Johnson Drive Economic Development Zone (EDZ)

JDEDZ Roadway Improvements Update (September 2022):

Construction of the Johnson Drive Economic Development Zone (JDEDZ) traffic mitigation measures is beginning in fall 2022. Approval of the JDEDZ identified the necessary roadway improvements to accommodate vehicular traffic resulting from the new land uses allowed in this area. The required roadway improvements include:

• Construction of an additional westbound traffic lane on Stoneridge Drive from Denker Drive to I-680 and additional lanes on Johnson Drive

• Reconfiguration of the intersection of Stoneridge and Johnson Drives to accommodate additional traffic lanes

• Widening of the northbound I-680 onramp bridge from Stoneridge Drive to add a second lane

• Johnson Drive improvements include installation and renovation of traffic signals, improvement of street lighting and bicycle lanes, and landscape improvements in the public right of way

These roadway improvements are expected to take 14 months to complete. During construction some intermittent traffic delays will be inevitable, but the streets will remain open for traffic throughout most of the project. If occasional planned street closures are required, they will be planned during the nighttime hours.

Costco is one of the new land uses in the JDEDZ and construction is scheduled to begin soon. The JDEDZ approval requires roadway improvements be complete before the Costco store can be opened. Costco’s plan is to complete construction of the store and on-site parking improvements at the same time as the completion of the required roadway improvements.

Also approved as part of the JDEDZ project are two new hotels – the Town Place Suites and Springhill Suites – which are already under construction on Johnson Drive.

Background Information: The Johnson Drive Economic Development Zone (EDZ) is a proposal to spur investment in 40-acres of mostly under-utilized or vacant land situated along Johnson Drive near I-680 and Stoneridge Drive. The goal of the EDZ is to transform the area into a thriving commercial corridor that capitalizes on its location at the intersection of the I-580 and I-680 freeways; and create opportunities for new uses and services in the community, generating new tax revenue to support City services and programs without increasing anyone's taxes by broadening the City's economic activities. City Council approved the EDZ on November 7, 2017, which included certification of the environmental and economic analysis, amendment of the City’s General Plan, rezoning of the properties to allow an expanded set of uses, and adoption of development standards and design guidelines for the project area. Later, on April 17, 2018, the City Council adopted the EDZ Transportation fee to recoup costs for transportation infrastructure from future development in the EDZ.

In December 2017, a group of citizens filed a lawsuit challenging the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) document certified for the project. Two allegations were made – insufficient information was provided regarding air quality effects of the EDZ on the Stoneridge Apartment Complex on Stoneridge Mall Road; and more time was needed for public consideration of the economic impact analysis. In September 2018, the City Council voted to rescind the EDZ approvals in order to perform supplemental air quality analysis for the EDZ project.

The new supplemental analyses include a Health Risk Assessment (HRA); Updated Air Quality Analysis; Greenhouse Gas Analysis; and Energy Resources Analysis. With the supplemental analyses now complete, pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City circulated the additional environmental analyses as well as the previously circulated Economic Impact Analysis for public comment. The 45-day public comment period ended in August 2019 and responses to the public comments were prepared in October and November 2019 and are available below for review. The Planning Commission met and unanimously recommended approval on December 11, 2019 and City Council is scheduled to meet on February 4, 2020. For additional information or questions, please contact Eric Luchini, Associate Planner, City of Pleasanton Planning Division, (925) 931-5612, eluchini@cityofpleasantonca.gov

Recirculated Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report Documents:

Recirculated Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report - RFSEIR (November 20, 2019)

RFSEIR Appendices (November 20, 2019)

Additional Analyses Documents:

Supplemental EDZ Analyses - combined (July 2019)

Supplemental Recirculation Memo (July 2019)

Health Risk Assessment (January 2019)

Updated Air Quality Analysis (July 2019)

Greenhouse Gas Analysis (July 2019)

Energy Resources Analysis (July 2019)

Economic Impact Analysis (March 2016)

Environmental Impact Report Documents: