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Commissioner Arkin asked about the growth rate of Mr. Pickerell's company. Mr. Pickerell ,_ advised that they had 23 employees a year ago, and they presently have 28 or 29 employees. He indicated that the current size of their building is II ,OOO-square feet and the proposed building is more than double that size. Commissioner Arkin commented that if there is any growth rate, eventually they will grow out of the building. Mr. Pickerell stated that is a possibility, but they have no written specific goal or business plan about how big they want their business to grow. Commissioner Arkin commented that buildings out live their tenants, and while the applicant has design and color preferences, when they leave this building the community will still have this building. Stephen Bourne of Antrim Engineering, 3215 Calaveras, Milpitas CA 95035, stated that he is the lead design consultant for the applicant. He noted that they are not attempting to follow any single precedent set by any of the buildings in the business park, but they want to complement and enhance the image of the business park with this building. He referred to the street front exhibit and noted that he feels the proposed building will not only complement the two adjacent buildings, but will be a wonderful backdrop and reflection of whatever is built on the opposite side of Bemal Avenue. Mr. Bourne described the proposed alternative color schemes and stated that Mrs. Pickerell prefers color scheme "C." He also described some of the architectural modifications that have been made to the design. Discussion ensued regarding the design elements of the building. ---- Mark Gerton, 4058 Francisco Street, presented photographs of existing buildings within the Stanley Business Park, noting the variety of building designs, materials, and colors. He commented that there are two characteristics that are common in this area, one being the lack of parking on site and the other being the lack of landscaping. He noted that the proposed building provides more than enough parking and plenty of landscaping. He further noted that the owner is minimizing traffic problems by allowing flexible hours, and that the project meets all planning requirements and fire department requirements. He stated that he finds the building to be a wonderful addition to the community and Peridot to be a business that he wants to keep in Pleasanton. He asked that the project be approved tonight, and if there is an issue with colors, that the colors be worked out with staff. Brad Hirst, 1811 Santa Rita Road #128, advised that following the last Planning Commission meeting the applicant decided not to come up with another design because of the reasons previously stated by Mr. Pickerell, and also because if they had come back within other two or three months they would be presenting another bold, distinctive design, and the same people concerned with this design, are going to be concerned then. Mr. Hirst noted the support shown for the project by residents and property owners. He commented on business parks with homogeneously designed buildings, as well as the diversity of building designs. He noted that the Pickerells are willing to make a bold statement and they are requesting that the design be approved as submitted with color scheme "C," and that if color scheme "c" is not acceptable, the applicant be allowed to work with staff on the color scheme. Mr. Hirst advised that with regard to condition #7 which pertains to landscaping, the applicant is requesting that rather than adding the interim vegetative filter strip to the area in which the parking is eliminated, they be allowed to install a volleyball court. r- PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 23, 2001 Page 9