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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Agenda No. 07-16 August 23, 2007 Page 10 of 19 the ways to do so is building a transit-oriented community and getting people out of their cars. The people most likely to use public transit, he added, are working families. If housing is not affordable, it defeats the purpose because it will put people back into cars. He said that "we, as a community," spoke out and encouraged the City to develop the inclusionary housing, and as the East Bay Community Foundation has reported, this ordinance has produced only 27 sellable units. What is needed is numbers that address the need of housing for young families. "Low income," he added, is about $66,000 for a family of four, a much higher threshold than it was some years ago. He said that market- value homes require incomes of $100,000, beyond the reach of many working-class families. If we are sincere about putting more people on public transit, he said we should not price the people most apt to use it out of the housing market. He noted that the Planning Commission is in a position to take the "strong and courageous" step to say there is potential for an overlay over this development that increases the percentage of low-income and working-class housing. Bob Franklin is a BART Director who represents District 3, which includes both San Leandro stations. He offered his general support for this process, and said that BART remains committed to continue working with the City to address all concerns raised by this process, including parking and noise. He said that BART is getting a new rail grinder next month that will more than double its capacity to grind the rails and make it a little quieter for the neighborhood. He indicated that BART meets regularly with the City, including the Mayor and staff, to address concerns that are being raised, such as the parking issue, and exploring alternatives. He reiterated that BART remains committed to working with the City and addressing the community concerns. Mr. Franklin, whose BAR T district includes stations in Oakland, Berkeley and Hayward as well as San Leandro, noted that areas other than San Leandro also are going through similar transit- oriented development processes. Rocky Fernandez, who represents Ward 4 on the AC Transit Board of Directors, said he wanted to speak out in support of this process. He has asked a lot of BART riders why they don't walk or take the bus to BART, and he often hears that it's more convenient to drive. Although that doesn't quite make sense to him because he says he sleeps in an extra hour by taking the bus. He said that AC Transit will continue to work with local communities to develop more bus-to-BART programs to help alleviate the parking issue. He said that he also is asked why AC Transit runs so many somewhat-empty buses; in this area, he indicated that it often has to do with density issues, so moving forward with a TOD - in combination with some of the Eco Pass programs that are being developed to give those who live in high-density properties unfettered use of public transit - holds a lot of promise to get people out of their cars and to thus relieve traffic congestion. He considers the TOD Strategy a step toward responsible community development and a wise investment in the future. Stef Alcantar, 1458 Ardmore Street, identified herself as a COR leader. She said that her friend lives in San Francisco and has worked 11 years in San Leandro. This friend cannot afford to either rent or buy a house here. Ms. Alcantar asked the Planning Commission to approve more inexpensive housing so that her friend can live here. Beri Mazariegos, who has lived at 11056 San Leandro Street at the Oakland border for a year, addressed the Commission. Ms. Mazariegos is also a COR leader. She said that the