8A Consent 2007 0917 - Laserfiche WebLink

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DRAFT MINUTES Page 9 City of San Leandro City COlU1cil, San Leandro Economic Development Agency, and San Leandro Redevelopment Agency Joint Meeting-September 4, 2007 commented that the plan could be made even better by increasing the affordability of housing near regional transit. Peter Woolston, San Leandro resident, addressed the City Council, expressing opposition to the TaD Strategy. Mr. Woolston commented that the Strategy is social engineering, eminent domain in another form, would result in gentrification and have other unintended effects. There being no further comments from the public, and without objection, the Public Hearing was closed. The City Council recessed from 9:18 p.m. to 9:31 p.m. Councilmember Gregory thanked Interim Planning Manager Kathleen Livermore and the staff who worked on the Strategy, as well as the former City Council for securing the grants which allowed staff to develop the TOD Strategy. He commented that Bay Area cities must be leaders in making these types of strategies a reality. Councilmember Gregory expressed concern regarding the transit ridership numbers, and stated that he would like staff to explore many of the issues brought up by tonight's speakers. Mayor Santos indicated that the Council would be taking up the various housing issues in the coming months. Vice Mayor Grant requested background from staff regarding how the Housing Element and the TaD Strategy will work together. Ms. Livermore indicated that the grant from MTC was intended to explore ways to increase transit ridership in the downtown area. The Housing Element will be the City's opportunity to set housing policy, and the process will begin sometime early in 2008. Ms. Livermore noted that there is language in the existing Housing Element and the General Plan that can provide guidance in looking at new developments. She pointed out that while the TOD Strategy is not a housing policy document but a way to increase transit ridership and incentivize development in the downtown, the two documents do work together. Mr. Jermanis indicated that, based on concerns that have been voiced by members of the Council and the comments heard tonight, Mayor Santos has suggested that a work session be held to discuss the City's current housing policies and desired changes to those policies. He acknowledged the Council's strong support for affordable housing, and commented that the City will likely need to participate with developers in order to build additional affordable housing within the TaD. Vice Mayor Grant expressed interest in developing a "parking lot list" of items related to the Strategy which could be discussed at a later date. She commented that while she is interested in economic diversity, she is concerned about isolating residents in areas where there are impacts which cannot be mitigated. Vice Mayor Grant expressed concerns with the EIR and the unmitigated impacts, particularly the air and noise impacts. Vice Mayor Grant inquired about the phasing-in of parking in Article