PC 022801 - Laserfiche WebLink

PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED ,-- Commissioner Arkin stated that he is sympathetic with the applicant with regard to costs, due to his own experiences, but that he is concerned about setting a precedent of compromising visual aspects that were agreed upon by the Planning Commission for monetary reasons. He further stated that he does not want to lower the quality required in Pleasanton because of high construction costs. Commissioner Maas moved to approve Case PDR-I07, to allow the applicant to install the trees rather than the trellises. Commissioner Roberts suggested that consideration be given to removing some of the trellises. She stated that she feels the two most important trellises are those on the corner. Commissioner Maas noted that she would consider this option if the costs of the trellises could be reduced. She noted that she would not support a modification if it had an environmental impact, but because this is a visual impact and the neighbors have indicated support, she can also support it. Chairperson Sullivan stated that he feels this is a sensitive issue because it is the transition area between a car rental business and a residential neighborhood and that the addition of the trellises was a mitigation of the project. He advised that he is concerned about setting a precedent for modifying project approvals. He noted that he could support removing some of the trellises, but not all of them. Discussion ensued regarding the design, materials, and costs of the trellises. Commissioner Arkin noted that he would support removing the masonry on the trellises. Commissioner Roberts and Chairperson Sullivan agreed. Commissioner Maas' motion died for lack of a second. Commissioner Arkin moved approval to require the installation of the seven trellises, but that the masonry base be deleted from the design. Chairperson Sullivan stated that he would second the motion, but that he would also support maintaining a total of five trellises. Commissioner Arkin modified his motion to reduce the number of trellises from seven to five, removing the requirement for masonry bases and allowing standard concrete bases, and requiring two of the trellises to be located on the corner of Pimlico and Brockton, with the three remaining trellises to be evenly spaced along Brockton Drive. Commissioner Roberts seconded the motion. Commissioner Kameny commented that the installation of the trellises was presented and accepted by the applicant, and while he concurs with staff, he also concurs that the some of the trellises can be removed if the neighbors, who will be most affected, find it acceptable. ~ PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES February 28, 200 I Page 5