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Resolution No. PC-2001-56 and -57 were entered and adopted as motioned. ,.-- Commissioner Sullivan reiterated that his opposition is not to the project itself. He stated that he would like to strongly recommend to the City Council that they not approve this plan and that they reinstitute the east side study so that there can be an opportunity to take a comprehensive look at this area. He noted that with regard to the negative declaration, he would be unable to make the finding that the project would not have a significant environmental impact, because the City is giving away a potential alternative transportation site and this would have a negative impact on the environment. Commissioner Roberts advised that these are the easiest buildings to demolish and in 20 years consideration could be given to other uses. Commissioner Arkin stated that he had a problem with this matter and he agrees with Commissioner Sullivan that a comprehensive study is needed and the City Council should seriously consider what they really want for a comprehensive plan this part oftown. The Planning Commission recessed for a break at 8:35 p.m. Chairperson Maas reconvened the meeting at 8:50 p.m. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND OTHER MATTERS r- a. Work Study Session on the Draft Downtown Specific Plan. Principal Planner Wayne Rasmussen advised that the purpose of the work study session is to hear a presentation from staff regarding the proposed Downtown Specific Plan, and for the Planning Commission to take public input and to ask questions and discuss the Specific Plan. He noted that staff would like to bring this item back at the next or a future meeting for the Planning Commission to conduct a formal public hearing on the final EIR, limited General Plan amendments, and the Specific Plan, and to take action on these items. He described the process of the Downtown Specific Plan Committee and the development of the Specific Plan documents. He reported on the recommendations of the Housing Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission. He noted that the Housing Commission recommended approval of the Specific Plan subject to changing the office zoning designation along the east side of Peters Avenue to commercial, to allow for residential units on the second floor of these buildings. He noted that the staff and the Downtown Specific Plan Committee recommended that the office designation be maintained. Mr. Rasmussen advised that the Parks and Recreation Commission had some minor recommendations regarding the text and some additional recommendations regarding the parks and trails portion of the Specific Plan. ,,- Mr. Iserson reported on the input provided by the Civic Arts Commission, the position of the Pleasanton Downtown Association, and the presentations made to the Economic Vitality Committee and the Chamber's Economic Development Committee. He provided a status report on some of the primary Specific Plan issues, including First Street and the alignment of the southern end of Main Street. He advised that the Committee's changes to the Draft Specific PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES November 28,2001 Page 7