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approved, really begins what some preservationists call "erasing" or diminishment of the historic neighborhood and replacing it with oversized new structures which do not add to the historic look of the neighborhood. She added that this "erasing" process begins with the most vulnerable, small, and quaint cottages that add charm and are part of the fabric of the historic neighborhood. She noted that the Commission currently has two quaint cottages on its list to "erase" and a potential third one tonight. She indicated that the City's historic inventory is limited and allowing demolition of this cottage, losing it forever to the neighborhood, begins the erasing of a section of Neal Street history, replacing it with an oversized home, which is clearly, although lovely, as evidenced by the story poles, just too big. She stated that this cottage is located in a historic neighborhood, and while it probably will never qualify for national recognition, it should not be demolished just because it did not pass national recognition scrutiny. She indicated that the Commission is the official, together with the Council, that needs to take control of the City's historic inventory before special interests whittle it away. She noted that approving this project will be seen by many neighbors as a regressive move by the Commission, which has been given the responsibility of protecting the City's historic neighborhoods. Cathy Pasut-Graham, neighbor, stated that she has lived all her life in Pleasanton, and while she does not know the Cunninghams, she knows that they have a lovely plan for a lovely home; but unfortunately, it is too big for a single lot. She indicated that zoning rules were established specifically to protect the Downtown historic area and she takes umbrage when someone comes into a historic neighborhood, by virtue of which they love the neighborhood and want to live there, and then want to change it. She stated that while everyone is in favor of some change, people should not be hypocrites. She agreed that changes are needed for some areas as some of the houses are falling apart; however, the rules exist for a reason which is to preserve historical environment. She indicated that this is why everyone wants to live in the Downtown and chooses to stay there. She noted that this property was bought as a single lot small home and is now being turned into two big homes. She stated that she is passionate about the neighborhood because very soon, if the neighborhood is not preserved, it will not be there. Bonnie Krichbaum, neighbor, stated that she has lived in the neighborhood for 36 years and is a Pleasanton resident for 44 years. She stated that she is opposed to the Cunninghams' plans to build the home, and the majority of neighbors also object to this plan. She agreed with Mr. Dolan and Ms. Amos that the property does look like two lots and it certainly will look more like two lots with two big homes, but it is actually one lot with one deed and one owner but two different address numbers. She added that since the Cunninghams have owned the property, there have also been two rentals. She indicated that the property is zoned R-1 6500, as is the entire neighborhood, which allows only one house on a 6,500-square-foot lot. She stated that before there were zoning restrictions, the two structures were already on the property which is now termed non-conforming. She noted that the new construction on the property is being required to conform to the present building codes and all the regulations, and, therefore, should also meet the current zoning requirements. The structure at 205 Neal Street could become a 1,200-square-foot granny flat, which is more or less what it presently is; but EXCERPT: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, NOVEMBER 9, 2011 Page 5 of 17