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<br />about transit-oriented development and how it affects traffic and transportation choices, <br />as well as the economics from both retail and office aspects. <br />Mr. Haskell referred to the NASA Ames Research Park in Mountain View as an <br />example of development that took strong measures to minimize traffic impacts on the <br />surrounding area. He noted transportation demand management methods. <br />Ms. Greenberg said there is a lot of data on transit-oriented development and the <br />way specific built environment factors contribute to people's travel choices. She noted <br />the significant experience of the consultant team and their knowledge of the subject <br />nationwide. She noted the unique factors of Hacienda Business Park such as its size, <br />its suburban location, etc. <br />Mr. Sullivan acknowledged there is a lot of data and experience that supports the <br />concept, but just not many office parks that have actually tried this, so it is unknown if it <br />will be successful. He acknowledged that the TOD philosophy works if there is the right <br />mix of elements. He then referred to the demographics and asked if they had <br />considered older people who are downsizing after the children grew up and moved out? <br />Ms. Greenberg said research has been done on the aging of the population and <br />the desires to no longer keep up the house and yards, but still want the community <br />benefits. <br />Mr. Sullivan noted the traffic challenges in Pleasanton and the region. Hacienda <br />already has entitlements to build 1.8 million square feet of office space and that will add <br />a lot of cars to the problem. Part of the issue is trying to get these cars out of the <br />business park and onto the freeway. He asked how the transit-oriented development <br />concept could help this situation and perhaps the traffic the city is currently struggling <br />with. <br />Mr. Lee said most of the focus on transit-oriented development has been on the <br />residential portion. He noted the four "Ds" - density, diversity of uses, design for <br />pedestrian use and destinations. The key is that people would be at the edge of <br />Pleasanton separated from the city by the business park and this would give many <br />opportunities to work and shop in the area. For anyone headed west, they could use <br />BART. The vehicle trip reduction of the residential units here would be lower than any <br />other location in the valley. He believed it would help with the larger picture as well. He <br />believed there would be more opportunities for transit to the east such as BART and <br />continuation of the ACE train. <br />Mr. Sullivan felt on a short-term basis there could be some kind of bus going east <br />if there is a critical mass to support it. <br />Mr. Lee noted he had never seen a BART station surrounded by nothing. There <br />is a great opportunity in this area, not only for Hacienda employees, residents and <br />users, but also for other transit in all directions. <br />Joint Workshop <br />City Council/Planning Commission 4 10/25/05 <br />