PC 01/27/99 - Laserfiche WebLink

shown in Exhibit "C," and forward the proposed amendments to the City Council for review at a public hearing. Mr. Iserson provided a photo of the old Rose Avenue Hotel for the Commissioner's review. Discussion ensued relating to the impacts of the hotel on Main Street cimulation, driveways and parking lots, ingress/egress from Main Street, 65-foot height restrictions on cupolas, mechanical equipment stored in the third story of 480 St. John Street, grating used in parking garage for ventilation, timeline for Downtown Specific Plan update, width of sidewalk, and the number of parking spaces. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Mike Madden, applicant, provided the Commission with photographs of the proposed project and expressed appreciation to staff for their cooperation and input on project design. He provided background information on the Madden's involvement in downtown Pleasanton. Further, he noted the need for a hotel in downtown Pleasanton, his concurrence with the conditions contained in the staff report, the proposed building being within the height restrictions of the Downtown Specific Plan and conforming with neighboring places of business, the provision of adequate parking for the hotel, and that ten more parking spaces are being provided for neighboring businesses. In conclusion, Mr. Madden responded to the Commissioner's inquiries relating to the applicant's decision for underground parking, whether ingress/egress alternatives for Main Street were taken into consideration in design of the project, and the impacts on traffic. Sally Ann Lacy, 444 St. Mary, No. 7, sought clarification as to whether the 40-foot height requirement was from the mid-point of gable roof to the ground. She stated that in her calculations it measures 41 feet, six inches and doesn't fit the requirements contained in the Specific Plan. Further, she expressed concern with the computation contained in the staff report that there will be only four hotel employees at a time on a shift, and stated this number will be higher and will have negative effects on parking. She expressed concern with the lack of parking in the area, and the Commission making exceptions to the Downtown Specific Plan due to the community effort that went into drafting the Specific Plan. Maricela Barone, 493 St. John, expressed support with the proposed project. She noted that the applicant has provided adequate parking, the project is aesthetically pleasing, and she is supportive of the proposed height of the building. She said that she does not intend to locate Barone's permanent parking lot behind the restaurant, but will keep it behind her house next to the restaurant. Kathy Roney, 3896 Vineyard Avenue, noted she solicited 40 signatures on a petition with the main concern of petitioners being the height of the proposed building and changing the Downtown Specific Plan. She expressed concern with the proposed building being three stories and the increase in square footage of building, the metal grates on parking garage not being in character with the historic nature of downtown Pleasanton, the hotel business not being a pedestrian/retail type business, parking issues, the hours of operation of the hotel, and the hotel being located in a residential area. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 3 January 27, 1999