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<br />Mr. Theobald stated that they will consider looking at the architectural changes that are <br />r suggested. <br /> <br />THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED <br /> <br />Chairperson Maas referred to the checklist of discussion items provided in the staff report . <br /> <br />Commissioner Kameny reiterated that this is a gateway to the City, and while he does not doubt <br />the operation of the service station, he notes that the Ruby Hill development which has 850 <br />homes has no gas station or convenience store to serve that development. <br /> <br />Commissioner Arkin stated that he is 100% for the usage, but he is 100% against the design. He <br />advised that he would like to see the same architecture on this building that was used for the <br />building which was proposed by Brad Hirst on Sunol Blvd. <br /> <br />Commissioner Sullivan stated that this proposal is not the VISIOn he would have for a <br />neighborhood-serving community retail use described in the Specific Plan. He noted that they <br />talked about developing a walkable neighborhood and he would like to see a project that people <br />can walk to and take their kids. He noted that with this proposal the community will be getting a <br />freeway-oriented use, and this is a long way from what his vision would be for this site. <br /> <br />r- <br /> <br />Commissioner Harvey advised that he thinks the community is expecting a gas station at that end <br />of town and at the location, in particular. He noted that initially he was not crazy about the idea <br />of the fast food restaurant and the idea for a car wash, but having heard more about the net water <br />conservation and the convenience factor he is warming up to the idea of the car wash. He noted <br />that he thinks it makes more sense for the architecture to tie into the homes as the structure <br />would not be as prominent as it is with this current design. He advised that he is not excited <br />about another fast food restaurant and commented on the traffic and noise created by that use. <br /> <br />Commissioner Roberts stated that she does not have a problem with the car wash as it is an <br />ancillary function to the gas station. She stated that she would not like to have a gas station on <br />this site, but she agrees that the community is expecting one there. She advised that she would <br />like to have the convenience store expanded to be more of a grocery store. She voiced <br />opposition to the fast food restaurant, noting that use is requiring more parking and will generate <br />traffic and exhaust fumes. She commented that there are sufficient food services offered across <br />Bernal. She noted that the fast food restaurant is not community-based, but rather an element <br />geared to the freeway usage and fairground patrons. <br /> <br />Chairperson Maas asked that the Commission work through the checklist to provide guidance to <br />the applicant. She noted that she cannot support the current proposal. <br /> <br />Commissioner Kameny stated that he concurs with Commissioner Sullivan and that he envisions <br />retail of some type, such as an upscale market. He further stated that this is the gateway to the <br />City and he does not have a problem with the operation of the proposed gas station, but he has a <br />problem with the compatibility between the homes and gas station. <br /> <br />r- <br /> <br />PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES <br /> <br />March 27,2002 <br /> <br />Page 15 <br />