01 8-27-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

Councilmember Fox noted that 130 units plus 240 units, plus 80 affordable was 450 units, and she confirmed that they were actually looking at proposing that total for the project. Vice Mayor Thorne open the item for public comment. Steven Bursley, President of the Board of Directors of their homeowner association, said he is one of 173 homes not represented as a resident stakeholder, voiced disappointment to see the Planning Commission report's mention of inclusion of stakeholders, said there has been no discussion of the project with neighbors, and strongly encouraged meetings be held for all communities, said there were agreements made on his community that stand in place today that have not worked out well for them, and before making further investments, their issues need to be discussed. Bob Lee, 12-year resident of Valencia, echoed Mr. Bursley's comments, stated they have not had adequate viewing of the proposals, was aware of apartments planned to be built behind their development, but Signature Properties assured them that because it is strictly a business park, they would be the only homeowners in that area. He felt single family homes would keep their values up, but felt low cost, high density homes would impact them and reiterated the need for including all homeowners. Angelina Summers said she lives close to Hacienda Business Park and represents those homeowners that are not aware of this workshop taking place, opposed the five-story hotel, said the former Council set a precedent for four stories in the City, voiced opposition to a PUD, asked that residents have a say in what is going on, approving the buildings and homes would cover the City's requirements for affordable housing numbers, said concentrating all low and very low income units on one site was offensive and inconsistent with the City's practice, and asked that residents be included in further discussions. Richard Schwaninger, resident of the Valencia development, believed stakeholders were the fictitious companies who will gain from the process, said there have been no discussions with residents who were the actual stakeholders, suggested that business developments pay dues and not residents, voiced concern with increased dues, and asked that public participation be occur. Doug Johnson, MTC, said Pleasanton is at the heart of the Tri-Valley with a large employment base, it is in a robust state of past, present and future investments in transit, and all of these things make for a great location to invest and promote TOD. The region has many issues relating to housing, congested freeways and greenhouse gases, said MTC has committed funds to promote and create mixed use opportunities, asked for approval of development that is comprehensive in nature, whether it be through PUD or a specific plan. Commissioner Pearce asked Mr. Johnson his view on development without an elementary school. Mr. Johnson felt it depends on the number of units; there are computations that look at the types of residents expected, numbers of bedrooms and market analysis, which would frame the need for additional school capacity. He felt this could be handled in a more robust planning process and if a few smaller projects get approved in anon-comprehensive fashion, the City may end up with all of the dis-benefits of new housing projects that do not provide that synergy that can be created with mixed use, behavior-changing communities. Councilmember McGovern said she serves on the LAVTA Board, and that a representative from Wheels came to discuss TOD and she asked what percentage of reduction in car usage is seen CC/PC Joint Workshop Minutes 11 August 27, 2008