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parking is crucial. She reported that the Committee spent many hours on the issue of the train. ~ She noted that the Committee has not had the opportunity to review the Plan with the EIR. r- ---- James Swofford, 33941 MacMillan Way, Fremont CA 94555, represented the Pacific Locomotive Association. Mr. Swofford commented on the vote to bring the train to Pleasanton, noting that it received a 75.8% approval rating in 1996. He noted that at the time ofthe vote they were extending the railway toward Fremont. He provided information on the process followed by the Pacific Locomotive Association subsequent to that time. He noted that the County and City General Plans still show the corridor as a transportation corridor. He noted that the Downtown Committee worked diligently on the issue of the railroad and requested specifics about the operation of the railroad, but that the PLA did not feel this was the appropriate body to present this information to. Mr. Swofford advised that he is disappointed that there was no field study conducted and no statistical data presented in the Draft EIR. He stated that he wants to be sure that a comparison of their historic railroad with the Union Pacific Railroad is done. He noted that they want to make sure that there is equity in the discussion of the two railways coming into Pleasanton and that there is valid statistical and engineering data to work from. Mr. Swofford advised that the PLA feels there is a way to provide parking, trails, and historical rail access to the historical depot. He asked the Planning Commission to recommend to staff that the EIR be readdressed to deal with the issues he has stated and, specifically, with the railroad. Mr. lserson advised that staff would ask the consultant to provide more substantial data to support the statements made in the Draft EIR. JeffLeuehi, 555 Peters Avenue #260A, advised that he is the President of the Board of Directors of the Pleasanton Downtown Association. He advised that a task force was set up by the PDA to review the Draft ofthe Downtown Specific Plan. He noted that the task force feels that there are many excellent recommendations in the Plan, which will, if carried out properly, benefit the downtown business owners, property owners, and residents of Pleasanton. He reported that the Board of Directors endorsed the following priority list identified from the Draft of the Plan: I. Acquire the Alameda County Transportation Corridor and priority be given to provide parking on this site. 2. Improve parking in the commercial area. 3. Create a new southern gateway to the Downtown, including a new Civic Center as a part of that gateway. 4. Maintain and enhance the architecture of Downtown. Undertake historic preservation efforts in such a way to complement and promote economic vitality. 5. Encourage first-floor retail (accomplished through incentives and not mandated). 6. Improve Downtown navigation (more directional signage to and from the Downtown commercial area at key locations throughout the City). Install signage for Downtown parking lots. 7. Increase Downtown pedestrian activities. Possible examples to attract people include the steam train, PDNMuseumjoint events, mini-plazas, more PDA events which do not include street closures, and the addition of public toilets. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES September 26, 2001 Page 9