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r Chairperson Maas reconvened the meeting at 9:13 p.m. Commissioner Arkin stated that it sounds as if there are a pocket of homes on this street that are going to be rebuilt. He advised that he has heard a lot of people talking about preserving these older homes. Chairperson Maas noted that she originally questioned why the City wasn't keeping these homes as residential, but after hearing the testimony this evening, she thinks that she would rather see a reconstructed home that looks nice if it maintains the flavor of the neighborhood. Commissioner Roberts stated that it is unfortunate that all of these homes have had modifications, such as vinyl windows, that do not go with the architecture of the period and are not in keeping with the historical nature of the building. She noted that she does like the elements in the drawing and the things that staff has asked for. Ms. Kline advised that it is staff s intent to visit the construction site more frequently than what staff normally does, to make sure that the construction adheres to the plans and is built exactly as shown. Discussion ensued regarding the proposed colors for the building. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS REOPENED Rick Thiele, the designer of the project, reported that the color board was submitted about a year ago. He confirmed that the trim color would be a darker blue or darker green. r THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED In response to an inquiry from Commissioner Sullivan, Ms. Kline advised that the Downtown Specific Plan indicates that the houses on this street have a secondary historical significance, because it is the first subdivision in Pleasanton. She also advised that the Specific Plan allows commercial purposes as a permissible land use. Ms. Seto reported on the provisions of the original draft Historic Preservation Ordinance and the two distinctions provided. She confirmed that these buildings would fall into the "voluntary" category. Commissioner Sullivan advised that he feels this is a unique street with an historic element, and he would hate to see these houses demolished one-by-one. He stated that while he recognizes a lot of these buildings are in bad shape, he feels there is some significance in this street, and ifthe idea of an "historical district" was approved, this street would qualify. Commissioner Sullivan questioned using the appraised valuation, rather than the market value or cost of investment, as compared to the costs of the repairs to evaluate whether a structure can be demolished. Commissioner Sullivan stated that he feels the approval of this application will set a precedent for others to come in with the same request. Commissioner Harvey advised that he feels a precedent has already been set and that the time for discussion as to whether the street should be preserved has passed. He noted that he would have looked at the issue more holistically, rather than several houses into the process. ,....... PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES March 13, 2002 Page 11