Senior and Workforce Housing

By Jerry T. Thorne, P.E.

We must provide additional affordable senior and workforce housing in Pleasanton, including on a small portion of the city owned land on the Bernal Property.

There is a measure on the ballot (Measure "V") that will PROHIBIT the construction of any housing, including Senior and Workforce housing, on ANY of the 318 acres of City owned land on the Bernal Property.

I am aware that there is a great deal of political risk involved with taking a strong position on a ballot measure like this one while running for public office in a community that has voted a slow or no growth agenda in the recent past. However, I cannot and will not compoimise my integrity by saying anything it takes to get votes. Therefore, I will vigorously oppose this initiative.

Voters should remember that Pleasanton is getting close to build out and we have urban growth boundaries in place. There are truly no real "growth" or "no growth" issues and Measure "V" has been created to provide one.

Voters should also realize that the Bernal Property is the perfect place for additional Senior Housing in that it is close to downtown, the Senior Center, the Library, other senior housing, Fire Station #1 that will house a "black box theater and art gallery, and most importantly, it allows for the interaction with the broader community. Putting this additional housing on a small portion of the city owned land will remove the cost of land from the formula and allow for the construction of truly affordable housing.

Don't be fooled by those that will tell you that this initiative is "not about Senior or Workforce Housing" or "the intent of the Bernal Property Task Force" because it clearly IS.

Jerry Thorne