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Commissioner Blank agreed and stated that he thinks the design is terrific. He added that he is very sensitive to the Chair’s comments about the service station, and the way to prevent it from looking like a freeway off-ramp amenity is to ensure it is not visible from the freeway. He indicated that he will look very closely at the landscaping to mask it from the freeway so it does not look like a “downtown Van Nuys freeway on-ramp strip mall/truck stop.” Commissioner Olson stated that he thinks the overall architectural design is terrific and that he likes the design of the fueling station. Commissioner Narum stated that this is definitely a lot better than what was shown the last time; however, she indicated that it appears like a modern-day main street where different buildings are up against one another with different roof heights and windows, which she likes, but suggested more differentiation and more height on Pad 3. She stated that parts of Pads 5, 6, and 7 are all the same and requested that something different be added. She expressed appreciation for the removal of all of the towers presented the last time and requested that the applicant continue to refine it a little bit with heights. Commissioner Blank agreed with her point. Commissioner Narum said she likes the service station architecture and would like to talk about it more at some point. Commissioner O’Connor stated that he felt it was a big improvement from the last workshop. He indicated that he was not clear about what Commissioner Narum wanted but that what he is looking for is a little tweaking in the storefronts so they actually look like they are individual and separate buildings, like the Downtown. He stated that he did not want them to look as uniform and suggested separating them. Commissioner Narum indicated that this is what she was explaining. Chair Pearce agreed as well and stated that she felt the plans look great and are moving in the right direction. She indicated that she likes the new visuals the applicant brought. Chair Pearce then asked the Commissioners whether they would like this to return as one more workshop or as an application. Commissioner Blank noted that staff obviously has received clear direction on the points and inquired if staff believes it could go to the hearing stage with a formal PUD and modification or if another workshop should be held. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, October 14, 2009 Page 22 of 25