PC 09/22/99 - Laserfiche WebLink

proposed. He commented that the more important issues is the "work force" housing units proposed behind their properties. He stated that he supports the idea of "low-income" housing, but with regard to the idea of providing a transition for the existing homes to the development, the existing homes are on 10,000-square foot lots, which is larger than the average size of the proposed lots. He noted that the setback from the back of his house to the shared fence is 60 feet. He suggested including the affordable housing along the Arroyo and placing them in an area where they will not be directly abutt'tng the existing neighbor's homes. He noted that the existing drawings which show the three homes the them would still give them the opportunity to maintain their views. He submitted pictures to the Commission showing the area and views from the existing homes. In response to an inquiry from Chairperson Roberts, staff advised that the zoning for the existing lots on Division Street is R-1-6500, and that the lots are very deep. Mrs. Nolan commented that they have seen a lot of building and changes in the many years they have been there, and people who purchase property adjoining vacant land must expect it to be developed some day. She noted the project is a complement to the City. Mr. Krulevitch noted that he did move there two years ago and the zoning at that time was R-1-6,500. Mr. Plucker advised that the lot size with the five units would be approximately 5,100 to 5,500 square- feet. PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Commissioner Kameny commented that this is a more mature area of town, and the homes being proposed are fairly good size. He noted that he concurs with the fencing to block out the Fairgrounds. He stated that he likes the idea of the 1.3-acre park and supports getting the other homeowners involved in the overall maintenance. He sees this as an opportunity to give some kind of affordability to the Pleasanton Downtown area, other than the rental aspect, which is normally found in multi-family developments or granny flats. He noted that while he generally supports the design of the project and the retention of the Nolan's parcel for their use, he is leaning to the affordability aspect of the project. He stated that he would have liked for the applicant to have had some decision this evening with regard to this issue. He noted that with the way the conditions are written, if there is no agreement on the moderate-income housing units, it would revert to the 31 units, and he has a problem with the way this is written. He noted that every other aspect has been taken care of: the disclosure statement regarding the extension of Rose Avenue, drainage, undergrounding utilities, and protection for the Fair regarding its activities. He stated that he would like the Commission to have more of a hand as to the direction the project goes with regard to the number of units and affordable units. Commissioner Maas stated that she is satisfied with the mitigations that have been made regarding the impact on traffic as long as Rose Avenue is not extended, the condition regarding schools, drainage, trees, earth stability, house designs, and the sidewalks and mow strips. She noted that she would not consider granny flats. She expressed concern regarding the noise aspects of the houses that are siting up to Rose Avenue, and she questioned whether all of those houses should be made single-story to mitigate potential noise that would travel upward from Rose Avenue. With regard to the moderate-income housing component, she stated that she does not like the idea of approving the project and then allowing it to be reverted back to the original plan, as this would not be a win-win for the City. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES 10 September 22, 1999