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suggest that both trees could be preserved if judicious pruning took place, which would <br /> reduce the end weight of some of the big long overhanging branches and minimize any <br /> future branch failures, which would make them good trees that could last in the <br /> landscape for a very long time. <br /> Commissioner Blank inquired what Trees #61 and #64 would be appraised for in today's <br /> valuation. <br /> Mr. Fulford replied that they would probably have the same value as appraised in the <br /> first Tree Report of $11 ,250 for Tree #61 and $13,700 for Tree #64. He added that it is <br /> likely that another consulting arborist would value them the same. <br /> Commissioner Blank inquired if the noise level numbers presented were the amount of <br /> the reduction of noise or the anticipated noise level inside of the bedroom. <br /> Mr. Dolan replied that this was the noise inside the house. He indicated that this <br /> information was provided primarily based on some comments from Councilmember <br /> Sullivan, following the determination at some discussion that it was just not practical to <br /> reduce noise levels when the train goes by and blows its whistle because it would <br /> require a 40-foot wall. He pointed out that the mitigations proposed meet the noise <br /> levels in the General Plan, except when the train goes by and the whistle blows. He <br /> noted that Councilmember Sullivan understood that during those times, the noise level <br /> would be above the General Plan noise levels, and his question was merely and <br /> essentially how bad that noise level will be. <br /> Commissioner Blank stated that the intent of the noise disclosure was not just that it be <br /> disclosed but that it be disclosed separately and in plain language because of noise <br /> sensitivity. He noted that most disclosures are highly technical, and deed disclosures, <br /> in particular, tend to be full of legalese which is something that is difficult to understand. <br /> Mr. Dolan stated that this could be done. <br /> Commissioner Blank noted that following the Commission's project review and its <br /> recommendations at the workshop, there were no changes made in the density, the <br /> FARs, or the setbacks; there was no significant change in terms of the open space area <br /> other than the addition of the play structure; there was no change in parking, a modest <br /> change in tree removal, some change in the shading to the photovoltaic panels, and no <br /> change in the noise or vibration. He asked staff if this was correct and in what areas <br /> were real changes made. <br /> Mr. Pavan replied that Commissioner Blank was correct. <br /> Commissioner O'Connor agreed with Commissioner Blank and noted that staff had <br /> proposed the play structure, to which the applicant has not agreed. <br /> Commissioner Pentin noted that the current plan is significantly different than what was <br /> originally sent to the City Council and that the workshop was to identify this new plan <br /> EXCERPT: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, July 13, 2011 Page 2 of 10 <br />