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decade and knows the value this family brings to the community. He agreed with staff that the Cunningham proposal is well designed and compatible with adjacent homes; the architectural style is very beautiful and was done with integrity by Mr. Huff and the owners to make it look consistent within the community, and will enhance the beauty of the City. He reminded the Commission that the Cunninghams' cost of compliance has not been low; due to changes in the plans and the work done, the owners have spent close to $14,000 for a historical study, a horticulturist, story poles, and changes in design as requested by the City and the neighbors. He asked if it is fair to require applicants to put up that amount before they can even start on a project, and he questioned how many more requests will be asked of the applicants before they can build a home to live in that is consistent with the neighborhood. He stated that the Cunninghams have acted in good faith to be in compliance with the neighbors, the City, and the citizens of Pleasanton and requested the Commission to approve their request. Patty Donahue-Carey stated that she has lived on Second Street for 29 years, and driving by the proposed project since the story poles went up, her impression is that it would result in a structure that would look like it came from another neighborhood and landed on this street. She noted that the design is lovely and thinks that there is no one in the room who has a problem with the structure and the integrity of the design and materials that were chosen; however, she knows that when driving by historic neighborhoods it is easy to spot a home that might otherwise look like it belongs. She stated that in this case, the proposal is so overbuilt and close to the lot lines that it will never look like it was original or like it belongs. She noted that when a house is overbuilt, it falls out of the visual connection with the surrounding structures. Ms. Donahue-Carey expressed concern that there has been discussion over the years about redevelopment of properties behind her, and when she looks at the image and reckons how this would affect privacy for the home on Second Street and the value of all the homes in the areas. She stated that everybody can agree that it is a homeowner's prerogative to redesign and remodel; however, they must be very circumspect on its impact on the neighborhood, the unique quality, the privacy, and the home values of the immediate neighborhood. Becky Duret stated that she will not speak as her comments have been reflected by previous speakers. Jon Harvey, Downtown resident, had a question of staff for clarification regarding the variance that involves the calculation of the depth of the property, as the depth of the property never changed. He then asked the Commission to imagine being in the shoes of the Cunninghams: have a dream; find a property in the Downtown and convince your spouse that it is a good idea; buy the property; think about how to renovate the property as you move into your empty nester years; hire a legitimate historical architect who has been awarded the job for renovating the John Steinbeck house where he wrote many of his books; meet with neighbors to review the plans, including those who you know are predisposed to the project and who you do not know will later form a campaign against your project; go through the design process which can be frustrating in and of itself; deal with structural engineers and work back and forth in your own mind; meet with staff and EXCERPT: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, NOVEMBER 9, 2011 Page 11 of 17