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LaVeme Spotorno addressed the Council and noted their families contributions to <br />agriculture in the area. She added tonight is the night for the Council to move forward on <br />the decision to accept the bypass road design. It was noted that their ranch property has <br />been tied up for fourteen years. Discussion on a possible bypass road through their ranch <br />actually began with the former update of the General Plan in 1993. She added they are not <br />willing to have their land tied up any longer. She commented that the Spotorno family has <br />paid thousands of dollars on "those hills" for 140 years and they are only developing 1/5 of <br />the their entire property. She added that they are not willing to destroy any more of their <br />working ranch other than what has already been designated for the bypass road. The <br />bypass road is a significant contribution to the City of Pleasanton and is also a huge <br />sacrifice on behalf of their family. They are impacted far more than anyone else in the <br />community. She commented that if this project does not move forward, then for the record <br />they wish to make it known that they reserve the right to be able to use Alisal Street if <br />needed in the future. <br />Raju Rajagopalan addressed the Council concerning densities and in opposition to the <br />proposed bypass. <br />Vince Barletta addressed the Council regarding traffic congestion concems at Briddle Creek <br />and Sycamore Heights. He noted he is not excited about a lower bypass road but if a <br />bypass road is needed, it is better than no bypass road and further noted concerns <br />regarding the Spotorno flat and the number of homes that might be built on it. He concluded <br />by stating support for building the bypass road to to keep the rural flavor as it is intended <br />and less homes is better. <br />Bob Maund addressed the Council complimenting the committee and staff on a job well <br />done. He added although there is no good route, he believes if the bypass road did not <br />have to be built at this point in time no one would really suggest routing a new road up and <br />over those hills in Pleasanton. He believes the bypass road being recommended would <br />have a number of signfficant and unintended consequences for everyone in Happy Valley <br />and in Pleasanton. He noted concerns with densities in the area and the funding that would <br />be necessary to complete the bypass road. He further commented on the hills and the <br />quality of life issues, noting it seems incredible that the City would consciously decide to <br />build a road in those hills. The best way to maintain the semi-rural character and the quality <br />of life in Happy Valley would be to build no new roads, and continue to restrict development <br />in Happy Valley. He urged the Council not to support the recommended bypass road. <br />Harpreet Dhillon, M.D. addressed the Council noting that he became aware of this issue <br />about two weeks ago in the local newspaper. He noted the current access to the golf <br />course is safe and stable. He pointed out that the communities of Briddle Creek and <br />Sycamore Heights are newer communities and have small children. He feels the safety of <br />the children will be greatly compromised by developing the access road. Currently the <br />speed limit is 25 mph and he would hate to think the speed limit would be increased to 35 <br />mph on Sycamore Creek Way. He added in 1992 when this initiative was given thought, the <br />communities of Briddle Creek and Sycamore Heights were basically a twinkle in the <br />developers eyes. He does not believe they should be made to bear the brunt of the <br />developer and other parities who are going to monetarily benefit from this initiative and <br />believe the greater good should be done for the greater amount of people. The course is <br />clear in this setting....the Council has to say "no" to the HVBRC recommendations. <br />City Council Minutes S April 17, 2007 <br />