(PLEASANTON, CA.) – During the Pleasanton City Council meeting on July 27, multiple residents spoke during public comment to express their support for the upcoming Arroyo Lago project.
This project includes 189 homes and a park, and is located on a site that belongs to Alameda County.
During this meeting, the city council was meant to decide whether to make this site a part of Pleasanton instead. If it does, the project would receive the benefits of connecting to Pleasanton’s utilities like water, electricity, and garbage system.
The city would receive the benefits of the property tax and a $3 million contribution toward the expansion of El Charro Road. The discussion the council had on this topic is covered in a separate article.
One point of concern from council members, however, was addressed by one of the public speakers.
This was the concern that the Zone 7 Water Agency would not allow Arroyo Lago to use their water utilities, including drainage and drinking water systems.
General Manager of Zone 7 Valerie Pryor expressed that she supports the annexation of this property and expects that it will be connected to their waste and storm water systems. She also shared that Zone 7 is working on an agreement with the developers and sees no reason why it would not be approved.
Photo Credit: https://pleasantonca.portal.civicclerk.com/event/811/media
42-year Pleasanton resident Vicky LaBarge supported the annexation of Arroyo Lago because she believes it is an investment in Pleasanton’s future. She also poses the question of whether Pleasanton can afford to deny housing, considering extenuating budgetary circumstances.
According to LaBarge, both school enrollment rates and house and rental vacancies have been down. She also reiterated a point made multiple times by city council members and staff.
This was that if the city rejected the project, the developers could just move forward with it through the county, as the county had already approved it. Even so, she expressed that she believes that all of the concerns mentioned by city council members need careful consideration. She proceeded to close her statement with some other benefits to building more housing.
“Housing closer to jobs strengthens our workforce, reduces commuting, and improves quality of life,” she cites.
Photo Credit: https://pleasantonca.portal.civicclerk.com/event/811/media
Cliff MacDonald is a resident in the Ironwood neighborhood, which is adjacent to the Arroyo Lago site.
He attended this meeting to share that the developers have been very collaborative with Ironwood residents and agreed to most of their concerns. He added that the developers are already offering numerous benefits to the city, and that they should "just approve it."
But not every speaker was very accepting of the project.
Sandy Yamoda expressed that she believes there needs to be more questions answered in order for residents to fully understand the cost of this project. According to her, the costs to be concerned about are utilities, the usage and upkeep of their parks, libraries, and other public structures. She also listed public services like police, roads, and emergency services.
“Who could ultimately pay for this? The answer could be Pleasanton taxpayers,” she argued.
Photo Credit: https://pleasantonca.portal.civicclerk.com/event/811/media
She also mentions that the construction of roads could seriously impact to the two lakes nearby that are incorporated into drinking systems.
Unfortunately, Yamada’s time ran out before she was finished with her speech.
To this, she responded by speaking over Mayor Jack Balch last-minute as he called the next public speaker, firmly declaring her opposition to this project.
To add or correct any information in this report, please contact me at madison.v@lead4earth.org.
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