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DRAFT they can to keep people moving through the area and away from Mr. Finch's house. He indicated support of the permit and that they would be available for more hours as needed. Bob Byrd noted that Redcoats is asking for music indoors as opposed to the Barone's outdoor music, thus requiring a sound monitor. He indicated that he felt the bench is located in the area for many reasons, noting that most of the alleyway is owned by the City. He stated that he and his brother drew the plan for the alleyway and that they submitted it to the City some years ago. He added that at that time, he offered to maintain the area for five years but understood from the City that it had no funding for the improvements. Mr. Byrd stated that there is no opening in the wall to transfer sound anywhere and agreed that patrons went over there to smoke. He added that the Finches' bedroom window was put into the building as an access to the outside in case of emergency and that he had to provide an easement as they would fall onto his property. He stated that when music is played in the courtyard, the sound is not audible at the corner as the sound travels straight out towards St. Mary Street and toward Barone's. Peter MacDonald stated that he is the Chair of the Downtown Vitality Committee but that he was speaking as a citizen of Pleasanton. He noted that Redcoats has become a wonderful asset to the Downtown and hoped that there will not be complicated regulations for indoor music. He stated that Pleasanton is competing with downtowns where businesses like Redcoats are being welcomed. He added that people want to go to places where they can listen to music and that many places in Livermore offer music in the evening. He stated that hours are not being restricted in other communities and it makes a major difference in downtowns. With respect to issues dealing with residential neighbors, he stated that he believes Ms. Kennard is bending over backwards to be a good neighbor. He acknowledged the difficulty for residents living in the Downtown near bars and restaurants but that this is part of moving into the Downtown neighborhood. He indicated that he believes the alleyway could be a nice paseo between the public parking lot and St. Mary Street. He supported staff's recommendation for the application. Judy Wheeler, Town Centre Bookstore and President of the PDA, spoke of the Association's goal of a vibrant Downtown and stated that Redcoats is an important business. She indicated that people want to be entertained and that it would be great to keep Pleasanton dollars in Pleasanton. He supported approval of the application. Ann Kelly, 16 -year resident of Pleasanton and Chaplain at St. Andrew's Society, stated that Ms. Kennard has been a very generous and responsible business owner and has allowed fundraisers at Redcoats. She spoke of a positive experience at Redcoats and related how Ms. Kennard maintains the restaurant's capacity, not allowing them to come into the restaurant when it has reached its full capacity. She stated that she could not comprehend why people would choose to move Downtown if noise bothers them, especially since the Downtown comes with a certain amount of disruption in life, including the train, noise, and traffic. She noted that her 24- year -old son goes to DRAFT EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, 11/18/2009 Page 8 of 12