APPALACHIAN TRANSITION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM 2015 Community Foundation Informational Presentation.
Informational 5 - Community Comments
Transcript of Informational 5 - Community Comments
1
Hobbs Residential (PLN2016-00270, 41948 42012 42092, 42232 Mission Blvd)
Community Comments Please note: Comments are arranged in reverse chronological order. Multiple comments from the same contributor
are grouped together. Comments and responses to comments on the CEQA Initial Study and Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration are provided in a separate document.
Community Comments #41 From: Robert Tashjian [mailto:rob@]
Sent: Wednesday, March 08, 2017 4:59 PM To: Bill Roth
Subject: Bike lane on Mission Blvd
Please do not narrow the bike lane between the Water Treatment Plant and Mission Cielo. The drains proposed for the next development will significantly cut into the lane. Please retain the state mandated six foot width from the edge of the drain to the edge of the bike lane. Robert Tashjian 35621 Galen Place Fremont, CA 94536 510-793-8350 --- Robert Tashjian
Community Comments #40 From: Julie Fuller [mailto:]
Sent: Wednesday, March 08, 2017 4:20 PM To: Bill Roth
Subject: Bike lane on Mission
Sir,
Please do not allow the bike lane to be narrowed. This is already a dangerous situation for cyclists between the Water
Treatment Plant and Palm Ave (northbound on Mission). With debris and the water drainage grates I am already having to ride in the traffic lanes.
Sincerely,
Julie Fuller Fremont Resident and Avid Cyclist/Commuter
Sent from my iPad
Community Comments #39 From: Andrew Nelson [mailto:]
Sent: Wednesday, March 08, 2017 2:17 PM To: Bill Roth
Subject: Hobbs Project, Narrowed Bicycle Lane
Hi,
2
I do not want the bicycle lane narrowed on Mission Blvd between the Water Treatment Plant (Fazenda Street)
and Mission Ciello (Palm Ave). -------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Nelson | Director of Engineering P: 510-226-7366 x208 | C: 510-378-5114 Exxact Corporation | www.exxactcorp.com Leading HPC and AV Solutions Provider ISO 9001:2008 Certified Community Comments #38 From: Susan Hou [mailto:] Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2017 3:25 PM To: Bill Roth Cc: Michael Woo Subject: Comments for Hobbs Residential Project Phase 2 Hi Mr. Roth, My name is Susan Hou and I live at 41942 Via San Gabriel, Fremont, which is right across the subject project site. After seeing what the developer has done for the first phase, I think the impact of this new phase of the project shouldn't be much different than the first phase except I have a few concerns. Below is a list of my comments. Construction- Developer has been having a very good house keeping, traffic control, noise control for all the work they have for the first phase. As long as they maintain the same measures, I don't see any problem during construction for the second phase. Since this phase is closer to the Mission San Jose High School (School), I am sure there will be much more coordination with the school to avoid traffic impact during the peak school time. However if Developer is committed to construct a new drop off zone to the School, it should address a lot of the traffic and safety issues. With the exception of the backup that would be created from the north bound traffic on Mission, where parents would need to make a left turn onto the already backup drop-off curb on Palm Ave from all the other directions besides the Mission Blvd right turn onto Palm Ave. Traffic - I know a lot of the communities members are so worry that this new community would add a lot to more traffic to the already congested routes in the area. The traffic impact is not a localised issue, this is an issue that we are all facing in the Bay Area. I have been talking to some of the traffic engineers in the city and realizing they have been looking at different ways to improve the condition, such as the metering light that was just turned on recently at Mission Blvd North bound entrance to slow down traffic. This would created a deterrent effect to avoid commuters to bypass the freeway traffic using the local streets. Another restricted right turn side on via San Dimas was also installed and just waiting to be uncovered for enforcement. I am sure there will be some other signs that will be erected for this community to help on the traffic issue. School - There is a big downside on the project. I am concern on how the different schools in Mission San Jose be able to handle all these new students from the new community. The truth of the matter is the main driver for family to move into Mission San Jose is because of the school district. The community worries that the schools, which are all already overloaded to begin with, will not be able to handle this large amount of students. Since a lot of housing projects have
3
been approved and completed in Mission San Jose and also for the entire Fremont, the kids are already suffering and it is unfortunate that we are not aware of any increase in school capacity. Approving this new phase will definitely put more pressure to the already fully loaded schools. I think this is already a preexisting condition like the traffic issue. One way to help alleviate this problem is to reduce the density of this new complex. From their business standpoint, they have been including a lot of studio unit above several of the garages to maximise the profit in selling the homes. This mean more than one family will be living in one unit. I think this is considered to be unacceptable as this project originally is approved as low density housing. Now these units all of a sudden becomes multi family homes. I definitely oppose to the idea to allow studio to be built on top of a garage. Aesthetic - based on the Phase 1 work, I am sure the new phase would also help to beautify or improve the look of the existing community along the Mission Blvd. This new phase would definitely go well with the communities on both side of the new development, as well as across as new fences will continue to be installed for the remaining houses along Mission Blvd. I hope you can consider my above comments as part of your planning and environmental review process. I am looking forward to hearing back from you. Susan Hou Michael Woo (husband) 41942 Via San Gabriel Fremont, CA 94539 510-449-6628 [email protected]
Community Comments #37
From: Ajay Bhutoria [mailto:]
Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2017 2:50 PM
To: Planning Commission
Cc: Bill Roth
Subject: Hobbs project on Fremont Mission by Robson Homes
Dear Planning Commissioners,
I live in Mission in a home (at 319 Harvard Common , Fremont CA 94539) Robson Homes have built, and very much appreciate the
quality of the home. The beautiful house is built with high-quality material and design for me and my 8 neighbor’s homes built by
Robson Homes in Harvard Common, Fremont -94539.
*I drive every day on Mission to drop my son to school and go for work and very familiar with the high traffic congestion issues on
Mission Blvd. and think that the drop-off loop will provide a significant benefit for school dropoff.
MSJ school building needs improvements and upgrades. I met with Robson Team and asked whether they would consider doing
something more for the schools beyond the drop-off, such as helping in the upgrade of Mission San Jose school buildings and are
delighted that they have agreed to provide additional funding beyond the legal requirement .
4
I realize that heavy traffic is a real issue, the addition of homes will add more traffic but high traffic is a symptom of high
employment and a healthy economy. Maybe Commuter pass-through traffic and an overall increase in commuters is the cause of the majority of traffic on Mission Blvd.;
nevertheless, the developer is doing something to improve congestion and safety during the morning drop-off period at MSJ school.
The city of Fremont needs to review the overall citywide strategy and plan for flow of traffic to &from 680 and 880 to
solve the Traffic issue while allowing development.
For all the above reasons, I request the Commissioners to support this project.
Regards
Ajay Jain Bhutoria
510-378-0698
Community Comments #36
From: Geza G [mailto:]
Sent: Thursday, January 26, 2017 12:22 PM
To: Bill Roth
Subject: approve Hobbs project
Please approve the Hobbs project. Thank You Geza and Rose Grof
41950 Via San Gabriel Fremont CA 94539
Community Comments #35 To: Planning Commission From: Monty Hobbs RE: January 26, 2017 Planning Commission Meeting My name is Monty Hobbs --- my mother Edwina, my wife Patte, and I live on the property often referred to as “the Hobbs home.” I am the trustee of the Hobbs family trust. My mother is disabled and has lived on the property since 1982, when she and my father built the house. Due to the cost of caring for my parents (my father recently died) as well as for other personal reasons, our family decided to sell much of our property so we could continue to live in our family home. As you may know, our land below our home is being sold for low density residential development, which is the legal use of the land. The property has been planned for such development for as long as I can remember. After much discussion we selected Robson Homes over another qualified national homebuilder, because we wanted to work with someone who would build a high quality project and who would work with us, the City and the community with honesty and integrity.
5
We will be remaining on the property in our family home and we are very appreciative of the thoughtful neighborhood design put forth by Robson Homes. Robson Homes has done a wonderful job of preserving the rural/agrarian character of the land. Retaining the old single-story farm house at one entrance and planting the orchard at the other entrance will make our neighborhood very distinctive and will preserve the views of the hillsides. We are looking forward to seeing Mission Boulevard finally completed across the property’s frontage with sidewalk, and the landscaping Robson Homes installed for their Mission Heights project is first rate. Mission Boulevard will look a whole lot better with their project than it does now. We can not attend the hearing, but we are asking our attorney Linda Gonsalves to speak on our behalf, specifically to address the notion that we should have to tear down our home. That is very upsetting to me; but mostly to my mother, and is neither legal nor permissible. The City of Fremont approved building this home April 1981 and the Measure didn’t happen until November of that year. Finally, in reading through all of the concerns about traffic, we would like to submit that attached accounting of the current traffic on the property. There is a lot of traffic generated by the existing uses, much more than what might be expected from three houses. We believe that the improvements proposed by Robson will do much to relieve traffic on Mission Boulevard. Doing nothing will in fact make things worse. We are proud to be part of Robson Homes’ Orchard Heights project, and we hope you will recommend approval of the project.
>>Community Comments #35 (Continued) – Attachment from Monty Hobbs
Existing Traffic at Hobbs Property
Every Day (7/week):
3 personal trips for Monty/Patte
12-14 caregiver trips (includes doubles, where a caregiver is dropped off/picked up)
1 trip for grounds / landscaper
35 Ranch/Stable trips (includes feeding horses, deliveries, vet calls, horseshoeing, breeding, visiting people [families, friends, other horse people])
Other onsite residential – 8 working/driving adults, 3 school children going to 3 different schools, and 2 college children all making multiple trips/day.
Every Week:
1 trip for massage therapist for Mom
1 trip for chiropractor for Mom
1 trip for Safeway Pharmacy delivery for Mom
1 trip for Pathways Nurse/Other Medical person for Mom
6
1 trip Pool Guy Yearly:
Ranch Parties – Happen 4-6/year with 50-75 vehicles in attendance
Community Comments #34
7
8
Community Comments #33 From: Manu Mehta [mailto:]
Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2017 2:22 PM To: Planning Commission
Cc: Bill Roth
Subject: Letter regarding Orchard Heights Project by Robson Homes Importance: High
Dear Members of the Planning Commission, I got inspired to write you in support for the proposed Orchard Heights project because I empathize with the difficulty you will face at the hearing on January 26th in balancing interests of the community and builders. As a longtime resident and owner of a high tech business in Fremont, I believe that Fremont is a desirable place to live and run a business. Its appeal continues to grow, and as a result the demand for housing also continues to increase. I recognize that there is a traffic problem on Mission Blvd. However, this traffic largely seems to be pass-through traffic from commuters who are neither residents of Fremont nor work here. The frustration that most of us face from growing traffic is understandable, but let’s not misdirect it and use a relatively small development project as our punching bag. I am fully supportive of finding a solution to the traffic problem and will be glad to participate in a brainstorming session. Robson Homes has a history of building beautiful and responsible projects in Fremont that have added to the City's appeal. I believe that this proposal for 55 new single-family homes is an equally well-thought out, sustainable, infill project that will provide a positive addition to our community. Despite the fact that the impact of this development on traffic will be largely imperceptible, the developer has offered to build a drop-off loop that will reduce traffic congestion at Mission and Palm and make it easier and safer for students to get to and from school. Robson Homes is volunteering to pay school fees above what is required by law for the project, in addition to their construction of the drop-off loop. They are partnering with Abode Services to produce an affordable housing project for veterans and extremely low-income households. They are completing the sidewalk along Mission to facilitate pedestrian safety. In short, this is a developer that engages with the community in a constructive dialog about community needs and takes concrete steps to address them. They are proposing a project that is compatible with the neighborhood, complies with the General Plan and Hillside Initiative, and also provides substantial additional benefits. I recommend that you approve the Orchard Heights project as proposed or engage in a good faith dialog with Robson Homes to help tweak their proposal so it meets community’s needs while remaining economically viable. Respectfully, Manu Mehta President and CEO 510.494.9700 www.metabyte.com
Metabyte, Inc. 39350 Civic Center Drive, Suite 200 Fremont, CA 94538
Home address: 551 Pawnee Place, Fremont, CA 94539
9
Community Comments #32 From: n.lacey [mailto:n.lacey]
Sent: Monday, January 23, 2017 1:17 PM To: Bill Roth; Aleksandr Zabyshny; Victoria Walker
Subject: HOBBS RESIDENTIAL-PLN2016-00270 41948
Good Afternoon Bill, Victoria and Aleksandr. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to send you all my written comments about the Hobbs Residential Project. I have lived at 41820 Mission Cielo Court, Fremont, CA 94539 for the last 16 years plus. Please read my attachment. If it is possible, please copy the Mayor and Council members. Thank you for your support. Neville Lacey (Board Member of Mission Cielo Mountain Association, since 2000 approximately).
From: NEVILLE LACEY (Board member) 17th JANUARY, 2017 41820, Mission Cielo Court Fremont, CA 94539 To: Bill Roth, Aleksandr Zabyshny and Victoria Walker and City of Fremont Mayor and Council Members & Planning Commission Subject: Hobbs Residential, 41948 Mission Boulevard, Fremont-- PLN 2016-002470 We the residents of Mission Cielo Mountain Association are opposed to the approval of any plans for Robeson Homes to build any new homes on the “Hobbs” property for many reasons enumerated below. The COF should modify all future building plans to reflect a low density of homes and for a safe and smoother traffic flow up and down Mission Blvd and also preserving the view of the beautiful hills on Mission Blvd for the benefit of all City residents.
1. The Hobbs home was built under Proposition “T” (Hill area initiative) which allowed one house above the toe of the hill with a surrounding 20 acres of land. Robeson Homes are proposing to build on the surrounding land which is part of the 20 acres. We presume that the part of the land that belonged to the Dias acreage (Mission Heights) is being added to the Hobbs property to comply with the permission given under Proposition “T”. This is wrong, do not permit it.
2. When PG&E graded the Hobbs property, to construct a new gas pipe line, they could have modified the grade of the land. The COF should check the original toe of the hill grade plan, prior to PG&E project. One of the members on the Historical Architectural Review Board, by the name of Thomas McLaughlin, did not approve the plan and voiced his objection to the construction of homes on lots numbers 37 TO 40, as they were at the highest levels on the hill and are possibly above the 20% slope called for in Proposition “T”.
3. Proposed plan should NOT include any pedestrian or vehicular traffic entry into Mission Cielo Court. Students can walk on the paved walkway to School. Less litter on Mission Cielo Court
4. Traffic study underestimates the number of morning trips of vehicles bringing children to school. The projected numbers are from the national average, not local reality.
5. The traffic study is based on data that does not take into account the recent addition of metering lights from Mission Blvd to the north bound 680 ramp, nor does it consider the turn restrictions from Via San Dimas to take effect at the end of January, 2017.
6. The entrance from Fazenda Street and Vinha Way should be widened to allow for safer turns on to Mission Blvd.
10
7. The density of homes is not comparable with existing neighborhoods. The proposed homes on Mission Cielo Court should be a maximum of 5. The proposed lot number 51 is very high and should be brought down, and in line with lot number 10 in the present Mission Cielo court. There should not be more than two driveways entering Mission Cielo Court; as cars reversing into the court will present a safety issue.
8. The density of Mission Heights now under construction is too high, and the Hobbs project will even be higher; especially lots 1-8 and 22-30. Robeson Homes have only one desire; to pack in more homes and make greater profits. Of course the COF collects more taxes.
9. There is a minimum set back from the high pressure gas pipeline similar to what was used in San Bruno. The current pipeline is running at about 50% more pressure. A greater set back would be safer.
10. The COF should notice that the original curb at the AC Bus stop, near the ACWD facility on Mission Blvd had a 9.5 feet wide bicycle lane plus another 2 feet plus, wide drain, (for the flow of water towards the storm drains). This is a total of 11.5 feet, to the original curb. The COF approved the substantial narrowing of this bicycle path and drain as it reached FAZENDA ST. Also, going past FAZENDA ST. on the border of Hobbs property up and till the Rodriques home, you have at least 9 feet of bicycle path, plus 4 feet of drain. The COF should insist that a portion of the land on the” Dias and Hobbs” property, be used to build a third full size turning lane for bicycles and vehicles. The bicycle lane can be close to the northbound lane on Mission Blvd and the turning lane can be close to the curb. (Presently students disembark in the current bicycle lane when they cannot enter Mission Cielo Ave.) This wide lane could start from Fazenda St travelling north on Mission Blvd. until the current entrance to the Rodrigues home. All vehicles entering any future development could make a safe right turn off Mission Blvd. The entrance to Mission Cielo Ave is also very narrow; all vehicles trying to turn right from Mission Blvd, into Mission Cielo Ave. have to reduce their speed to 5 mph to negotiate a safe right turn on to Mission Cielo Ave to avoid colliding with vehicles exiting, thus exposing them to being rear ended by a trucks or an SUV, travelling at 45-50 mph, trying to pass through an Amber light.
11. The Builders and COF have a moral responsibility for the safety of all future home buyers and current homeowners. Recently a woman was killed at the junction of Mission Cielo Ave and Mission Blvd and a student living in Mission Cielo, had his car totaled. About two years ago, a vehicle almost ran into the bus stop that was located a bit south of the present location. Also a few years ago, a truck killed another driver at this junction. Please check with the Fremont Police Dept., for all accidents at the junction at Mission Blvd. and Palm Ave for the past 15 years. Construction trucks with double trailers sometimes make a “U” turn at the junction of Palm Ave. and Mission Blvd
12. The COF could consider an overhead pedestrian bridge crossing Mission Blvd. (maybe close to the Hobbs property).
Since 1999, we have complained to the COF and to Robeson Homes Management to assist us to no avail. Cars dropping students off on Mission Cielo Ave, make illegal “U” turns, and park illegally on Mission Cielo Ave close to Mission Blvd. The residents find it difficult to exit especially during school starting and closing times. Because of our complaints, a camera was installed by COF on Mission Cielo Ave, around the year 2005, to record this illegal traffic activity for many months. No report was sent to us about this recording and no action was taken. It would be nice if the COF take preemptive action to handle predictable traffic bottlenecks; rather than, being reactive, after New Home Development plans are approved. Tank trucks enter Mission Cielo Ave to fill “water”. In addition, large trailer construction vehicles enter Mission Cielo Ave and try to make turns “U” at the junction of Mission Cielo Court. The COF should have clear guidelines for Builders to instruct their contractors to avoid such activity in residential neighborhoods. Because of these new Home Developments, we could expect many vehicles making “u” turns at Mission Cielo Ave. and Mission Blvd. to go south towards I-680.
11
Maybe COF should have a temporary pedestrian crossing solution at the junction of Mission blvd. and Mission Cielo Ave, until a better solution is designed. Two parallel pedestrian crossing could be designed; one north of Palm Ave., and one south of Palm Ave (travelling to and from the MSJHS), with a suitable timer for safe pedestrian crossing. Those students walking north to the junction could cross at the southern pedestrian crossing. In San Francisco, they have pedestrian crossing with both parallel and diagonal crossings for a safe timed period. The COF could consider an overhead pedestrian bridge over Mission Blvd. (maybe close to the Hobbs property). There is a substantial amount of Property Tax funds that the COF have enjoyed, and will continue to enjoy with all the expensive, detached homes being built on Mission Blvd and Palm Ave, plus the multiple three story residential buildings coming up on Mission Blvd between Pickering and Stevenson Blvd. These funds can be also used to improve the flow of traffic and the building of more classrooms to avoid current overcrowding. We shudder to think of the number of cars/trucks that will be added to the present chaos. Hope we have your attention and support. Signatures:
Signatures: (Mission Cielo Homeowner)
Community Comments #31 From: David Jung [mailto:] Sent: Saturday, January 21, 2017 11:57 PM
To: Bill Roth
Subject: Hobbs Residential Project written comments for Jan 26 meeting Dear Mr. Bill Roth, We live at 82 Mission Cielo Ave and we would like to provide our written inputs to the Hobbs Residential Project meeting for Jan 26. 1. The Hobbs project should not connect to Mission Cielo Ct. Connecting these new homes for Mission Cielo Ct. will cause more red lights at Palm which will increase traffic congestion. It's critical that the development not connect to Mission Cielo Ct since that would worsen traffic during the high school drop off times and it would decrease safety. 2. The sidewalk should be completed from Palm to McDonalds to allow more pedestrians to walk to McDonalds and to the bus station at Mission and 680 which will help reduce traffic. 3. Robson Homes to complete the school drop off zone at Mission High School to help reduce traffic. 4. Metering light timings to 680 at Mission, Washington should be doubled to reduce cut thru traffic on Mission Boulevard Thank you for your time, David Jung & Boon Jung
Community Comments #30 From: Manshan Wong [mailto:] Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2017 10:01 PM
To: Bill Roth
Subject: Hobbs Residential Project
Dear Mr. Roth, I truly think that 55 large houses is just too many for this piece of land. I would say 30 is the maximum. My biggest concern is the overcrowding of the schools. We are already in a very dire situation with more and more families with children moving into the area. I don't see how the schools can handle it in the next few years. We should stop any development until we have a solution. My proposal is to build more classrooms and hire more teachers for the Mission San Jose schools. Until then the owners of the new homes are not eligible to send their children to those schools. And the developer must disclose this information to the potential buyers. Thank you for your consideration, Manshan Wong 42001 Via San Gabriel
12
Community Comments #29 From: Patricia Nero [mailto:]
Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2017 2:57 PM To: Bill Roth
Subject: Hobbs residential project
Dear Mr. Roth, I have concerns over the scope of Hobbs residential project. Measure T calls for one dwelling unit per 20 acres. The minimum lot size is 4000 square feet per dwelling period, not an average of all the lots. Some houses ( at least 4) are proposed to be built above the 20% slope known as the toe of the hill. It seems as if the toe of hill is being redefined by the Planning Commission to meet the needs of the developer. These houses are higher on the hill than both the Mission Cielo and Mission Heights development. Measure T also states the any changes must be voted on by the Voters of the City of Fremont. I moved to this neighborhood to enjoy the view of the hills, not to look at McMansions or two story roof lines. Sincerely Patricia Nero 41991 Palm Ave
Community Comments #28 From: Haiyun Qian [mailto:]
Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2017 11:01 PM
To: Bill Roth
Subject: I AM AGAINST HOBBS DEVELOPMENT
I AM STRONGLY AGAINST THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT PLAN ON HOBBS PROPERTY. THERE ARE TOO MANY HOUSES.
IT WILL MAKE TRAFFIC WORSE AND MORE NOISES. THE FOOTHILL VIEW WILL BE RUINED.
PLEASE HAVE A PLAN TO BUILD LESS NUMBER OF HOUSES ON HOBBS PROPERTY.
Haiyun Qian
resident in mission san jose area
Community Comments #27 From: Hyyx632 [mailto:]
Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2017 10:57 PM To: Bill Roth
Subject: objection to Hobbs Development Dear Bill Roth: I am a resident living in Mission San Jose area which is close to MSJ high school. I am strongly against the proposed Hobbs Development by Robson Homes. This proposal is to build 55 large two story houses on Hobbs property. Here is a list of my reasons:
13
1. the traffic on Palm and Mission Blvd is already bad. It already takes extra half hour for school buses to send my kids home. Adding so many houses in Hobbs is making the situation even worse. 2. the proposed houses will block view of the hills. 3. Lots of traffic will also introduce lots of noises on Mission Blvd. WE NEED A DEVELOPMENT THAT HELPS TO SOLVE TRAFFIC PROBLEMS WITH FEWER HOUSES. Youxin Gao
Community Comments #26 From: Dan Ong [mailto:] Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2017 7:08 PM
To: Bill Roth Subject: Resident input
Dear Mr. Roth, I'm writing to express my opposition to the current Hobson Residential Project as it stands today. I've looked at the plans and it appears that there is insufficient road improvement to handle the increased traffic. I am also appalled at all the new developments in recent years while there has been no substantial expansion/funding of the neighborhood schools to handle the influx of new students. I really wonder how and why these decisions are being made. The Hobson plan also does not conform to the Hill Area Initiative (Prop T). There are too many houses above the "toe of the hill" and the houses have insufficient setbacks. Why is the city of Fremont allowing this kind of high-density developments indiscriminately especially in an area that has long been cherished by residents as a "beautiful hillside area"? Please consider the impact of these developments on the current residents, and make a reasonable accommodation in terms of the housing density, as well as expand school and road capacity as you build new developments. The traffic problem is bad enough as it is. Thank you. -Daniel Ong. Community Comments #25 From: Deepak Upadhyaya [mailto:]
Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2017 9:54 AM To: Bill Roth
Subject: Mission Hills Residential project (Hobbs)
Dear Mr. Roth: My name is Deepak. I currently own and reside at 41974 Via San Gabriel, Fremont. I am a long term resident of Fremont. I have seen and observe the beauty of mission hills and request you to preserve it. I hope and you come ad look at recently developed Mission Height neighbor hood, you will notice that there is no hills left to view and just a jungle of concrete. I understand that new housing is part of progress but I sincerely request you to limit the number housing units and keep hills open looking. It will not have huge negative impact on builder or city to reduce from number of units 55 to 40-45. Appreciate your time reading this. Wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2017. -- Thank you Regards Deepak Upadhyaya, Ph.D, MBA 41974 Via San Gabriel, Fremont
Community Comments #24
14
From: Senthil Cheetancheri [mailto:]
Sent: Monday, January 16, 2017 7:44 PM To: Bill Roth
Subject: Hobbs Residential Project Opposition!
Dear Bill Roth, I live in the Mission San Jose HS area of Fremont and raise a family. My kids go to public schools here. Me and my family are very concerned about the rampant development of new houses all around our neighborhood in the recent years -- on the hill side of Mission Blvd and along 680. This has significantly worsened the traffic conditions in and around our neighborhood and has caused overcrowding of schools, parks, malls, and other shared community resources severely deteriorating our quality of life. The project developers may offer sops to the community such as sound walls, road improvements, and money to the school district among other things. But none of it will offset the damages caused by the new developments. We need to accept the fact that our city is already bursting at its seams. This is a very serious concern for us, the residents, but not for the developers simply because they don't live in the neighborhood. All they care about is a quick buck. So, we should not be fooled by their tall claims of impact amelioration and neighborhood rehabilitation. I call baloney on that. We all should! When we first moved into this area from Sunnyvale, we bought a 50 year old house impressed by the large lots, beautiful views of the hills, and easy admission to schools within walking distance. These new developments are destroying all that. They uproot the local fauna which come to our homes for shelter. Now, our kids will have to compete with the new kids on the block for a spot in school classes and adjust for the overcrowding. This is extremely unfair. My Request: I strongly urge you to completely stop the Hobbs Residential Project and all other future developments in its vicinity to retain whatever is left of Fremont's calm and peaceful residential nature. OR I ask for seniority in school admissions and class registrations for kids from homes (already constructed or rebuilt) that were approved before the recent wave of developments. Thanks, Senthil. Community Comments #23 From: isaac wong7030 [mailto:] Sent: Sunday, January 15, 2017 5:11 PM
To: Bill Roth Subject: Re: Hobbs Residential (PLN2016-00270, 41948 42012 42092, 42232 Mission Blvd) - Update
I'd like to submit the following comments 1) I think there ought to be connection for vehicular traffic to and from Mission Cielo. This way traffic exiting the area can safely use the traffic signals at Palm/Mission Blvd. Without such connection, vehicles exiting the project onto hwy
15
680 will have to cross all lanes of Mission blvd within a very short distance in order to make a U turn at Palm/Mission blvd. The area near that location is already a high risk area as evidenced by a recent fatal accident involving a pedestrian. More frustrated drivers and high volume of student traffic in that area are ingredients for traffic accidents. 2) proposed houses at the highest elevation should be removed as I believe they are in violation of the requirements set forth in Measure T passed by voters of Fremont. thx isaac wong 41982 via san carlos fremont, ca 94539 510-304-7030
Community Comments #22 From: Cuong Hua [mailto:] Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2017 7:01 PM
To: Bill Roth Subject: Feed Back on New Sound Fence Installed on Mission Blvd
Hi Bill, I am the owner who live on 41982 Via San Gabrile. My house backyard fence that is facing Mission Blvd recently got replaced with the new sound fence as required by the City, I guessed. I was asked by Robson Home to give a feed back few weeks ago but I forgot to do so. As I am a licensed Mechanical Engineer by trade and my expertise is in the HVAC field,acoustic is somewhat related to my profession. Anyway, here are my comments:
1. Fence Construction: 10/10. Installed as per the Drawing Detail. I did check it myself. 2. Was the sound fence help to abate the noise? I think so. However, I took the reading with the sound meter. The
results showed an average of 65-70 dB on Mission during peak commute hours. At the same hours. the reading behind the fence which was taken in my back yard is average around 50-55 dB. To me,a 10dB reduction is great, can't complaint. A concrete sound wall which looks a lot more attractive aesthetically won't help that much more. The sound wood fence is very closed to the concrete fence but cost a lot less. My personally thought is if I have to pay, I would pick the wood fence.
3. I think the rest of the neighborhood along Mission Blvd toward Palm Ave should get the same treatment. That is all I got. Thank you & have a nice day! Cuong Hua 41982 Via San Gabriel
Community Comments #21 From: Toni Camacho [mailto:]
Sent: Tuesday, January 10, 2017 10:15 PM To: Bill Roth
Subject: Hobbs Residental Development
Hello - I'm afraid I found this article asking for comments too late for your deadline but decided to send it anyway. As a 30 year resident of the Fremont Mission Area I am appalled by the continued over building of this once beautiful area. I voted to oust the incumbent jerk of a mayor in hopes that the new mayor would follow thru on her platform of stopping the rampant development that is going on particularly in this neighborhood. Did the Fremont Planning Commission not get that message?? Residents of the Mission Area are FED UP! This development is going to add to the already severe traffic problem we have on Mission Boulevard which is now
16
happening both during the week and weekends. Commuters are constantly trying to find short cuts thru our neighborhoods to find relief from the 680 gridlock. The stop signs added on Paseo Padre have not stopped this problem. Mission Boulevard which is only two lanes will already have to bear the added burden of the outrageous Ohlone housing development as well as the one St Joseph's has in progress. And what about the schools??!! Contractors are not charged enough to maintain the quality and resources required to continue the high standards that have been set and that make this area's education a stand out in the state. This development, IF ALLOWED, needs lower density and larger more uniform lots. There should be a lower sound wall IF ALLOWED. Traffic analysis needs to be completed before full approval to try and resolve the nightmare this is going to add to. Toni Camacho
17
Community Comments #20 From Alice Cavette
18
Community Comments #19 -----Original Message----- From: Deborah Anderson [mailto:]
Sent: Friday, January 06, 2017 8:51 AM To: Bill Roth
Subject: HOBBS RESIDENTIAL
Dear Mr. Roth,
I have noticed that the Planning Commission meeting concerning the Hobbs Development has been postponed. If it is
not too late, I would like to express my objections to this development in its current form. It violates the General Plan, it creates an even worse traffic nightmare than we already have on Mission Boulevard, it obscures the limited view we still
have of the hills, and as a former teacher in FUSD, it makes the over-crowding in schools even worse. I am also
wondering when it suddenly became acceptable to have a rental unit attached to a single-family house, as for years that was not acceptable in Fremont. It also concerns me that there are lots set aside for “the Lords of the Manor” type
homes, which already cover the hillside along Mission.
In my opinion, as a 41 year resident of Fremont living in the Kimber area, there should be fewer, less dense houses in the
Hobbs area and no sound wall. And as an older person, I object to the proliferation of the trip-level homes that are currently popular. They almost automatically eliminate seniors and the disabled from being able to purchase them.
Thank you for your attention.
Deborah S. Anderson
40378 Loro Place
Fremont 94539
Community Comments #18
From: Marguerite Waggener [mailto:] Sent: Friday, December 30, 2016 6:23 PM To: Bill Roth Subject: Hobbs Residential Development Dear Mr. Roth, I am sending you this email to voice my concern over the hillside development of homes on Mission Blvd. Please stop this over development of homes in Fremont. Have you ever driven down Mission Blvd. during morning commute hours? It's abysmal ! You have commuters trying to get to Interstate 680 and parents dropping their children off at Mission San Jose High School. We moved to Fremont in 1993 from Redwood City and loved the space and the community. We have seen an explosion in growth and with this, over crowded schools, crime and congested traffic. If developers are allowed to continually build, build , build on any piece of land in this city, might I suggest that developers be held 100 per cent liable for funding the entire cost of building more schools to accommodate the influx of new students moving to our community and building appropriate parking spaces to accommodate the new residents. They can also be responsible for additional funding for police and fire protection. Respectfully submitted, Marguerite Waggener
19
Community Comments #17
From: maraglm [mailto:]
Sent: Thursday, December 29, 2016 8:59 AM
To: Bill Roth
Subject: Hobbs Residential Development
Planning Department,
Mr Roth,
As the Fremont City Planning Department prepares for the January 12 Planning Commission Meeting, I would
offer the following comments and observations for consideration:
Adding additional housing along Mission Blvd in this area, while appropriate given the need, must be analyzed carefully and consider all the factors.
Single family homes would be consistent for this area, as we have many other project in the area and along Mission Blvd. that are adding higher density housing.
It is not obvious that 56 is an optimum number of units, particularly with the number of small lots that are narrow and back up against Mission Blvd.
Narrow lots and a high density of two story homes bordering Mission Blvd will not readily provide a sight that is consistent with the overall appearance of this street which the city has designated as a "scenic route" in the Fremont General Plan. Consider more uniform lot sizes that afford more open space between homes, allowing for more "green space".
Any final approved plan should have a significant setback and "green" belt along Mission Blvd to avoid a concrete and stucco jungle that extends up for two stories in a tightly packed configuration. We have enough high density housing already on Mission Blvd, currently under construction, or in planning.
The traffic configuration for this area requires careful consideration and it is likely that significant modification to Mission Blvd is required to allow for efficient access and egress to the project for both the northbound and southbound directions. I know of no careful study on the traffic implications of this project for this busy area, or any proposed engineering solutions that would effectively deal with what is already a congested set of conditions for a good part of the day.
I anticipate that a well planned addition of single family homes on this property can be done effectively and
efficiently, but at least three major issues should be addressed:
1. Housing lot size and density, particularly along Mission Blvd., 2. Due consideration is given to preserving the "green" appearance along Mission Blvd., and perhaps
most important, 3. Traffic issues are addressed.
I look forward to the Planning Commission meeting on January 12.
Respectfully,
Glenn Mara, long time Fremont resident
20
Community Comments #16
From: Hartmut Wiesenthal [mailto:]
Sent: Thursday, December 29, 2016 6:12 AM
To: Bill Roth
Subject: HOBBS RESIDENTIAL (PLN2016-00270): 41948, 42012, and 42092 Mission Blvd.
Hi Bill,
instead of "Four or five bedrooms homes — some with a studio apartment above a detached garage", I would prefer to see most of them as smaller homes, e.g. two or max. three bedroom homes.
In this case, more than the 56 new 2-story houses on the lower 11.16 acres of the approximately 25-acre site could be build, e.g. 80 new homes of thwo or three bedrooms. This would also lower the price of each home and make it more affordable.
Kind regards,
Hartmut Wiesenthal
3600 Braxton Common
Fremont, CA 94538
Community Comments #15 From: Kinder [mailto:] Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2016 3:57 PM To: Bill Roth Subject: New fence Hello Broth, I live in Fremont, where recently Robson homes replaced old fence with a new 8 feet tall wood sound proof fence for few houses. I'm one of them. I really appreciate them, it definitely made a lot difference in noice as well. Jake Lavin, asked me to give feed back on that project. If you need any further info, please contact me. Thanks, Kulwinder 41999 via San Gabriel Fremont (916) 223-4431
21
Community Comments #14 From: Boris Chiu [] Sent: Monday, December 19, 2016 10:01 AM
To: Bill Roth Subject: Fremont residents against Hobbs Robson Homes Project
Hi Bill, The following are comments from Fremont residents opposing any new residential development in Fremont in particular to Hobbs Robson Homes Project partitioned at Charge.org. Important highlights: 1) Have adequate police force to serve the increasing population before any new housing development due to rising crime rate 2) Resolve current traffic mess before building more homes along Mission Blvd 3) school kids safety 4) To avoid San Bruno gas explosion tragedy, should not approve any housing development nearby or on top of a major big gas transmission pipeline running from the hillside in case of natural disaster. 5) To preserve the beauty of historic Fremont hillside. Please DO NOT ignore our complaints against this new development and include them in the project's agenda packet for 1/12/17 hearing. Thanks, Boris ===================================================================================== Rena Lee Fremont, CA
16 hours ago
I support a moratorium on further housing developments near MSJHS, until the city solves the traffic problem
on Mission Blvd.
1 Ken Lee Fremont, CA
1 day ago
Mission traffic is a nightmare. All day. Every day.
Now a big developer wants to cram more houses on Mission next to the Mission San Jose high school.
Say NO to city hall.
2 Nancie Townsend Fremont, CA
22
1 day ago
When we first moved to Fremont 30 years ago, the schools were so overcrowded that our children had to go to
alternate schools temporarily. I cannot believe Fremont hasn't learned from that lesson.... infrastructure is key to
Fremont's growth, and I urge the Council members to remember this before approving more building in areas
that aren't properly supported.
2 Gail Venti Fremont, CA
2 days ago
I'm signing because recent development in Fremont has been poorly controlled and shows very bad planning.
This development is a terrible idea, especially with respect to traffic planning and student safety.
2 Carol Boselly Fremont, CA
2 days ago
Building without the infrastructure is irresponsible. Mission Blvd traffic is terrible as most of Fremont is
especially at rush hour. Takes longer to get across town than to drive to another town!
2
Vijaya Ramachandran San Jose, CA
2 days ago
Safety of kids first.
1 Bridget Karkera Fremont, CA
3 days ago
Mission Blvd has become so congested that in order to take my kids for their classes, I need to leave more than
30 minutes earlier for a 5 minute distance. This congestion is disrupting normal life for the residents.
1
23
Mark Querner Fremont, CA
3 days ago
Stop the building in Fremont.
1 Gazala Gupta Fremont, CA
3 days ago
Preserve rolling hills and avoid congestion in our community. Keep school kids safe.
1
Kathleen Wade Fremont, CA
3 days ago
Please consider the impact this development will have on the local area. Last night at 530 PM it took me 30
minutes to just travel from Palm Ave to 680 North to Livermore.
1
Donna Macauley Fremont, CA
3 days ago
its already a nightmare getting to MSJHS or any school for that matter, we are packing people in but lacking the
infra structure to support. We are getting more crime and will soon off the safest city list if we aren't already.
1 Meghana Mehta
24
Fremont, CA
3 days ago
I am concerned about the city approving construction without considering the impact on schools and roads.
1
Nam Nguyen Fremont, CA
3 days ago
Kids safety
1 G. Hu Fremont, CA
3 days ago
For the safety of our neighborhood and traffic congestion.
1 Rashida Patel Fremont, CA
3 days ago
Enough is enough, stop this madness of building homes where ever any land is empty. PLEASE
1 Wayne Zhao Fremont, CA
3 days ago
I am signing this petition to help our kids and residents in Fremont be safe & stop further traffic congestions on
Mission Blvd near MSJH.
1 Janice Li San Ramon, CA
25
3 days ago
Mission Blvd next to Mission San Jose High School is packed during rush hours. It significantly increases
commute time. Traffic safety is a major concern for residences of the area and the high school students.
1 Amit Gupta fremont, CA
3 days ago
I think we are building too many house without creating the adequate infrastructure . At the same time we are
loosing the natural beauty once that was part of fremont. Please stop this.
1 Seema Gupta Fremont, CA
4 days ago
I stay in the mission area and bear the growing pain of the traffic. Mission used to be beautiful with lots of hills
and nature around and now it is becoming over populous and a concrete jungle.
1 murali venkateshaiah FREMONT, CA
4 days ago
Robson is dividing Mission up.
Its their long term plan and a conspiracy to divide the school district, neighborhoods and make money without
due respect to long term impacts on Mission Blvd, safety or school overloading or traffic impact.
Watch out, and please vote NO for developments in this zone.
0 Mary Tebault Fremont, CA
4 days ago
There is too much road congestion and not enough schools to support more residents.
1 amanda wong Fremont, CA
26
4 days ago
The house developments approved by the city council headed by Bill Harrison 's have mostly been irresponsible
. The bad consequence will be what left to fremont citizens if we don't stop it.
1 Danna Olson Fremont, CA
4 days ago
Fremont is out of control and we dont need more unaffordable houses built for people that could care less how
the city looks.
1 Vicki Ralls Fremont, CA
4 days ago
No more houses until the school crowding issue is addressed. Our children are worth it!
1 Tiantian Kong Fremont, CA
4 days ago
It's so shocking to see so many new homes are going to be built. Mission San Jose High School and Hopkins
Junior High are in beautiful grounds situated to absorb the energy from the mountain Mission Peak and the
creek. With homes on Mission Peak, it will destroy and block the energy flow from Mountain to schools. If you
care about a little bit about Feng Shui, and cares a little bit about the harmony between natural environment and
human activities, in addition to what has been described in this petition, then please sign this to prevent further
development.
1
Priya Matpadi Fremont, CA
4 days ago
I am tired of the increasing traffic mess in Fremont. The traffic lights need to be coordinated on most
intersections on main arteries in Fremont
27
1 Sangeeta Khandelwal Fremont, CA
4 days ago
I care for Fremont and with growing construction safety of the community is being at stake. We need to stop
and rethink.
1
Donna Lunger Fremont, CA
4 days ago
There is too much traffic as it is. A day doesn't pass that I don't see someone run a red light because they had
already been sitting at the light for 3 or more light changes, especially at Walnut and Fremont Blvd. Growing up
in Fremont, I have seen a once nice, quiet, slower paced town practically turn into a full fledged city of houses,
apartments, condos and way too many people and cars. The bike lanes that are being implemented have made
many streets that used to be 2 lanes into one lane roads which congests our town even more. I rarely even see
these bike lanes being used. I realize the bike lanes make it safer for the few bikers in town, but please plan
better so that they don't cause more problems for drivers.
1
Frances Tan Fremont, CA
4 days ago
Congestions and safety of students
1 Rashmi Jagannath Fremont, CA
4 days ago
Our kids need safer streets and we need no kore congestion
28
1 chungyi lin Fremont, CA
4 days ago
the traffic is so bad on mission during the commute hours.
1 Yu Lee Fremont, CA
4 days ago
Stop adding new traffic to already congested traffic in Mission Blvd and give a safe place for MSJH student
across the Mission Blvd.
1 Koushik Venkatesh Fremont, CA
4 days ago
Living on Olive, the traffic between the hours of 8:00AM to 9:00AM and 3:30PM to 7:00PM is too chaotic.
Palm ave to mission blvd is backed up and spread across olive, gallegos, star, more inner streets and
washington. Most of these streets are neighborhoods with kids and constant foot traffic. Drivers in their scurry
to get to their destination avoid pedestrian safety, I've personally witnessed countless times driver at 20% above
speed limits. A car moving at 5 mph can kill a child! More homes just mean more influx in an already
congested area.
1 Shilpa Awtar Fremont, CA
4 days ago
Mission Fremont is becoming very congested with more homes being built. This will increase the traffic and
overcrowd the schools too.
1 Alison Monroe Oakland, CA
4 days ago
I love the hills and views here. We should all know when enough sprawl is enough.
29
1 Kendall hill Fremont, CA
4 days ago
Fremont if full
Enough
1 Shannon Basnett Palo Alto, CA
5 days ago
Iwas born and raised in ffemont. I am a MSJH graduate. I hate to see my hometown turned into the eptiome of
urban sprawl and decay.
1 Susan Saigusa Fremont, CA
5 days ago
Mssion San Jose high school so already over capacity. Our schools do not have room for the added students.
Also, this will increase traffic in the area as well as use more water, which we do not have.
1 Wendy luo Fremont, CA
5 days ago
Please increase police force in mission area to pretect residence safety, prevent break in robbery
1 Majid Kafi Fremont, CA
5 days ago
Safety concerns
1
30
Virginia Cheong McClain Milpitas, CA
5 days ago
I have family in Fremont and the infrastructure in the area cannot keep up with the exponential growth. We
need to be considerate of residents who have to deal with consequences daily.
1 Geeta Agadhe Fremont, CA
5 days ago
We need to address the issue of over crowding of our schools
1 Angie Andersen Fremont, CA
5 days ago
The traffic congestion is bad already and to build more houses will make it worse. Plus, Fremont Schools are
already overcrowded! Where will these new students attend school? Crazy!
1 Rebecca Liu Fremont, CA
5 days ago
As a resident of the Mission San Jose Neighborhood, I strongly oppose this proposal of building more homes in
that area. The traffic congestion on Mission Blvd and nearby side street has increased to an unbearable point
during the past year, especially around school pick up time. I strongly suggest the city council to rethink this
development proposal.
1 Sonu Kilam Fremont, CA
5 days ago
31
There is a lot of traffic these days causing severe safety issues. People drive wrong take wrong turns and detour
from safe school zones at high speeds
1
xin zhang
弗里蒙特, CA
5 days ago
Please no more big development in mission neighborhood as the traffics becomes such a disaster
1 Sue Deora Fremont, CA
5 days ago
to stop further traffic congestions on Mission Blvd and elsewhere in Fremont.
1 jyothi Makam fremont, CA
5 days ago
Our street is sooooooooooooooooo crowded. we are not able to make our kids to cross the streets even they are
10 years. please we need park not homes. to live well.
1 Ketan Shah Fremont, CA
5 days ago
Fremont city is crowded and crime rate is getting out of control. Police cant handle current populatioin
1
Xiaoying Li Fremont, CA
32
5 days ago
Please make our neighborhood safe again!
1 Yachun Liu Fremont, CA
5 days ago
I'm signing because I am driving there to drop off/ pick up my kids to school but the traffic there is get worsen.
We really need to take action in that area.
1 MIN ZHAO Fremont, CA
5 days ago
For kids safety.
1
Angela (Jill) Hoffmann Fremont, CA
5 days ago
I agree
1 Jimna Joseph Fremont, CA
5 days ago
Traffic around Mission Blvd is already congested. With more homes being built, it is bound to get worse. Safety
for the Mission High School kids may get compromised.
1 Dongmei Lin Fremont, CA
5 days ago
33
I very concerned about the heavy traffic in misdi9n area. I do not want to see my children live in a parking lot.
Hi
1 jatinder Sikka Fremont, CA
6 days ago
City needs to stop spillover traffic through Mission and Bryant before allowing additional development.
1 Deep Mala singh Fremont, CA
6 days ago
Agree with each and every word written in petition.
1 Barbara Mangiardi Fremont, CA
6 days ago
I'm signing because I am in agreement that the city planners do not look at the impact on our schools, streets,
safety of our children. Especially the overcrowding of all our schools.
1 Jonathan Chao Los Angeles, CA
6 days ago
Traffic is bad enough in this area. Adding more homes will just make it worse.
1 Song Liu Fremont, CA
6 days ago
Our house was broken in early November. The area has been so safe, but more friends had been broken in
recently. Please help Mission Area
1
34
xiaoxia he Fremont, CA
6 days ago
My kid is in MJSH, every morning the traffic is so bad, also no bike lane on pine st, it's not safe for students
walking or biking
1
Shuchi Sharma Fremont, CA
6 days ago
I am signing this petition because it is effecting the safety of our kids
1 Michael Nathan Fremont, CA
6 days ago
Safety and traffic concerns
1 Mamatha Rudrappa Fremont, CA
6 days ago
To reduce the traffic as there is already lot of traffic in mission
1
Lonee Hoffman Fremont, CA
6 days ago
35
As a lifelong Fremont resident I am heartbroken to see what our city has become with overcrowding and
unbearble traffic. I commute Mission Blvd everyday and some days I spend 45 minutes getting from Niles to
the 680 entrance. This craziness has to stop. Listen to what the residents are saying
1 Pei Chiu Fremont, CA
6 days ago
No more new development due to overcrowded population, messy traffic, and high crime rate.
1 Gloria Silva Fremont, CA
6 days ago
City Officials need to address a number of issues before any more development is approved. Traffic and schools
are the two major issues that I can think of right off the top of head. We've had school issues since the 90's and
Fremont continued to build more homes and now. We also need better traffic solutions to commuters jumping
off 680 and coming thru our residential areas to try an cut done on their commute time. Speed bumps, reduction
of lanes thru subdivisions could help.
1 AMY WANG BEAVERCREEK, OH
6 days ago
I take my daughters to Chinese school every Wednesday evening at Mission San Jose High School. The traffic
is always horrible when exiting the school. The road next to the school is not wide enough to support the
amount of cars. This problem needs to be alleviated before more homes are built.
1 Jagbir Hooda Fremont, CA
6 days ago
Outgoing Mayor approved many such projects without any thoughts on poor traffic conditions and safety.
Mission road in front of St. Joseph Church was already narrow and is now reshaped with a dangerous
obstruction by the builder constructing new homes. This is a blatant disregard to Fremont residents and their
safety. Outgoing Mayor should apologize and be penalized for such irresponsible behavior and new
construction approval.
36
2 Smita Easow Fremont, CA
6 days ago
I'm tired of being stuck in traffic!! We tax paying residents of Fremont should at the very minimum be allowed
to drop and pick our kids to school without being stuck in traffic. Better services like more cops and better
school facilities should have a higher priority than blindly building homes in every empty lot!!
1 Maggie Bosco Fremont, CA
6 days ago
The crime around my neighborhood has increased manifold in the last couple years, plus there is traffic
congestion on Mission Blvd.
1 Cynthia Leung Fremont, CA
6 days ago
The traffic on mission Blvd is so bad already.
1 Julie Huang Fremont, CA
6 days ago
Stop more houses built if we don't have infrastructure to support (more roads or wider roads) and more schools
1 Neha Chaudhary Fremont, CA
6 days ago
The traffic congestion on mission bld is very heavy and poses a risk to my kids.
1 Lee Huang Fremont, CA
37
6 days ago
Lee huang
1 Keshav Kamble Fremont, CA
6 days ago
I do not support this development, due to excessive strain on infrastructure including schools and roads.
1 savita banerjee Fremont, CA
6 days ago
We need to address traffic congestion and the safety of our children before adding more developments which
would exasperate the problems
0 Qin li Fremont, CA
6 days ago
No more new houses!!!
1 Fei wabg Fremont, CA
6 days ago
Too much crime within very short period !
1
Gregory Hsueh union City, CA
7 days ago
38
City need resolve traffic, safety and security (too robbery incidents) issues at Mission area first. Before,
building too houses at Fremont
1
Anfeng Wang Fremont, CA
7 days ago
I have been very disappointed with the current Harrison and city council members. They do not care about the
city and its residents at all, and act as the puppets of the developers.
1
Sindhu Rode Fremont, CA
7 days ago
It's getting worse everywhere in the Mission San Jose Areas. Now homes and small malls are in the early stages
of construction near the new Bart station. Wait till the Bart starts there.
I voted for all three of you. Pls stop this. Learn something from the cities of San Ramon and Pleasanton.
1 Sing lei Fremont, CA
7 days ago
the school is overcrowded and home robbery happened too often
1
Amit Mehta Fremont, CA
7 days ago
39
I want fremont to be safe and specially my neighborhood
1 Shinghin Cheung Fremont, CA
7 days ago
I'm singing this because I am affected by the traffic in the neighborhood. And I am becoming the victim because
of the lack of planning from the city.
1
Asha Sachdeva Fremont, CA
7 days ago
Road are getting very busy and over crowded. We need new schools if you build new homes.
1 Sudhendu Pandey Fremont, CA
7 days ago
I am directly and daily impacted by these rampant development projects without attention to adequate allocation
to infrastructure like roads, school capacity, security like additional police personnel and security cameras to
catch the criminals.
1 Monica Han Fremont, CA
7 days ago
Reduce traffic jam!
1 Raghav Rao FREMONT, CA
7 days ago
40
I do not support this development
1 Anithah Pillai Fremont, CA
7 days ago
Traffic and over crowding of schools has become unbearable.
1 Irshad Rashed Fremont, CA
7 days ago
The quality of life in Fremont is getting worse.
1 Jasmine Khosravian Fremont, CA
7 days ago
I am fed up of the uncontrolled growth that the city is allowing without proper planning with regards to traffic
congestion and overcrowding of local schools. ITS NOT ALL ABOUT MONEY you CITY LEADERS. The
quality of life in getting worse day by day and I have lived in this city for close to 30 years now.
2
Joanna Lung Fremont, CA
7 days ago
Yes, we need Fremont city to take immediate actions to resolve this long existing issue ASAP. Many people
who are not local Fremont residents are using Mission Blvd to reroute to 680 for avoiding the traffic, but end up
they have caused the congestion and inconveniences to the local residents who have been paid the high property
taxes to maintain the local streets and facilities. This issue has been going on for a long time. The city shouldn't
approve the new development proposal by Robson Homes. This is like adding fuel to the fire of the existing
traffic congestion issues. We need the new Fermont city elected officials to take immediate attention and action
to resolve the traffic and over development issues.
2
41
Dylan Chiu Fremont, CA
7 days ago
I'm opposing building more homes in the area.
1 Victor Kao Fremont, CA
7 days ago
Something needs to be done. The traffic is dangerous, unnecessary, and nothing being done.
1 Lisa Kau Fremont, CA
7 days ago
Fremont has population and traffic growth too much too fast. It is the concern everyone I talked to. We need to
stop for now and listen to our residents.
1 S C Fremont, CA
7 days ago
This unabated development is very injurious to our community. We are already reeling under over-crowded
schools and stressed-out drivers on due to extreme traffic congestion. None of the developers live here to face
the consequences. Absolutely no more new houses.
2 William Van Fremont, CA
7 days ago
2 c flo
1 wesley wong Fremont, CA
42
7 days ago
Traffic safety is a major concern for the residences of Mission San Jose Areas. Especially the drop off Mission
San Jose High School students in the morning.
1 Philip Ngai Fremont, CA
7 days ago
The traffic problems on Mission Blvd and the spill over to local streets has reached a level where it is a threat to
the lives of our children.
2 Vijaya Yendluri Fremont, CA
7 days ago
FREMONT is loosing the beauty and the safety.its getting really congested
1
Tom Murillo Fremont, CA
7 days ago
The school is full and too much traffic. It is getting unsafe and afraid value is going to drop. If you vote Aye,
property taxes will be dropped and more crime in the statistics. It means city get less money and more messy.
You understand?
1 Ellen Snell Fremont, CA
1 week ago
There are certain times of the day when we can barely get in and out of our neighborhood. Adding more homes
will only add to the confusion! Also, builders should carry the burden of over crowded schools.
1 Richard Ko
43
Fremont, CA
1 week ago
We don't need more traffic and congestion in the Mission area.
1
Umesh Patel Union City, CA
1 week ago
Unbearable traffic
1 Gillian Carson Fremont, CA
1 week ago
Too many cars in Mission San Jose, Elementary, I cannot get out or in to my driveway during school opening
time.Cars do not slow down after the patrol leave and one day a child will be hurt - its on the city to prevent
this.
2 bin wu
弗里蒙特, CA
1 week ago
The traffic drives me crazy
1
Eliane Selwan Fremont, CA
1 week ago
I care about the safety of our children, and the safety of our neighborhoods.
44
1
Dianna Fernandez Nichols Fremont, CA
1 week ago
I'm signing because we need to deal with the declining quality of life in Fremont before we add more homes.
1 Abid Siddiqui Fremont, CA
1 week ago
Hi,
The traffic situation is getting worse day by day and City of Fremont is doing anything to solve the problem.
The city is becoming totally unsafe for kids and elderly people.
1
Joseph Sr. Lonsdale Fremont, CA
1 week ago
We do not need more development in Fremont. Schools are full and traffic is terrible.
1 Alana Leyva Fremont, CA
1 week ago
I don't like how many new homes are being built, when the schools are already so full and traffic is so terrible.
1 Connie Lo Fremont, CA
1 week ago
45
Traffic is Mission Blvd is already very heavy. It also blocks the mountain view which is much needed to be
reserved.
1 jeff buk Fremont, CA
1 week ago
Over crowd school and traffic is terrible
1 Boris Zalan Fremont, CA
1 week ago
Traffic is very bad! Somebody at City Council Level needs to think this through, please. Coming home from
work as well as impact on local residents is unbearable!
2 Prabhakar Aeruva fremont, CA
1 week ago
We see traffic on all streets (ellsworth st, Bryant St) which are parallel to Mission Blvd. Some vehicles are not
even stopping properly at stop sign's and it is dangerous for kids to cross the streets after 4:00 PM.
1 Abhijith Akkaraju Fremont, CA
1 week ago
I am from Fremont and attended Mission San Jose High School, and have seen the Mission Blvd congestion
first hand.
1 qin liu Fremont, CA
1 week ago
Traffic
46
1
Angela Xu Fremont, CA
1 week ago
there has been way too much development going on in fremont because of corporate greed and not community
need.
2 Edward Mak Fremont, CA
1 week ago
Until the heavy traffic is reduced, the community of Mission San Jose Fremont disapprove of more
development.
1
Anh-Dao Ha fremont, CA
1 week ago
Traffic on Mission Blvd, and elsewhere within Fremont, has been unbearable. The residential housing growth
rate in Fremont has been too fast and furious for the city's infrastructures. We need more affordable, controlled
and well planned communities. Please stop approving further housing developments until the City Council can
truly represent its residents' cries of wanting measured well planned communities instead.
1
Susan Polgar Des Peres, MO
1 week ago
47
We need to maintain the quality of life for the local residents.
1 Austin Whaley Fremont, CA
1 week ago
Traffic already is horrid in the area just to get to school and during rush hours. It gridlocks the neighborhood
and keeps a constant stream of cars coming in that is detrimental to the lives of those who have chosen to live
there.
1 Savita Kamble Fremont, CA
1 week ago
I am signing because-
I agree that traffic is out of control and roads are very congested. It does impact on kids safety.
I have seen kid on bike hit by the car earlier this year. It's terrible. Adding more home will make problem worse.
Hope you take appropriate action for kids safety.
1 Ashley Wong Fremont, CA
1 week ago
Traffic is out of control on Mission Blvd and please do not destroy our beautiful Mission Hills by building more
homes at the foothill.
1 Darren W Fremont, CA
1 week ago
Traffic is already bad enough and it's becoming dangerous just to cross the street to get to high school each day.
Don't build any homes on Mission Blvd please!!
1 Allyson W Fremont, CA
1 week ago
48
Building more homes on the hills is bad for our ecosystem. Traffic is really bad already and will get only worse
if we have more homes built on Mission Blvd.
1 Susan Dahlin Fremont, CA
1 week ago
As a 21-year Fremont citizen (now 20-year Fremont teacher) , I moved to Livermore because of the
overcrowding and declining quality of life in Fremont. Fremont citizens voted in the 1990's (before Avalon) to
ban developing the Fremont hills. Yet, the Avalon development was authorized by the city and here we go again
with more development. City council, planners, mayors, etc. are authorizing these developments at the
disapproval of citizens. Does our vote count anymore! In addition to safety concerns, traffic, school
overcrowding, our infrastructure (water, roads, schools, public services) cannot handle an increased population
in Fremont. and California. Building on our hills reduces our water in our watershed. Even 4th graders
understand the human impact affects of building on out hills and our beautiful Fremont ecosystems and is not
good for anyone/nature.
2 Gladys Lo Fremont, CA
1 week ago
We should not build more houses to our already overcrowded street, school and mission community. What will
city do to this overcrowded community and everday traffic? Need to solve problems instead of making it worse!
1 Jyotica Bhatia Fremont, CA
1 week ago
Traffic increas on Excelso.
1 Connie Lau Fremont, CA
1 week ago
I'm signing it because I agree that the traffic on Mission blvd has become unbearable. Solution on solving the
traffic issue before adding more load on traffic. Thanks
1
49
Kou-Su Chen Fremont, CA
1 week ago
I am strongly against more house development along the Mission Blvd especially near the school area. The
traffic congestion is so terrible that not only the children's safety is at risk but the resident's daily life is also
greatly impacted. It gets worse with more house development.
1 Angela Koh Fremont, CA
1 week ago
I'm signing because I want to protect the safety of our children and not worsen the current traffic conditions.
1 Eugene Tu Fremont, CA
1 week ago
Already overcrowding at Mission Area schools (including MSJHS) and traffic congestion.
1 Anju P Fremont, CA
1 week ago
My child goes to th school and I know how haphazard and dangerous the MSJ high school area traffic is -
especially during school start and end times.
1 Samson Ng Fremont, CA
1 week ago
The traffic in the morning is ridiculous jammed. Parents from other area drive to mission cielo to drop off kids.
We residents in Mission Cielo suffer this mess every day. With another many new houses building plan, it just
put more stress in this community.
1 Jeff Ishikawa
50
Fremont, CA
1 week ago
Quality of life, as well as safety, has gone down in the Mission San Jose area. As a resident since 1997, I've
seen the amount of traffic on Mission and neighboring streets skyrocket! The back of our property faces
Mission, and everday starting at 3pm there is honking and yelling from irate drivers who are stuck in the
congested streets. It's to the point I dread having to drive in the area after 3pm. You take your life in your hands
when crossing Washington anywhere between Mission and 680. Please don't build anymore homes!
1 S Ambulkar Fremont, CA
1 week ago
Besides just traffic we need to address quality of life issues that arise due to rampant development and increased
population density vying for same city resources.
1 Aban Chhor Fremont, CA
1 week ago
For the safety of our children residing in Mission high school area. The children are unable to cross the
Washington Blvd and Paseo Padre after they get off from the bus #624. Just to be clear there is only one traffic
signal which is at Washington blvd after that the children just run to cross on Paseo Padre.The drivers who
donot live in Mission area are not considerate of the children crossing the street. Instead of stopping for the
children, they honk at them when they cross the street.
1 Wesley Kiang Fremont, CA
1 week ago
There are too many cars blocking the road.
1
Mahesh Venkat Fremont, CA
51
1 week ago
I share the concerns about traffic concerns , congestion on the mission hills and safety of kids.
1 Jeff Koh Fremont, CA
1 week ago
Long time resident at Mission Cielo
1 Amrita Mehrok Fremont, CA
1 week ago
For the safety of our kids and everyone else.
1
boris chiu fremont, CA
1 week ago
Adding to the current traffic problem, there is a major big gas transmission pipeline running from the hill
through the proposed site underground. So, the homes built on top are in danger in case of earthquakes or other
natural disasters. We should not forget about San Bruno explosion several years ago. Potential buyers should
definitely avoid this area.
2 Katie Wong Fremont, CA
1 week ago
To reduce traffic congestion in our neighborhood and have a safe environment for our kid.
1
52
From: Boris Chiu [mailto:]
Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2017 11:04 AM
To: Bill Roth
Subject: Re: Hobbs Residential (PLN2016-00270, 41948 42012 42092, 42232 Mission Blvd) - Update
Hi Bill,
Happy New Year! :-)
This is Boris living on Mission Cielo Court. I have collected more partition comments from charge.org against
New Development in our neighborhood. Please help us include them in the hearing packet for 01/26 hearing
meeting.
Many thanks,
Boris
Andrew Sass
Fremont, CA
14 hours ago
Reason for signing
The project is putting too many houses without a left turn from SB Mission Blvd, cuts into the bike lane
on Mission Blvd, and does not include removal of the house on the hill, which is a requirement of
Measure T
1
Share
Tweet
Reply
53
Cynthia and Harlon Lee
Fremont, CA
17 hours ago
Reason for signing
The traffic is out of control, it can take me over 40 minutes to travel from Stevenson to Palm, where I
live. The city needs to control the traffic and put infacstructure in place!!!!!
1
Share
Tweet
Reply
Deepak Upadhyaya
Fremont, CA
1 day ago
Reason for signing
Preserve open spaces on mission hills By reducing by housing density
2
Share
Tweet
Reply
54
Leslie Donati
Fremont, CA
3 days ago
Reason for signing
I am signing this petition because I have never seen so many UGLY buildings put up in this city! You
must have people who are blind or have no sense of community or lousy architects . They look like
badly designed office bldgs. You are making it impossible to live here! It took me 45min to drive from
Stevenson Blvd south to Driscoll Rd at 3:30 in the afternoon. This has happened more than once and
building more monstrosities is not going to help! What is wrong with you people?
1
Reply
Lynne Wright
Fremont, CA
4 days ago
Reason for signing
We need the infrastructure before we do more building - more schools, roads and better planning. The
standard of livnig for current residents has been decreasing yearly.
2
Reply
Ying Tao
Fremont, CA
55
5 days ago
Reason for signing
I live in the neighborhood and suffer from traffic congestion everyday.
1
Reply
Pam Stauffer
Fremont, CA
5 days ago
Reason for signing
The building in our area has gotten way out of hand! Greedy Morrison, and these damn developers don't
think about what it's doing to her overpopulated Schools, congestion on our city streets and freeways!
All they care about is the revenue! It's rediculous and these projects need to be shut down......now!
1
Reply
Steven Wang
Fremont, CA
6 days ago
56
Reason for signing
How the heck is California so poor? We pay some of the highest tax rates in the nation. Get it done you
fools.
1
Reply
Ken Chiatello
Fremont, CA
6 days ago
Reason for signing
With all the commuter traffic we now have, this project will seriously overload the neighborhood transit.
1
Reply
Isabella Montufar
Fremont, CA
6 days ago
Reason for signing
57
As an Ohlone student, getting to school through mission blvd and or coming home is terrible because of
the roads being so congested. Building more houses means more people. No thank you!
1
Reply
Shayaan Karimi
Fremont, CA
6 days ago
Reason for signing
the profit motive needs to be pushed back against now and again and now is that time
1
Reply
Angeli Macdonald
Fremont, CA
7 days ago
Reason for signing
Too congested already
1
58
Reply
William Wong
Fremont, CA
7 days ago
Reason for signing
I believe heavy traffic on Mission Blvd has affected lives of locals living off this thoroughfare
negatively. This petition is a step toward lessening the increasing traffic.
City planning commission please consider changing lane configuration on Paseo Padre to allow more
vehicle throughput during peak hours!!!
1
Reply
Mystery Mania
San Francisco, CA
7 days ago
Reason for signing
I'm signing because traffic all throughout Fremont is pretty bad, and here especially because there is a
ton of traffic coming from Mission Blve all the way from Ohlone College Fremont Main Campus to
here and continuing along Mission Blvd. It affects not only students from Mission San Jose High
School, but also people who ride AC Transit, as the 217 is often times running late due to the traffic on
59
Mission Blvd by Ohlone College and Mission San Jose High School. Say, NO to new housing
developments, and be sure to not only sign, but SHARE this on every social media!
1
Reply
Yuan Zheng
Fremont, CA
7 days ago
Reason for signing
The traffic problem needs an immediate attention and solution.
1
Reply
Cecilia Sistena
Fremont, CA
7 days ago
Reason for signing
Traffic is already congested. Please stop any more building around and/or near MSJH area.
1
60
Reply
Phat Ha
Fremont, CA
7 days ago
Reason for signing
The traffic is getting worse day by day!
1
Reply
Daniel Huang
Fremont, CA
7 days ago
Reason for signing
I am signing this because I am concerned with the number of cars already driving through Mission Blvd.
I've seen several road rage incidents which resulted in the driver going through a red traffic light. We
should be responsible and not make this situation worse. Let's put a stop to this before we have another
incident.
1
Reply
61
Camille Bennett
Fremont, CA
7 days ago
Reason for signing
I am signing because Fremont is growing out of control! I voted for our new mayor and city council
because of their stance on measured and responsible housing growth. Adding more homes to one of the
most sought after schools and busiest commuter routes in our city is not responsible. Keep our hills free
from monstrous privacy walls and homes stuffed onto every square foot. Our city infrastructure and
schools can't take anymore!
Sincerely,
C. Bennett
MSJ High Alumni
26 year Fremont resident
1
Reply
Niveditha sangeneni
fremont, CA
7 days ago
Reason for signing
Fremont is way too over developed with under developed city infrastructure.
2
Share
Tweet
62
Reply
Tripti Jain
fremont, CA
7 days ago
Reason for signing
I think Fremont is pver devloped , mission blvd is always packed during office hours we need 2 lane rd
instead of new home near mission
2
Share
Tweet
Reply
Tom Cheung
Fremont, CA
1 week ago
Reason for signing
against development until our city has solved the traffic problems along mission blvd
2
Share
Tweet
63
Reply
Kalyan Tirunahari
Fremont, CA
3 weeks ago
Reason for signing
I live in this neighborhood and it is so hard with the traffic congestion every day. It takes so long to
reach home. What supposed to take 2 minutes on Mission Blvd takes 20 minutes due to this traffic. If we
add more home here then it is going to double the traffic congestion. Please do not cram the area.
1
Reply
Karren Windsor
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
We don't need more homes in Fremont until there is better infrastructure to support new residents.
1
Reply
64
Corby Dale
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
If we're going to add to the existing infrastructure/traffic issues in Fremont, let's not do it with luxury
homes, let's help the everyday people out by providing affordable housing like experimenting with tiny
homes and other low-cost and low-footprint solutions. If the developer isn't on board with that because it
doesn't make them enough money, then let's keep open vistas to the hills and not add to the traffic
problem.
1
Reply
Ann Sweeney
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
There are too damn many people for the existing infrastructure. Enough already.
1
Reply
Steve Ornellas
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
65
Reason for signing
Enough is enough !!!!
1
Reply
M Kim
FREMONT, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
I am totally agree with it!
1
Reply
Yinghong Zhou
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
I'm concerned about the safety of our community
.
66
1
Reply
Ning Dong
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
Going to work and coming home on Mission Blvd traffic is horibable. We need to improve traffic before
building any more houses.
1
Reply
Jun Li
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
Too much is too much!!!!
1
Reply
67
Yan Fang
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
I'm signing to against any more new home development in Fremont. It takes me 30min to drive 6.5
miles in Fremont during rush hour!
0
Reply
Nancy Yang
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
Mission traffic is out of control!!!
1
Reply
haifeng jiang
Fremont, CA
68
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
This is already a very crowed area
1
Reply
Xiaodong Sun
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
Even heavier traffic makes mission blvd almost a dead road, while it is very important road for students
commuting between school and home.
1
Reply
xia Zhao
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
The local traffic is too bad
0
69
Reply
lakshmi bangalore
milpitas, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
I use Mission Blvd everyday and its already so congested. This will add to the congestion even more.
1
Reply
Clayton Casipit
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
I live in the MSJHS area and my son walks home from school through the horrible traffic. It also takes
me 35 minutes to drive from Driscoll to Mission Road (where I live) and up the hill to my house due to
all the traffic and cars that cut through our neighborhood to avoid waiting in the queue to enter onto 680
1
Reply
70
Lining Wan
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
Fremont is already very congested on the road and in the schools. The situation will get even worse with
more construction, and no plan to improve the road the school conditions.
1
Reply
Hsiu-Ting Ho
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
No more new houses please!
0
Reply
Cynthia Vail
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
71
The traffic is horrendous around our neighborhood. Don't try to go anywhere after 3pm. The schools are
already overcrowded. New housing should not be approved until these concerns are addressed.
0
Reply
Richard Wood
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
I am signing this petition because Fremont needs a moratorium on housing projects. 56 yr. resident
0
Reply
shankar ayyar
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
I care about the city of Fremont, my home for the last 34 years. No doubt the city has changed a lot (for
most part not for good). streets are crowded, schools are crowded. Quality of life has gone down.
0
72
Reply
Himanshu Kapse
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
I am a resident of Starr Street, which connects Mission Blvd and Washington Blvd. The traffic is a
nuisance and we do not get space to even enter our driveways. Drivers also get into a road rage, the
situation is scary.
0
Reply
Allison Andersen
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
I live on Bryant St. because of my street is being used as a cut through most evenings I cannot even turn
left into my driveway. The traffic in Mission is out of control. We need to figure it out, BEFORE new
homes are added to an already congested area.
0
73
Reply
Vagdevi Namburu
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
To have kids risk free roads while crossing roads around schools in FUSD, mission area. Please improve
class room infrastructure.
0
Reply
Rene Stilwell
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
I live near Walnut / Mission. Traffic is horrendous! Our beautiful city is now full of homes slowly
creeping up the surrounding hillside. Schools are overcrowded. Streets are no longer safe to cross.
Shame on the Fremont city council & planning commission.
1
Reply
74
Chanel Chen
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
Traffic on mission blvd is nightmare already. No more new house please.
1
Reply
Rupal Patel
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
Rupal Patel
0
Reply
Ram Trikutam
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
75
Too many construction happening in Fremont. We need to control the construction happening in
Fremont
1
Reply
Chadbourne Mom
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
Within 5 years of our move to Mission area, we see that traffic has almost doubled. We are spending
more time on the road than at home with kids. Please, let us all enjoy beautiful and sunny California by
taking a deep breath that is stress free and traffic free
1
Reply
Nadine Amaral
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
Because Fremont has become over crowded from streets to schools. To even getting around town is
scary as police don't inforce tragic laws any longer.
0
76
Reply
Ken Elliott
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
I live near Orchard and Mission. I have sat through 3 cycles of traffic lights, taking 20 minutes to go 200
yards to my home. We are already over developed.
1
Reply
Scott Mckee
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
I am sick of the overcrowding. Its not just traffic, its grocery stores, DMV, city services, schools,
everything!!
1
77
Reply
Shirley Henry
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
My daughter attends Mission SAN Jose High School and it has taken me 45 minutes to get from
Automall Parkway and over to the high school to pick up my daughter due to the severity of the traffic. I
see so many people running red lights and not bothering to pay any attention or show caution for all the
kids walking home from school or walking to a bus stop. It's very scary to see everyday how many kids
are in danger of being hit by a car because people are in such a big rush after being stuck in the horrific
Mission Blvd traffic. To add more houseing to this already overly populated area would be detrimental
to all.
1
Reply
Sabu Ghazali
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
Builders can start new community with new schools to address growing needs of Fremont. Why
concentrate in the same area that is already congested.
1
78
Reply
Emily panda
Fresno, UT
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
Every day I bike to school and bike back home and every day I wake up early so I can bike when the
streets aren't crowded. When school ends, I usually wait at least twenty minutes on campus before
biking home because leaving before then would mean trying bike through crowds of people. There are
people walking to their parent's cars and people walking home and people walking to their jobs and the
paths are so ridiculously congested with people. Shoving even more people into our school will
absolutely make the situation more dangerous for everyone.
1
Reply
Sumera siddiqui
fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
I live on Starr St for the last 13 years. The traffic on the street has become very dangerous. Last year we
had a five year old hit by the car. Thank God he did not sustain bad injuries.
Lat month they put signs for no left turn on Starr during commute times but not too many people are
observing that. Then the new homes being built on Palm Stae will worsen the traffic. Since Mission is
only single lane both ways from 680 exit to Washington. I am not sure who did the planning and
approval of all these plans, its completely ridiculous.
1
79
Reply
Sherry Willer
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
It took me over an hour to get out of Fremont last Thursday due to traffic. No more homes!
1
Reply
Salil Awasthi
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
I am fed up with senseless construction in Fremont.
1
Reply
Chitralakshmi Shunmugasundaram
Fremont, CA
80
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
I use Mission Blvd to my work.
Not only this, many areas are taken away by new constructions and the streets are not safe any more.
1
Reply
larry wing
fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
Traffic in fremont is out of control
1
Reply
Linda Kamalnathan
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
81
There is too much traffic in Fremont.
Congestion or bottle necked traffic causes a big problem.
1
Reply
Chirayu Shah
Fremont, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
Traffic congestion in this area is becoming a big safety issue for the students. I don't feel safe crossing
Mission Blvd and I constantly fear for all the students. We need to take preventive action before a fatal
incident occurs. Drivers take illegal turns in our community, they don't stop for pedestrians when taking
left turns and accelerate to "get through" before the light turns red. Very dangerous.
2
Share
Tweet
Reply
Promila Rastogi
Stanford, CA
4 weeks ago
Reason for signing
82
I have one child at this school and another who will start there next fall. The traffic at school drop-off
time is absolutely horrendous! Adding more homes down the road can only make it worse.
2
Share
Tweet
Reply
Community Comments #13 From: Alice Lu [mailto:]
Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2016 4:52 PM
To: Bill Roth
Subject: Hobbs Project City Council Vote Schedule and Petition Record
Hi Bill,
Hope this email find you well. I was looking at the Fremont City website on the Hobbs Project located in Mission Blvd. It
shows a tentative City meeting date of 1/12/17. Can you kindly confirm if 1/12/17 is the actual date where the City
Council Memeber will decide and vote on whether or not to approve the project? Please also advise location and timing
of hue meeting as many residents are interested in attending this meeting.
Kindly note that a petition is running about he Hobbs project on Change.org with Mayor Lily Mei, City Council Vinnie
Bacon, City Council Raj Salwan as well as you as the recipient. Can you kindly confirm if you have been receiving the
petition notification from change.org? Can you also kindly confirm if this petition as well as all comments on petition
will also go on record as a part of City project planning/voting consideration?
Kindly advise. Thanks for your help.
My best,
Alice
From: Alice Lu [mailto:]
Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2016 8:55 PM
To: Bill Roth
Subject: Re: Hobbs Project City Council Vote Schedule and Petition Record
83
Hi Bill,
Thanks for your speedy reply.
May I kindly ask for clarification on below questions:
1. For the 1/12/17 Planning Commission hearing, will the Mayor and City Council members also be present at the
meeting. Who are the members of the planning commission hearing and to what capacity will they be voting on the
project? Can you kindly provide agenda of the 1/12/17 meeting?
2. Can you please confirm if you have been receiving the change.org petition? I believe over 500 petitions have
already been signed to date and the list is still growing.
3. Can you confirm if the petition as well as all comments on the petition made by Fremont residents on the petition
will be included on record as a part of the agenda packet? Note the petition is set up with Mayor Lily Mei, City
Council members and you as the email recipients.
Here is the link to the petition:
https://www.change.org/p/please-help-our-kids-be-safe-and-stop-further-traffic-congestions-on-mission-blvd-near-
msjh
Thanks for your time to clarify above questions. I will also call you to discuss in the next few days.
Best,
Alice
From: Alice Lu [mailto:]
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2016 1:02 PM
To: Bill Roth
Subject: Re: Hobbs Project City Council Vote Schedule and Petition Record
Hi Bill,
Hope you had a wonderful weekend and thank you kindly for the below update. Thank you for making the
residents voices heard. I trust that our new Mayor and City Council members will vote on the project and make
decision in the best interest of the residents and what is best for our City in the long run.
Thank you again and wish you a wonderful week ahead.
My best,
Alice
84
From: Alice Lu [mailto:]
Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2016 10:27 AM
To: Bill Roth
Cc: Alice Lu
Subject: Mission Cielo Traffic Study
Hi Bill,
At 8:25 a.m. this morning (12/20/16), I saw a man in an orange vest standing at Mission Cielo
entrance clicking an apparatus as I drove pass him. I asked him what he was doing and he said he
was conducting a traffic study. I told him that traffic is unusually light now because many
residents/students have already left town traveling for the holidays. I told him if possible to please
come back and do the exact same study after the 2nd week of Jan and he will see a drastically
different result with very congested traffic.
I am hoping that the City would try to do the study between 7:45 a.m. - 8:15 a.m on either M, T, Th
or Fri and if you plan to do the study on Wed, then you could try to do it from 8:45 am - 9:15 a.m.
since Mission San Jose High School has late bell time on Wednesdays which is at 9:00 a.m instead
of 8:00 a.m.
Please see video clip link below that a local resident lives near Mission Blvd has graciously put
together. The raw footage video clip has time stamp between Monday 12/12 to Friday 12/16.
Available upon request, the City is welcome to have all his video files as the continuous traffic
recording with time stamp for several days, would be the most representative traffic study. Note
that the background music Cars in The Garden lyrics ironically but accurately portraits the heart of
our Fremont residents.
https://youtu.be/gXOEgafCZ2I
May I trouble you to send me a quick note once the actual City Council project voting meeting date
has been set as many local residents would love to attend the meeting.
Thanks for your kinds assistance.
My best,
Alice
From: Alice Lu [mailto:] Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2017 4:45 PM
To: Lily Mei; Rick Jones - Councilmember; Vinnie Bacon; Bill Roth; [email protected]; Rick Jones; Raj Salwan
Cc: Alice Lu Subject: Our Plea to Fremont City Council to Veto Robson Homes Hobbs Development Project
85
Dear Mayor Lily Mei, Vice Mayor Rick Jones, Fremont City Council Raj Salwan, Vinnie Bacon, and David Bonaccorsi and Associate City Development Planner Bill Roth,
I am writing this note to bring to your attention a petition recently signed by 876 concerned Fremont residents urging Fremont City Council to veto Robson Homes Hobbs hillside development project to build 55 new homes on Mission Blvd across Mission San Jose High School (MSJH).
Please take a minute to watch a short video clip recorded back in early December of the horrendous Mission
Blvd traffic outside MSJH near the proposed Hobbs project. https://youtu.be/gXOEgafCZ2I
Petition Link:
Please Help our kids be safe and stop further traffic congestions on Mission Blvd near MSJH.
Please Help our kids be safe and stop further traffic congestions on Missio... What was once a beautiful serene sight of rolling hills along Mission Blvd is now replaced by congested traffic,...
Our plea is simple and clear. Adequate infrastructure must be in place to alleviate the congested traffic and ensure our kids safety BEFORE approving building any more new homes on the most congested areas of Mission Blvd.
86
We also do not want what was once a beautiful rolling mission hills to be replaced by more sound walls and cramped homes.
Proposal:
Until traffic issue is alleviated, veto Robson's application or any developers to build more homes on the most congested traffic areas and near schools. In this case, Hobbs development is located in the worst traffic bottleneck area here in Fremont. Adding two more entry/exit points on Mission Blvd by Hobbs project will further back up traffic on Mission Blvd.
Veto building any more homes on the hillside as: 1) the mission hills will be blocked by tall sounds walls and cramped homes already seen with the recent Mission Heights development, 2) building homes on the hillside are bad for our environment (e.g. destroys watershed, wild life)
If the City Council must approve Hobbs project, please consider below conditional project amendment:
1. BEFORE the homes are built, Robson home must work with Mission San Jose High School to agree building student drop off loop next to the school. (I believe Robson homes has started the discussion with the school). The student drop off loop must be completed BEFORE First Phase home is released for sale.
2. Pedestrian side walk and bike lane must be built along Mission Blvd outside of Hobbs development to ensure students/pedestrians safety before first Phase home is release for sale. Having the pedestrian side walk in in place will also help ease the traffic congestion on both Palm and Mission Cielo as parents will then be able to safely drop off students on Mission Blvd for kids to walk on the sidewalk.
3. No homes to be built at any elevation higher than the current adjacent Mission Cielo homes. Reduce the total number of units to be build from 55 units to 46 units by removing the highest elevation home sites #36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43. This will help alleviate the concerns that views of the green hills from the street level will be blocked by these homes. I have recorded a short video clip driving down Mission Blvd from McDonald towards the High School pointing toward the hills. The video shows the recently built new Mission Heights sounds wall and the two story homes built at the higher elevation have completely blocked the views of the rolling hills. The same happen if/when the Hobbs project is completed.
4. The lot size on the proposed Hobbs project plan appears to be significantly more cramped than their recently built adjacent Mission Heights project. Propose to reduce the overall number of homes on Hobbs project to match the average lot size of the Mission Heights project. Having less homes on the Hobbs project will have less severe impact on the Mission Blvd traffic.
87
We sincerely that your read through and consider below comments made on the petition. We trust that you will vote on this project in the best interests of the Fremont residents.
Dear Bill,
Please submit this email and include all below comments made on this petition as a part of 1/26 Hobbs Planning Commission hearing meeting agenda. Thank you.
>>Note: petition comments are included in Community Comments #14
Community Comments #12 From: Anithah Pillai [mailto:] Sent: Monday, December 12, 2016 3:14 PM
To: Bill Roth
Subject: Robson homes new development
Hello, Please do not approve new construction by Robson homes near Mission Cielo and Mission San jose high school. Especially in light of the fatal accident on Nov 20th 2016, It is up on the city to avoid further congestion and unsafe traffic conditions. Mission district of Fremont has been significantly affected by overcrowding of schools and congestion and dwindling resources. Please help to keep our kids, their parents and the community safe. Thanks, Anithah
88
Community Comments #11
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
Note: Mr. Lee provided a DVD disc with a video of area traffic congestion. The video has been shared with City Transportation staff.
96
Community Comments #10
97
98
Community Comments #9 -----Original Message----- From: The Cavettes [mailto:] Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2016 3:50 PM To: Bill Roth Subject: Hobbs Residential (PLN2016-00270) - Request for a More Open Development The Hobbs property is one of the last and most visible pieces of hillside open space in Fremont. It also borders on Mission Boulevard, which is a Fremont scenic corridor. I believe that any development here should maintain the open, scenic nature of the site by providing spacious lots, generous setbacks, and wide streets. Instead, Robeson Homes is proposing to build 56 large houses on about 9 acres, with a third of the houses on lots as small as 4,000 square feet. The two rows of houses nearest Mission Boulevard will have minimum lot widths and minimum side setbacks to form long, straight rows of closely spaced two-story rooflines that block the view of the hills from the street. The private roads in the southern half of the site include narrow alleyways and access lanes that are aimed at maximizing housing density, rather than providing an attractive development. I ask the developer to: - Reduce the number of houses from 56 to 45 to give a density of 5.0 du/net acre, which is the midpoint of the density range. This would open up the site and help minimize the visual impact of the project. - Widen the lot widths and side setbacks along both sides of Vinha Way to further open the view of the hills from Mission Boulevard as well as from the existing houses to the west.
99
- Make all roads public with full-width roadways and sidewalks to encourage walking and enhance the open feeling. Provide pedestrian connectivity to Mission Cielo Court on the north to give a safer walking route to and from the signaled crosswalk at Palm Avenue. This is a premium site and it deserves a premium development. We should be emphasizing quality, not quantity. Thank you for your consideration. Chris Cavette, Fremont resident
-----Original Message----- From: The Cavettes [mailto:] Sent: Wednesday, December 14, 2016 4:55 PM To: Bill Roth Subject: Hobbs Residential (PLN2016-00270) - Request for Additional Changes In addition to the changes requested in my email dated December 1, 2016, I also request the following changes be made to the Hobbs Residential proposal before it is submitted to the Planning Commission and City Council: - Exclude all portions of the lots above the toe-of-the-hill line from the lot size and net acre calculations - specifically those on Lots 14, 15, 39, 40, 41, 42, and 43. I believe all land above the toe-of-the-hill line is not part of the development and should not be included simply to increase the allowable number of units. - Lengthen all driveways to be a minimum of 20 ft from the sidewalk to the garage doors to allow parking on the driveways without interfering with pedestrian and wheelchair traffic on the sidewalks. - And finally, all of the houses will be priced in the Above Moderate Income (AMI) affordability range, even the ones on smaller lots. As such, they are not needed to fulfill our Housing Element or Required Housing Needs Allotment, and we should not grant any significant variances or exceptions to this project. To accommodate these changes, I ask that the total number of houses be further reduced to no more than 40. This would give a density of about 4.5 du/ac, which is still within the General Plan density range of 2.3 to 8.7 du/ac for these properties. Thank you for your consideration. Chris Cavette, Fremont resident
100
Bill Roth, Fremont Planning Department Hobbs Residential (PLN2016-00270) - Small Lot Sizes Although the proposed Hobbs development has about the same density as the two adjacent developments, the lot sizes are significantly smaller than its neighbors. For example, the average lot size in the Hobbs development is about 650 square feet smaller than the Mission Heights (Dias) development to the south, and 1,000 square feet smaller than the Mission Cielo development to the north. In fact, over half the lots in the Hobbs development are less than the R-1-6 minimum of 6,000 square feet. The smallest are Lots 1-11 and 23-30 on Vinha Way, where the sizes are as small as 4,800 square feet, the widths are as narrow as 40 feet, and the side setbacks are as close as 3 feet from the fenceline. (See the attached map.) The result is a mass of very large, closely spaced houses across the front of the development that gives it a crowded look and blocks views of the hills from Mission Boulevard and the neighborhood to the west. I believe that a Planned District is the appropriate way to develop this site, but I also believe that a Planned District should be used to make the development better. It should never be used to squeeze long, straight rows of large houses onto small lots. I ask the City Council to direct the applicant to decrease the number of houses on Vinha Way and increase their lot sizes, widths, and side setbacks. Chris Cavette Fremont Resident
101
102
From: The Cavettes [mailto:] Sent: Monday, March 06, 2017 7:11 PM To: Bill Roth Subject: Hobbs Residential (PLN2016-00270) - Minimizing Traffic Impact A letter from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) dated November 26, 2016, characterizes the Hobbs development as having .... ".... a low level of integration of housing with jobs, retail, and services; poorly connected street networks; and low levels of transit service ..." Caltrans was concerned enough to note that although the current Level of Service (LOS) traffic analysis concludes this project has a less than significant impact, a Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) traffic analysis being considered for statewide adoption later this year .... ".... could conclude that this proposed project -- as a non-infill traditional suburban development -- represents a significant impact." ___ Every new housing development in Fremont contributes to our traffic problem. Trying to address the problem with impact fees after the houses are built is too little and too late. In addition to impact fees, we need to take a more thoughtful and proactive approach to minimize the traffic impact of every development before the houses are built. Traditional traffic management programs cannot be applied to the Hobbs project for the reasons cited by Caltrans above. I think reducing the number of houses to reduce the number of vehicle trips is the best way to minimize the traffic impact. It would conform to the General Plan and would also address concerns about small lot sizes and views of the hills. Because the applicant is asking for the flexibility of a Planned District, the City Council has the discretion to require such a change to ensure the project is a superior design and best fits with the site and the surrounding area. Chris Cavette Resident of Fremont
Community Comments #8 From: GAURAV JAIN [mailto] Sent: Thursday, October 06, 2016 4:40 PM
To: Bill Roth Subject: Traffic Congestion - Via San Dimas
Bill,
103
I am a resident of Mission area.
I moved into the neighborhood last year. I have seen a significant increase in traffic congestion this year.
In the late afternoon (4-5 pm), the traffic from Mission Blvd regularly backs up to Via San Dimas. I have
counted up to 37 cars. They back up to 41937 Via San Gabriel (that's the entire street but for 3 houses).
The situation is bad as-is and we are seeing more construction projects coming up. I fear that it will
severely impact the residents.
Please let me know if there is any more information that I can provide. This is concerning and I hope you
will take the necessary actions to help with the situation.
Regards,
-Gaurav Jain
42014 Via San Gabriel
858-437-7200
Community Comments #7 From: Chong Pin Lim [mailto:]
Sent: Friday, September 30, 2016 5:56 PM
To: Bill Roth Subject: Concern about Traffic from Hobbs Project (Mission)
Hi Bill Roth,
I'm Chong Pin Lim. I live with my wife and daughter at 28 Via San Dimas. I'm writing to you to voice my concern around the pre-existing traffic congestion on Mission and Via San Dimas intersection during peak hours (particularly during the
evenings). So currently, I do see and experience first hand the congestion that builds up around 4-6pm. Mission blvd (heading towards 680) gets congested due to the traffic light and increased traffic. Cars from Mission San Jose will drive
and try to disperse through Via San Dimas instead of just exiting Palm. However, it's not a solution because all the cars
will just get jammed at the intersection (right outside my house).
Looking at the traffic study (Hobbs Project Mission Blvd Area TIS.v2.pdf), I will disagree with the levels of service at the Via San Dimas/Mission intersection.
The measured delay of 1.3s/1.2s during peak hour is not accurate at all. Traffic oftens backs up from the 680 traffic light
and very few cars if any will get to merge onto Mission. The cars are backed up throughout the neighborhood (camino
santa barbara, via san luis del rey, via san carlos and even via san gabriel). Often time, I'm unable to even get out of my driveway to go pick my daughter from daycare around 530pm. A huge consideration is the traffic from the school. If the
study is done during off school period then of course the congestion is significantly less (again, i'm not familiar enough with the study other than my quick read of the doc).
My biggest concern with the project now is that with the entry to the project only available via Mission Cielo project and the new entrance along Mission Blvd, the only way the additional projected 57 trips during evening rush hour will get
home is either by turning into palms and drive through the Via San Dimas (my concern and also the likeliest scenario since), making a u-turn into the water facility, or making a u-turn at McDonalds. All the options will certainly make the
current congestion even worse.
I'm trying to follow up to see if there's anymore public forum on this but I am deeply concerned with the project that will
further aggravate the traffic situation in front of my house. Please let me know if you'd like to discuss this further.
104
Many thanks!
Chong Pin Lim
28 Via San Dimas 408-597-7250
Community Comments #6 -----Original Message----- From: Leigh Uselton [mailto:]
Sent: Friday, September 30, 2016 2:48 PM To: Bill Roth; [email protected]
Subject: Hobbs project on Mission Blvd and traffic impact report
Dear Mr. Roth, I live at 41916 Corte Santa Barbara, southwest of Mission Blvd and Palm Avenue. I do not believe that
the traffic impact study that was submitted for the Hobbs development truly represents the current traffic situation. Andy Sass made a very accurate assessment of its flaws. I read and agreed with all of them and have experienced most of
them through my own observations around our neighborhood.
Also, I work at the corner of Stevenson and Mission Blvd and have seen traffic backed up on SB Mission heading towards 680 all the way back to Stevenson at 5:30pm! That is not the usual, of course, but these traffic changes very
recently have been voiced even by our patients as the try to reach our office at all times of the day. I know that cities grow and traffic increases, but let's make the best plans with the best information.
I truly believe you are trying to help Fremont develop in a responsible way and hope you will do so with accurate information.
As a side note, I and others along Mission closer to Palm have been promised a new 10ft sound fence by the developer
when the Hobbs Project is approved. I am retiring and planning on selling my house this Spring, so, I, personally, could be negatively impacted by requesting that you get accurate traffic data to make the best decisions, now, since that fence
will probably be delayed and could influence my property value this Spring. However, in spite of that, it would break my heart, to have missed an opportunity to make positive decisions for this wonderful neighborhood in the long run.
Andy Sass is analytical, precise and, above all, CALM in his approach. I have known him for over 20 years living in this
neighborhood. You couldn't have a better person to work with in working towards the best rationale for growth and traffic. Make your legacy for Fremont count! Sincerely,
Eleanore "Leigh" Uselton
Community Comments #5 From: loh.albert@
Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2016 6:45 PM To: Bill Roth
Subject: Concerns with Trafffic Impact Study for Hobbs Project
Dear Mr Roth,
I recently came across the traffic report.
I have a few concerns.
1. Traffic Counts Data collected on May 28, 2015
1a. This is the Thursday of the week of Memorial Day. Some folks are take the week off even though it
is a school day as it is almost the end of the school year. Thus the traffic data is not representative of the
actual school day conditions.
1b. The data is more than 1 year old. Since then with growth in population especially in the East Bay,
afternoon traffic heading towards NB680 has gone up significantly. I have experience delays of more than
10 minutes on NB Mission Blvd heading towards NB680 ramp. On some days traffic is backed up even on
105
SB Mission Blvd heading towards NB680 ramp as traffic apps like Waze are redirecting driver to this side
of the Mission Blvd. I have experienced backups on Palm Ave all the way to the intersection with Via San
Miguel. The report needs to be updated and traffic projections made based on the population growth in
the East Bay that uses NB680.
2. Lack of a road connecting Hobbs Project and Mission Cielo Ct
2a. While the report correctly assumes (page 29) that vehicles from the Hobbs Project would use the
Mission Cielo Ave - Palm Ave/ Mission Blvd instead of making u-turn there, it does not make the
recommendation to have a road connecting the Hobbs Project to Mission Cielo Ct.
2b. It would save vehicle miles as the report suggests and help to save our environment in the long
run.
2c. it would better manage traffic flow at that intersection. Vehicles performing u-turns from NB Mission
Blvd to SB Mission Blvd at that intersection prevents smooth traffic flow of traffic from Palm Ave to tunr
right onto SB Mission Blvd.
3. U-turns at Palm Avenue - Mission Cielo Avenue/Mission Blvd
3a. The report correctly states that many Southbound Hobbs residents (and Mission Heights as well)
would be required to make a u-turn at the intersection.
3b. I have experienced back-ups onto Camino Santa Barbara during the early morning Peak Hours
causing at least 5 minutes in delays.
3c. With the addition of at least 16 u-turn trips at this intersection during peak hours, it would further
impede traffic turning right on red from Palm Ave to SB Mission Blvd.
3d. I have tried using Via San Dimas to turn right onto SB Mission Blvd but since there is a back up due
to the number of vehicles turning on SB680 ramp, traffic is backed up on both Via San Gabriel as well as
Via San Dimas. There were at least 10 cars on Via San Dimas trying to get onto SB Mission Blvd
I hope these feedback is taken constructively. Please request the developer to redo the traffic study with
the latest traffic conditions taking into account population growth both in Fremont as well as in the East
Bay. In addition, please request the developer to consider putting a road connecting Hobbs Project to
Mission Cielo Ct to allow for better traffic movement and avoid u-turns at this busy intersection during the
morning peak hours.
Sincerely,
Albert Loh
41966 Corte Santa Barbara
106
Community Comments #4 From: Vish Arunachalam [mailto:] Sent: Wednesday, September 28, 2016 10:50 AM
To: Bill Roth Subject: Hobbs Traffic Study Deficiencies
Hello Bill, Thanks for returning my call. It was nice talking to you today. I'm living at 42086 Via San Gabriel. I'd like to bring to your attention the recent traffic bottle neck problem on Via San Gabriel-Via San Dimas-Mission Blvd area Every weekday, around 5 to 6 PM there's huge line of cars backed up (30-40 cars) on Via San Gabriel and more on Via San Dimas. These cars try to get to Mission blvd...I'm assuming they come via Palm Ave. A similar issue is noticed during 2:30 PM to 4 PM and also during 7:45 AM to 8:15 AM also during weekdays. As I'm living in the last home in Via San Gabriel, I'm required to wait behind all these cars before I could get home. This is a painful problem to go through on a daily basis. I'm afraid recent construction in this area has worsened the situation. I'm sure that with available technology means these situations can be assessed scientifically and optimal decisions should be possible prior to approval of future construction. I request you to consider the above clogging issue in your assessment towards construction approvals in the Mission area. I really hope the city planners consider such issues by taking a closer look during week days and working days. Thanks, Vish Arunachalam 510-557-2693 Community Comments #3 From: Gail Dressler [mailto:] Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2016 12:30 PM
To: Bill Roth Subject: Mission Blvd housing development
Dear Mr Roth,
I am unable to attend the meeting tonight regarding the proposed further development along the hillside on Mission Boulevard near Palm and Mission. I own a residence on Via San Gabriel.
107
I am against further development unless and until the City review the negative impact on traffic in our area and clarify
the reasons this was approved given the ban on high density housing on the hillsides.
We already have daily gridlock on both Palm due to the increasing number of commuters trying to bypass I-680 via Palm Ave. Mission Blvd has been backed up daily more than even just last year. My own neighborhood has seen an increase
in those commuters speeding up my street (I have clocked them - often over 40mph), in attempts to reach Mission from
Via San Dias. Some days I have had to wait in line on Via San Miguel from Palm as I return home from work at PAMF Fremont, just to get into my own neighborhood, since the queue stretches from Mission and Via San Dimas, down to Via
Santa Barbara and halfway down Via San Miguel.
I urge the city to take a new, honest and hard look at this new development proposal from the standpoint of its current residents here. I understand that the city has goals to provide more housing for the burgeoning number of Bay Area
residents. We need to be visionary rather than reactionary in the way it is done.
It is not visionary to undo the long-established, voter-approved Hillside Initiative barring high density housing at this
location. (This initiative was one of the reasons my family chose to settle down in Fremont in 1995, and purchase a pre-existing home where we did).
It is not visionary to build more and more homes without plans to provide alternative transportation means and improvements on existing roads.
Since I am not in state at this time, I request Mr Andy Sass to speak for me at the meeting tonight.
Respectfully,
Gail A Dressler, MD Community Comments #2 From: iketricktor [mailto:] On Behalf Of Victor Kao
Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2016 7:51 PM To: Bill Roth
Subject: Comments about Robson Homes
Dear Mr. Roth,
My name is Victor Kao and I am a resident of the Mission Highlands neighborhood, between Mission San Jose High School
and the 680 entrance. I received notice that there are going to be a substantial number of new homes built across the street with Robson Homes. This raises huge concerns for me, as the traffic in my neighborhood is already unbearable.
Between 4 and 7 PM, I literally cannot leave my house because of the 2 mile long stream of traffic that runs right in front of my house because of people cutting through our neighborhood to get onto the highway from Mission Blvd. It affects
every house in this neighborhood; half the residents can't even get their cars out of their driveways because of the traffic
jam. I am extremely concerned that these new houses will make the problem worse, especially given that there is no end in sight to our current predicament as it is. At the very least, I urge you to help come up with a solution to the current
traffic problem. My family have lived in this house for 18 years, and now we face restrictions in our lives because of this traffic.
Sincerely,
Victor C. Kao, MHA
[email protected] | 510.565.5470
108
From: iketricktor [mailto:] On Behalf Of Victor Kao Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2016 8:42 PM
To: Bill Roth Subject: Re: Comments about Robson Homes
The issue isn't mainly about the school traffic, it's the traffic that occurs between 4 and 7 pm everyday where it's a 2 mile long traffic jam that runs right through our neighborhood. We can't get out of our driveways to do anything
during those hours.
Victor C. Kao, MHA
[email protected] | 510.565.5470
Community Comments #1 From: andysass [mailto:] Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2016 4:06 PM To: Bill Harrison; vbacon; Lily Mei; Suzanne Chan; Rick Jones - Councilmember Cc: Bill Roth Subject: Zoning and Toe of the Hill Considerations on Hobbs Development Proposal This email points out that the zoning of the Hobbs Development does not appear to comply with the 2002 Measure T initiative. That initiative allows for no more than one house per 20 acres when that house is above the toe of the hill. The current proposed development calls for keeping the existing house, that is clearly above the toe of the hill, and adding more houses, which is against what the voters passed. Further, the toe of the hill in the general plan has been drawn above the 20% slope. Measure T allows for one house above the toe of the hill if the house is on 20 acres. The Hobbs residence predated the ordinance and has been allowed to remain. Now, however, there is a proposed development to add an additional 56 residences, plus numerous secondary units, on the Hobbs property. When the city interpreted Measure T into the general plan, there may have been an assumption that the current house would be demolished if the rest of the property were to be developed. There was also an error in identifying the location of the toe of the hill. In talking with staff, it was indicated that determining the toe of the hill was difficult for that area as only decades-old contours to 5-foot accuracy were available. Recently surveyed contours, to one-foot accuracy, are now available. Before the proposed development gets too far along, the city council and staff should review the toe of the hill and zoning density to keep development off the hillside and reduce the number of houses in line with the intent Measure T. Please note that I am in favor of development of the property. I am, however, in opposition to the quantity of houses and how far they extend up the hill. Clearing up these issues now, as opposed to when things are further along, should speed the approval process. Thank you for your consideration. Respectively yours, S. Andrew Sass 42038 Via San Gabriel Fremont, CA 94539
109
From: andysass [mailto:]
Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2016 12:47 PM To: Bill Roth
Cc: Bill Harrison; Vinnie Bacon; Suzanne Chan; Lily Mei; Rick Jones - Councilmember Subject: Re: Zoning and Toe of the Hill Considerations on Hobbs Development Proposal
Thank you for the quick response that recognizes the conflict between Measure T and the proposed Hobbs Development. Unfortunately, the land area set aside for compliance with Measure T falls short of the requirement. Additionally, counting the open space on the Dias Development is a double dip. The hillside initiative says 20 acres. If someone gave you a ten and four ones for change for a $20, would that seem fair? The number of acres need be expanded to 20, and that would push the houses down from the toe of the hill. Further, including acreage above the toe of the hill from the Dias Project should not count towards fulfilling the 20 acre requirement. When the Dias Project was approved, that acreage above the toe of the hill was set aside as open space. Selling open space from one development to allow for more houses on another development is double dipping. Also, when suggestions were made about the Dias Project that included consideration of the Hobbs Project, we were told, in no uncertain terms, that they were two separate projects and should be treated separately. As for the location of the toe of the hill, the city ordinance allows the developer to challenge the line's location. It does not allow neighbors, or other persons affected, to challenge the location. This violates the principle of equal protection. The council should consider amending the ordnance. Respectively yours, S. Andrew Sass 42038 Via San Gabriel Fremont, CA 94539
From: andysass [mailto:]
Sent: Sunday, September 25, 2016 8:06 PM To: Bill Roth
Subject: Hobbs Traffic Study Deficiencies
The Traffic Impact Study for Hobbs Project and Mission Boulevard Area dated March 17, 2016 is deficient in several respects as follows: 1) The base line data is too old. Even though the data was collected in 2015, the traffic in late 2016 is significantly worse. In the evening, commute traffic backs up on my street, Via San Gabriel. Last year the backup would peak at 11 or 12 cars. This month, I have counted 35 cars backed up, and for up to an hour. The number of houses in Fremont, and the Bay Area have increased significantly, and the study should be redone. 2) The baseline data was taken on a vacation week. Page 13 indicates that the data was collected on Thursday, May 28, 2015. Monday of that week was Memorial Day and it is common for people to make that a week off, especially of they do not work Fridays and can get 9 days off while taking only three days of vacation.
110
3) The baseline sample size is too small. One day out of 365 does not represent either the norm or the peak. 4) Appendix A does not have a traffic sample date, and if it does, one of those dates was during summer vacation. The only dates found in Appendix A are July 27, 2015 and November 12, 2015. July is during school vacation and family vacation and November 12 is a vacation week with Veteran's Day. There needs to be a better explanation or introduction to Appendix A. 5) The existing Intersection LOS (Level of Service) classifications are grossly understated. As only one example, the I-680 NB ramp is a C, stating that vehicles can pass through without stopping. In the evening, it is commonly a 15 minute trip from Palm and Mission Blvd to the freeway. This is the result of out of date and non-representative data. 6) The number of houses in the projects sited are understated as the secondary housing units are not counted. 7) The number of peak trips in the morning are understated as the numbers come from nationwide averages and most communities have school busses, where Fremont does not. Table 4 indicates that AM peak inbound trips in will be 11. There are 68 proposed new houses. Elementary and Junior High Students being dropped off would generate a return trip into the development, 11 children between Kindergarten and 8th grade seem to be very low, just one student for every 6 plus houses. Adjustments for reality should be made. 8) The number of trucks is understated. Each week garbage, recycle, and compostable trucks are in the neighborhood and can not negotiate a u-turn on Mission. If a truck fills while in the development, then more than the three trucks per week could be assumed. Daily, there are UPS, FedEx, and other trucks. Gardeners with trailers have a hard time with u-turns as well. I saw a long-bed pickup have to make two passes to make a U-turn from NB Mission to SB Mission at Palm. There are also other deliveries each week. If they can not make a U-turn, then they will be coming through the Mission Highlands neighborhood. That is one of the reasons for a street connection to Mission Ciello. 9) There was no consideration of people being unable to turn left from NB Mission to Via San Dimas when someone is in the left turn lane at the same intersection on SB Mission. The line of sight is blocked to oncoming traffic, and the left turns can take an extra 15 to 30 seconds. The addition of hundreds of additional trips generated will compound this issue. 10) There is no "NO U-TURN" sign on SB Mission at the Via San Dimas/ Water Treatment intersection. The report, on page 1, indicates that u-turns are not allowed at this intersection. If that is true, the city should sign it as such. 11) The assumption that all high school students will be walking does not account for inclement weather, transport of projects, large musical instruments, need for afterschool sports transportation, or the general psyche of teenagers with access to a car. 12) The effect of connecting Hobbs to Mission Cielo with a street was not addressed. It was indicated that this would happen and the report does not address this important issue. It is hoped that you will direct the applicant to have the study redone with an adequate sample size, the correct number of residences, realistic school trip numbers, and actually quantify the effect of connecting neighborhoods with a street. Yours, Andrew Sass 42038 Via San Gabriel
111
Fremont, CA 94539 510-656-7347
From: andysass [mailto:]
Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2016 3:36 PM
To: Bill Roth Cc: Bill Harrison; Lily Mei; Suzanne Chan; Vinnie Bacon; Rick Jones - Councilmember
Subject: Re: Hobbs Traffic Study Deficiencies
The City Council members are copied as the errors in the Hobbs Development Traffic Study have probably been repeated for many other projects in Fremont. The Planning Commission and City Council should ask that traffic studies be done with current data and with factors that reflect what is really going on. The baseline for the Hobbs Project was done for only one day during a holiday week 18 months ago and factors for trips are not reflective of Fremont new home owners. The consultant concluded that traffic is worst in the morning, where congestion is actually highest in the afternoon. While dropping off children at schools is a total zoo do to large volumes of crazy drivers, that only lasts 15 or 20 minutes. The congestion in the evening can last hours. The day chosen for the traffic study (during a holiday week) does not reflect even average condition, It is implied by the consultant's comments that the study represents the worst day, and that is totally inaccurate. For reference, attached are a couple of pictures of backup on my street in the evening. That would represent worst when it continues for two hours. Last week, on one day the backup on our street lasted 3 hours and peaked at over 40 cars. Looking at Appendix A, the computer run date was November 12 for the May 28 data. If the numbers were not crunched until November, there was time to collect data on a normal day with school back in session. When the SB 680 metering lights from Mission Blvd were turned on, morning traffic became significantly worse, backing up on Mission Blvd, and the data date may have preceded that event. Darrow Farms, Mission Creek, and other new developments in the last 18 months have also worsened traffic. Again, decisions should not be made on data that is inherently out of date and misrepresentative. The number of trips to be generated with the proposed development are grossly understated, as the number of residences, number of school aged children, and number of working adults are understated. The consultant did calculations from national averages. That does not apply here. First, the secondary housing units should be considered separate residences. If they are not, why do they have separate addresses? Second, the home owners are not a normal national mix. Retirees without children will not be moving into expensive houses of multi-levels on a steep hillside. People are buying in these locations because of the schools. Every single sale on our street was made to people with school-aged children. Most of these young families have two wage earners as well. Also, there is no school bus service like in much of America. So, well over 100 school kids from this development can be expected to be dropped off daily, and most of the time people will be returning home after dropping off their children. Without any access to the signal at Palm (i.e. connection to Mission Ciello), many of those parents that have dropped off their children will be going southbound on Mission Blvd and making a U-Turn to return home. The consultant estimated only 4 U-turns. This number is understated by an order of magnitude. Additionally, the number of people commuting to work is also understated. Bad factors lead to bad forecasts. The issue of connecting the Hobbs development to Mission Ciello has been completely glossed over and you indicated that it would be considered. It needs to be addressed, and with the correct data. Connecting Mission Ciello to the new development will cut down on both SB and NB congestion. Finally, it is appreciated the effort the city is doing with respect to GPS applications. This will be only a partial fix as people will try the shortcuts they have been using. Speed humps are not a solution when the traffic is backed up and moving at 1 to 2 mph. Turning on the metering lights on NB 680 will only worsen the problem. The other fixes mentioned are years away. No one seems to be looking at the easiest quick fix.
112
The city should be pushing Caltrans to restripe 680 NB from 3 to 4 lanes from the truck scales to the 84/Livermore exit. It would mean giving up a portion of the left hand emergency lane, but in return, you would move 33% or more traffic. 680 NB is 4 lanes until the truck scales and continuing the same number of lanes will significantly increase the flow. If an emergency vehicle needs to get through, they can use the road paralleling the golf course, or the right shoulder. If there is a left hand breakdown, it is no worse than it is now. After 84, the traffic lightens as many people take that exit. This is something that can be done now, and for relatively little cost. I look forward to a more realistic study for this and other projects based on actual conditions and modified factors to reflect conditions in Fremont. Yours Andrew Sass 42038 Via San Gabriel Fremont, CA 94539
From: andysass@ [mailto:andysass@]
Sent: Wednesday, November 09, 2016 8:39 PM
To: Bill Roth Cc: Daniel Miller; [email protected]
Subject: Re: Hobbs Traffic Study Memo
Thank you for the update. Five significant points: 1. The study has not quantified connection of Mission Ciello to the Hobbs development and you said this would be addressed 2. One day does not make an average. I have been looking at Via San Gabriel in the afternoon and during that week, traffic was relatively light on Thursday with almost no backup. On Friday, the backup was probably 10 minutes or more to get to Mission/Via San Dimas 3. The city will be installing "No Right Turn 3 to 7PM" on Via San Dimas at Mission Blvd, which will put additional stress on Mission Blvd 4. The City is pressuring Cal Trans to turn on the metering lights on the NB 680 on ramp. That will also have a significant effect. 5. It appears that the City has set up a camera at the Mission/ Via San Dimas intersection. That will be a better source of data, now, and after the sign and metering light changes. The traffic study should be updates when these changes are made and take into account data collected by the City Copied are people within the City working on the traffic issues. I have blind copied neighbors. Yours, Andrew Sass 42038 Via San Gabriel
From: andysass [mailto:] Sent: Monday, January 16, 2017 8:58 PM
113
To: Bill Roth
Subject: Hobbs Project - Incorect Depiction of Project Boundry on Plan Figures
The plan figures, such as Figures 2 and 3 of Hobbs Residential Initial Study dated November 3, 2016, and the Figure in the report to HARB show the boundary of the project including the hillside open area that was part of the Dias Project. Figure 3 does label it Lot C Tract 8189, which is Dias (now Mission Heights), but the way the project boundary is drawn, it makes it look like part of Hobbs. This falsely gives the impression that more hillside is included with Hobbs. Also, the text has been modified from 20 to 25 acres. That is really double dipping. These reports should not be misleading. They need to be corrected before presentation to the Planning Commission. Yours, Andrew Sass 42038 Via San Gabriel Fremont, CA 94539
From: andysass [mailto:]
Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2017 3:42 PM
To: Bill Roth
Subject: Re: Hobbs Project - Incorect Depiction of Project Boundry on Plan Figures
Why would you agree to that?
The ability to have the HOA maintain fire zones with watering and trimming of vegetation is much higher than a
home owner that has no vested interest, and possibly no funds. Your definition of perpetuity seems to be shorter
than one would anticipate.
What is the city's motivation. The motivation for Hobbs is obvious.
Please include this in the record as another objection to a flawed project.
Andrew Sass
From: andysass [mailto:]
Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2017 4:33 PM To: Bill Roth
Cc: [email protected]; Brannin Dorsey; Reshma Karipineni; Ripple Leung; [email protected];
Roman Reed Subject: Re: Hobbs Residential (PLN2016-00270, 41948 42012 42092, 42232 Mission Blvd) in Conflict
with Measure T
This email calls to the attention of the Planning Commission that it is illegal to approve any part of the Hobbs Development unless the existing house is demolished. The proposed Hobbs Development calls for keeping the existing Hobbs House, which is above the toe of the hill. There is no dispute that the house is above the toe of the hill and was in existence prior to passage of Measure T, the Hill Area Initiative of 2002. Measure T states that only one house is allowed on a minimum lot size of 20 acres. The initiative supersedes city ordinances and, as such, no more houses are allowed without demolition of the existing Hobbs residence. The full text of the initiative can be found at https://fremont.gov/documentcenter/view/27660
114
Looking at the relevant portions: Section 6 states “The minimum new parcel size shall be 20 acres…” It is interesting that reports from staff late last year changed the size of the Hobbs parcel from 20 acres to 25 acres by including a 5-acre lot from the Mission Heights (formerly Dias). This is using the open space easement that was part of one development to be used for open space easement on a second project. In layman’s terms, that is double dipping. Regardless, the parcel is only big enough for one house per Measure T. Section 7 (a) goes on to say: "One single family residence on each legal parcel, secondary units to the extent required by State law, and dwelling units for persons employed on the parcel, or on a ranch or farm that includes the parcel." Measure T states in Section 18 (b) "The restrictions and requirements imposed by this ordinance shall apply to proposed development that has not received all necessary discretionary City and other authorizations and approvals prior to the ordnance's effective date, except to the extent precluded by State Law." This development was not approved prior to 2002. Section 19 (c) states "No subdivision map, development agreement, development plan, use permit, variance or other discretionary action inconsistent with the prohibition, restrictions or requirements of this ordinance may be permitted, approved or taken by the city, or its agencies or officials, except as required by state law." Since the Planning Commission is an agency of the City, they cannot allow additional residences to be constructed on this property. It does not matter how the city zoned the property, the initiative takes precedence and it is illegal for the Planning Commission to approve any additional houses unless it is for people employed for a ranch or farm on the property. There are many other things wrong with this development, including 4 houses on greater than a 20 percent slope and many houses with inadequate setbacks. Those issues will be address in a separate email, as this argument should not be diluted with the other problems with this proposed development.
Sincerely yours, S. Andrew Sass 42038 Via San Gabriel 510-656-7347
From: andysass [mailto:] Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2017 9:38 AM
To: Bill Roth Subject: Re: Hobbs Residential (PLN2016-00270, 41948 42012 42092, 42232 Mission Blvd)
This email contains comments on the proposed development. Those comments are as an attachment so they are formatted better for easier copying into the agenda package
115
Yours, Andrew Sass 42038 Via San Gabriel Fremont, CA 94539 510-656-7347
January 18, 2017
Re: Comments on Hobbs Residential (PLN2016-00270, 41948 42012 42092, 42232 Mission Blvd)
This email points out issues with the Hobbs Development that should be incorporated into any approval, as follows:
Removal of existing Hobbs residence
The existing house above the toe of the hill should be removed and the contours be brought back to original condition.
A separate email discusses that Measure T is quite clear. Removing that house would reclaim unspoiled hillside as the
house can be seen from much of Fremont. This would benefit the entire city.
Houses on or above the 20% slope should be moved further down the hill
The toe of the hill line was drawn by the city using obsolete 5-foot contours. The applicant provided a recent 1-foot
contour map and that should be used. While the applicant argues that the city drawn line is not being violated, they are
asking for scores of changes to the current zoning. They are asking the planning commission to change certain setbacks,
minimum lot sizes, second floor massing, and such. It should be within the commission’s jurisdiction to look at all
portions of the planned district and require houses to be below the actual toe of the hill.
Reduction of number of residences by not allowing reduction of setbacks and minimum lot size and increasing allowable
second floor massing
The number of houses should be reduced to the number that can reasonably fit without any setback, lot size, or second
floor massing deviations.
The current development as proposed is not in the best interest of the city. Cramming the maximum number of high
priced houses into an area that is already traffic impacted and not near any services does not solve affordable housing
needs. The open hills are a resource of the city and should not be squandered. Is there really a need for $2 million row
houses?
The requested variances are just too much. Lots 22 to 30 have a front setback of 4 feet when 15 feet is the requirement.
Some of the side setbacks are only 3 feet. Rear setbacks are also reduced. On top of that, a private road is required
because there is no room for normal access. The driveways are not long enough to park a car. Fazenda Common is very
narrow, precluding street parking. Delivery and garbage trucks to Lots 17 to 21 will have issues negotiating turns and
have no convenient place to turn around. The same is true of emergency vehicles.
The second floor massing is not within zoning guidelines either. Again, the developer is trying to put too much house on
too little land. Lot 22 to 30 houses will look like two story blocks with an 8-foot deep shed extending out to four feet
from the sidewalk. They will not have the appearance of one story, as claimed. The second floor will dominate. To
116
compound that, the houses are on the uphill side of the street, and will appear even taller. If the look of a one story
house is desired, then build a one story house, especially for houses that can easily be seen from Mission Blvd.
Lots 1 through 8 will tower over Mission Blvd and block views. They are long and narrow like lots 22 through 30. This
can be resolved by adhering to zoning requirements.
These skinny lots are also bellowed the required lot size.
There is not one single new home that does not require an exception to the zoning.
Add Left Turn Pocket from SB Mission Blvd
First, the traffic study is not up to date as the whole afternoon/evening traffic pattern has become even worse on
Mission Blvd since the metering lights were turned on for NB 680. Further, a no right turn restriction from Via San Dimas
will go into effect at the end of January. This will make SB Mission even more of a parking lot in the evening.
During the day, cars trying to get to Mission Heights and Hobbs from the north, or from Palm Avenue will proceed
southbound on Mission Blvd and be making a u-turn at Via San Dimas. Because of the slope in Mission Blvd, a person
making a u-turn from SB Mission Blvd blocks the line of sight of cars turning left from NB Mission on to Via San Dimas or
making a u-turn to get into Darrow Farms. That will impede almost half of the traffic into Mission Highlands. The traffic
report does not address this issue, assuming that cars will make their u-turns at the signal at McDonalds. These
hundreds of u-turns a day will create a safety hazard. Fremont stated that they want to reduce traffic accidents and
approving this development without a left turn pocket from SB mission Blvd into Mission Heights will be increasing
accidents.
In the evening, because Mission Blvd at a standstill (10 to 15 minutes to drive from Palm to Via San Dimas), cars trying to
get to Hobbs and Mission Heights will be cutting through Mission Highlands. As a Mission Highlands resident, I would
prefer them to go through Mission Ciello. Connection to Mission Ciello is the most logical solution and is what was
planned for decades. It is understood that Mission Ciello residents do not want the additional traffic through their
neighborhood. The cars will go somewhere.
Baring a connection with Mission Ciello, a left turn pocket should be added from SB Mission Blvd to the existing access
to the property, Fazenda Street. This will reduce the number of u-turns at the intersection of Via San Dimas and make it
more palatable to travel on Mission Blvd in the evening. Alternately, or in addition, a left turn pocket could be done
from SB Mission into Vinha Way.
Widen Fazenda Street
Fazenda Street, the road just constructed into Mission Heights that will also service the Hobbs Project, should be
widened. It is so narrow and the turn so sharp that northbound traffic turning onto Fazenda Street has to slow from 40
mph to less than 10 mph. Right now, they are turning into the opposite lane on Frazenda Street as the turn is sharp.
Trucks and longer wheel-base vehicles are forced to do that. Once more houses are built, the potential for head on
collisions will be increased. Cars that are careful will basically have to come to almost a complete stop from 40 mph.
Additionally, turning cars will cut into the bicycle lane on Mission Blvd. As Mission Blvd, at that point, is downhill,
average cyclists are travelling in excess of 20mph. Cyclists will be cut off and forced into curb, the vehicle turning, or
117
into traffic that is moving up to 20 mph faster than the cyclist. Again, it is an accident waiting to happen. By providing
adequate road width on Fazenda Street, the potential for injury will be reduced. The only reason the road is so narrow
is to cram in one more house. The traffic study did not address this issue either.
Impediments in the bike lane should be removed
The sidewalk and drain at the north side of the Fazenda and Mission Blvd intersection completely block the bicycle lane.
The two photographs show what Robson designed and constructed as part of the Mission Heights project. The city
approved what is poor, or at least careless, engineering. The first photo shows the bike lane before the intersection with
proper width, although turning cars will take the whole lane. One can see where the curb on the north (far side) of the
intersection juts out further into Mission Blvd to have more space for houses and less for bike lanes. The second photo
shows how the reduced lane is completely blocked with a storm drain.
NB Mission Blvd showing intersection of Fazenda Street to the right. Note decrease of bicycle lane north of the
intersection.
118
Intersection of Fazenda Street showing bicycle lane blocked by curb and storm drain.
West edge of the project should be moved back so the bike lane can continue its current width
The plans submitted show the Hobbs houses extending further into Mission Blvd than the Mission Heights (Dias) houses,
all at the expense of the bicycle lane. The proposal is to extend the curb that cuts into the bicycle lane along the entire
length of the project. If Fremont wants to promote bicycles, they should not reduce bike lanes on a designated bicycle
route.
High Pressure Gas Pipeline setback should be Increased
The buffer zone around the high pressure gas pipeline should be increased to 100 feet each side. This pipeline is
operating well above the pressure of the San Bruno pipeline, and we all know what happened when the city council
there allowed houses to be constructed with the minimum right of way. Like in San Bruno, the pipeline was there first.
Sound Fence for west side of Mission Blvd should be part of the permit
When Mission Heights (Dias) and Mission Ciello were constructed, the sound levels on the west side of Mission Blvd
increased. It was noticeably louder in my back yard starting the day they put up the sound walls for the Dias Project. As
part of that project, council required Robson to construct a sound fence for neighbors on a portion of the west side of
Mission Blvd. That fence reduced the sound levels in people’s yards back down to slightly below what it was before.
Robson has committed to completing the fence all the way to Palm if Hobbs is approved, and that should be a written
119
condition of approval. When Robson made that commitment, the plans submitted to the city had 45 houses for the
Hobbs development.
Ownership of the common hillside area should be the HOA
Applicant proposes including the Mission Heights (formerly Dias) 5-acre Lot C open area above the toe of the hill and all
of the above the area toe of the hill area as part of the Hobbs lot, to be maintained by Hobbs. This is double dipping the
open space associated with the two projects.
Since demolition of the Hobbs house is required to satisfy Measure T, the whole hillside property should be put into a
hillside open space preserve to be maintained by the HOA(s). There are fire buffers to be watered, vegetation to be
controlled, and maintenance of an orchard, barn, and windmill. The HOA, with many members will have more
resources, as well as a vested interest in the maintenance.
Considerations for the Orchard
While the orchard with barn and windmill is an excellent feature, it should be extended down closer to Mission Blvd
where it is more level. The plantings for the orchard should be apricots, or possibly walnuts. These are the traditional
orchards in the area. Apricot orchards were planted where Mission San Jose High School, Hopkins Junior High, and
Mission Highlands are not. Grapes would work, but sulfuring the vines on a weekly basis would probably not be
appreciated. The proposal of apples and pears do not fit the climate as there are not enough days of chill in the winter.
The current orchard proposed location is above the toe of the hill, and one of the problems with that is that it is hard to
weed, prune, and harvest when the ground is steep. Also putting a barn on a steep slope is problematical.
Summary
The Planning Commission should follow the law and require the demolition of the existing Hobbs house.
Further, the citizens of Fremont sent a clear message about uncontrolled growth when they went to the ballot box in November, and it is the duty of the Planning Commission to listen to the people. As such, they should reduce the number of lots to approximately 42, keep the current width of the bicycle lane, add a left turn pocket on SB Mission Blvd (or connect to Mission Ciello), and increase the pipeline setback, using that space for proper width for roads and the orchard and barn.
Respectfully Yours,
Andrew Sass 42038 Via San Gabriel Fremont, CA 94539 510-656-7347
From: andysass [mailto:]
Sent: Saturday, February 04, 2017 10:32 AM
To: Bill Roth
Cc: Noe Veloso; [email protected]
Subject: Left Turn Pocket from SB Mission Blvd into Hobbs/Mission Heights
120
This email requests you to consider a left turn pocket (or pockets) from SB Mission Blvd into the Hobbs (Orchard
Heights) and Mission Heights Developments, as it would:
lessen the backup on SB Mission in both morning and evening
improve the safety of the Mission Blvd and Via San Dimas intersection
reduce traffic in Mission Ciello, and
shorten drive times and distances for residents of Mission and Orchard Heights.
First, when looking at the left turn pocket(s), the traffic totals need to be considered, combining Mission Heights,
Orchard Heights, and existing residences. There are 21 houses in Mission Heights, plus 49 for Orchard Heights (6 will
access through Mission Ciello) plus three existing houses plus a percentage of the secondary units. That is about 80
residences. Using standard trips per house basis gives 762 trips. With 75% of the return trips coming from the
southbound (SB) direction, is 285 left turns per day. As stated earlier, that is probably an underestimate as most
houses will have children and there is no school bus service, plus there will be a large number of two working
parents. 75% was used as the majority of the return trips will be from SB Mission Blvd. Coming from any of the
schools, or from BART or downtown, cars will be coming that way. Then, after 2:30 in the afternoon, people will
avoid NB 680 and take Paseo Padre and Palm or Osgood and Palm for any trip, including getting home from work in
Silicon Valley or South Fremont. People commuting on BART, regardless of the station will be using SB Mission.
That is just the reality of the traffic patterns.
Adding a left turn pocket will lower the volume of cars on SB Mission before the freeway. It will also reduce the
number of cars travelling on NB Mission, as they will not be making a U-turn.
Also of importance, if people continue on SB Mission Blvd to Via San Dimas (Water Treatment Plant) intersection to
make a U-turn, they prevent people turning from NB Mission Blvd to Via San Dimas or making a U-turn to Darrow
Farms. Because Mission Blvd slopes down to the north, cars in the SB turn pocket block the line of site of cars in the
NB pocket. People turning into Mission Highlands or making a U-turn for Darrow Farms cannot do so safely, as they
cannot see the oncoming SB traffic. The car making a SB U-turn blocks their line of site. This can add minutes to
those cars trips. As there are over 200 houses in Mission Highlands plus those in Darrow Farms, this is a significant
issue. Travelling down and making a turn at Palm would add ¾ of a mile extra to people’s trip. That is a lot of
wasted gas.
Further, it will add a second chance for a U-turn for parents who use the new drop-off at the high school and should
relieve a little pressure for the signal at Palm and the U-turns in Mission Ciello.
Finally, this is something that Robson should be supporting, as it will make the Orchard Heights and Mission Heights
homes more desirable. Those residents will get home faster and drive less.
Respectfully yours,
121
Andrew Sass
42038 Via San Gabriel
From: andysass [mailto:]
Sent: Tuesday, February 07, 2017 10:23 AM To: Bill Roth
Cc: Lily Mei; Vinnie Bacon Subject: Hobbs Development - Question for City Attorney
This email respectfully requests that you ask the City Attorney their official opinion on whether approving additional houses on the Hobbs property violates Measure T, the Hill Area Initiative of 2002. There is no dispute that the Hobbs House is above the toe of the hill, was built prior to Measure T and sits on a 12.5-acre lot. It is unclear if prior to Measure T, Hobbs also owned the other two lots to make up the 20-acre portion your initial documents referred to as the Hobbs Parcel. The proposed Hobbs Development, which will be before the City Council on March 7, calls for keeping the existing Hobbs House and adding additional houses on the property. The argument is that Measure T states that only one house above the toe of the hill is allowed on a minimum lot size of 20 acres. The initiative supersedes city ordinances and, as such, no more houses are allowed without demolition of the existing Hobbs House. The text of the initiative is at https://fremont.gov/documentcenter/view/27660 Looking at the relevant portions: Section 7 allows: "One single family residence on each legal parcel, secondary units to the extent required by State law, and dwelling units for persons employed on the parcel, or on a ranch or farm that includes the parcel." Section 18 (b) states "The restrictions and requirements imposed by this ordinance shall apply to proposed development that has not received all necessary discretionary City and other authorizations and approvals prior to the ordnance's effective date, except to the extent precluded by State Law." This development was not approved prior to 2002. Section 19 (c) states "No subdivision map, development agreement, development plan, use permit, variance or other discretionary action inconsistent with the prohibition, restrictions or requirements of this ordinance may be permitted, approved or taken by the city, or its agencies or officials, except as required by state law." There are exemptions for people employed for a ranch or farm on the property, but that is not what is proposed. The question is whether Measure T takes precedence, and whether it is illegal for the City to approve a residential development without demolishing the existing Hobbs Residence. Sincerely yours, S. Andrew Sass 42038 Via San Gabriel
122
510-656-7347
RESPONSE:
From: Bill Roth Sent: Wednesday, February 08, 2017 1:16 PM
To: 'andysass'
Subject: RE: Hobbs Development - Question for City Attorney
Hi Andy, I shared your email with the City Attorney’s Office (CAO). They have reviewed the issue and approved the language. The issue is discussed in the staff report, excerpted here:
Lot 57 Access and Open Space Easements: The proposed Vesting Tentative Tract Map would add approximately 5.16 acres from the adjacent Mission Heights subdivision (P-2014-00195, Tract No. 8189), comprised of 5.00 acres located above the TOH (Lot “C,” shown on Sheet 1 of Exhibit D - Vesting Tentative Tract Map 8330) and 0.16 acres located adjacent to Mission Boulevard and Fazenda Street (portion of Lot 10 and all of Lot 11, as shown on Sheet 1 of Exhibit D - Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 8330). By adding Lot C to the Hobbs residence lot, the land above the TOH would fall under single ownership, and maintenance would be the responsibility of the Lot 57 property owner, rather than the Mission Heights HOA. Lot 57 would be subject to an open space easement to be recorded with the Final Map. Uses and structures above the TOH are governed by FMC Chapter 18.55 (O-S Open Space District). As no new developable parcels are being created and no new development is contemplated on the parcel above the toe of the hill, the intent and goals of Measure T are met even though the new lot size is less than 20 acres. …
CC: City Council Thank you Bill Roth Associate Planner - Current Development Planning Division - Community Development 39550 Liberty Street, P.O. Box 5006 Fremont, CA 94537-5006 (510) 494-4450
From: andysass []
Sent: Thursday, March 02, 2017 12:06 PM To: Bill Roth
Cc: Vinnie Bacon; [email protected]
Subject: Hobbs Project bike lane width
123
This email asks that the curb for the Hobbs Project be moved at least one foot back from the proposed location to widen the bicycle path from 7.5 feet to 8.5 feet. The bike lane at Mission Ciello and across Mission Blvd. measures 8.5 feet. The bicycle lane in front of the Water Treatment Plant is a full 12 feet. It abruptly goes to 7.5 feet on the north side of the Dias Driveway. I have copied Vinnie as he is a cyclist and may have seen the blogs of cyclists complaining about the sudden restriction and narrow lane. Jake is copied as it is something that he will probably agree to without objection. This should be easy by straightening the serpentine sidewalk and using that space. Incidentally, walkers would prefer a straight sidewalk. People out for a leisurely stroll will not be choosing Mission Blvd. The sidewalk is for people who want to get from one point to the other. Joggers prefer a straight sidewalk. The harder issue is now changing the Mission Heights curb or restriping Mission Blvd. Perhaps you could include that as a requirement of approval Yours Andrew Sass 42038 Via San Gabriel Fremont, CA 94539 520-490-8098
RESPONSE:
From: Bill Roth Sent: Thursday, March 02, 2017 5:29 PM
To: '[email protected]' Subject: RE: Hobbs Project bike lane width
Hi Andy, Thank you for the comments on the Hobbs Residential project. I checked with Engineering staff on this. Mission Boulevard is Caltrans right-of-way. City Engineering staff worked closely with them on the lane widths during the review of the Mission Heights project (formerly called “Dias Residential”). Engineering staff said the goal was to provide minimum travel lane widths allowable by Caltrans and provide a bike buffer to further help promote safety of bicyclists. Both the proposed Hobbs Residential project and the Mission Heights project are infill projects and the curb line matches the existing improvements to the north as Mission Boulevard continues towards Hayward. The area in front of the ACWD plant is not a 12’ wide bike lane, rather it is an acceleration lane for vehicles exiting the ACWD driveway. (cc’d to City Council) Thank you, Bill Roth Associate Planner - Current Development Planning Division - Community Development 39550 Liberty Street, P.O. Box 5006 Fremont, CA 94537-5006 (510) 494-4450
124
From: andysass [mailto:]
Sent: Thursday, March 02, 2017 8:17 PM To: Bill Roth
Cc: Vinnie Bacon Subject: Re: Hobbs Project bike lane width
That does not answer the first request. Changing a meandering sidewalk to a straight sidewalk and adding one foot to the bike lane without affecting the road lane width just makes sense. It is a zero cost answer to help joggers, walkers and cyclists. As for your claims, I ignored the wimpy buffer lane and assumed that part of the bike lane when I measured. If you count the bike lane as inside the buffer line, then the bike lane is below the minimum 6 feet from drain structure to edge of bike lane. Further, the bike lane is 12 feet from the end of the water treatment acceleration lane to the Dias Driveway. It is over 200 feet long and has the words BIKE LANE painted on. It used to be 11 to 12 feet all the way to Mission Ciello. It is 11 to 12 feet in front of Hobbs right now. Just have a look on Google Maps, as it does not show Mission Heights taking up the bike lane yet. Before it rains, get on a bike and ride it for yourself. Be very careful of the drains with the major bars in the direction of the bike tire travel. It is inconceivable that noone matched the lane widths from Mission Ciello for Mission Heights. At least do it for Hobbs. Andrew Sass
From: andysass [mailto:]
Sent: Wednesday, March 08, 2017 1:49 PM To: Bill Roth
Cc: [email protected]; Vinnie Bacon; Noe Veloso Subject: Bike Lane for Hobbs Project
This email requests that the bike lane from Fazenda Street to Mission Ciello be 8.5 feet, or more, to accommodate at least 6 feet from the edge of the drain structures to the edge of the bicycle lane. Let's try this once more with a couple of pictures. The bike lane running from the end of the acceleration lane to past the old Dias House has been squeezed down to 7.5 feet, just north of the Dias House. See picture 0986. The state requirements are for bike lanes to have 6 feet from the edge of the drain structure to the edge of the bike lane. The drain south of the entrance to Mission Highlands is passable, although there is a bit of a lip from the asphalt to the concrete. See the picture 0990. The drain on the north side of the entrance is not up to code. See picture 0992. There is a yard stick in the picture for scale. As part of the requirements of the Hobbs Project, the bicycle lane should be widened. This will also help cars exiting the Mission Heights and Orchard Heights (Hobbs). Except for the rework of the curb and drain that is not up to code, there should be no additional cost to the builder. Jake is copied in hopes that he will agree to this minor change and make this a non-issue. Yours, Andrew Sass 42038 Via San Gabriel Fremont, CA 94539 520-490-8098
125
RESPONSE:
From: Bill Roth Sent: Thursday, March 09, 2017 1:35 PM
To: 'andysass' Subject: RE: Bike Lane for Hobbs Project
Hi Andy, The required width for the park strip and sidewalk is the same 11’ whether the sidewalk meanders or not. The meandering sidewalk has its advantages, as it allows for more varied landscaping and it is consistent with other stretches of Mission, particularly the eastern side (between Lima and Mission Ridge and portions up to Castro Lane, portions between McIntosh and Las Palmas, between Morrison Canyon and Viento, etc.). Although the proposed project would meet the Caltrans bike lane standard width, the applicant has acknowledged the concern and agreed to provide a wider bike lane along the Hobbs project frontage provided that Caltrans approves narrower vehicle travel lanes. The City is currently updating Fremont’s Bicycle Master Plan, which calls for wider bike lanes on Mission Boulevard and narrower travel lanes and will be seeking Caltrans approval of this given that Mission Boulevard is within their jurisdiction. The City Council will likely consider the 2017 Bicycle Master Plan in fall of this year. CC’d to City Council Thanks, Bill Roth Associate Planner - Current Development Planning Division - Community Development 39550 Liberty Street, P.O. Box 5006 Fremont, CA 94537-5006 (510) 494-4450