CCMIN071090 - Laserfiche WebLink

323 suggested that Pleasanton work with Hayward, Castro Valley and the Alameda County to accomplish jointly the preservation of the Ridgelands. Mr. Mercer stated that he had received word from the Mayor of Hayward indicating that the newspaper reports on Hayward's deannexation position were inaccurate. He pointed out that if the Initiative passes, the landowners would not annex to Pleasanton. In addition, any decision regarding properties on the Ridgelands would need to go on the ballot. He indicated that the City needs to protect the Ridge and control what happens on it. The citizens should be able to determine what happens on the Ridgelands, and the SPRC Initiative does not allow the citizens any participation in that process. Mr. Mercer declared the public hearing open on the application. Mr. Oliver Swinnings, owner of property off of Palomares Road, adjacent to the park but not within the property to be annexed, requested that the City rather than the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) oversee and control the park area that will be annexed to the planning zone. Ms. Marty Greist, 5470 Foothill Road, member of the West Pleasanton Home and Property Owners Association, representing Elaine Tolari, President of the Association, stated that although many residents in the area are technically under Hayward's jurisdiction, they do not receive any services from Hayward. She added that the area is legitimately part of Pleasanton and should be controlled by Pleasanton. She pointed out that the property owners have rights which would be best protected by participation in the planning process of the area. She recommended that Council proceed with the annexation process only if citizens will be allowed to participate in planning for the area. Mr. Bob Thompson, 4453 Clovewood Lane, stated that the Initiative came about because many Pleasanton residents did not agree with Council representation concerning development policies. He mentioned that productive farmland and ranch lands were being converted into industrial and residential development and that it was time to change that direction. Mr. Ben Fernandez, 4330 Fairlands Drive, indicated that he had the opportunity to serve in four General Plan Committees and that these committees are a good way to plan the community and bring the community together. He commented that people will be reluctant to serve on the committee if the result of their work will have to be voted on. 7-10-90 - 7 -