HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 7.1 AllAboardMinistoreGPA (2)
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CITY CLERK
File # D[fJLaJ~-~[Q]
AGENDA STATEMENT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: May 5,1998
SUBJECT:
All Aboard Ministorage OPA Request for RR Right-of-Way
Property
(Report prepared by Eddie Peabody, Jr., Community
Development Direct01~
EXHIBITS A TT ACHED:
1.
2.
April 21, 1998 Agenda Statement (with exhibits)
April 21, 1998 letter from General Counsel Associates,
LLP
Excerpts from April 7, 1998 City Council minutes
3.
RECOMMENDA TI O~ J.J:y. Adopt Resolution authorizing initiation of general plan
VV' amendment or adopt resolution denying initiation of study or
give staff further direction
FINANCIAL STATEMENT: None
DESCRIPTION:
On April 7, 1998, the Council considered a request by Union Pacific Railroad Company and All
Aboard Ministorage Company for a general plan amendment for a 4.21 acre site which is part of
a larger 9 acre site formerly used as a railroad right-of-way. The Council continued the matter
from April 7, 1998, in order to allow for a site inspection. The site inspection occurred on April
21, 1998 at 5:00 p.m.
The Council considered the matter again at its April 21, 1998 meeting. A copy of the agenda
statement is attached as Exhibit A. Because the staff received a letter from the applicant's
attorney (Exhibit B) on the afternoon of April 21 which raised some legal issues, the staff
requested the Council to continue the matter to provide time for staff and the City Attorney to
evaluate the points raised in the letter.
The City Attorney also requested the Council to continue the matter because of comments made
by the attorney for All Aboard Ministorage Company regarding the adequacy of Mayor
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COPIES TO: In House Distribution
Applicant/Owner
ITEM NO. 7- 1
g:g:pa98-024\ccstfrpt
Houston's announcement at the beginning of the meeting that he would not participate due to a
conflict of interest.
The City Attorney has evaluated the April 21, 1998 letter and has provided advice to the Council
regarding the legal issues raised in the letter by way of a confidential memorandum.
The City Attorney has also evaluated the statement made by Mayor Houston regarding the reason
for his disqualification and has concluded that Mayor Houston's comments complied with the
Fair Political Practices Act and no further disclosure was required.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Council either adopt a resolution initiating a general plan amendment
(Exhibit E to April 21 agenda statement), adopt a resolution denying the request to initiate a
general plan amendment (Exhibit F to April 21 agenda statement) or provide further direction to
staff.
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AGENDA STATEMENT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: April 21, 1998
CITY CLERK
File # DODD-DO
1~/5
SUBJECT:
P A 98-024: All Aboard Mini-Storage General Plan Amendment
Initiation Request
Prepared by: Dennis Carrington, Senior Planner
EXHIBITS ATTACHED:
Exhibit A:
Exhibit B:
Exhibit C:
Exhibit D:
Exhibit E:
General Plan/Location Map
Written Statement
Conceptual Site Plan
Elevations
Resolution authorizing initiation of a
General Plan Amendment study
Resolution denying initiation of a General Plan
Amendment study
Exhibit F:
RECOMMENDATION:
Give staff direction and either adopt a resolution authorizing
initiation of a General Plan Amendment and Specific Plan
Amendment study or adopt Resolution denying initiation of the
study.
. FINANCIAL STATEMENT:
DESCRIPTION:
Costs for the study would be borne by the Applicant
The Union Pacific Railroad Company is requesting a General Plan Amendment to a plan
designation that would allow a mini-storage facility on its property. All Aboard Mini-Storage is
proposing to construct a self storage facility on a 4.21 acre site (part of a larger approximately 9 acre
right-of way) located in the Union Pacific Railroad Company right-of-way south of Dougherty Road. The
facility would consist of a 2,794 square foot Manager's Unit and 10 storage buildings providing 82,875
square feet of storage, for a total of 85,669 square feet.
BACKGROUND
On April 7, 1998, the City Council continued this item to allow staff to conduct tours of the site
for members of the City CounciL The tour is scheduled for April 21, 1998, at 5:00 p.m. at the site.
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COPIES TO:
Applicant
Owner
In-house distribution
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EXHIBIT 1
ANAL YSIS
General Plan Amendment
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General PlanlLand Use
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The General Plan designation ofthis site is "Transportation Corridor". This designation allows
transportation-oriented land uses only. Self storage facilities are not permitted by this designation. The
most appropriate General Plan designation which would permit a mini-storage use is the Business
ParklIndustrial designation.
Floor Area Ratio
The Business ParklIndustrial designation allows a maximum Floor Area Ratio of.40 (a building
can cover no more than 40% of the site). The project, as currently designed, proposes a total building area
of 85,669 square feet on a 183,400 square foot site. The proposed FAR would therefore be .46.7. No
industrial plan designation of the General Plan allows a FAR greater than .40. When informed of this, the
Applicant indicated that his firm would revise the project to observe the .40 FAR.
Reasons for approval of initiation of the Study:
1. The use would provide additional self storage capacity within Dublin.
2. The use would be consistent with business park/industrial uses in the vicinity.
3.
The use would improve a difficult-to-use site.
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Reasons for denial of initiation of the Study:
1. The site could be combined with adjacent parcels that are underutilized and used for
multiple high density housing, commercial office, or research and development uses.
2. There are already several self storage facilities in the city such as Allsafe Self Storage,
Dublin Self Storage, Dublin Security Storage, Public Storage, and U-Haul Self Storage.
The average occupancy rate of self storage developments in Dublin is 93%.
RECOMMENDATION
Give staff direction and either approve or deny the applicants request for a General Plan Amendment
study.
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UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY
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CON12ACTS & fEAL :::STAT::: D::PARTM::NT
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Southern Pat:ifit: Building. One Market Plaza, Room 570. San francisco, CA 94'05
(4'S}541-2437. Facsimile {4'S)541-'S70
R. L Gooch
Director
Special Properties: Sales E. DevelDpment
December ]2. ]997
In reply. please refer to:
Dublin-Dougherty Rd.
SR#9002 ]
Mr. Eddie pcabody
Community Divcloprncnt director
City of Dublin
] 00 Civic Plaza
Dublin. CA 94.568
Re: General Plan Amendment Study
Southern Pacific Transportation Co.
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Dear Mr. Peabody:
Southern Pacific (now part of Union Pacific Rairoad Co.) ov.TJlS approximately 9 acres ofland
fronting Dougherty Road and ronning southea~erly!~ Dublin Road as shown on the attached
print.
The site is presently zoned M-1. however tbe General Plan has a "T ran5portation Corridor-'
overlay. At this time, we are requesting that the Transportation Corridor overlay he changed to
M-] to be consistent with its zoning.
Pkasc advisc what additional information you may necd in ordcr to move this rcquest forward.
Thank you for your consideration in thi." matter.
V cry Troly Yours. _ g~
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I 1)16 7~' :-- ~
Richard L Gooch
Director - Special propenies
cc:
:Ey:r- ail !' artneT s II, 1..?
Attention: }iike Selby
990 Eigbland Dr., Suite 300
Solana lIeacn, CA 92075
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RESOLUTION NO. 98.
J "'If )5
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN INlTIA TING THE ALL ABOARD
MINI STORAGE GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT STUDY
WHEREAS, the initiation of a General Plan Amendment Study has been requested by Richard L.
Gooch on behalf of the Union Pacific Railroad Company and All Aboard Mini Storage for a 85,669 square foot
storage center on the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way south of Dougherty Road. The General Plan land use
designation proposed for the site is Business ParklIndustrial with a Floor Area Ratio of .467; and
WHEREAS, the Applicant has stated that they would pay the processing costs for the General Plan
Amendment Study; and
'WHEREAS, Section 65358 (a) of the State of Cali fomi a Government Code states that an amendment
to a general plan shall be in a manner specified by the legislative body; and
WHEREAS, the proposed use would provide additional storage capacity within Dublin; and
WHEREAS, the proposed use would be consistent with similar uses in the vicinity; and
WHEREAS, the proposed use would improve a difficult-to-use site; and
WHEREAS, the initiation request has been reviewed in accordance with the provisions of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and was found to be Categorically Exempt under Section
15306, Class 6, Information Collection, of the State CEQA Guidelines; and
WHEREAS, the City Council did hear and consider all said reports, recommendations and testimony
hereinabove set forth and is in support of a General Plan Amendment study to determine the General Plan
designation for the property before making a decision as to the merits of requested specific entitlements.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council does hereby initiate the All Aboard
Mini-Storage General Plan Amendment Study; and the Staff is authorized to retain consultant services to
complete necessary staff reports.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Applicant shall pay for all processing costs involved with
the General Plan Amendment Study.
PASSED, ~4.PPROVED,.AJ\"'D iillOPTED this 7th day of April, 1998.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSE!\'T:
Mayor
ATTEST:
EXHIBIT E
City Clerk
---
Applicant
Owner
In-house distribution
ITEM NO.
y cz( /5
RESOLUTION NO. 98-
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A RESOLUTION OF THE CIIT COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBLIN
DENYING THE INITIATION OF THE ALL ABOARD MINI STORAGE
GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT STUDY
WHEREAS, the initiation ofa General Plan Amendment Study has been requested by Richard L.
Gooch on behalf ofthe Union Pacific Railroad Company and All Aboard Mini Storage for a 85,669 square foot
storage center on the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way south of Dougherty Road. The General Plan land use
designation proposed for the site is Business ParklIndustrial with a Floor Area Ratio of .467; and
'WHEREAS, Section 65358 (a) of the State of California Government Code states that an amendment
to a general plan shall be in a manner specified by the legislative body; and
WHEREAS, the initiation request has been reviewed in accordance with the provisions of the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and was found to be Categorically Exempt under Section
15306, Class 6, Information Collection, of the State CEQA Guidelines; and
\VHEREAS, the City Council did hear and consider all said reports, recommendations and testimony
hereinabove set forth on this issue; and
WHEREAS, this parcel, when combined with other underutilized properties, is an excellent multiple
high density residential, commercial office, or research and development site; and
\VHEREAS, sufficient self storage space exists in the City of Dublin and in nearby cities; and
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WHEREAS, it is not in the best interests of the City of Dublin to initiate a General Plan Amendment
Study at this time.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Cou~cil does hereby deny the initiation of
the All Aboard Mini Storage General Plan Amendment Study.
PASSED, .APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 7th day of April, 1998.
AYES:
NOES:
}\BSE1\'rJ':
Mayor
ATTEST:
CiTY Clerk
EXHIBIT F
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ITEM NO.
- COPIES TO:
. PPR- 21-1998 12: 10 G:3-.J. COI..J~'>/5:::L H~~!.J\"".
GenerBI Counsel Associates LLP
1 c;f' /5
April 21, 1998
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Mr. Eddie Peabody
Community Development Director
CITY OF DUBLIN
100 Civic Plaza
Dublin, CA 94568
Re: Southern Pacific Transportation Company: Request to Repeal
General Plan Overlay for Public Mini-Warehouse Facility
{"Project!"'} at Dougherty Road/Dublin Boulevard
Dear Mr. Peabody:
On behalf of AIl Aboard Ministorage Company {"All Aboard"}, developer
of the Project, this is to respond to some important points recently raised by
individual City Couricilmembers.
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Thanks in part to the cooperative dialogue between All Aboard and your
professional staff, we believe that the Project can been refined to the point
where it will be a first-class example of successful re-use of neglected fonner
railroad property. All Aboard has completed numerous similar projects on
surplus railroad properties throughout California, the nearest being a very well-
received facility in San Ramon. Every one of our projects is attractively
designed, generously landscaped, and a "good neighbor", converting unsightly
vacant land into a quiet. well-lit, safe land use. In many other communities our
projects have raised property values and stimulated investments,
improvements and private redevelopment of nearby properties.
Our Project generates very low traffic while offering a convenient service
to Dublin residents and small businesses with special storage needs. Our site
plan offers a dedication of over 50% of the usable site area, in order to assist
Dublin's efforts to provide nearby (unrelated) traffic circulation and safety
improvements linking Dougherty Road and Dublin Boulevard.
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There can be no doubt that the Project will be a constructive economic
re-use of this area. It complies in all respects with Dublin's undertying "M-1"
1 831 Landings Drive
MDuntain View. Cslrrcmia 94043
Telephone: (650) 428-3900
~aC5imile: (550) 428-3901
\Neb SiL.e: www.gcOUilseLcolTl
EXHIBIT
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b::.N. COU"':S=:L ASSOC.
415 428 3331 ?03/05
Mr. Eddie Peabody
/tJ ?f /5
April 21. 1998
-2-
General Plan and Zoning goals and policies, with the single exception of a
somewhat speculative conceptual po/icy issue. Our request is that the now-
obsolete JlT ransportation Corridor" General Plan overlay designation should be
removed from the Project site. This would not be an issue. except for the fact
that some Councilmembers recently speculated aloud that the City might want
to leave it in place.
Our position is that the facts and circumstances originally prompting the
City to adopt the Transportation Corridor overlay no longer exist, and so it no
longer makes any sense to keep the overlay in effect. Certainly not in hopes of
a regional mass transit facility someday using the site and other right or way
properties. The railroad right of way has been converted to other uses
(obstructed) in at least two locations nearby, and in several locations farther
from Dublin. It seems fairly clear that neither public funds nor pUblic demand is
sufficient to prompt construction of a regional mass transit fink affecting the site
in the foreseeable future. The Project site, therefore, factually no longer is
capable of use for fight rail or other major regional transportation purposes, and
so prohibiting all of its other economic uses no longer advances any legitimate
governmental purpose. Since the original purpose of the overlay now cannot
be attained, the remaining legitimate General Plan and zoning purposes are
excluswely those described in the underlying "M-1" land use policies governing
the Project site.
Expiration of any former legitimate governmental purpose in maintaining
the Transportation overlay over the Project site is important, of course, just to
show the logic and good land use policy basis for removing it, but it also is
impor-t.8nt for legal reasons. It has been settled constitutional Jaw for several
years now that if a land use regulation Hke the Transportation overlay "fails to
advance a legitimate governmental interest" and deprives the property owner
of "substantially all economically viable use" of the property without payment
of its value, then the overlay effects a "taking" of the property barred by the
Fifth Amendment of the U.S. (and California) Constitutions. See Agins
v.Tiburon (1979) 24 C3d 266, First Enalish v_ Los Angeles County (1989) 210
CA 3d 1353, Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council (1992) 112 S Ct 2886.
.
.
In the present instance, whatever governmental purpose may have
justified imposition of the Transportation overlay no longer exists. p..s long as
the.overlay continues in effect, however, prohibiting all other viable ecoilomic .
. ri?2-2:-1938 12:11
GSN. cou~S~L RSSOC.
415 428 3301 ?04/0S
I / ~ /5
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Mr. Eddie Peabody
- 3-
April 21, 1998
uses of the Project site. under current state and federal "takings" law it has
deprived its owners of the right to use their property without compensation, a
"regulatory taking" held to be compensable in numerous cases such as those
noted above. This legal problem can remain academic, of course, until the City
finally insists on maintaining its denial of economic uses. If the City refuses to
remove the Transportation Corridor overlay, then my clients will be able to
show that their Joss of the right to economic use of their property is no longer
academic, and no longer "temporary", and they will be free to assert their
Constitutional rights to compensation for the fair market value of the property.
.
Recent U.S. Supreme Court cases have placed the burden of justifying
regulations like the Transportation overlay squarely on the City. The opinion in
Dolan v. City of Tigard (1994) 114 S CT 2309. detennined that the City here
must shoyv convincingly not only that the overlay advances a legitimate
governmental interest and allows economically viable residual uses of the site.
but also that the severity of the overlay's use prohibition is "roughly
proportional" to its adverse effect on the owner's rights. The City obviously
would find it impossible to satisfy the legal test of Dolan and related cases in
the present instance. The City can have no legitimate interest in preserving
private property in a vacant condition, merely for potential future mass transit
uses, if the former right of way property has been obstructed elsewhere nearby
and no longer is a feasible future transportation resource.
Even if the City (or any other governmental entity) discovered such an
interest in the future, and wished to clear away the other land uses that have
occupied the former railroad right of way, the U.S. and California Constitutions
require all governments to pay for all private land they require for public
purposes, through the normal condemnation process. The bare possibility that
somehow a regional transportation agency miaht want to use this private
property someday in the future clearly is a ~ small, speculative
governmental interest, and not necessarily one held by the City of Dublin.
Balanced against the adverse effect on the owner's use of the property (total
prohibition or.all non-transportation uses), there simply is no way that the City
legally can or ever could justify maintenance of the overlay on this property.
.
Some Councilmembers also have commented to the effect that the City
might want to keep this site vacant for several more years so that some other
developer could make use of it in an assembled form. A policy like this also
I~ c:1/5
Mr. Eddie Peabody
-4-
April 21, 1998
violates the foregoing constitutional prohibition against uncompensated .
regulatory takings. First, the City here has no legal right or authority to force
assemblies of private property, or to prohibit viable economic land uses merely
in the hope that the vacant land will attract a more glamorous buyer. In order
to carry out such a poJicy, the City would have to form a Redevelopment
Project Area around this property and condemn it, again, paying the owners its
fair economic value. If the City wishes to acquire the Project site and the
surrounding land for such a speculative public-sector development purpose,
there are legal procedures available by which it can be done. A
ConstitutionaJJy-mandated essential step in any such process, however, is to
buy all the private property involved.
We appreciate the City's cooperation in working through the technical and
design issues that will make the Project an excellent example of re-use of
former railroad property. We hope that the recent suggestion of retaining the
Transportation overlay was just an example of "land use creativity"; the kind of
long-range thinking that often can work well for all concerned. The legal is?ues
summarized above, however, are very serious indeed, and matters which the
Project owners and developers must address seriously. We hope that they .
remain purely academic, and that the City will focus again on the somewhat
more pragmatic issues that wiJJ make the Project a clear success for the City, .
its residents and businesses.
Please fee! free to call either Mr. Mike Selby or me directly if you have any
questions regarding the Project or this letter.
By
Very truly yours,
GENERAL COU
cc:
City Council Members
Planning Commission Members
Elizabeth SiNer, Esq.; City Attorney
Mr. Mike Selby; All Aboard Ministorage Co.
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On motion of Cm. Burton, seconded by Mayor Houston, and by unanimous vote,
the Council agreed to NOT put up stop signs.
Cm. Barnes felt there should be some way to put up a no v-turn sign.
Mayor Houston felt when the field opens, this should alleviate the problem
somewhat. This can be addressed in the future if necessary.
Cm. Barnes asked Mr. Hanson if they could address this in the school newsletter.
It's not fair to the BiTch Cou.rt people when they can't get out of their driveways.
Mayor Houston felt there needs to be an education process also.
CITI. Burton commented the kids did a good job with their process and they
shouldn't give up.
M.s. Brester asked if we could have the Police patrol the area more often.
Mayor Houston felt Mr. Hanson wi1llook seriously at this to determine what they
can do. We don't usually have Police Services go out and regulate a parking lot.
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RECESS
At 9:05 p.m., Mayor Houston called for a short recess. All Councilmembers were present
when the meeting reconvened.
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REQUEST BY ALL ABOARD MINI-STORAGE
TO INITIATE GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENf STUDY
9:11 p.m. 8.1 (420-30)
Community Development Director Peabody advised that All Aboard Mini-Storage
& the Union Pacific Railroad Company are proposing to construct an 85,669 sq.
ft. self-storage facility on a 4.21 acre site (part of a larger 9 acre right-of-way)
located in the Union Pacific Railroad Company right-of-way south of Dougherty
Road. They currently have a facility just across the line in San Ramon on Alcosta.
Mr. Peabody discussed reasons for either approval or denial of the request.
Cm. Lockhart asked if pictures which were distributed were similar to what they
are proposing in Dublin.
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l\tlr. Peabody explained they were facilities they currently have, but this could be .
alid1.'essed with !vIr. Selby.
Cln. Burton asked if ABC Rental would be wiped out by this.
l\tlr. Peabody stated no, they are immediately adjacent to this site.
Mr. Ambrose explained that the City has had inquiries from people looking at
potentially acquiring all these properties.
Michael Selby, Hyrail Partners stated he and Lance AIlworth are partners with the
Union Pacific :Railroad Company, who will be a 65% partner. They developed
this joint ven-mre in 1990. He pointed out mey will be developing about 4 acres
of their 9 acres of land. They are looking at dedication on Scarlett Way and
Houston Place so they will be dedicating about 5 acres of property to get a mini-
storage on 4 acres. He was aware that recently a mini-storage was turned down
in Dublin on San Ramon Road. He understands the City's hesitance to give up
commercial property. They feel they will be a good buffer on this site. They can
landscape and alleviate any concerns the neighbors may have. It has been
pointed out that there has been a policing problem there and they would clean
this up and come in with a nice product.
Cm. Burton asked if they pIan to have RV storage.
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Mr. Selby stated they don't plan on having any RV parking areas. They are over
their building coverage ratio. He indicated they can go back and revisit this.
Cm. Burton stated he would appreciate it if they could seriously consider this to
alleviate this very real problem in Dublin.
Cm. Lockhart felt another thing needed in Dublin is for residents who drive big
trucks. She asked if some kind of a staging area could be considered.
Mr. Thompson discussed the area and some of the future road plans.
Mr. Ambrose discussed the needed extension of Scarlett Drive when Dublin
Boulevard and Dougherty Road is ultimately ma.."'Ced out.
Mr. Selby stated they are willing to work with Staff. They have a lot of
advantages in having the railroad as their partner. This property is currently
under the State Board of EqUalization and it would be transferred under the new
ownership and the City would benefit by receiving more taxes.
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Cm. Lockhart stated she wanted to reiterate the fact that boat and RV storage is a
big issue in our community.
Mayor Houston felt this is one of the gateways to the City and we may be selling
ourselves short by having a rnini-storage on this site. Aesthetically by putting
parcels together could be better. Also, in the future this may not be industrial.
Once you put in mini-storage, you always have mini-storage. We have an
opportunity to assemble something and put in some tax generators for the City or
just go with mini-storage.
Cm. Lockhart felt we need to look at the traffic issues also.
Cm. Burton felt this is a transition site. Nothing is on it now. The turnoff to
Scarlett Drive will be a major thoroughfare for people going to BART. This does
put a choke point on the whole frontage.
Cm. Barnes suggested that this be put off until the next meeting and that the
Council and Staff reconvene at the site. Maps and slides are great, but she felt
Mr. Peabody could better explain the implications to the Council if they were out
on the site. She asked if it would have to be noticed as a special meeting.
Mayor Houston stated he was concerned about how the Iron Horse Trail is being
treated within our City Limits. He is not happy with the way they did it in San
Ramon. In Dublin he wants it to be open and safe.
Ms. Silver stated if they were considering an appeal they would have to notice it,
but this is a quasi -legislative action so it is not necessary to notice it and go out
together to look at the site. They could go out on their own and individually look
at the site.
em. Barnes felt it is important to do it as a group with Staff.
Mayor Houston requested that Mr. Peabody give those interested some potential
times when he could go with them to the site. He indicated he is very familiar
with the area and would not need to go.
On motion of Mayor Houston, seconded by Cm. Burton, and by unanimous vote,
the Council agreed to defer consideration of this request to the next meeting.
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