21 - Laserfiche WebLink

As discussed above, some members of the public have stated that if the Council decides to approve the project, it should determine a specific timetable for the construction of the Stoneridge Drive Extension since that project is projected to provide the long-term mitigation for traffic congestion at the Santa Rita Road/Valley Avenue intersection. As the Council is aware, the Stoneridge Drive Extension is a complicated, politically sensitive matter involving traffic improvements at the sub-regional level which may need more time to resolve. Staff has advertised this meeting as a presentation and discussion of the information resulting from the community workshops which occurred after the May 15 public hearing. Due to the scope of the material to be reported and the expected number of speakers, staff did not advertise this meeting as a second reading of the ordinance and final action on the project. Instead, staff suggests that the Council hear the information presented, take public comments, and schedule the decision regarding the second reading for either December 18, 2007 or January 15, 2008. CONCLUSION The expanded public review process occurring after the May 15 public hearing proved beneficial and provided the opportunity for staff to explore in greater detail the issues and concerns which had been expressed by some residents and business people. Staff worked closely with interested members of the community and the applicant to provide the information requested. Opposition remains with the project; traffic, truck deliveries, and enforcement of operational conditions of approval are the major issues. Regarding traffic, the improvement to the intersection of Santa Rita Road and Valley Avenue is a mitigation measure to which the applicant is contributing through payment of Traffic Impact Fees; the Stoneridge Drive Extension is a larger issue, and the timing of it may require further dialogue. Regarding truck deliveries, staff, with the applicant's cooperation, has created a plan which we believe will substantially reduce impacts on city streets and to city neighborhoods. Staff has given much attention to creating a realistic enforcement plan, but there are no guarantees that some violations won't occur on occasion. However, other businesses in town occasionally violate conditions of approval, and staff's experience is that these issues get resolved since the owners want to be responsible members of the business community. Based on Home Depot's record in Pleasanton, staff believes that the new store would do likewise. As with most large projects, there are potential benefits, impacts, risks, and opportunities associated with the proposed Home Depot. Staff has worked closely with the community and the applicant and has attempted to highlight relevant issues and potential mitigations for Council to consider. Page 12 of 14