PC 04/08/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Kumaran stated that when 10% of the City is expressing the same opinion, he is very interested in what they have to say, and he listens carefully. He stated that after hearing the public comments and reading the minutes, he feels he is fully apprised on the issue. He feels there are three groups within the City who are the stakeholders in this matter: the citizens at large, the development community, and the higher agencies, such as the State. Commissioner Kumaran feels that a study should be done since such drastic measures have been taken by the residents that clearly identify their major concerns. In addition, he feels that the plan from 1989 is outdated. He feels strongly that it would be useful and helpful for the City to take this opportunity to do the study while the opportunity still exists. In addition, he noted that since so much has changed around Pleasanton and given what has happened in those areas, this is just another example of why the City should take advantage of this opportunity to be able to plan for the future development. Commissioner Kumaran stated that he supports Option 3, noting that the idea of the study is not so much to hamper development but to plan it. He commented that Option 3 would include Staples Ranch, Kaiser, Kiewit, and Busch. Commissioner Kumaran further suggested that the scope of the study should be at a general plan level, where the land use elements and circulation elements are thoroughly evaluated in order to ensure that the best solution is determined. He also suggested that the open space element and the conservation element be studied as well. Commission Kumaran stated that he feels a committee with more than seven members makes it difficult. He, therefore, recommended a committee consisting of seven persons with four or five members being citizens from the community and two being developers. He feels that the chairman should be elected by the committee. In addition, he feels it would be valuable to have a city staff representative to give input and guide the committee in helping to reach a solution and prepare a proposal to the City Council. Chair Cooper feels that a study should be done, but is not sure there will be a very different result than what the General Plan study came up with in 1986. He stated that he supports Option 4 because he sees no reason to re-plan the Stoneridge specific plan area. He noted that it can still be debated, and the opponents can voice objections to the City Council. He also feels that representatives of Staples Ranch should participate on the proposed committee for the east side specific plan. He feels that the study should be done at a general plan level. Chair Cooper feels the committee should include all stakeholders involved and the City Council either appoint the members or figure out some other way of organizing the committee. Commissioner Barker stated that she would like the Commission to be specific on the composition of the committee because based on what she has heard, it should be able to make a recommendation that would work. She agrees with Commissioner Kumaran that a small group of seven would work best. She pointed out that it is important for the proponents of the referendum to be represented, but also agrees that it should be city-directed. Commissioner Kumaran suggested that the Planning Commission recommend to the City Council that a seven-member committee be appointed, and that either four or five members be proponents of the Planning Commission Page 7 April 8, 1998