CCMIN012103 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. Rasmussen explained that the Spotornos no longer believe the original alternative is buildable and they want a further study of other alternatives. Mr. Smith agreed with prior speakers that the only alternative that is acceptable is the upper bypass road, Alternative gl. He accepted there should be studies to find the least expensive way to get around the hill, but the bottom line is that if the Spotornos ever want to develop their property, they must participate in the building of that road. He wanted to stay with the original plan and encourage Mr. Spotomo to build as soon as possible. He hoped Council and staffwonld keep an open mind. He got the impression that many have already made up their minds that Alternative gl is impossible to build. Chris Schlies, 699 Peters Avenue, Suite B, said he was attorney for one of the plaintiffs against the City. The lawsuit exists beeanse the Specific Plan required the City to build Alternative gl. The EIR found the Waffle from the golf course and new housing was a significant impact and Alternative gl was an excellent way of mitigating that. The basis of the lawsuit is that now there appears to be no eommitrnent to build the bypass road, then the EIR is no longer valid and the development that relied on it should not be allowed to proceed. He believed Council is coming to grips with the problem and there is good will to address it. It surprises him that there is discussion that it is absolutely infeasible to build Alternative gl. He referred to the building of the transcontinental railroad and said 135 years ago it was constructed through the Sierra without tracks, graders or other heavy equipment. He asked why the City of Pleasanton could not conquer Spotomo hill now. There are ways of fixing landslide areas. It may be expensive, but it is what the City promised to Happy Valley. He believed the environmental issues for Alternative gl should have been studied in conjunction with the Summerhill proposal and before breaking ground for the golf course. He did not believe it was worthwhile to study any other alternative. Vince Barletta, 6290 Laura Lane, President of the Alisal Improvement Club, said he had asked the Planning Commission to study the bypass road issue. There have been multiple studies done in 1994, 1995 and 1996. At that time, it was thought the upper road could be built and was the only route that was really viable. The Spotomos thought so too and proposed a development. That was denied by the Planning Commission and now it seems the road can't be built because of economic conditions, landslides, etc. If he owned that land, he would not want to see the mad bisecting his ranch with proposed 75 homes, especially if he could get a density transfer and build more on the flat land. It would be a windfall to get more development on the flats area and no upper bypass bisecting his ranch. For the majority of the Happy Valley area, Alternative gl makes the most sense. Alternative g4 is absurd because of the condemnations. Alternative #2 was declared infeasible in 1996. Alternative #7 would be great, but he did not think that would ever happen. He adamantly opposed #3 and felt it was an end-around that would satisfy no one. He believed the only study should be of how best to make Alternative gl work. Finally, he recommended that all infrastructure be built to all the residences while the roads are being disturbed. It is planned for Alisal and should be built on all the side roads as well. He felt it would be more cost effective in the long mn. Sooner or later the entire area will be annexed and he did not think the infrastructure should be done piecemeal. Pleasanton City Council 13 01/21/03 Minutes