01 - Laserfiche WebLink

dollars outside of Pleasanton for lack of opportunity here. She said she respects the Barone's, thinks their establishment is a wonderful family place, and supported the application. Melanie Sadek, owner of Murphy's Paw, said that since working with the PDA to establish evening activities in the downtown area, she has seen a huge boost in nighttime business. She said restaurants are so pleased with their own increase, there is jockeying to see who will host the next Wednesday night music event. She cited recent media from Brentwood advertising live music, said this is what people are asking for, and urged the Council to help move the City into the future. She said she and her husband always eat out downtown but typically leave right after for lack of entertainment opportunities. She voiced support for the application. Troy French said he and his wife have elected to spend most of their money in Walnut Creek and Livermore, citing Livermore as a wonderful example of downtown revitalization. He applauded the Barone's for their accomplishments, said the restaurant's patrons show diverse age and ethnic background, and that an opportunity such as this should be fully supported. Dolores Marciel said that Pleasanton lacks entertainment opportunities for singles and that she is delighted the Barone's have provided a venue that is both entertaining and safe. She voiced support for the proposal. Sue Wilson said she chose to live in her St. John's Court townhomes for its noise, not peace and quiet. She said the Barone's are a wonderful couple who give back to the entire community and have graciously provided a safe and professional entertainment setting. She cautioned that failure to support opportunities like this would kill the downtown area. She said she was present at the Barone's following the Planning Commission hearing and the applicants were very respectful of their neighbors. Jim Hoge said he moved to his St. John's Court townhome from Santa Clara County for Pleasanton's excellent schools and vibrant downtown area. He said he reviewed the application, is convinced this will add to that environment, and believes the conditions adequately address any concerns he may have had. He noted that the staff report states any future problems would be grounds for a review of and possible action on the CUP. Brenda Sauter said that when she purchased her home in downtown Pleasanton 17 years ago, she knew she would be affected by air and noise pollution. She cited examples of outdoor music from several establishments, pointed out where families live in the immediate vicinity of the Barone's, and asked the Council to consider the welfare of the children over downtown businesses. Laura Capilla said the Barone's are generating much needed employment and revenues in a difficult economy and asked the Council to support staff's recommendation. Kevin Gallagher said he chose to move downtown specifically for all the activity and praised the efforts involved in making Pleasanton a destination city. He said he first patronized Barone's last week and for the first time, he danced with his wife and parents together in the same place. He said he adores the downtown liveliness and supports the proposal. Judy Wheeler Ditter, PDA president, said it is very exciting to see Pleasanton's entertainment dollars remain in town for a change. She said her bookstore remains open every night and encouraged others to do the same for increased traffic. She said that nighttime vitality will City Council Minutes Page 10 of 15 September 1, 2009