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Chairperson Maas asked if landscaping is being proposed for the location on the corner behind r- the concrete retaining wall which is shown on view 2. Ms. Kline advised that this is the railroad's property. Chairperson Maas noted that she is frustrated when a project is proposed that looks really nice, but that areas adjacent to the property cannot be improved to complete the overall picture. Discussion ensued regarding this matter and how it might be addressed. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Ed Strom, one of the owners of the property, represented the applicant. He provided additional exhibits showing a site reference plan, a section at Valley A venue, and the proposed landscape plan. He advised that they are adverse to increasing the setback to five feet along the Kiewit property, because in addition to this being an area where trash could be scattered, it also offers an opportunity for vagrancy and it becomes a policing problem. He noted that they are volunteering to install photovoltaic panels on the manager's unit and will be running their operations from that. He further noted that they do not have any information which tells them that creating a photovoltaic farm at this time is either economically viable or desirable. He stated that they are open to doing that at such a time when it is right and prudent to do so, and is a benefit to everybody. r- Mike Walsh of Bay Area Self-Storage, advised that the standard for storage is 4.5 square feet per person for metropolitan areas. He noted that Pleasanton has about 3.8-3.9 square feet per person, and with the other six facilities in Pleasanton there is still a demand. Mr. Walsh described the contacts that they have made regarding photovoltaic panels. He noted that they are aware of the State's rebates, but they are not aware of any rebates that are offered to upgrade trusses for a future photo voltaic farm. In response to inquiry from Chairperson Maas regarding the landscaping along Valley Avenue, Mr. Walsh advised that there are two areas along the wall that do not have landscaping, and that these areas will have murals painted on the wall. He advised that they will be working with the Civic Arts Commission, and while they plan to have the murals completed at the time of occupancy, the condition of approval requires that the murals be installed within one year of occupancy. Michael O'Callaghan, 3425 Arbor Drive, commented on the photovoltaic panels, noting that pretty much none of the solar hot water heating panel systems that were popular in the late 70's and early 80's are still around today. He stated that he feels that in ten years photovoltaic panels will be useless junk on roofs because the concept has not been perfected. He advised that to require developments to install them at this point is a waste of money and an impact to property costs which is ultimately passed on to the consumer. He stated that he would like to really see it work before it is imposed on developers. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Chairperson Maas thanked staff for investigating the Planning Commission's concerns. She noted that she will be supporting the project and she feels this is the best project for this site. ,,- PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES November 28,2001 Page 5