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Commissioner Pentin stated that he is in the same quandary as other Commissioners. He noted that he has only seen the project once, and from what he has read and what has been presented, he has been trying to find a compelling reason to save the house as he has seen many houses in town that have been renovated and are gorgeous. He continued, however, that when he looks at this project, he sees how far it has come through the process and how the applicant has developed an entire plan without the house. He commented that the Commission has really not made a finding to save it. He pointed out that staff has asked an authority to tell the Commission what the house really means, and the consultant has indicated that it does not rank as a heritage house to be saved. He noted that he has also questioned what the house would look like with high density development built around it and what would be accomplished by doing this. He added that the street will also change with the addition of curbs and sidewalks; he indicated that he would support the demolition of the house. Chair Narum agreed with Commissioner Blank that this is a very tough decision. She stated that she also attended the California Preservation Foundation Conference, and she supported demolishing the house but for a different reason. She noted that the integrity of the street is already gone, and there is only one other house left on that street that is more than 50 years old. She indicated that she believes the bigger question is that there are a lot of other neighborhoods that have been identified as having many historic, older homes which may not meet any of the preservation criteria evaluated here but which does not mean they should be torn down. She indicated that those areas are more consistent and where the attention should be. Commissioner Pearce stated that she would like the Commissioners to remember this discussion and this house when they return and talk about putting together some kind of Historic Preservation Ordinance for the City. She noted that if something were in place 30 years ago, this conversation would not be happening, and the street would be intact with lovely houses. She indicated that she would hate to see this happen to the rest of the City. Commissioner Blank stated that he was very much in support of a conservation ordinance and that if something were in place five years ago, this discussion would not be happening. Chair Narum agreed that there is a need to protect the integrity of older neighborhood homes. The Commission then discussed the questions listed in Exhibit B of the staff report: Does the Commission support the demolition of the existing house? Commission supporting the demolition. PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MINUTES, February 9, 2011 Page 14 of 41