PC 060811 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. Bowers requested the Commission to approve the learning center in the office building within VBP Conditioned Use. Commissioner Pearce asked what sort of program they will be offering for the pre-kindergarten children. Mr. Bowers replied that they would be offering group learning activities. He suggested that his wife would be in a better position to answer the question. Commissioner Blank stated that he serves on the Board of Directors of a homeowners association and that normally, their association encourages its members to obtain the approval of the association before going to the City. He noted that sometimes homeowners who go to the City first and get approval get carried away and start working without the approval of the homeowners association, which could result in messy court cases. He asked Mr. Bowers why he came to the Commission without having the approval of the owners association, which is the reverse order of things. Mr. Bowers replied that they asked the owners association for approval but were denied. Commissioner Blank asked Mr. Bowers if he realizes that the Commission cannot grant him that approval. Mr. Bowers replied that he understands that. He added that they are looking for approval by the City, and if the owners association has a problem with it, they will deal with that when they have to. Summer Bowers, applicant, stated that she has been a highly-qualified credentialed teacher for 12 years and has actually worked in Pleasanton and Castro Valley. She added that she worked with the Pleasanton School District through its wonderful program which coaches and helps new teachers to be certified. Ms. Summers stated that the idea behind Summer Time Learning is to provide an learning and education over the summer. She indicated that she wanted to start small with keeping pre-kindergarten and first grade students, providing them with a schedule and routine in a learning environment. She added that pre-kindergarten learning is not a one-on-one tutoring but rather, a participation in overall kindergarten readiness within a group environment involving group story time, cooperative learning, working with colors and shapes, and sitting quietly. David Wensky, newest member of the Architectural Review Board (ARB) of Valley Business Park, stated that he has lived in Pleasanton for 25 years and owns two properties in VBP. He indicated that there are two other Board members in the audience who will speak about the issue brought forward earlier by Commissioner Blank regarding why the applicant is before the Commission tonight. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, June 8, 2011 Page 9 of 22