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Committee discusses fairgrounds use for unsheltered services; members urge study and service-first steps
Summary
Committee members weighed the feasibility of using Alameda County Fairgrounds for services to unsheltered people but flagged major constraints — event scheduling, limited sewer infrastructure and security — and urged a cautious, service-first approach (mobile showers, laundry, medical services) rather than immediate housing conversion.
The ad hoc committee considered a preliminary proposal to use parts of the Alameda County Fairgrounds to deliver services or temporary shelter for people experiencing homelessness, but board members and staff raised infrastructure, scheduling and emergency‑response conflicts that led the committee to favor further study and a phased, service‑first approach.
A member of the supervisor’s office asked the committee to "take the temperature" on whether the fairgrounds could help Pleasanton with unsheltered services. Multiple committee members said the fairgrounds host roughly 250 events a year and use most available acreage, making large‑scale, semi‑permanent housing difficult. One committee member described the site as already designated for emergency "lay down" areas (for PG&E and fire responses) and warned that significant habitation could conflict with the fair’s event schedule and emergency‑response roles.
Service providers and county staff urged pragmatic first steps. A county service manager and an operator with CityServe recommended mobile services (showers, laundry, mobile medical/dental units) and a regular, centralized day‑service hub rather than immediate placement of people on fairgrounds property. "I would never jump to housing," said one service provider; she recommended weekly service days, with nonprofit and medical partners delivering food, showers and casework.
Board members asked for outside expertise and cost estimates, and requested clarity on whether projects would require city land‑use approvals: land designation and rezoning are generally city responsibilities, the chair noted, while the county can deliver services once a location and land‑use approvals exist. The committee suggested adding a future item to consult Office of Emergency Services (OES) and housing/service experts and to coordinate with Pleasanton city council if a formal request emerges.
No formal action was taken. The meeting concluded after final public comment; several participants urged further work on both immediate services and longer‑term housing solutions.
