PC 010902 - Laserfiche WebLink

,/'"' ,,- r Pamela Stoddard, 830 Main Street, Suite A, Executive Director of the Pleasanton Downtown Association, commented on the list of the seven priority actions items that were previously submitted to the Planning Commission. She noted that she would like to specifically address two of these issues this evening. She stated that the first is the development of a nice southern entranceway to Downtown and asked that the Planning Commission consider going back to the language in the original Specific Plan that allows for the consideration of a concept for the realignment of Main Street at Bernal. She noted that the PDA thinks this is vital to the district and they feel there are alternatives that warrant future consideration. She advised that the second issue is the acquisition of the Alameda County Transportation Corridor, noting that the PDA feels very strongly that this should be done in the timeliest manner possible. She noted that the PDA feels that the acquisition will contribute to the long-term viability of the Downtown. She reported that they have prioritized three uses for that space: parking, improving the southern entranceway to the Downtown, and the Niles Canyon Railway. Ms. Stoddard indicated that the PDA Board has taken a vote on several occasions and there is support for the Niles Canyon Railway coming into the Downtown, because they see it as another vehicle to increase foot traffic in the Downtown. She commented that she understands that there are concerns on the part of area residents and business owners that they feel need to be considered, and that there may be some physical and economic feasibility issues with the Railway, but the PDA feels it will contribute to the character of the Downtown. Gerry Dewees, 1748 Beachwood Way, advised that he is one of the active members of the Pacific Locomotive Association which operates the Niles Canyon Railway. He noted that he supports the previous speaker with regard to acquiring the Alameda County property between Bernal and Spring Street, as he understands that the County is very serious about recovering the public money that they used to purchase the property when they intended to use it as a transportation corridor. He commented that he thinks the City needs to keep control of the property. He reported on Measure DD, noting that 70% of the City's registered voters voted and in excess of75% voted in favor of Measure DD. He advised that with regard to the wording of the Measure as to whether it read "into Downtown" or "to Downtown," the language in the City Attorney's comments in the voter information packet stated "into Downtown." He suggested that some wording be put into the Downtown Specific Plan which leaves the door open. He advised that he feels the impact on the Senior Center will be far less if the train comes into the Downtown at an idle rather than if the terminus was somewhere near the Senior Center. Jack Dove, 5250 Case Avenue, S 11 0, advised that he is present this evening to represent the seniors. He reported that at the beginning of the review of the Specific Plan, the PLA had lengthy discussions regarding the train at almost every meeting, and eventually the Committee voted not to have the train come to the Downtown. He noted that he is surprised to see such a lengthy write-up regarding the train in the Specific Plan document and he would ask that the Planning Commission consider suggesting to staff that it be taken out, because it is not part of the Downtown Specific Plan area. Mr. Dove noted that there is a provision in the General Plan for a trail through the railroad right-of-way, through town, and to the south. He further noted that the PLA does not feel it is safe to have the train and the trail. He advised that he does not understand why so much interest is included regarding the train, and there is virtually no mention about the trail. He suggested that if the train issue is put to a vote the matter of the cost and who will finance the cost needs to be determined. Mr. Dove proposed that a simple comment noting PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 9, 2002 Page 6