The League would like to compliment both bodies for the cooperative efforts to address the coordination of schools with new housing developments.

Fremont public schools are a considerable draw, both to businesses and to families who are considering a move to Fremont. Fremont Unified School District is the pride of the South Bay. It is with this in mind that the League would like the council to consider how important the Fremont Schools are to a continuing thriving community.

Community members rely upon the City Council to represent the best interests of the community. One of these interests is balanced growth. Any plan to add housing units should also encompass the needs of the children that will live in the planned development. A housing plan without a plan for schools creates imbalanced growth.

Both the Council and the Developer must recognize the importance of neighborhood schools in making a development attractive to potential buyers and to the creation of a viable new community. It is important that a school is ready for students when residents move into a housing development.

Therefore, the League suggests that the proposals for both the housing and the school in the Patterson Ranch Project and any other major development project move through the planning process concurrently. This would help guarantee that when the students move into their new homes that their new school is ready to receive them. As you all realize, the convenient location of a neighborhood school is a major factor in choosing where to live.

The League knows that state law limits the ability of the city council to consider school facilities when evaluating a development proposal.

Some growing cities have devised voluntary contribution systems from developers that ensure the excellence of their communities and their schools. We understand that several other cities have successfully worked with developers and their unified school district to accomplish these goals. We suggest that you explore their approach.

The League asks the City of Fremont, the Fremont Unified School District and the Development Community to seek creative solutions that increase amenities and benefits for future residents of our City and our children.