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About this blog: I am a native of Alameda County, grew up in Pleasanton and currently live in the house I grew up in that is more than 100 years old. I spent 39 years in the daily newspaper business and wrote a column for more than 25 years in add...  (More)

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A rare demolition in Pleasanton

Uploaded: Jan 29, 2015
Seeing buildings remodeled for different tenants has been common in Pleasanton for the last number of years, but seeing one torn down is unusual.
That's the case along Johnson Drive where Nearon Enterprises, which purchased the former Clorox laboratory building from the Oakland-based company, has a contractor demolishing the three-story structure. The firm had tried to lease the building, but eventually had no takers.
Last year, the City Council agreed to establish a pilot economic development zone along Johnson Drive between Stoneridge Drive and Valley Bible Church. There is much greater flexibility of uses under the pilot zoning of freeway retail—the same zoning of the Walmart and Rose Pavilion centers on Rosewood. The area totals about 35 acres and was shifted from business park zoning. If the landowners happen to land a business with high sales tax revenue, it allows a possible rebate program for landowners.
The buildings along Johnson Drive fronting Interstate 680 are among the oldest in the city. Giving landlords an incentive with the opportunity for more lucrative rents should result in a general upgrading of the area.
That happened on the other side of the city when a 50-year-old building on Stanley Boulevard was transformed from a distribution warehouse to a U-Haul storage and rental center.
Speaking of redeveloping, we were able to sneak out for a round of golf at one of my all-time favorites—the Course at Wente Vineyards—last week. I was surprised to see, as we drove up Arroyo Road and then played 18 holes, the heavy equipment ripping out grapevines. Vineyards were being removed along Arroyo Road (holes 17 and 18 for golfers) as well as between No. 1 and No. 4. It will significantly change the views on those holes and make it easier to retrieve errant tee shots.
Phil Wente explained that the vines were planted in the mid-1980s (how time flies) and were past the useful life of most vines, which is less than 30 years. "Making 30 is usually quite old—they did good!" Phil wrote.
In all, about 35 acres are being removed, part of the routine 50-70 acres a year that Wente rips out and later replants. The land will sit fallow for this year and 2016 and then be replanted with Cabernet Sauvignon in 2017. Most of the vines taken out were Cab.
Community.
What is it worth to you?

Comments

Posted by justwondering, a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood,
on Jan 31, 2015 at 8:21 pm

Wasn't the distribution warehouse turned into a U-Haul center on Sunol--not Stanley?


Posted by Ed, a resident of Pleasanton Meadows,
on Feb 2, 2015 at 12:33 pm

My son used to take a martial arts class at a school on Johnson Dr down by Black Tie Limo. Pretty desolate place at night and difficult to get to from our house by Santa Rita and W. Las Positas. If the current owners are hoping to attract some kind of retail activity I say good luck.


Posted by Sue H., a resident of Canyon Creek,
on Feb 2, 2015 at 8:00 pm

Home Depot, In and Out Burger, Smart Final, Dog Dynasty, not to mention Club Sport - all right there on same street! Seems like a perfect place for retail!


Posted by Michael Austin, a resident of Pleasanton Meadows,
on Feb 11, 2015 at 6:49 pm

Michael Austin is a registered user.

Tim,

There is a persistent rumor going around that Costco is considering this location. What do you know, when did you know it?


Posted by Urooshi, a resident of Amberwood/Wood Meadows,
on Oct 3, 2016 at 10:39 pm

Awesome work these guys do!! They are the best Chicago demolition in town very affordable & fast reliable work...I've worked with Rita and Joan at Heneghan wrecking for several years now. They are always professional, punctual and good people to work with. I look forward to working with them again in the near future! http://www.heneghanwrecking.com


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