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newspaper that supporters of the initiative were "selfish", "mean spirited" and "pig loving". He believed they wanted what was best for the entire community. Those who signed the petitions were overwhelmingly supportive. Many thought they had already voted on this and Council could not put more houses on the property. The people do not want more houses, no matter what they cost. That is the gateway to Pleasanton and it should be kept in beautiful open space and parks. Matt Sullivan, 7882 Flagstone Drive, indicated he is a Planning Commissioner and a member of the Energy Advisory Group. He felt the initiative was an important issue and the community should have the opportunity to debate the matters and decide at the polls. He was concerned this will become a campaign of personal attacks. We need a civil debate on the issues. It is okay to have differing views. He believed the City has done a good job of establishing a high level of affordability on the Bemal property and by doing so has raised the bar for future development in the community. The City also took significant steps toward green building and energy efficiency, otherwise known as sustainable development, for this property. At the same time, the City managed to preserve a significant piece of land for open space and public uses. This is a remarkable accomplishment. The proponents of the initiative are not evil doers, they simply want to preserve this remarkable achievement for future generations. For that reason, he supported the initiative. As a Planning Commissioner, he wanted to see the energy of the affordable housing advocates directed to the last place in Pleasanton where comprehensive planning is possible, the East Side. There are several properties, Kaiser, Keiwit, Staples Ranch, Busch and parts of Stanley Business Park, without plans or final approvals. At one time Council felt it was important to develop a comprehensive plan for this area, but that has been delayed. There are opportunities for affordability, not just subsidized housing, for "reasonable" housing (1,300-1,500 sq. ft.). With an ACE train line running through this property, there is also an opportunity for transit oriented mixed-use development. This area is being developed in a piecemeal fashion with rental spaces and McDonald's and opportunities are being squandered. He would be happy to work with anyone to plan the area in a socially and environmentally responsible way. He asked Council to put the initiative on the ballot with no competing or confusing measure. He felt that would be a disservice to those who worked on the initiative. He believed the Bemal Task Force plan should go through the Commission review process prior to anything going on the ballot from the Council. He asked Council to direct staff to conduct a series of workshops at the Housing, Parks and Recreation, and Planning Commissions to allow open discussion and input from the community on land use planning for the East Side and that a comprehensive use plan for the area be developed based on these workshops. Finally, he asked that advocates and activists of every kind, whether for housing, parks, open space, neighborhoods, the environment or schools, attend these workshops and make their case in a civil fashion. He felt grassroots democracy can work in Pleasanton and is a good thing only if we work together. Thad Binkley, 4132 Cristobal Way, indicated he also came with a prepared speech for Council to adopt the initiative, but was now confused. He wanted the initiative adopted, but did not want it later overruled. The Bernal property started with 374 homes, now it has 581 with the possibility of more. He was an open space advocate and believed there were other places to put the housing, affordable or otherwise. He urged Council to proceed in any way that will not confuse the public and will not add more housing to the Bemal property. Pleasanton City Council 10 05/21/02 Minutes