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debates for years on what and when to model. He indicated the intention was never to make a decision without the benefit of the traffic models. He indicated he is a strong supporter of transit-oriented development at Hacienda, but it did not mean he approves 1,200 units right now. He believes there are benefits to that from an environmental standpoint. He believes this was the best opportunity to do anything significant for affordable housing in Pleasanton. He pointed out that the traffic models are tools that do not make decisions and that the tool is only as good as the assumptions that are used. He also noted the city is dealing with problems with the regional transportation system. Councilmember McGovern commented on the history of Stoneridge Drive. She noted the Stoneridge extension was put on hold. She indicated at that time, funding was based on population, which meant larger cities got more money than smaller cities. The Triangle Study started because the three cities thought if they applied with one voice, they might get more transportation funding for projects. As the study proceeded and traffic got worse, the idea of port to port impacts evolved. The idea being that if goods cannot travel back and forth from the port of Oakland to the port of Stockton, it was impacting the financial status of the State of California. She noted that she has spoken with the residents near Valley and Santa Rita and advised them not to look at just Stoneridge as being a priority to help the neighborhoods but that they should also consider the east side study and how to get enough funding to mitigate problems in that area of town as well. Mayor Hosterman indicated that everything possible has been done to identify the opportunities for the community. She acknowledged a problem with the Congestion Management Agency in focusing on the problems in this area. She noted as a representative of a city with only 50,000 to 100,000 residents, she has one vote versus the representative from a city like Oakland who gets eight votes. She believed money should be spent on the most highly congested areas instead of just in the largest communities. For now, Pleasanton is in a unique situation being at the intersection of two major freeways. It has been beneficial in terms of business, but is a nightmare for the residents and commuters during peak hours. She noted this is an opportunity to address those issues and improve circulation within our city keeping in mind the heavy impacts on the city from a freeway system that isn't working. She noted things have changed and there are opportunities for more transportation dollars for the area. She pointed out the CMA has supported funding a $75 million project to add an eastbound lane on I-580 from Hacienda to Greenville Road and believes that will give some relief She stated the model is based on the best estimates based on the build out of the surrounding communities and what is happening in the Central Valley. She noted the goal is to get to a point where people in the community can move freely. She indicated she wanted to identify quality of life issues important to the community. 5. ADJOURNMENT There being no further discussion, the joint workshop was adjourned at 10:39 p.m. Resp ctfully ubmitted, c ~~Y~~--<<, Ka en Diaz City Clerk City Council Minutes 15 January 30, 2007 Joint Workshop