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Mr. Roush said in terms of the environmental impact report (EIR), the report that was originally done reviewed the proposed bypass road and also reviewed an alternative that did not include the bypass road and did the analysis of the golf course. Although it did not specifically include the 34 homes under consideration, it did review additional homes on the Spotorno property and analyzed those traffic impacts. The conclusion was that even without the bypass road, the traffic impacts would not rise to a level of significance. Mayor Pico asked if timing would make the EIR obsolete. Mr. Barletta asked if closing Happy Valley Road would invalidate the EIR? Mr. Roush said the potential closing of Happy Valley is not part of this project. It is simply a thought that has been discussed. In order to close the road, there would have to be an environmental analysis done by the County, but that is not part of this project or contemplated by the City of Pteasanton. The EIR did not address that closure because it was not part of the project. Ms. Dennis clarified that the Specific Plan is still the same as originally contemplated with the bypass road and the environmental studies have been done with and without the bypass road. However, the City is proposing to look at other alternatives, some of which may require new environmental studies, once the determination is made to abandon the bypass road in the current Specific Plan. That decision has not been made to date. Council has indicated there are enough difficulties with the original proposal that alternatives need to be considered. Ms. McKeehan pointed out that when bonds are sold, one cannot indicate that you may spend money on something someday. A specific project has to be identified. At the point in time when we know there is a bypass alternative that can be constructed, then staff will determine how to finance it. Mr. Bafletta felt that was even more reason to proceed with the study now so that information is available before the bonds for the golf course are sold. Cindy McGovem, 9206 Longview Drive, referred to the time line on this project, which showed it started in 1985 with the golf course "demand" committee. That shows if you spend 17 years and are tenacious, you may accomplish your goals. It appears Council is about to approve a project that the community has had a lot of input on for 17 years and is looking forward to having built. She supported the golf course and open space project. She said she did not golf but did use open space. She also supported a bypass road and hoped Council would continue to work towards that. Approval of this project would maintain open space in Happy Valley while reducing the ability of Alameda County to approve a large residential development in that area. The overall benefits to the community are numerous. Pleasanton will acquire 510 acres for a first class golf course, open space, wild life habitat, park land and walking trails. It will be financed through bonds and land dedication. Pleasanton has many amenities to encourage visitors to make it a tourist destination and this will be one more. It will ultimately add to the City's economic vitality. As we approach build out, the opportunities for a project of this size dwindles. The project will set the southern boundaries of the City. For $35 million, the City can Pleasanton City Council 13 09/17/02 Minutes