Costco rumored for massive new Johnson Drive redevelopment

If you drive 580 adjacent to Johnson Drive you’ve no doubt seen the massive demolition of the former Clorox R&D site. What most Pleasanton residents don’t know is what is actually planned for the site.

The city economic development department is quietly working on a project that would raze most buildings along Johnson Drive and rezone the area to make way for new big box retail. The city and developer acknowledge interest from Costco as the anchor to the new project, which would be accompanied by a widening of Johnson Drive.

The City Council approved the Economic Development department’s request to draft an Environmental Impact Report last year, however they’ve hit two snags: 1) The report which was due this spring is stuck in limbo because the city can’t figure out how to mitigate the major traffic impacts to Stoneridge Drive east and west of 580. If they can’t figure it out, the economic development department will offer the council either a flawed plan or be forced to scrap the project altogether. And 2) to make the plan work they will need to force out the existing businesses, and AT&T is cooperating with the city’s wish for them to move away.

Retail industry blog The Storefront reported on this project last week (https://thestorefront.wordpress.com/tag/pleasanton/), and the 2014 staff report on the rezoning can be viewed here: (http://weblink.cityofpleasantonca.gov/WEBLINK8/0/doc/258504/Page1.aspx.)

If you live near Stoneridge Drive on either side of the freeway you should be asking questions about the future of this project. It isn’t just one Costco, it’s the eleven parcels outlined in blue in the attached pictures. This will have a major impact on nearby residents.