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"To `shoehorn' a TOO LARGE NEW HOME on a TOO SMALL site narrowly between 2 of the most historic homes in town undermines the heritage quality of those homes AND lowers their property values. "My wife, Christine & I have lived in our home ... for 37 years. We have put hundreds of thousands of dollars and thousands of hours of our own time restoring and maintaining the historic look and feel and we know that our neighborhood character, quality of life and property values will suffer. We and the VAST MAJORITY of neighborhood residents disagree with the so-called experts who say otherwise. "Mr. Huff has already pointed out at a previous meeting that when we needed a garage and bedroom space when our children arrive we were granted a variance for being within the 5 foot property line clearance. This, by the way, was in 1980. The difference is, that was for an additions which we designed in the spirit of a carriage home matching the design of our Victorian home. We were NOT building a NEW home. There was NO opposition, in fact the property owner a 4524 Second St. even wrote a letter supporting our proposal. "Mr. Cunningham does not have to build a NEW home. He has a heritage home on the lot which he could add on to, as we did. We would support him in restoring and even adding on to 215 Neal St. The home needs some work and restoration, as does the small cottage but to do this would be an asset to the neighborhood instead of a detriment. The historic Hall home could return to its historic status as one of the most regal in all of Pleasanton and the cottage could continue to provide a unit of much-needed affordable housing. "We URGE the Planning Commission to deny this project as proposed and we urge Mr. & Mrs. Cunningham to devote their energies to restoring the historic home on their lot." Christine Bourg, neighbor, stated that she lived for 37 years right next to the vintage cottage being discussed, formerly owned by the Hall family. She indicated that she has spoken to the Planning Commission at least twice in the past asking for a denial of the proposal, and she is asking to do so again tonight. She indicated that the proposal to demolish the 482-square-foot cottage and replace it with a 1,844-square-foot two-story house is wrong for many reasons. She pointed out that it would spoil the integrity of the heritage neighborhood which is one of the first subdivisions in Pleasanton, divided by Joshua Neal. She added that this block on the south side of Neal Street includes the first doctor's office, the first hospital, the Presbyterian Church which is now the Baptist Church, the homes of Joshua Neal, banker E.L. Benedict, Game Warden Frank Donahue which is our home, store owners, Buford Hall, and Jack Collin. She noted that these historic buildings were all constructed between 1850 and 1910 and are cherished by those who own them and by the residents of Pleasanton, including school children and adults who tour the downtown, as well as by visitors to Pleasanton who may wish their own hometowns have preserved the past so well. She added that another reason EXCERPT: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, NOVEMBER 9, 2011 Page 8 of 17