No temporary moratorium on building No temporary moratorium on building (May 28, 2004)

Council nixes interim move during General Plan update
by Dolores Fox Ciardelli

Two members of the City Council decided at the meeting last week that no moratorium on land use approvals was needed while waiting for the General Plan update. Mayor Tom Pico and Councilman Steve Brozosky as well as City Manager Deborah McKeehan excused themselves from the discussion to avoid any impression of conflict of interest.

The remaining three council members debated whether they wanted city staff to bring back more information about a possible moratorium in land use cases that could be an immediate threat to public health, safety or welfare. The Planning Commission had asked the council to discuss the issue after a General Plan update meeting March 4.

"There are really no brand new projects," said Planning Director Brian Swift. Two potential developments are undergoing environmental reviews: Kottinger Hills with 98 units; and Lund Ranch II with 150 units. Another possible project, new development at the Vintage Hills shopping center, is more complex; any development would cause less traffic than the center generated in its heyday but more traffic than it has caused in the last few years.

"To put a moratorium in place when no projects are coming up doesn't make sense," said Councilwoman Kay Ayala. "I'm concerned that we're in uncertain economic times and we have to be supportive of the business community."

"A building moratorium is a drastic option that could have serious long-term consequences to the local economy," said Dave Bouchard, Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer. "Mere mention of the word usually causes shock waves throughout the development, banking and business community."

Several residents spoke in favor of a building moratorium. One said no building permits should be issued until all of the intersections in Pleasanton are "fixed."

"I think it's a severe measure to temporarily delay a few projects," said Councilman Matt Campbell. "Just because it takes 15-20 minutes to drive across town, it's not a public health, safety or welfare concern."

"I have a sense that we do have a need for drastic action," said Councilwoman Jennifer Hosterman. "We should do everything we can to protect our quality of life.... I don't see a nexus between this type of action and affecting business."

The council voted 2-1 not to consider an interim zoning ordinance prohibiting land use approvals pending the General Plan update.

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