PC 08/25/99 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. Swift advised that this project is designed to be compatible with Valley Business Park and it completes Boulder Street and provides a second access for Valley Business Park. He noted that it is only three buildings at this time, because they are attempting to expedite the project approval in order to obtain the grants to build photovoltalc energy-producing cells on top of the roofs of these btfildings. He noted that the photo-cells are designed so that they will not be visible. He stated that staff believes that as conditioned, with a few modifications to the site plan, this will be a very compatible use to all of the uses in the Valley Business Park. He referred to the traffic section of the staff report, noting that the project would add a few car trips to the Valley Avenue/Bemal/Stanley intersection. He noted that a condition has been included stating that either the City's project to improve the intersection shall be in place, or the applicant will have to make improvements sufficient to allow LOS D prior to occupancy of the building. He advised that another major issue relates to truck traffic in Valley Business Park. He stated that the applicant is in the process of obtaining a license to use Kaiser's private road for track traffic. He noted that until the license is obtained, the project will be conditioned to limit the size of the trucks serving the subject business until an alternative truck route is identified and approved by the City. Mr. Swift advised that staff believes that this is a special project which implements many of the General Plan policies related to energy production. In response to an inquiry from Chairperson Kumaran, Mr. Swift advised that the previous land use of the property was quarry land. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED The property owner, Kevin Best, 3300 Wooden Valley Road, stated they are in full concurrence with staffs recommendation. John Buckel, Panatonni Development, 2121 N. Caiifomia Blvd. #290, Wainut Creek, advised that this is their first effort in relationship between a piece of real estate and an energy-generating kind of program. He noted that it could not happen in a better place than in Pleasanton, because of the stress on the grid from P.G.&E. from a supply standpoint. He noted that all of the buildings built so far for lease have been sold. He noted that panels only cover approximately 50% of the roof, and space is provided for air conditioning units and venting and satellite dishes. He advised that with that type of coverage, from 50% to 100% of the power needs of the building is provided. He noted that when the building is not being used on Saturdays and Sundays, the extra power will go on the grid and will be available for other uses. He noted that they are in agreement with the conditions as proposed. He advised that a representative from the company who will own the panels is available to respond to any questions. In response to an inquiry from Commissioner Roberts as to how they can be assured that the power will go to Pleasanton, Mr. Buckel stated that it is difficult to tag the power that goes on the grid, but that logically from a delivery standpoint P.G.&E. will look at an area that is under-served and determine that it is easiest to provide the power to that area. He noted that if there is a demand in this area, it is logical that it will stay here. He advised that it is possible under current laws to deliver energy to an adjacent property owner and bypass P.G.&E. PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Page 21 August 25, 1999