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because them is not enough affordable housing. He agreed the Bemal property presents <br />unique opportunities, but felt if the 1998 Specific Plan were on the same ballot with <br />Measure I and both had reasonable housing densities, he would vote for Measure I <br />because Pleasanton would control what is developed there. However, he will vote no <br />now. If Measure I appeared later and did not contain adequate housing or revenue <br />producing content, he would consider it to similar to the CAPP Initiative. Finally, he <br />asked whether the bond measure and the Specific Plan could be combined and placed on <br />the November ballot with adequate housing and giving control to Pleasanton. In that <br />case, he would vote for a larger bond issue without hesitation. <br /> <br /> Jon Harvey, 3790 Smallwood, spoke in support of Measure I. He has lived in <br />Pleasanton for two years and has heard many stories of what could have or should have <br />been done on the Bernal property. The reality is that nothing has been done. He <br />appreciated the win/win solution that has been placed before the voters. He explained the <br />costs of the bond measure and compared it to the cost of a cup of coffee or a video rental <br />per week, depending on the value of the home. The public uses have not yet been <br />decided, but the development on the 72 acres would commence immediately, providing <br />jobs, needed road improvements and revenue for the City. People should vote for this <br />because it allows the City to plan for the future, allows control of a valuable resource, and <br />would make a great City even greater. If the property were developed by private <br />individuals, they would want what gives the most profit today with no regard for the <br />future. We don't know what the citizens will need in twenty or thirty years, and this <br />measure gives us the option to meet future needs when they arise. He asked that a <br />portion of the property be sold to a land trust, which would provide some money to retire <br />the bonds or build infrastructure. He said if people want more information, they can send <br />an email to ivoteves~,vahoo.com. He also related other sources of information. <br /> <br /> Mayor Tarver indicated there is a mitigation bank for environmental resources on <br />the list of proposed public uses and asked if that were the same as a land trust. <br /> <br />Mr. Roush said yes. <br /> <br /> David Bouchard, 777 Peters Avenue, representing the Pleasanton Chamber of <br />Commerce, thanked City staff for their efforts in providing information on Measure I. He <br />said the Chamber Board has not taken a position on the Measure but did have some <br />concerns. The development of the property would not go through the normal planning <br />methods and taxpayers would have to pay for infrastructure once the City owns the 430 <br />acres and pay for the development of the proposed public facilities. Millions of dollars of <br />tax revenue will be lost to the City. Taxpayers will be paying $128 million for the bonds <br />over the thirty years. A plan that would have cost the taxpayers nothing was ready for <br />approval by Council, which included open space and fewer homes than was originally <br />proposed for the property. He pointed out that increases in taxes on businesses would be <br />passed on to the customers, thus raising prices for everyone. Business will be expected to <br />pay one-third of the cost of the bond measure. Much of Pleasanton's work force, <br />including police, fire personnel, and teachers are unable to find housing in the <br />community. Measure I will increase thejobs/housing imbalance that causes traffic <br /> <br />Pleasanton City Council 9 02/15/00 <br />Minutes <br /> <br /> <br />