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playing field and if it is a permitted use, competition is good in business. He indicated that he wants to ensure the City is not establishing artificial barriers. Mr. Pavan stated that he has encountered the question before by other businesses. He noted that when the Asian restaurant on Main Street opened, the existing restaurants complained. He indicated that staff's statement was that this is part of a business of commerce. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Scott Trobbe, Vice President for Development, Pleasanton Gateway, LLC, stated that between the staff report and working with the various departments in the City, it is refreshing to note that the dialogue and communication are always open and responsive. He indicated that he would discuss the project geographically and then turn over the presentation to Ken Rodrigues, project architect, and then to Jim Reuter from Property Development Centers, which has a Safeway division. Mr. Trobbe presented an aerial of the site, stating it is very different from ten years ago because there are now two very vibrant communities, the park has started to come into play, and infrastructure has expanded. He stated that all this gave them an opportunity to re -look at the property for what might be a better solution and opportunity for the City. He indicated that the area is amenity - challenged from both services and a shopping experience and that they are very happy to look at putting this retail project together with the office project. Mr. Trobbe stated that they reached out to two homeowner associations that are directly either across the street or in the neighborhood, met with citizens at the Greenbriar apartments directly across the street, spoke with people on the west side of 1 -680, had presentations with the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce and their subcommittees, and met with the Pleasanton Downtown Association several times in order to understand their interests and their concerns. He noted that what is important is that he is a stakeholder as well, not a developer who would do the project and then leave town. He indicated that they still have 29 acres in the area that they would like to do something with. In summary, Mr. Trobbe stated that, taking into account that they are amenity - challenged and given the kind of architectural project they put together, combined with Safeway Stores, they have developed a nice project that all stakeholders can be proud of. Ken Rodrigues, project architect, noted that they had changed a couple of things from their last presentation, including the substitution of the service station location with a building. He stated that what is in the packet is a very nice outdoor dining spot with a couple of restaurants and a patio which will be utilized up to closing time. He noted that they also incorporated interesting night lighting and trellis features, and a nice pedestrian and trellis connection to the neighborhood which is a big comfortable walking EXCERPT: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, August 25, 2010 Page 7 of 14