01 9-16-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

project. City Manager Fialho agreed the task force was supported but no assurances were provided to the developers that residential would ultimately be supported in the business park. What the Council and Planning Commission supported was the formation of a taskforce to analyses and recommend options. Regarding the west Pleasanton BART property, there was no consensus as to whether the task force should analyze this particular property. The Council does have the opportunity to consider this project in the context of the taskforce process. This project is generally consistent with the preferred land use map in the General Plan Update; but the Council has the option of not approving the project or approving it. If it's not approved, BART representatives would most likely come back to the City with a commercial development in the future. Councilmember Sullivan referred to public spaces and how retail would work, and confirmed with Mr. Dolan that an estimated total household figure is less than 2 per unit, or between 400- 600 people. He said the interior courtyards are designed in a tradition high-end apartment complex, with lots of amenities, 14,000 square feet of retail in a heavily traveled pedestrian path. He expressed interest for a grocery store, restaurants and outdoor dining, a relationship to the extensive open space next door in the office park, and the access to retail which adds to the attraction of a TOD development. Councilmember Sullivan referred to the grocery store, and said in other workshops; critical mass was discussed as making retail critically viable. He questioned if a grocery store versus a convenient store would be economically work with 400-600 residents. Mr. Dolan said it would also rely on the office park, a fair amount of retail is offered, and a liberal use list has been provided in that it will allow for a broad base of uses which could also evolve over time. Councilmember McGovern said she wanted to see the project work, and asked about moderate units at 5%, stating when looking at Pleasanton's affordable housing, it has a problem with moderate level income. She suggested the additional conditions to include: when the completion of the 90 year lease, that BART or Windstar would be required to assume the affordable housing in perpetuity; that BART or Windstar assist in developing and funding a parking plan that mitigates the impact of the potential flyover to a level that retains all vehicles on the property; that landscaping blend in with Stoneridge Mall Road, that the project comply with the growth management ordinance; and the addition of a play area to be consistent with City park standards. She felt the addition of these conditions would make a better project. The Mayor opened the public hearing. Eric Heffner, Applicant, introduced their consultant team to answer technical questions, said John Rennels of BART is their landlord and discussed Pleasanton as being a special place in America. John Rennels, BART, said the station is coming as a result of a collaboration between Dublin and Pleasanton, the City and County, and Windstar advanced $3 million to them in order to commit a parking garage above and beyond what is required to be provided, he felt the police facility would enhance the project, and if they had not issued the bonds when they did, this station would have never arrived. Mr. Heffner said they have held a number of workshops over the last 3-4 years, they heard clearly the need for affordable housing, the housing cap, the need for TOD which includes housing, employment centers and retail and ideally all three can be done without having to drive. He said not all retailers can be accommodated at the site, but there will be less people getting in cars, and the missing element in the TOD is a housing plan. Regarding retail, he said Council Meeting Minutes 4 September 16, 2008