PC 01/27/99 - Laserfiche WebLink

"No parking on Main Street." Further, she suggested utilizing planter boxes on the side, back, and the balconies of the hotel. She stated she was in support of the project and would concur with future applications for three-story buildings being approved on a case-by-case basis. Commissioner Sullivan commended staff for their efforts in notifying the large number of neighboring residents. He noted support with the concept of a hotel in the downtown area, the design of project, and the parking spaces provided. However, he expressed concern with modifying the Specific Plan by approving a three-story project on the eve of updating the Specific Plan. He expressed concern with the proposed project not having a community use, the hours of operation for business due to the project being in a residential neighborhood, the location of the project due to its impacts on traffic, and community involvement in amending the Downtown Specific Plan. In conclusion, he stated that this project should be deferred until there is discussion on updating the Specific Plan. Mr. Iserson noted it will be 1-1/2 to 2 years before there is an updated Specific Plan. Commissioner Maas stated that the height of proposed building blends in with adjacent buildings, the project will balance Main Street due to the project not being located in the middle of Main Street, and the aesthetic value of the hotel replacing the St. Vincent De Paul building. She originally had a concern with the height, but realizes that it is the number of feet in height, not the number of stories, which determines the actual impact and appearance of the building. She expressed support with approving the application and agreed with approving future applications for three-story buildings on a case-by-case basis. She noted her concern with construction times affecting traffic on Main Street, and she suggested construction hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Commissioner Cooper stated this project is an enhancement to downtown Pleasanton, that the hotel will bring customers to surrounding businesses, the architectural design is aesthetically pleasing, and that there are alternate routes available for traffic other than the use of Main Street. He spoke in favor of turn restrictions being implemented on the hotel driveway at Main Street and noted he was not concerned with the height of the building. In conclusion, he stated he would be in support of a variance from the Specific Plan for this project and that future three-story buildings should be approved on a case-by-case basis. This would not be a blanket allowance for three-story buildings, and staffs criteria are reasonable. Further, that he would be hesitant to delay the project due to the length of time involved to make revisions to the downtown Specific Plan. Discussion ensued relating to ingress/egress issues, time of construction, delaying the project until a revised Specific Plan is approved, and parking issues. A motion was made by Commissioner Roberts, seconded by Commissioner Cooper, that the project would not have a significant effect on the environment; that a Resolution be adopted approving the attached draft Negative Declaration; and, finding that the project has a De Minimis impact on the site's wildlife. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 6 January 27, 1999