Pleasanton Jumps on East Bay BART Housing Bandwagon

The City of Pleasanton is planning a significant redevelopment around its Dublin/Pleasanton BART station, potentially adding up to 1,300 new homes. This move follows a growing trend across the East Bay to transform BART parking lots into vibrant, transit-oriented communities, driven by new state legislation aimed at addressing the region’s housing crisis.

Pleasanton’s Vision for Transit-Oriented Development

Pleasanton city officials recently reviewed early conceptual plans to redevelop the 14.9-acre site at 5835 and 5859 Owens Drive. Originally envisioned for 555 units in the city’s housing element, new state incentives have more than doubled the potential capacity, allowing for a much larger, mixed-use community.

The City Council considered two primary options for the development:

• Option 1: 870 to 1,088 units across two five-story and two seven-story buildings.
• Option 2: 1,047 to 1,309 units in two seven-story buildings and one five-to-eight-story building.

The property could be divided into three or four parcels, leaving room for future additions such as hotels, offices, or educational spaces. This project is a key step for Pleasanton in meeting its state-mandated goal of planning for 5,965 new housing units by 2031.

The Impact of State Legislation: AB 2923

The significant increase in proposed housing density at the Dublin/Pleasanton BART station is largely thanks to new state legislation, AB 2923. This law incentivizes transit-oriented development by requiring a minimum density of 75 units per acre and a minimum height of five stories for projects near certain Bay Area transit hubs, effectively superseding some local zoning restrictions to facilitate more housing. Crucially, 20 percent of these new units must be set aside as affordable housing, ensuring that growth benefits a wider range of residents.

BART’s Region-Wide Housing Ambitions

BART itself plays a major role in the push for transit-oriented housing, owning approximately 250 acres of developable land across 22 cities in the Bay Area. The transit authority estimates this land has the potential to host more than 28,000 units of housing, making it a critical player in addressing the region’s severe housing shortage. By developing these sites, BART aims not only to contribute to regional housing goals but also to boost ridership and create more vibrant station areas.

Other East Bay BART Station Developments

Pleasanton is not alone in leveraging BART land for housing. Several other East Bay BART stations are also undergoing or planning major transformations:

Frequently Asked Questions About BART Housing

• What exactly is transit-oriented development (TOD)?
  TOD refers to urban planning that maximizes residential, business, and leisure space within walking distance of public transport. It aims to reduce reliance on private cars by making public transit more accessible and convenient.
• Why is Pleasanton proposing so many units?
  The city is responding to both state incentives for higher density near transit hubs, particularly AB 2923, and its state-mandated requirement to plan for 5,965 new housing units by 2031. This project significantly contributes to that goal.
• Will these new developments include affordable housing?
  Yes, under AB 2923, all transit-oriented projects near eligible BART stations must allocate at least 20% of their units as affordable housing, helping to create homes for a wider income range.
• Are other East Bay communities doing this?
  Absolutely. Stations like Lake Merritt, North Berkeley, Ashby, and El Cerrito are already underway with or planning similar large-scale housing projects, showcasing a regional commitment to leveraging transit for housing.

As the Bay Area continues to grapple with housing shortages, these transit-oriented developments, like the one proposed in Pleasanton, represent a crucial strategy to create much-needed homes while promoting sustainable living, reducing traffic congestion, and strengthening communities around public transit.

Pleasanton Jumps on BART Housing Bandwagon