Staples Ranch Advanced by Unanimous Council Vote

Breaking a years-long logjam, councilmembers unanimously approved a package of provisions last night that effectively moves the Staples Ranch project forward with development.

The approved documents included policy statements that outline expectations of development and growth in both Pleasanton and the Tri-Valley region and a supplemental report that states how the project impacts on the surrounding environment.

"The anticipation is high and this has been a long time coming," Mayor Jennifer Hosterman said in front of a council room packed full of lively attendees, many of whom burst into applause during parts of the meeting. 

Many supported the project by wearing yellow t-shirts with lettering that read: "APPROVE Stoneridge Creek NOW."

Those supporters were part of a senior advocacy group called the Stoneridge Creek Task Force composed mostly of members that have residency reserved for a 45-acre retirement care facility planned within Staples Ranch called Continuing Life Communities. A San Jose Sharks ice rink facility is also expected to be part of the development.

The group's co-chair Martha Johnson spoke during the meeting's public input session, saying, "We all are so happy that Staples Ranch is seeing progress."

Councilmembers last addressed Staples Ranch at its June 15 meeting.  Since then, staff members reworked their findings on the project's impact.  Among the changes to staff recommendations were the inclusion of noise-reduction pavement along Stoneridge Drive and expansion of a sound wall near Snowdrop Circle, which lies directly south of Stoneridge Drive.

Councilmember Cindy McGovern asked for several amendments that will be points of further discussion, including one that addresses use of green technologies such as photovoltaic systems.  Another addressed the noise levels of construction, which McGovern said could be mitigated by "in-door construction" when possible.

Also since June 15, policy statements were drafted in collaboration with several city and county groups.  City staffers joined Safe Street Pleasanton, Alameda Creek Alliance, Center for Biological Diversity and Alameda County Surplus Property Authority to address the biological and environmental impact of Staples Ranch. 

The groups came to an agreement over what they saw as several needs, including: a public information workshop hosted in the Stoneridge Drive neighborhood before the start of construction; a staggered process of expanding Stoneridge Drive, one of the project's arterial roadways; and the creation of several gates and barriers that would bar traffic from using unfinished roadways.

A team made of staff from Pleasanton, Dublin, Livermore and Alameda County addressed regional concerns of congestion with another policy statement "to identify the short- and long-term goals" of wider infrastructure. 

The agreement includes expansion of major roads such as Dublin Boulevard, Jack London Boulevard and Stoneridge Drive.  City Manager Nelson Fialho said all parties involved in drafting the regional agreements are expected to follow Pleasanton's approval of them within 60 days.

"These documents approved tonight set the stage and groundwork so that at our next meeting we have a good handle on specific projects within Staples Ranch," said Steve Bocian, deputy city manager.

Councilmember Cheryl Cook-Kallio congratulated attendees on their vigilance throughout the process and encouraged similar enthusiasm as the project moves forward.

"You all have not only stayed involved but done so in a polite, understanding manner that we appreciate," she said. "It's great to see so many people engaged."

Hosterman echoed the sentiment, adding that, "we're on our way but we're not there yet so please keep the passion you all have here tonight."

The special meeting was so crowded that it was standing-room only, forcing a handful of attendees to sit outside the main chamber and watch via television broadcast.

Fifteen-year resident Ted Tinges said he moved with his wife to Pleasanton from Fremont, "because of the town's ambience."  Tinges said he was thrilled when the retirement community was announced but is antsy about the timeline of its completion.

"It gave me and my wife piece of mind to know we could stay here," he said. "But in three years I'll be 80, so I implore you to approve this as soon as possible."

Ron Harris, a 23-year-old former Pleasanton resident, said he supported Staples Ranch because his grandparents are slated to move into the retirement community.  He thanked councilmembers for their decision, saying, "I wouldn't have the same connection with them if they weren't going to be five minutes away."

The project had been long opposed by local environmental groups, especially after the council's approval of a four-lane extension of Stoneridge Drive to El Charro Road. 

A lawsuit was filed claiming that the environmental impact reports for the project 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.

Last week, the Alameda Creek Alliance and the Center for Biological Diversity reached a nearly $1 million settlement agreement with the Alameda County Surplus Property Authority for protection and restoration of rare soil habitat.

The agreement essentially dissolved opposition to the project by the environmental groups. 

On Sept. 7, the council will discuss the planned unit development documents for Hendrick Automotive Group, Continuing Life Communities and a neighborhood park.