Hendrick Automotive, Continuing Life Communities and Neighborhood Park Approved

The Pleasanton City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved plans for the Hendrick Automotive Group, Continuing Life Communities and a 5-acre neighborhood park as part of the Staples Ranch project. 

The Hendrick Automotive Group proposed an auto mall that will include six car dealerships and three carwash buildings. The 45-acre senior continuing care community, Stoneridge Creek, will feature 635 living units, 12 guest units and 114 units for the health center. Lastly, a 5-acre neighborhood park featuring tennis courts, 10 parking spaces, and a plaza area will be built.

The Local Agency Formation Commission of Alameda County must now approve annexation of the property to the City of Pleasanton before construction begins.

Mayor Jennifer Hosterman, who is a member of LAFCO, said Tuesday that agency might discuss annexation during its Nov. 10 meeting. 

The council initially approved the Staples Ranch project in 2009, along with a controversial extension of Stoneridge Drive to El Charro Road.

A lawsuit was later filed, by the Alameda Creek Alliance, claiming that the environmental impact reports for the project, because of the extension, were inadequate. As part of a settlement, the city agreed to update its biological surveys. But opponents of the project said these new reports were also deficient because the reports did not disclose the impacts of the project on wetland species and habitat.

This summer, the Alameda Creek Alliance and the Center for Biological Diversity reached an agreement with the Alameda County Surplus Property Authority that essentially dissolves further opposition to the project. The agreement allows for up to $925,000 to be paid  for protection and restoration of rare soil habitat.

Throughout the delays, a group of seniors has advocated in favor of the retirement community planned as part of the project.

Plans for an 11-acre commercial/retail development and proposed San Jose Sharks ice rink facility are still in the works.

At a Glance

The Planned Unit Development is the review process used by the City of Pleasanton for proposed developments. The process includes taking a look at layout, land use, architecture and neighborhood impacts.

More information about the Staples Ranch project can be found on the city's website.