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c. Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Downtown Specific Plan ,,-- Jerry Iserson noted that the purpose of this hearing is to receive comments and questions regarding the accuracy and completeness of the Draft EIR. He advised that staff and the EIR consultant will address these comments and any issues not covered in the Draft, in the Final ErR, which will then come back to the Planning Commission with the Downtown Specific Plan. Mr. Iserson advised that he would begin by making a presentation on the Downtown Specific Plan to acquaint the Commission and the public with the highlights and recommendations ofthe Plan. He noted that the discussion this evening should be limited to the Draft EIR, and that no action will be taken on the Draft ErR or the Specific Plan this evening. Mr. Iserson provided an overview of the review process and the proposed time frame for the EIR. He also described the purpose of the EIR and the process used to develop the Specific Plan. He noted that mitigation measures from the EIR have been incorporated into the Specific Plan. He advised that the Downtown Specific Plan Committee will be reviewing the Specific Plan with the EIR mitigation measures in October. Mr. Iserson advised that Kim Avila from Jones & Stokes, the consultant that prepared the Draft EIR, is present this evening to answer any questions. Mr. Iserson presented a power point presentation regarding the Downtown Specific Plan that included a review ofthe elements of the Plan, as well as the goals and key recommendations. ,,-- In response to an inquiry from Commissioner Kameny, Mr. Iserson provided information regarding transportation aspects of the Plan relating to driveways off of Main Street and parking. He noted that key to the parking issue is the use of the Alameda County Transportation Corridor. He also noted that staff is trying to negotiate with the Bank of America regarding the use of its parking lot. Commissioner Kameny asked for additional information regarding the proposal to extend Railroad A venue to Ray Street. Mr. Iserson noted that the extension would have to be designed and public hearings and CEQA review would be required. Commissioner Kameny expressed concern regarding SUV's taking up more than one parallel parking space along Main Street. He noted that there is nothing in the vehicle code that precludes this. He asked if there is any way to enact a municipal ordinance to address this. Ms Seto stated that staff will research this matter and provide feedback to the Commission. Commissioner Sullivan advised that he would like to see traffic numbers for existing or potential average daily trips related to the extension of Rose Avenue. Mr. Iserson advised that traffic numbers were developed, but they may be in a separate document. He advised that he will provide this information. Commissioner Sullivan asked if any analysis has been done to look at the beneficial impact on the neighborhood and traffic if the ACE train station is relocated out of Downtown. Mr. Iserson noted that staff could look at that issue. r PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES September 26, 2001 Page 7