of the Board of Directors of Friends of <br /> the Vineyard, stated that Save the Vineyards, now Friends of the <br /> Vineyards, was put together to save Ruby Hill from the Southern <br /> Pacific Development project which the members found unacceptable <br /> because it would divide the area into small independent parcels. <br /> He added that it was the consensus of wine experts that if properly <br /> planned, small 20-acre vineyards could be developed into <br /> economically feasible boutique wineries, which meets the objectives <br /> of the South Livermore Valley Plan. <br /> <br /> Ms. Mohr stated that a reference was made that there are only <br /> 7,000 acres planted in grapes at this time. She inquired what the <br /> South Livermore Valley Study indicated as the acreage necessary to <br /> develop a successful Napa concept. <br /> <br /> Mr. Innes replied that the Study came up with between 5,800 to <br /> 6,600 acres of viticulture land, including the 1,800 acres that are <br /> currently under cultivation in the entire Valley. <br /> <br /> Ms. Karen Wilson, 8078 Palomino Drive, presented a letter she <br /> sent to the Alameda County Planning Commission indicating that <br /> houses should not be built on the most fertile soil, which should <br /> be preserved for viticulture. <br /> <br /> There being no further testimony, Mr. Mercer declared the <br /> public hearing closed. <br /> <br /> Ms. Scribner stated that Ruby Hill is a very complex issue and <br /> that she is not willing to risk having this project built in the <br /> County and then have Pleasanton service the needs of those County <br /> residents without having had any input into the development of the <br /> project. She indicated that what is important is to protect <br /> Pleasanton's interests and that annexing the property will <br /> eliminate many of the impacts created by the building of this <br /> project in the County. She pointed out that some issues still need <br /> to be clarified, such as Growth Management allocation and the role <br /> of the Design Review Board and Planning Commission in the process. <br /> She proposed that Staff work out a more detailed Agreement with <br /> Signature Properties for Council consideration at a later date. <br /> <br /> Mr. Tarver stated that he would like to take a more positive <br /> attitude and protect Pleasanton's interests. He pointed out that <br /> the information contained in the EIR states that the environmental <br /> work was inadequate and failed to address the environmental impacts <br /> to wildlife, transportation, open space and mitigation measures. <br /> The City's comments on the EIR indicates that the vineyard area <br /> should be planned as a whole, that the fiscal analysis is <br /> incomplete, that traffic and school issues have not been addressed <br /> <br /> - 12 - <br /> 7-16-91 <br /> <br /> <br />