Pat Belding This is Me

 Web References

1. 1. Independent: Articles

   www.independentnews.com/17oct3 - [Cached]

   Published on: 10/18/2002   Last Visited: 10/18/2002

   The "no" on Measure V was represented by Pat Belding, a spokesperson for the Interfaith Poverty Forum, and Councilmember Becky Dennis.
   ...
   Belding added that opponents of the measure are not proposing to cover the entire site with housing. "We are looking at a maximum of 15 to 20 acres." Belding also pointed out that the task force discussion was never in terms of 1000 units, as proponents of Measure V contend. The task force talked about a range of 400-600 units.
   
   Belding wonders why Measure V supporters didn't talk to the people who created Citizens for a Caring Community. "There was no communication regarding their concerns about our requests." Belding believes the entire situation might have been worked out, if people had only talked to each other. "No one called me about the number of units. I could have told them that we are not talking about 1000 units." Belding added, "We have always talked about apartments. I think people envision houses."
   
   Belding pointed out that the current density in the city for affordable projects is 20 units to the acre. She suggested that areas such as Hacienda Business Park and the eastside of Pleasanton might not be the most appropriate location for senior housing. The Bernal land is ideal, because it is close to downtown, the library, other senior housing and the senior center.
   
   Measure V sponsors have said that placing only low income and very low income housing in one site is contrary to city policy of mixed income housing, and would create a ghetto-type development.
   
   Dennis agreed that it would be desirable to have mixed income housing. Senior housing doesn't have the same issues.