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Opponents of making land available for a 148,000-square-foot Costco membership store on Johnson Drive in Pleasanton have received certification from the Alameda County Registrar of their petition to place an initiative on the Nov. 8 General Election ballot to block the store from being built.
The petition contained 6,396 signatures, but the registrar found that only 4,015 were verified signatures based on the city’s voter rolls. That was still just enough to equal 10% of the 40,154 total registered voters in Pleasanton.
Promoted by the Citizens for Planned Growth coalition, the petition seeks to allow voters to consider a ban on retail stores over 50,000 square feet in the 40-acre area under consideration for land use changes on the Johnson Drive site.
With relatively little change or investment in that area of the community, a plan was launched by the city to create a Johnson
Drive Economic Development Zone to rezone the mostly industrially-zoned property for commercial purposes. That would allow for a wider, more modern range of uses.
Led by Bill Wheeler, owner of Black Tie Transportation which is
located within the proposed Economic Development Zone, petitioners oppose the rezoning. They specifically cited their concerns with a Costco in the area, and have regularly attended community meetings in recent months.
Costco and two hotels that plan to build on Johnson Drive could generate $2.7 million per year in additional revenue for the city, according to Gerry Beaudin, the city’s community development director.
The new Costco store would be similar to the 160,000-square- foot store in Livermore, which is larger than the 140,000-square- foot store in Danville. The Pleasanton parking lot would be larger and a gas
station could be included in a Costco project if the rezoning were
to move forward.
Black Tie Transportation and Valley Bible Church, which are located in the 40-acre area under consideration to be rezoned, would be “grandfathered” into the new zoning plan and could “modestly” expand their facilities if interested.
Johnson Drive would be widened to four lanes with no on-street parking spaces allowed between ClubSport and Stoneridge Drive. Employees, including Black Tie workers, who currently park their cars on Johnson Drive, would have to find other spots.
Afraid that such a Costco and hotel development plan would seriously disrupt his business or force him to move elsewhere, Wheeler has made repetitive pleas at City Council, commission meetings, and before business and civic groups to halt the rezoning.
“We have been asking the City Council since August of last year to allow Pleasanton citizens to vote on whether they want a big box store included in the Johnson Drive Economic Development Zone plans, and this is the council’s chance to do just that,” Wheeler said.
“We have determined that adding this initiative to the ballot for the Nov. 8 regular election, when we will be voting for national and local officeholders, will incur minimum costs, allow the citizens to decide this very important issue and eliminate the potential of a very costly election next spring,” Wheeler explained.
“We are very grateful to all of the citizens and people who have helped us,” he added. “We hope for a campaign run with dignity and
integrity from both sides of the issue, which will represent the true
character of our great city.”
Now that county registrar has certified the citizens coalition, it is in the hands of Karen Diaz, City Clerk, who will ask the City Council to consider it at its meeting Tuesday night.
The council few options. It can accept the direction of Wheeler and those who signed the petition and stop the rezoning effort. Or, more likely, it can call for a vote.
Up to now, only one council member, Karla Brown, has opposed the rezoning plan.
“We don’t need a club retailer (Costco) here,” she said at a recent public meeting. “Something up to 50,000 square feet will pay (the taxes), and we won’t have 12,000 cars using Johnson Drive.”
In a notice to its supporters Tuesday, the citizens coalition
leaders urged everyone to attend the July 19 council meeting.
“The city may try to stall and prevent this from happening so please attend, as a strong presence is sadly needed to keep these development-friendly representatives honest,” the message stated.
The council meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the Pleasanton Civic Center, 200 Old Bernal Ave.
To me it doesn’t make sense to block the addition of a COSTCO store which would generate income for the city to accommodate the street parking spaces of Black Tie employees. It also seems somewhat out of touch to hinder development in Pleasanton over concerns about traffic when Dublin is contemplating further development such as IKEA. Access to the proposed development, as I understand it, will be off 680 which would seem to bypass more traffic on Johnson Rd. It also seems to me that traffic from Pleasanton to either the Livermore or Danville COSTCO stores would be curtailed. We have seen Dublin and Livermore support traffic generating development while we seem to think that acting alone will somehow help the problem. Until our communities work together Pleasanton will be cutting off its nose to spite its face.
I am not sure why there is a push to avoid development that brings in additional revenues to the city. This seems to be a concerted effort by Black Tie to protect it’s own interests and preserve their street parking. Dublin and Livermore have both developed economic/retail space over the past few years and have managed the increased traffic while benefiting from increased revenues. The actions opposing the development seems rather short sighted and aimed at preserving the interests of a couple of people instead of considering the bigger benefits for the city as a whole. This just seems to be another effort by a group of people who seem oblivious and are out of touch with all the development happening around us. Hope this proposal gets on the Nov 8 ballot where I am sure a majority of voters will support it.
I agree with you Meadowlark. This opposition is being driven by one business owner via a scare campaign. We are driving revenue opportunities to Dublin and Livermore. The traffic and parking will need to be addressed and are being addressed, but it is a small price for 2.7 million in city revenue. It is hard to imagine any 50,000 sq ft business generating equivalent revenue.
With the increased housing developments in East Dublin, the Stoneridge Drive extension to the Outlets, the proposed IKEA near the cinema plaza, and other residential developments near BART, the increased traffic flow would be a detrimental addition to the city. It already takes a very long time to drive across Stoneridge to I-680 during rush hour, and backups between the I-580/I-680 interchange and Bernal/Sunol have become greater in intensity as Silicon Valley tech workers move into the area. Influx from Hwy-84 into I-680 S creates additional tension between that entry and the S Mission Blvd exit in Fremont, which is not helped by the exorbitantly-priced 24-hr express lane nobody uses. Additionally, lower-income housing across from BART and near Hart Middle School change the demographics of the area. Yes, developing more in Pleasanton brings revenue, but at what cost?
What type of reporting is this, it seems you talked to one person only Mr. Wheeler that has 100% interest in his business only, and he does not care too much about anything else.
Pleasanton citizens need to fighting traffic travel to Livermore and or Danville to shop at Costco; we waist time, moneys, effort and NO-TAX dollars come back in to our Pleasanton community.
Let’s report all of benefits not only what Mr. Wheeler wants!
I just think we have enough. Our city is beginning to be like everywhere else. It’s like every city has the same book, the same stores, blah, blah, blah. I moved to Pleasanton because it was unique.
I would like to vote and preserve my town, the town that I love because people know me by name. Bottom line: Costco is amazing–just not for Pleasanton. Let’s have one super close, but not in our City. Oh, wait! There is a Costco about 6 miles away!
NO COSTCO! NO THANK YOU! NOT AT THIS LOCATION! I am a mother of 3 and I live close to Johnson Drive. I’m not in favor of Costco and I want to VOTE!
We don’t need Costco as the gateway to our community. We don’t need the traffic, the pollution, the depletition of our $5 million infrastructure reserve, the borrowing of $6 million, the loss of small businesses.
Other businesses can generate sales tax dollars without all of these negatives. Besides we have a cash surplus!
Let’s please keep Pleasanton unique. Let’s keep Pleasanton pleasant.
Costco is 6 miles away. We don’t need another one close by for what? Living close to the freeway I know how painful it is to get out of town! The city is making enough money building thousands of new homes.. no need for Costco! Let’s build more small shops downtown, keep the city’s charm! Please!
Val,
I agree! We need the $5 million infrastructure reserve for improving the safety of our streets for our children. The City wants to spend it ALL for one project– Costco. PLUS THEY WANT TO BORROW $6 million from Costco for 30 years at a 4% interest rate (April 12 meeting). It has taken us years to build up our reserve fund. We have projects that need this money now. Projects for safety. Let’s put our citizens first.
I WANT TO VOTE NO COSTCO–AND I WANT TO VOTE IN NOVEMBER!! AND, I DON’T WANT THE SLEAZY POLITICS OF A DELAY, OR OF A COMPETING BALLOT AS PROPOSED BY THE MAYOR ON APRIL 12.
To Daniel, the Costco will be better than the commercial that is there now as Costco shoppers are spread throughout the day and not during rush hour. Any commercial there will be businesses that will add to the rush hour commute.
As for the ‘gateway of the community’, come on. It is next to the sewer plant on a frontage road of the freeway.
This article and all the comments make it seem like the only issue Mr. Wheeler has is parking. I bet if Costco is passed almost all of those employees will just park at the Costco parking lot, I would if I were them.
But, in all seriousness, Pleasanton has always been known as a small city that is all about the Mom and Pop stores. Why would our vision change just because of what Dublin and Livermore are doing? Yes, it is time for the city to evolve but does it need to make such a drastic change? The citizen’s committee needs to look at what the community wants and go with the majority, whether that is yes or no to a new Costco.
I want to vote NO for Costco. I drive to the club sport everyday through Johnson Drive, the traffic is getting worse. I am also a Costco member, but I can drive a little bit longer to Danville or Livermore.
When y’all say NO to Costco you must know something will be built there. And no matter what it will generate traffic….even if a park!
It appears the majority of the comments in favor of Costco are missing the point. This isn’t about Bill Wheeler and parking for Black Tie employees. He owns a transportation company. I’m quite sure they could easily come up with a solution for getting their employees to and from work. In reality it is a campaign to get the initiative on the ballot and allow the citizens of Pleasanton the chance to cast their vote whether for or against a big box store. That is all. I don’t quite understand why they have made this a personal attack. There are plenty who agree with him as there are plenty who oppose. All that is being asked is to put it on the ballot and allow the citizens to decide.
Hey, is anyone paying attention to the news? Just a few weeks ago the Weekly announced that Workday has been approved for over 40,000 sf of office space just across the highway at Stoneridge Dr and Stoneridge Mall road. It was stated that this will generate another 4,500 vehicles a day at this intersection. Those numbers along with those for Costco and their massive gas station will only make it worse, worse and more worse. Enough already!
The traffic in Pleasanton is already horrible. Adding Costco will just make it unbearable. I have been driving in Pleasanton for over 20 years and in the last few years it has gotten so congested that it is a challenge to get out of the driveway! SHale’s comment above is correct in that anything put there will generate traffic, but nothing will create as many cars as Costco. If Costco were put in Pleasanton, I think some people would still go to surrounding Costco’s to avoid the crowds. Pleasanton has already grown too much! Don’t turn it into another city with too much traffic and frustration.
Big Box stores are sapping communities of their character and individuality. Those excited to have Costco come to Pleasanton should do a little research. This is a big decision.
Can we vote Black Tie out? 8 percent revenue growth stopped by a guy who contributes little to city receipts. And we wonder why our neighbors have better facilities
I am all for the democratic process. Initiatives and Referendums are part of that process. Elected officials are supposed to be representatives of the people. In this case enough people thought that our elected officials weren’t listening and weren’t representing them on this issue so they signed a petition that lets the people decide. If you want a big box on that you can vote that way and if you don’t you can vote that way as well. Respect the process, put it on the ballot and let’s get on with the vote!
I drive through this area every day on my way home, mostly because it is not quite as congested as another route that I can take. The large increase in traffic this area will see as a result of a new Costco really makes me uneasy. Aside from that, I think the bigger issue for me is getting the right to vote on the issue. Shouldn’t an important decision like this be made by the community? Thank you to those who collected signatures to get this on the ballot.
All along, the pro-Costco planners have tried to portray this as one man’s fight. But 250 people showed up at the April meeting with real concerns about Johnson Drive rezoning, and 7,000 signed a petition to bring it to a vote. It’s not about parking, it’s about what we the citizens want Pleasanton to be in the future. And the petition/initiative is only about one specific thing–banning any big box retailer from building a mega-store on Johnson Drive, in an area where traffic is already becoming a problem. Add 12,000 additional cars from Costco, plus 4,500 from Workday, to the Stoneridge Mall area. No sane citizen would want the traffic mess that will ensue from that!
NO BIG BOX STORES PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!! Stick it in Dublin. Livermore is already a very short drive if one chooses to go to Costco.
This is not just about traffic to a lot of us- it’s about preserving Pleasanton’s appeal and not making it look like every other homogenized city.
So happy I don’t live or shop on that side of town. There is too much going on commercially.
I have been following this for a little over a year. I get that the city would welcome the tax increase that Costco would bring. I keep hearing that it will generate over 2 million dollars in income. What I also heard, that no one seems to be talking about, is that those who are against Costco are in favor of smaller 50,000 square foot medium sized businesses. Restaurants, brew pubs, hotels, a walking path off of the Iron Horse Trail. All things that would generate lots of income that all Pleasanton residents could enjoy and be proud of without so much traffic.
Our Mayor has been touting how well funded our city is. We recently made the top 50 list for richest cities in the nation. That’s America people! It’s a big deal! So think about it. Really? Do we need a Costco combined with a huge Safeway and rack and stack housing off of the Bernal exit, Ikea at 580 and Hacienda? Just another overpopulated, congested area. Please stop this before it’s too late!
One businessman fueling his interests? City leaders need to decide? I don’t think so!
7000 people want to vote. These were collected in 2 months. How many citizens would have signed if the 6 months were used, which is allowed for collecting?
Let’s see. …more development of homes on the hillside (measure K), new senior home development on Stoneridge and Foothill, more new housing being approved and built on Bernal across from the fairgrounds, more growth in hacienda business park, new office complexes many other places around town, and please explain to me what all that talk was about a “severe” water shortage! Since when did the goal became that of whoever can raise the most tax dollars was the winner? Unless we need the tax dollars to support the infrastructure to support all of that growth in order to generate more tax dollars in order to support more growth to support more infrastructure. ..and on and on. .
We can’t wait for Costco to come to Pleasanton. As a Pleasanton resident of 38 years, It is tiring to hear people think we are too fabulous for a big box store. Johnson Dr. is a perfect location for Costco. We can keep the revenue Costco will bring to Pleasanton, not to mention all the employment opportunities it will provide for the community. I remember people protesting Stoneridge Mall!
What a waste of money to spend on an election.
Yes to Costco!
Ugh, let the spin start–6500 signatures collected by people paid $15 per signature were submitted. Of those 200 were rejected due to not being signed by the collector etc. this is now the 2nd time where paid signature gatherers have been used to collect signatures. It bothers me that we’re resorting to money and not passion to collect signatures. paid signature gatherers will say anything to get you to sign since that’s how they get paid.
By the way, its not just about parking for Bill Wheeler, but also about protecting his friend Carrie Cox and her Shell stations at 580. Costco would force them to lower their gas prices.
There is absolutely no need for another Costco in the area or even an IKEA in Dublin. This area is becoming to overcrowded and traffic has become unbearable. If you can’t make the drive to Costco in Livermore or Danville you should just shop online.
With a Costco in Pleasanton then seniors and those unable to drive will be able to access it using Pleasanton Paratransit. I’d bet Black Tie wouldn’t take those in need to Livermore or Danville Costco’s for $3.00.
I’m looking forward to a much shorter drive, cheap gas, hot roasted whole chickens, hot pizzas instead of luke warm, my taxes spent staying not only in city but in county, decent paying jobs that receive health care benefits etc.
My wife and I will vote YES for Costco! It’ll be great to be so close!
Oh, the poor dears in Pleasanton that have to drive 8 miles to the closest Costco and then their pizzas get cold! What about our Pleasanton commmunity? What about having it not look like the rest of the Tri-Valley area with non-stop faceless big box stores? How about not adding to the traffic mess that is threatening to swamp the 580/680/Stoneridge interchanges? What about using the millions Costco is going to demand in tax incentives for other badly needed uses in our community? How about supporting local businesses rather than a multibillion dollar corporation? Some people really have their priorities screwed up!
So all of you care so much about this issue? I’ll expect to see you all at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, 7 pm. It’s one thing to just post blindly, it’s another to show up and do the work, like Wheeler and others have been doing. We need to make sure the City Council knows how important it is to put this to a vote in the Nov. election.
I shop at Lucky’s and saw many signature gatherers over the last couple of months. They were all polite and courteous. Some were young local college students. Signature gathering isn’t easy and I thought they did a great job.
Voting seems fair to me. I’m not sure why there is so much anger towards those involved in this initiative. They did the hard work and now we get to decide. Thank you.
i have 2 close friends that have moved out of Pleasanton in the past year. They both lived here 15+ years and have seen the changes–many for the better. Despite these wonderful changes, both had the same reason for leaving: traffic! They just couldn’t handle it any more. I am a honestly considering moving, too. Is anyone else out there like me???? I can’t even take Bernal sometimes. Hopyard exit is Terri le around 3-6 pm. Santa Rita–well, everyone is taking that to get to Vasco. TRAFFIC IS WVERYWHERE AND ITS KIING ME! Costco will bring 15K more cars a day. Why would we do this?
I have lived in Pleasanton for many years and I will say that Bill Wheeler has always been a huge supporter of our local schools and charities. To say he is a non-resident only interested in his own agenda just isnt true. Every charity event I attend, Black Tie is either a sponsor or offers multiple donations. If you have school aged children in Pleasanton I would bet that they have benefited from his donations. I believe he is on the board of PPIE (Pleasanton Partners in Education) and has always played a large part in supporting all of our schools. He continually gives back and does so without the intention of gaining notoriety for doing so. I too am against Costco moving to that location but wanted to make sure people understand this isnt about Black Tie and its employees. Its about whats best for our city. I hope this gets on the ballot so that we can all vote for what we believe. By obtaining the signatures, he has allowed it to be considered for the ballot. Some of those signatures are from Costco supporters. He didn’t care. His whole agenda was to get it on the ballot. I hope the city does the right thing.
FOR Costco ! Let elected do their job and vote to build. We’ll have too many propositions in Nov. don’t need a Black tie driven scare tactic ! Costco is a respected company and better than the wall of 300 townhouses / apartments that take our water and serves as Pleasanton gate way as you access Bernal from the freeway. Don’t let BTie dictate that!
I have lived in Pleasanton for many years and I will say that Bill Wheeler has always been a huge supporter of our local schools and charities. To say he is a non-resident only interested in his own agenda just isnt true. Every charity event I attend, Black Tie is either a sponsor or offers multiple donations. If you have school aged children in Pleasanton I would bet that they have benefited from his donations. I believe he is on the board of PPIE (Pleasanton Partners in Education) and has always played a large part in supporting all of our schools. He continually gives back and does so without the intention of gaining notoriety for doing so. I too am against Costco moving to that location but wanted to make sure people understand this isnt about Black Tie and its employees. Its about whats best for our city. I hope this gets on the ballot so that we can all vote for what we believe. By obtaining the signatures, he has allowed it to be considered for the ballot. Some of those signatures are from Costco supporters. He didn’t care. His whole agenda was to get it on the ballot. I hope the city does the right thing.
May I ask… How many of you are willing to spend and borrow at least $11 million to attract Costco? Our entire $5 million reserve. Plus $6 million in borrowing. This was all disclosed in the April 12 meeting. When asked how much more was being negotiated to attract them, there was no response from the City.
It is a secret.
It’s surprising how many people want to leave all decision making to city officials. Really? It’s politics! They have their own agenda and sometimes their decisions aren’t always what’s best for our community!
Here’s another thought – we get traffic down Bernal and onto both Main and First Streets of people avoiding the 580/680 interchange, especially on Fridays but it is daily during the weeks at rush hour time. Think about how much worse it will be if there is a Costco adding many more cars to that merge. Our downtown traffic will start getting backed up. It’s already very slow on Main and First during rush hour times.
Ted, let’s deal in facts and not scare tactics. The City staff was very clear at the April 12th meeting how the traffic mitigations were going to be paid for. 1/3 is paid by Nearon/Costco. 1/3 from traffic impact fees that have been paid in by previous projects and are NOT from tax dollars and 1/3 is coming from Costco which the City will pay back from sales tax revenue over a certain amount. This was the part that didn’t see to be completely done–after what level of generated sales tax is Costco reimbursed and there seemed to be a possibility of interest being paid. 2/3 is clearly not coming from tax dollars and 1/3 is being reimbursed from generated sales tax revenue.
Traffic from Costco is estimated at 7,000 cars per day not 12,000 or 15,000 as some posters have mentioned. its all in the EIR unless you are trying to use scare tactics to state you position. Don’t forget something will be built there that generates traffic–ask yourself where do we get the biggest bang from the traffic.
I will vote Yes for Costco.
I would like to see Black Tie thank the citizens of Pleasanton for paying for the streets Black Tie employees park on. As tax payers we have been paying for his parking for years. I would like the gas station owner to be honest and say they don’t want Costco because it will force them to lower their gas prices.
I would like people to realize that the car trips being added to Johnson drive will remove car trips down Stoneridge and other roads to the Livermore and Danville Costco’s. It will reduce local pollution because people will not be driving as far. Anyone who drives to the two existing Costco’s knows that the traffic getting to those two stores is rarely if ever backed up. Costco traffic is spread out over the day and will not affect the morning commute at all since it opens after rush hour.
The city is being forced to add housing due to state requirements so all we can ask is that it is done in the best and most responsible way possible, this is not really relevant to the conversation.
I am looking forward to keeping more tax revenue in the City that will be paid back in a responsible way. I am looking forward to more local jobs in the City so people don’t have to drive so far to work (less cars on the freeways around town).
I have no issue with voting (although that is what we elect our council members to do for us), I just would like people to be forthright and honest.
I don’t mind voting on the issue at all
Just the facts,
You must have gone to another meeting than I did on Apriil 12. Please look at the video or minutes. Gerry Beaudin clearly states ( in a chart )”that the $16 million in infrastructure will comr from 3 buckets”. One buket is the $5 reserve. One bucket is borrowing $6 million from Costco over 30- 40 years at 4% interest. To me that adds to $11 million.
Ted listen closer. It’s the traffic impact fee reserve that projects pay into for traffic mitigation. Call the city to verify
Thanks for clarifying Ted. I was at the April 12 meeting, and that’s what I heard. $16,000,000 infrastructure. Of which, $5,000,000 will deplete our reserve, and $6,000,000 borrowing from Costco. Total $11,000,000.
I heard the same question about “what else is being negotiated.” The answer was : “it is still being negotiated.”
Mayor Thorne said this needs to be finalized, so we can tell the people.
Looking at the beginning of this thread of opinions (and those of the other articles about Costco), if I was a conspiracy wingnut I would say that it looks like a concerted effort was made to get the Yes on Costco screeds in the forefront. Three posts, all citing the parking issue with Black Tie and the actions of its owner, which seems to be a proponents’ main point of objection, came in rapid succession right after the article was posted. And then all quickly had 20+ posts. I have a funny picture in my head of the city planning staff staying up at night to compose the posts, and then running around getting all their fellow employees to “like” what they post right away, so it looks like so many people agree with them. Why not just listen to what the petition signers and people who attended the meetings are saying? Or better yet, let it come to a vote and really hear what the citizens want? Or are you afraid of what the outcome might be?
Question: Why is it that people are picking on a few local small businesses who are trying to look out for the community, and yet see no problem with a $16 billion dollar outside corporation trying to impose its will, make a shambles of local retailers, complicate an already bad traffic situation, and then make us taxpayers pay for the privilege thru tax incentives or “loans”? Are 50 cent hot dogs and cheap pizza worth this?
Bill is a stand-up guy and man of integrity. While a Costco there would certainly hurt his business, it would hurt all of us. While nobody is against bringing more revenue to the city treasury, this is not the way to do it. We simply must reduce congestion, especially at the 580/680 interchange. Traffic is choking the bay area economy and longer commutes are negatively impacting family lives. All Tri-Valley and even central valley citizens, many of whom commute to Silicon Valley, are suffering from decades of bad land-use planning and the lack of an Express Lane on northbound 680 from San Jose. This would be a bad decision. The drive to the Danville or Livermore Costco is fine.
Do not be fooled by the campaign against Costco waged by Mr. Wheeler. This is a self-serving issue that he has raised to protect his on-street parking for his employees. He should spend his time and money on purchasing a piece of the property for his business rather than trying to block Costco’s entry into Pleasanton. A Costco in that location will benefit the majority of the residents of Pleasanton and generate far greater tax revenue than any other business will for the City and residents of Pleasanton.
As a side benefit, Costco will provide better gas prices for the majority of Pleasanton residents. If you choose to pay more for your gas at the Shell stations, you will still have that option. But then who has the extra cash for that with all of the new bond measures that are being approved and submitted?
The arguments Mr. Wheeler and his supporters have listed against Costco are not valid. As I understand it, Mr. Wheeler is not a resident of Pleasanton so where do you think his motivation comes from?
Costco is a great company and will be great for Pleasanton. Bring it on!
Brian, you say we do not want freeway congestion but you also say “The drive to the Danville or Livermore Costco is fine.” A Costco in Pleasantou would remove those trips from the freeway and thus free up some of the congestion. This Costco is not going to increase freeway traffic but rather free up some of it.
Hi Moving…..We are one of the families that moved out of Pleasanton because of the traffic & too many people! We had a nice home near the Outlets and decided to move to beautiful Lakewood Ranch, Florida where there is no traffic!! We got out of CA. before it got any worse?? We lived in Pleasanton for 20+ years when it was a nice small town.
Thought we would live in PTown forever……Too many people and the quality of life is no longer good!!!
This is not an issue about one business owner. It is about the future of the last, non-business park retail space in the northern part of town. Yes, the DSRSD plant is near us, but also a community park with well-used soccer fields, the only Pleasanton outlet for recycled water, the Alamo Canal trail, which is a major link to the Iron Horse Trail and the only I680 on ramp serving the north Pleasanton and Foothill neighborhoods, the business parks and Stoneridge Mall. Now that the Clorox buildings are gone, there is a real opportunity to develop that area in a way that enhances it not degrades it. People who are thinking that it will just make their favorite store closer to home forget that Costco and other big-box stores depend on regional traffic not just local. If you look at a map of store locations, you’ll see that there are none on I680 south of Danville. That’s a lot of folks. If the proposed location was something like the Bernal property, where Safeway and/or the housing went in, it would make more sense. But, to shoe horn such a large project into a side street is not doing any one a favor. Its unique location next to the Alamo Canal trail makes it a great spot for bike-friendly businesses.
Speaking of gasoline…no ones talked much about the effect of pollution. Can you imagine the sales eqivalent to 10 gas stations in one spot? 25-30% of all gasoline sold in Pleasanton in one spot? 4,000 cars per day just for gasoline. Cars idling in line for up to 30 minutes. 4 gas tankers per day. Is this what we want for our city? This was all brought up in the April 12 meeting.
When you talk about cheap gas prices, consider the consequences. Those of you who want cheap gasoline can drive 6-8 miles. I will continue to support the small owners who give back to our community.
By all means, build another big box monstrosity and drive out a successful local business built by a smart and tough entrepreneur that every community needs. Pleasanton has lost so much of its character already, that it’s barely distinguishable from Dublin these days. Since everyone is coming to Livermore for food, entertainment, and downtown atmosphere anyway, let P-town have the fatty wagon riding, cheese cake buying Costco customers.
I am voting for Costco. I drive to Costco in Livermore or Danville at least 2x a week. I’d rather spend my money in Pleasanton so we keep the tax dollars in our community.
Growth is inevitable. Dublin, San Ramon, Livermore and the Central Valley will keep building. And the cut through traffic will increase regardless of the “slow growth” Pleasanton claims being made here.
If the Costco was being build in another part of the City, Bill Wheeler wouldn’t have spent all this money to launch a campaign. The only thing he cares about is free parking for his employees.
I’d really like it if Mr. Wheeler could show us how much of a benefit his transportation company provides to Pleasanton in terms of tax dollars or anything else. I’m guessing it isn’t much at all.
Oh and btw, I’ve seen his black car drivers drive way too fast on our streets anyway.
For those that feel that Bill Wheeler and a few of his friends are driving this (no pun intended), as far as I’m concerned he is doing me, and many – if not most – people I know, a favor by getting this on the ballot. I live on that side of town, but far enough away that I won’t really be affected by a new Costco, but I do NOT want Costco here. The traffic on Stoneridge will increase immensely, it won’t be just Pleasanton residents shopping here, it will also be Sunol, Dublin and Castro Valley residents, plus Pleasanton residents will make more trips to Costco. 680 is a giant mess at the Stoneridge area, I know of one couple who lives near there and will drive to other on-ramps when they need to get on 580 or 680 due to the problems at that interchange.
FYI, I have never met Bill Wheeler, I have never patronized his business, but I appreciate his efforts. We do not need a Costco in Pleasanton, at least not at that location.
You think 580/680 interchange is bad now, just wait….
Black Tie is overpriced anyway…
Rather have Costco than Plastic IKEA.
If you are one of the privileged few who were patients of the good ole Dr. Shanks, couldn’t wait to buy your new tv’s from Frank’s, felt completely at ease knowing Joe Rose was the top of our police ranks, then stop and give OUR Pleasanton a great big thanks. For we once had it made, which makes it all the harder to watch our beloved hometown fade. Pleasanton was once hella rad, now it’s, well um, just totally sad. We should have done more. What you have become I deplore. What were we to do when some jerks decided to sue? Do we have to build on every inch of ground? Thanks a lot Jerry Brown! May you rest in peace forever in our hearts and memories Pleasanton.
RIP, I agree it is sad! But, we can keep it from getting worse. No, we don’t have to build on every square inch. Adding to pollution, traffic, the decline of our small businesses with a huge 160,000 square foot warehouse, 800 vehicle parking lot, a 20- 24 gas pumps — all visible from I-680 — will make our city worse. What are our elected officials thinking???
Why do I have the strong suspicion a bunch of Black Tie associated folks are posting here?
In any event, if Mr. Wheeler defeats the Costco, I intend to ask the City to prohibit parking on the stretch of roadway where his employees currently park.
It is extremely dangerous for them to park there – they are constantly jaywalking across the street and the road is too narrow and high traffic to have them parking there.
Ha! Very interesting post “The Truth”. How do we know that you are not with Nearon, Costco or the City of Pleasanton??
I perceive people as being honest until they start making accusations without knowledge. I think there has been good discussion on the topic. I would hate to see it turned into baseless finger pointing, or worse!
Sorry Val from Val Vista (nice pseudonym) – I’m not with Nearon, Costco, or any other “special interests”
I’ve lived in this town with my wife since 2002 and am raising my kids here – all of whom have come up through Pleasanton public schools. I support the community – you can find me at the Farmers Market most Saturdays and I have kids in BUSC, RAGE, PFLL, and we are active at Castlewood.
Sorry to disappoint, but I’m far from a shill. I’m merely a realist.
Hopefully more folks like myself see through this charade.
i can’t believe the whining about the development of Costco. The extrapolation from some critics that there will be anywhere from 12k to 20k vehicles in the area is mere hype and theory. Yes, there will be additional traffic; however, there will be increased traffic attached to any development they introduce in that area. Black Tie is selfish and worried only about himself, I get that. We need this, Pleasanton is beyond being the little community it was decades ago. People, wake up.
I have lived here since 1982 – but I will not go so far as to accuse your side of a charade, although it is curious how quickly there were so many posts from your side immediately after the article was released. And how many likes within the first 30 minutes.
Jake, we “need” this? Sorry, we don’t “need” a Costco. Pleasanton has survived for 122 years without a Costco, we can continue without one for a long, long time, maybe forever.
The 12-20k vehicles is the number the city gives, based on research. City planners don’t just throw out numbers, they do research to back their statements. Those numbers maybe “theory,” but they are not “hype.”
And thanks, but I am wide awake.
just the facts, please read the eir and accurately present the research. Its really clear there that they anticipate Costco to generate just under 7,000 trips per day. Keep in mind that something will get built there which will generate traffic. You are trying to use the total trip number for all of Johnson drive and attribute it to Costco–very misleading at best unless of course you are connected to
Black Tie or the Cox Family gas stations.
At full build out – with Costco in the JDEDZ- TRAFIC WILL BE 12,000 ADDITIONAL cars on weekdays, and 15,000 ADDITIONAL cars on weekends. If Costco is 7,000 of this– we don’t want it!! Nothing else will generate 7,000 ADDITIONAL cars on weekdays and up to to 10,000 ADDITIONAL cars per day on weekends.
It is also uncertain if this includes the 4,000 cars per day fueling gasoline. The SEIR, funded by Nearon, is not clear. This could add even more cars to the total. These are not all people shopping at Costco. Many are coming just for gas.
A new costco will not generate many new customers, maybe none. People will use a ‘new’ costco because it is CLOSER. those silly estimates are averages. Only early morning traffic would be employees, ya?
Same issue for gas; vehicles have to gas someplace. They go to a new costco because A) it is closer or B) it is cheaper.
Region wise there will be shorter trips.
I wish we could entice a company to build a headquarters facility here. That would bring in jobs that pay enough for employees to live here.
“Silly estimates” were from the Nearon funded SEIR, and accepted by the City. I repeat, the SEIR said at full buildout with Costco :
12,000 ADDITIONAL CARS ON WEEKDAYS
15,000 ADDITIONAL CARS ON WEEKENDS
Wasn’t Workday just approved with 4,000 additional cars in the same area?
This is crazy!
I seeing lots of BANANAS here on this forum! 😉
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NIMBY#BANANA
Hey Bob- Did you mean TURKEYS?
Sometime around Thanksgiving 2014, a Costco big rig carrying 23,000 pounds of frozen turkeys turned over spilling turkeys and leaking fuel which closed the ramp at Alcosta.
I see lots of TURKEYS!
Not really… Mostly good people trying to have a discussion. Let’s vote on it!
We don’t need the Costco, and we don’t need the additional traffic. The additional tax revenue is a poor reason for building, unless we’re interested in making Pleasanton larger.
Get the facts needs to ‘get the facts.’ The survey is totally wrong. And as for the 122 years, dude wake up and get with the times old man. You can’t stop this, we will have a Costco and it will last for 122 years.
Something is going to go there so why this fight? Bill Wheeler wants to keep his taxpayer subsidized parking, his friend wants to keep a lock on high fuel prices. Tough luck. I made a trip to Costco on Sunday, bad judgment, and found the lines for gas double wide onto the access road and people parked on the access road as the parking lot was full. Not much difference than many weekdays. A Costco here will be a good thing. We are never going to stop traffic and the claims of Wheeler and his friend are nothing more than a way to keep their personal monopolies.
If the cost of voter initiatives was paid by those getting their personal interest items on the ballot we would not see all of this nonsense. Another case of NIMBYs forcing their selfish desires on the rest of us at our expense.
The Costco site isn’t a “garden spot” by any stretch of the imagination, by its location near the sewage treatment plant. I am not sure what those opposed to Costco have in mind for that spot – it won’t be where chi-chi/boutique-y type businesses will want to locate to anyway. What are you expecting? A park? Anything will generate traffic. Those who have a beef with traffic should’ve been protesting Workday’s additions to the daily counts when their new offices are done. And yes, I am a Costco shopper who would love to remove my 580 corridor car trips/exhaust to the Livermore store.
There is no reason for Costo to come to Pleasanton. Livermore and Danville Costco is not that far. This is ridiculous 3 Costco almost close to one another. Don’t forget Walmart in Pleasanton. Costco in Pleasanton will also destroy small business. Look what happened to Tullys Coffee when Starbucks opened on Main Street. The revenues we will get is dismal to the disruption it will cause. As is taking the bernal exit or stone ridge exit is impossible. Also look at the traffics the San Francisco outlet has caused on 680 over the weekend. Forget about cars now there are tour buses brings people to the outlets. This craziness has to end. We need to get rid of existing members of the city council and vote new ones who have Pleasantons interest in mind.
I don’t like that a business owner who doesn’t live here will cost Pleasanton taxpayers money to fuel his agenda.
If it isn’t Costco, as SHale says, it will be something else. More importantly, the Bay Area is projected to be over 9 million people by 2040. Here are two reports on growth. This one has a chart on page 40: http://mtc.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2-The_Bay_Area_In_2040.pdf This one has maps of the Bay Area projected to 2100: http://www.energy.ca.gov/reports/500-03-058/2003-10-31_500-03-058CF_A03.PDF
Pleasanton is not going to stay a small community. I’ve pointed out before, the Governor and an activist organization are currently working to be certain we accommodate the future.
I recall the petition–whatever the document is called–stated that the end result is that there should be a vote for ANY development larger than 50,000 sq. ft. Is that what we want in a representative government? What is the point of electing anyone when we would need to vote on every issue?
In my opinion, it’s not about parking, traffic nor something along a freeway; but rather about who determines what business is located where. Imagine the fracturing and resultant stagnation in anything getting done in our city!
Maintaining our small-town-feel is one thing but stagnation kills it rather than preserves.
I’m voting NO. I hope more people learn the real facts of cost, years to break even, borrowing, traffic, better alternatives, pollution, gasoline mega fueling, small businesses shuttered.
Please help us save our community. Choose community over convenience. The sales tax dollars may take 20 years to payoff the debt.
We don’t know what is being negotiated. How can you vote yes, when you don’t know what yes is?
@Dr Ashe
I agree! Here is a web link which describes a similar situation that occurred in Ridgeland, Mississippi. It is important because the voters need to see what has been occurred in other communities. The dollars requested, the lack of transparency.
We still do not know how much Costco and the developer are requesting in Pleasanton. We know of at least $11 million, but there are still additional subsidies “being negotiated” that have not been revealed.
Here is the link. http://ridgelandcitizens.com/the-costco-soap-opera-part-two/
@Dr Ashe,
“This craziness has to end”. Please read:
WHO RUNS PLEASANTON