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Vice Mayor Ayala declared the public hearing open. David Bouchard, President of the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, 777 Peters Avenue, believed that a buildiog moratorium is a drastic option that could have serious long-term consequences to the local economy, which runs contrary to sound quality of life and economic development policies. The mention of the word causes shock waves throughout the development, banking and business community. A building moratorium will send a negative message to those either doing business or planning to do business in Pleasanton. Although this is something that can be overcome with time, the resulting negative message could further damage an already fragile economy in certain parts of Pleasanton. The proposed moratorium does not put a halt to the planning process for projects already approved or under review as mentioned earlier. The messages it sends could have unintended negative consequences for businesses in Pleasanton. To achieve a reasonable balance between quality of life and economic prosperity, the community must appropriately plan for the kind of development projects this moratorium is intended to effect. Ms. Hosterman asked Mr. Bouchard, realistically what type of effect a moratorium would have on loc:al Pleasanton businesses? Based on what has occurred in other communities where a building moratorium has been in effect, Mr. Bouchard said a moratorium sends a negative message to the those who are either looking to invest in the community or who are currently located in that city and may be considering other options. He asked Council to consider the negative impacts to the communities' health and welfare if the moratorium is adopted. Vince Barletta, 6290 Laura Lane, speaking on behalf of the Alisal Improvement Club, noted that many Happy 'Valley residents are concerned about the proposed moratorium. If a moratorium :is implememed, there is concern that the projects for the funding developers for the North Sycamore Specific Plan and the bypass road may not get approval. This may cause a loss of funds, which causes residents in Happy Valley to be concerned that the burden of this cost could be transferred to them in the future. The other concern relates to the housing cap for Pleasanton, which the City is approaching. If a moratorium causes a shift, there is concern that the Spotorno land may not receive the necessary approvals in the future. This would result in this area never being developed, and it would be difficult to strike a deal for an upper bypass road. On behalf of the Happy Valley residents, he urged Council to consider the ramifications of a moratorium before moving forward. Susan Astbury, 1375 Hearst Drive, believed that the proposed developments for south Pleasanton would be a direct threat to the health, safety and welfare of Pleasanton's neighborhoods. The Kottinger Hills developers propose to extend the south end of Hearst Drive one mile to provide access to the 98 custom built homes and open space land that is currently being used for cattle grazing. This would require extensive grading on the rolling hillside, not only for the construction of the houses but to provide the only in and out access to the development on already existing streets. This would result in significant Pleasanton City Council 20 05/18/04 Minutes