A local Alameda County commission (LAFCo) has recently warned Pleasanton that they will not approve the huge 126-acre Staples Ranch annexation unless they complete the Stoneridge Drive extension. Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty has also reportedly extended an offer to Pleasanton Mayor Jennifer Hosterman to cover the costs of extending Stoneridge Drive. The offer-you-can’t-refuse by Supervisor Haggerty and the threat to pull the plug on the Staples Ranch project by LAFCo means that Pleasanton will almost certainly have to move forward with the extension.

Why is this important for residents and businesses in Dublin? Assuming that Pleasanton moves forward with their extension, the City of Dublin will also be able to extend Dublin Blvd. (and possibly Central Parkway) from Lockhart Street to Fallon Road. This is significant for many reasons:

• Retail – it will be easier for folks to access the retail and office space at Grafton Station, Grafton Plaza, Kaiser, and Target. Easier access = higher sales = more sales tax revenue = more jobs. Retailers will be even more attracted to Dublin and the future retail projects planned along Dublin Blvd.
• Fallon Village – the Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) for this 3,000 residential unit and ambitious retail project was approved based on the assumption that Dublin Blvd. would be extended from Lockhart Street to Fallon Road. The Dublin Blvd. extension will ensure this project can move forward unencumbered.
• Urgent Care Facility – the ability to access the anticipated urgent care facility at The Groves from east Dublin Ranch and Fallon Village is a must for patients.

The future extension of Dublin Blvd. will have a multi-dimensional impact on residents living along Dublin Blvd. On the one hand, residents will be able to directly access their homes coming from either the Fallon Road or Tassjara Road exits. On the other hand, the City of Dublin will need to take measures to discourage drivers from using Dublin Blvd. as an alternative to I-580 during commute hours.

The almost certain extension of Stoneridge Drive in Pleasanton is great news for both Dublin and Pleasanton (for those in favor of Staples Ranch).