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Dear Planning Department, Page 2 of 3 One of the benefits of living in Pleasanton is people believe their substantial tax dollars are reflected in the City's commitment to the public to provide a balance between the needs of the community and those of the developers. Now that the city has abandoned the idea of purchasing the 23 acre pazcel for schools or public use, this is the Ironwood community's last chance to create balance out here. The zoning of this area, I believe, is supposed to create diversity for our community. Instead, the secluded and gated communities building up out here are creating walls to keep everyone restricted and sepazated. Community parks and trails reduce these tensions by joining us together. From Ponderosa's viewpoint, another 110 homes in a gated seniors-only community might be acceptable to Pleasanton. I'm sure they would hope for little resistance from the community due to the closed nature of the development. This looks benign enough on the surface. There would be no need for parks, open space, recreational facilities, or concern for neighbors as there are only a few "outside" neighbors directly bordering the property. The other bordered azeas aze commercial or the quarry. However, their proposal neglects to describe how they will mitigate the loss of the quarry resource (access to open space) and prevent devaluation from more traffic, more noise, and shallow setbacks. The proposed gated community provides its residents with the illusion of exclusivity while it insolates itself from public responsibility. There will be no concern for the surrounding neighborhoods, because they have nothing in common with them. Within this very flat eastern valley there is little esthetic enjoyment except the surrounding hillsides and quarry. Why must we drive to the sports park or the fairgrounds to "get outside" and enjoy some greenery? The mixed use idea behind the zoning ordinances becomes divisive. However, public access to "natural" walking trails around the gated community would instead bring people together. The quarry lake was not built for a few homeowners surrounding it to enjoy. It was a compromised benefit to unseemly blight caused from yeazs of quarry digging, and provides water resources when needed. I do believe a compromise is warranted, where a narrow natural-looking public walking path should be built around the quarry (which the appropriate safety fences which allow views of the lake) for the public benefit as has been provided along Martin Avenue. This idea doesn't just benefit the Ironwood developments, but it also can benefit the older neighborhoods here off Mohr Avenue. These older homes have very large lots and have a vested interest in limiting urban sprawl in their neighborhoods, and I'm sure they would appreciate the extension of pazk-like walking paths so that the new residents moving in will have more area to enjoy. This would encourage people walk on foot, rather than drive outside their developments to enjoy Pleasanton's natural beauty. Please don't just go through the motion of letting Ponderosa develop the land to its maximum profit potential and get out. I would appreciate it if you would consider these views and proposals when making your decisions. Take a drive out to the area. Look at the size of the quarry and how the planned development cuts everyone off from enjoying its beauty. There really isn't much else out here. Also, please take the opportunity to get Ponderosa to commit to a generous set-back from the existing homes bordering the new community. Our quality of life would suffer as all the homes on the Ironwood development border have their master bedroom and bath windows facing this new development. Two story units should be restricted from much of the perimeter of the development, because they obstruct distance viewing of the hills. Two story units will also block views of the