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because she noted that neighbors are already impacted by parking and that after the <br /> modernization on Stanley Boulevard, parking will only be allowed on north side of the <br /> street and none on the south side. <br /> Ms. Cruzan expressed concern about the type of housing proposed. She stated that <br /> she feels there is a need for more affordable housing, and the proposed development is <br /> for single-family homes which are among the more expensive types of housing. She <br /> suggested developments featuring smaller, affordable homes for younger families and <br /> seniors due to the proximity to the Downtown. She added that home prices in the <br /> $700,000's are steep for even moderate incomes and requested that more affordable <br /> housing be built in the neighborhood. <br /> Ms. Cruzan objected to the cutting down of almost all but two of the heritage trees. She <br /> acknowledged that the developer will pay $60,000 to replace the trees, but it appeared <br /> to her that the trees will be planted elsewhere in the City and inquired whether this was <br /> a fair trade for the neighborhood. She added that it will also take a long time for trees to <br /> grow back to the size they are now. She disagreed that the existing trees are ugly, <br /> noting the existing habitat in the area, and asked that the number of housing units be <br /> decreased to save a few more heritage trees. She noted that trees provide more than <br /> just aesthetics; they also preserve neighborhoods, filter out particulate matter created <br /> by traffic, and provide a noise buffer from trains. She stated that she thinks in many <br /> years, the area will be a sea of houses without trees, and indicated that she would <br /> appreciate anything the Commission could do in this regard. <br /> THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. <br /> Commissioner Blank stated that at the last workshop, there was a lengthy discussion <br /> about the Pleasanton Heritage Association (PHA). He inquired if staff made a <br /> determination as to whether the Association needed to be involved. <br /> Mr. Otto replied that the plans were routed to the Association, and its representatives <br /> had provided a comment letter which was attached to the report. <br /> Commissioner Blank referred to Condition No. 8, stating that there was a lot of <br /> discussion about the language used on deeds and disclosures being provided. He <br /> suggested that the phrase "in plain language" be added so the disclosures are easily <br /> understood. <br /> Commissioner Blank added that also of concern in Condition No. 8 is that there is a lot <br /> of discussion about noise. He indicated that he understands the City is not going to try <br /> and mitigate the train whistle noise, which is not stated in the conditions. He stated that <br /> he believes that, having lived near a train track for many years, it is one thing to hear <br /> the train going by but quite a different thing when the whistle blows. He suggested that <br /> language be added to address the Union Pacific Railroad and possible noise including <br /> whistles and vibration impacts of the railroad. <br /> EXCERPT: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, September 15, 2010 Page 6 of 9 <br />