11 ATTACHMENT 04 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. DiDonato discussed the site's trees and arborist reports. He stated that during the time these studies were prepared, issues developed with the 3 deodar cedar trees on the property. He provided the City Clerk with photos, cited instances of limbs falling and damaging the existing home, and said that trees which have failed in the past are likely to fail in the future. While a permit has been issued for the removal of tree #62 only, the two on either of side of it are of the same age and poor structural condition. He said these trees are likely to be removed whether this project moves forward or not. He said that though 18 of the site's 22 trees will be removed by the project, they are also planting another 43 trees and paying $49,000 into the City's tree fund. Councilmember Cook-Kallio 'et erred to Exhibit B and said she found it to be inconsistent. She asked how old the deodar cedar trees are and what their typical lifespan is. Mr. Dolan could not speak to the exact age, though they are old, and said the reports indicate their status for preservation is good. Linda Garbarino, PHA, , addressed the City Council, stated the section of Stanley Boulevard under consideration is within the Downtown Specific Plan and thus part of the historic section of Pleasanton. She said PHA would like the Council to consider maintaining as many of the twelve heritage trees as possible. Stanley Boulevards one of the gateways to the City and should not be thoughtlessly stripped of heritage trees and landscaping that define it. She cited the amorist report findings, which stated that all but one of the trees are able to be pruned and saved, and said the trees in question would enhance any carefully planned less dense development proposed for this section of town. She provided a brief history on the existing bungalow and encouraged the Council to protect the city's diminishing inventory of historic homes through a variety of methods. She noted this would nct he the first instance of restoring a vintage home on a site intended for turd der development. She asked the Council to take this opportunity to update the Downtown Specific Plan Niti language that world protect the diminishing inventory of vintage homes that are the hallmark of the historic community. Emilie Cruzan, addressed the City Council, said she was shocked to learn that the Planning Commission granted permission for the developer to remove all heritage trees from the site in exchange for only $49,000. She said these trees are a priceless part of the City's skyline and watershed, provide habitat for several species, and filter the particulate matter produced by trains and ever increasing traffic. She was also disappointed to learn that ) the homes would be only 8-10 feet from the rear fence line, 2) the project is not subject to affordability requirements, 3) there would be only 5 guest parking spaces, 4) there is no play area within the development, and 5) that there appears to be no time constraints on construction. She also hoped that neighborhood petitions, like the one signed relative to this project, would be given greater consideration in future workshops and hearings. Darell Walterson, addressed the City Council, stated that he owns the property with the garage mounted solar panels described by staff. He assured the Council the footprint of the structure has not changed since he purchased the property in 1983, though the siding and roof has been replaced. He stated concern with the impacts associated with the proximity of the new homes and said he has contracted Solar City to prepare an independent analysis. Harish Shetty, addressed the City Council, said his primary concern relates to parking. Kathleen O'Leary, addressed the City Council, said her property abuts the railroad line from the east. She said the proposed rezoning is infeasible in this particular area for reasons associated with parking and traffic. She voiced surprise that the City would condone the removal of 18 trees, which directly contribute to her quality of life. City Council Minutes, December 7 2010 PUD-82, Donato Builders