PC 020911 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. Camp stated that they agree that some of the Deodar cedar trees (#61 through #64) are healthy, but they have split trunks and some are very tall and very large. He noted that they have adopted an aggressive mitigation program that would replace the cedar trees with California native species throughout the project and in the backyards. He indicated that one of the most important issues is the public health and safety issues of the trees. He pointed out that the Deodar cedar trees produce small round cones in abundance that land on streets and sidewalks and present great danger to anyone walking by the trees. He added that this specie also has a history of limb breakage, even with maintenance, which may cause damage to the homes. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. Commissioner Pearce requested that Mike Fulford, City Landscape Architect, be present at the meeting when the actual application is presented. She indicated that she Commission. She stated that she has learned more about historic homes after she and Chair Narum attended a California Preservation Foundation workshop on historic preservation and that she does not support the demolition of the house. Commissioner Pearce stated that the Commission does not look at whether this is a great house, but rather, it tries to evaluate if the house has any historical significance in conformity with Federal and State guidelines, with respect to whether or not the house is associated with an important period or important people in Pleasanton history. She noted that the report concludes that the house does not have these associations; however, the report also states that the footprint, form, and structure of the house has been unchanged, it has good integrity and design, and that if minor modifications were undertaken, primarily the removal of the stucco cladding, the house would be in great shape. Commissioner Pearce stated that her entire belief regarding preservation of the house has nothing to do with whether or not anyone important ever lived there or whether this particular part of the street was important in Pleasanton history, but rather, with whether or not this is a structure worth saving. She noted that based on the expert report, she believes that it is. She indicated that she thinks a lot can be done with houses like this, especially in looking at what has been presented of the San Diego house. She continued that she believes a lot should be done with houses in Pleasanton based not on whether or not they meet Federal or State guidelines for historic importance, but on whether or not they are good examples of older homes and can help the City retain the integrity of the older districts in town. She stated that s suggestion that the house be relocated to another place, but clearly this is where the house belongs. As a final note, Commissioner Pearce noted that the applicant talks about the current state of the structure. She stated that, as she understands it, the structure has been owned by the applicant for 30 years, and she is not in favor of rewarding someone for allowing the house to fall into disrepair and then approving it for demolition. PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MINUTES, February 9, 2011 Page 12 of 41