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establishments for the convenience of the public. She noted that Barone’s meets the <br />needs of the community and supports businesses in the Downtown. She encouraged <br />the Commission to support approval of the CUP. <br />Sue Martinovich stated that she has owned the Pleasanton Hotel for 30 years and <br />opened the Farmer Restaurant. She indicated that she is in favor of Barone’s <br />application, agrees with the need for vitality in Downtown Pleasanton, and asked for the <br />Commission’s approval. <br />Mike Madden stated that he most likely has the closest bed to the stage area and <br />echoed comments about the Barones and their great track record and noted that <br />everything they have done is fantastic. He added that he believed people who <br />purchase a liquor license to serve after certain hours abide by the conditional use <br />permits and that if there are problems, they would fix it and make it right. <br />Robert Tucknott stated that he lives right across from the Fairgrounds and felt that any <br />activity is great for the community. He echoed comments made by the other speakers <br />and indicated that music is a great thing. He indicated his support for Barones and the <br />Downtown and added that Barone’s brings people to the community. <br />Otis Nostrand stated that he is also a restaurant owner and resident in town and that he <br />agrees with supporters. He added that he agrees with some of those who cite noise as <br />problems but felt there is a solution. He asked for the Commission to support the <br />Barones’ request. <br />Andrew Gelb stated that when he moved from Los Angeles to Pleasanton eight years <br />ago, he ate his first dinner at the Barone’s Restaurant. He indicated that he supports <br />activity, noise in the Downtown, and good times. He added that he was impressed with <br />how genuinely and sincerely the Barones have agreed to making compromises and that <br />he felt any problems could be worked out. He agreed that the Commission must find a <br />reasonable balance and asked for its approval. <br />Michael O’Callaghan stated that he has been a homeowner and business owner in the <br />Downtown in excess of 22 years and that he professionally mediates and negotiates for <br />the construction industry. He noted that what staff has prepared is a mediated version <br />and does not need for further negotiation. He stated that he moved to the Downtown <br />for similar reasons given by speakers. He noted that he had a train coming by his <br />house 25 times a day and that the biggest entertainment was the fire siren ringing, as <br />well as the 32 unrestricted bars without use permits. He asked the Commission to <br />support staff’s position and approve the request. <br />Mr. MacDonald stated that he hopes the Commission noticed that far more residents <br />who live Downtown came in support than in opposition. With respect to setting a <br />precedent, he noted that the noise ordinance is one, around which the staff <br />recommendation is built. He expressed hope that the proposal is not killed with details. <br />PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, August 12, 2009 Page 13 of 23 <br /> <br />