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Chairperson Kumaran noted he abstained from voting at the previous heating because he was absent at the meeting when the public hearing was first held. He provided background information relating to the project and spoke in favor of receiving clarification of the Rose Avenue extension and school issues before approving the application. He stated that he has now read all materials provided by staff on the project and would not be in favor of reconsidering the application. A motion was made by Commissioner Roberts, seconded by Commissioner Maas, to reconsider the previous action on PUD 98-06, denial of the PUD and the recommendation to the City Council for a specific plan for the Rose Avenue area. Discussion ensued relating to the vagueness of the original motion, a motion being made to address staffs options, and including Rose Avenue in the Downtown Specific Plan. Commissioner Sullivan stated that he would support reconsideration so that he could better document the reasons for his vote. ROLL CALL VOTE AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: Commissioners Cooper, Maas, Sullivan, Roberts Chairperson Kumaran None None The motion carried. Commissioner Roberts commented on the amount of work and public involvement needed to conduct a specific plan. She noted the preferred route for Rose Avenue and stated that issues relating to traffic are undecided. She noted that due to changes in the downtown area, such as the accessibility to the Altamont Commuter Express (ACE) train, different planning is necessary. She further noted that remodeling and/or removal of the older residences on Rose Avenue should be given additional planning consideration. She stated that she understood the reasons for including Rose Avenue and the Nolan property in the Downtown Specific Plan. She noted that Rose Avenue cannot be deemed a rural area any longer and suggested the Arroyo be the defining area from First Street to the Fairgrounds, and the Fairgrounds to Del Valle Parkway, including the older homes. She further noted she is not in opposition to the project; however, she is a little concerned with homes fronting on Rose Avenue if it goes through to Valley Avenue. Due to changes in the downtown area since August of 1998, additional planning is necessary relating to traffic issues, appropriate housing density, preservation of affordable housing and downtown historic housing, and appropriate recreational and park areas. She suggested an EIR on the Downtown Specific Plan, including issues such as the Arroyo and heritage trees. Commissioner Cooper noted that including this area in the specific plan could also result in higher density housing for this area. He spoke in favor of the Nolan property being contained in the Downtown Specific Plan; however, he expressed concern with the Rose Avenue property and public access along the Arroyo being included. He expressed concern with issues relating to schools and the Rose Avenue alignment and stated he would be in favor of a Rose Avenue alignment study. He noted originally he PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 4 February 10, 1999