PC 112801 - Laserfiche WebLink

Plan, made at their meeting of September 25, 2001, are reflected in the attachment to the staff r- report. Mr. Iserson provided background information regarding the Niles Canyon Railway proposal and the Alameda County Transportation Corridor. He noted that following lengthy review, discussion, and study of the Niles Canyon Railway proposal, the Committee decided to not recommend bringing the train past Bernal A venue, because of concerns with traffic impacts, blocking streets, and parking. Instead, the Committee left open the option of bringing it up to Bernal, which is outside of the Specific Plan study area, recognizing that further environmental analysis would need to be done. He noted that no additional information or facts have been received from the Pleasanton Locomotive Association since the Planning Commission's public hearing on the draft EIR. Mr. Rasmussen reported on the density designation of three neighborhoods to the west of Peters Street. He noted that the Committee ultimately recommended that the three areas of homes be re-designated on the Specific Plan Map from "Medium Density Residential" to "High Density Residential. " Commissioner Sullivan asked if the proposed zoning designation for the east side of Peters A venue would preclude second-story residential use. Mr. Rasmussen advised that it would and that the way to allow it would be to amend the Specific Plan and Zoning Ordinance. r- In response to an inquiry from Commissioner Sullivan, Mr. Iserson commented on the potential uses that would be allowed in the transportation corridor. Discussion ensued regarding the potential costs for bringing the railroad to the Downtown, including the costs associated with preparing the environmental documents Commissioner Arkin referenced a "Downtown Property Owners' Survey" dated November 2000. He advised that 53% of those surveyed supported the train coming to Downtown Pleasanton; 39% wanted the train to stop at Bernal Avenue; 8% did not want the excursion train; and 10% had no opinion. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Joseph Hernan, 4582 Second Street, noted that the survey referenced by Commissioner Arkin was a privately sponsored survey and did not include all of the Downtown property owners. He commented that bringing the train to Downtown is not a good idea. He noted that the wording on the ballot for Measure DD was vague and led to a "yes" vote. He expressed concerns about costs, noise, diesel fumes, safety, traffic, and impacts on the residents. Harry Spiliotopoulos, 4660 Ross Gate Way, advised that he owns property at 377 Division Street. He proposed that the density designation for the three clusters of homes west of Peters Avenue be maintained the way it is in the General Plan or the entire neighborhood be changed to Medium Density Residential. He noted that "spot" zoning is unacceptable. ,,- PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES November 28,2001 Page 8