PC 020911 - Laserfiche WebLink

unless it is in substantial conformance with the Specific Plan. She indicated that while there are many items in this proposed project on Stanley Boulevard that need a tremendous amount of re-direction, the demolition of the house is unnecessary because it is habitable although it is now uninhabited. She added that this would set a terrible precedent leading to a very slippery slope of destruction of small street-side cottages, homes, and rentals that are on property listed as high density in the heritage neighborhoods. She pointed out that on page 68 of the DTSP, #7 very clearly states that, ent should generally provide for the preservation and rehabilitation of existing on-site street frontage homes which exceed 50 years of age or which substantially contribute to the small town character of the neighborhood in terms of architecture and sca Ms. Krichbaum stated that a home does not need to be a perfect historic example or a beautiful, maintained home to be valuable to the history and heritage of the City. She noted that new homes, regardless of amenities, never look like older homes or have their character, and new trees never really replace old trees either. She referred to the Land Use map on page 18 of the DTSP and noted that most of the DTSP area is zoned either Downtown Commercial or High Density Residential. She noted that Rose Avenue, Harrison Street, Augustine Street, Peters Avenue, Division Street, and St. Mary Street are blocks of small and interesting historic homes that are over 50 years old which are valuable pieces of property. She added that if the mindset of the property owners, City staff, and the Commission is for these homes to be demolished to make way for the development of high density homes, the small-town character feel and look of the eritage neighborhoods would be completely destroyed. She indicated that there are examples in town of street-side older homes that are being preserved with the construction of multiple-family units behind them. She noted that the PHA has consulted with City staff on several proposals by local developers to leave the original home, enhance it with a remodel, and build a moderate amount of homes behind it. Ms. Krichbaum indicated her appreciation for the concern and effort put forth by City staff, the Planning Commission, and the City Council to make this project the best it can possibly be. She added that it is very important that historic areas be preserved and enhanced as the Downtown commercial and residential areas, as well as the future and feel of the Downtown, depend upon that. She concluded that this can be achieved, but it takes community, political, and staff dedication, with respect and pride for Pleas heritage as the point of consensus in these matters. Linda Garbarino, President of the Pleasanton Heritage Association, spoke about the character and integrity of historic neighborhoods. She stated that Stanley Boulevard is one of the gateways into the City, and its historic integrity is slowly being eliminated due to thoughtless demolition, as characterized by a leading historian in a report: a street She commented that this is a critical statement for a historian to make about a city that prides itself in its history. She questioned who was to blame for this loss of historic inventory. PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MINUTES, February 9, 2011 Page 8 of 41