PC 01/27/99 - Laserfiche WebLink

rating due to lack of dining amenities; however, the hotel could receive a four-diamond rating from AAA. He noted that the lobby would be at ground floor level Mike Goldsworthy, 3860 Blackhawk Road, addressed issues relating to the metal grating and stated that a large fan would be installed in the garage to provide ventilation. Further, he stated that metal grates will be aesthetically pleasing, neighboring restaurants would be able to utilize the parking lot, and that unloading zones and handicapped parking spaces are being provided. Commissioner Maas stated that the Commission does not generally support Saturday construction. She indicated that she was also concerned that work extending to 5:00 p.m. would add to traffic impacts in that part of Downtown, therefore, she asked Mr. Madden if he would be willing to accept 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. construction hours. Mr. Madden indicated that he is flexible with regard to the hours of construction, noting that it would take longer to construct the project if construction hours were decreased. PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Commissioner Kameny expressed his support with the project, the design complementing the character of downtown Pleasanton, this project replacing the St. Vincent De Paul building, and proposed ingress/egress into the hotel parking lot. Further, he noted that the new driveways would improve traffic on Main Street to this project and the Pleasanton Hotel, that there are several buildings in downtown Pleasanton with heights similar to the hotel's design, and that a three-story building of this height is not a concern. In conclusion, he suggested future applications for three-story buildings being handled on a case-by-case basis, and that this building would be an attractive addition to Downtown. Chairperson Kumaran expressed agreement with the land use of the project and with the project enhancing downtown Pleasanton. He further noted his approval with three-story buildings being 40-feet in height; however, he expressed concern with the precedent that will be established if the Commission allows a three-story building in downtown Pleasanton. He expressed concurrence with approving or denying three-story structures on a case-by-case basis. He addressed issues relating to parking and expressed his support with the parking lot; however, he expressed concern with traffic circulation elements on Ray and Main Streets, maximum amount of build-out level being reached, and ingress/egress from Main Street. Chairperson Kumaran suggested that ingress/egress be accessed from St. John, with no entry or exit permitted into the hotel parking lot from Main Street. Commissioner Roberts expressed support with the proposed project, likes the idea of a hotel Downtown, and noted the benefits of having diverse uses on traffic, parking and other businesses in downtown Pleasanton since people can walk to restaurants. She noted the aesthetic benefit of the hotel replacing St. Vincent De Paul, her concurrence with the height of the proposed hotel and noted she would not be in support of approving the project if it were in the middle of Downtown because this project is not immediately adjacent to any other. She stated that the hotel complements the area, the height of the proposed hotel fits the municipal code, and provides ample parking for the hotel business, while the use of the building will not impact parking such as a retail or restaurant business would. She suggested utilizing signage to address ingress/egress for hotel from St. John Street and signage in the lobby stating PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 5 January 27, 1999