PC 032311 - Laserfiche WebLink

Ms. Stern said no. She noted that on page 6 of the staff report, staff suggests that if the first -floor garage is eliminated and the existing uncovered parking was used on site, the building could be reduced by one story, which would create something less awkward in terms of the parking. Mr. Huff stated that the proposed parking is not only to comply with parking requirements but also to accommodate the truck fleet which would need that space to park. Jerry Hodnefield, property owner on Spring Street, stated that he reviewed the proposed plan, studied staff's recommendations, and read the comments submitted by the Pleasanton Heritage Association (PHA), and indicated that he believes the adjacent property owners should have the most input with respect to any decision to be made regarding the project as they are the ones who are most affected by the project. He stated that he supported the project as proposed and hoped that other adjacent property owners step up and support the project as well. He stated that he supported the height of the building and that Mr. Huff has done a good job of introducing elements such as recessed panels to mitigate the perceived height of the building. He noted that the project meets all the design criteria and will be constructed at the rear of the property, approximately 150 feet from the street, adequately screened by a period building which was completely rehabilitated. Steve Grimes, property owner on Spring Street, stated that he has been before the Commission years ago when he built his shop on Spring Street. He indicated that he remembers the building that Mr. Kearns purchased and did a great job at renovating. He mentioned that he saw the story poles and walked to the property. He added that he has no problem with what Mr. Kearns is trying to do, whether it be three stories at 32 feet high or two stories at 28 feet high. He noted that a 32 -foot high building similar to the proposed project, is located on Division Street across from the Firehouse Art. He added that Mr. Kearns has done a good job at renovating his building in the front of the property and thinks that the proposed design is very well done. Colleen Schwartz, property owner on Spring Street, agreed with Mr. Hodnefield's statement that the next -door neighbors should have a lot of input into the design for this project. She stated that she is the neighbor who owns the single -story Pilates studio on Spring Street. She indicated that leaving the architectural schematic in the hands of Mr. Huff is good and that what Mr. Kearns has done with his property speaks for everything. Ms. Schwartz stated that based on the architectural renderings, it is a great project that looks much like a Santa Barbara style. She noted that the building seems tall from her Pilates studio; however four feet does not make a lot of difference. She indicated that she drove down Ray Street and could not see the story poles, even with the bare trees. She stated that once the trees fill in, the building will not be visible at all. She noted that driving along Spring Street, one can hardly see her business, and the proposed project at the back of the lot will not be visible from the street as well, except from her business. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, March 23, 2011 Page 7 of 21