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would complement the existing homes on Neal Street. He indicated that the suggestion that they abandon this project and remodel 215 Neal Street instead could be done, but it would be a much more massive house than what is shown tonight. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. Commissioner Pentin commented that there apparently is an agreement to disagree in the neighborhood. He stated that he wanted to go back to the Workshop, where the Commission gave the applicant some recommendations for change. He noted that he sees a lot of compliance in the packet presented tonight. He added that while the shadow survey was done by Mr. Cunningham instead of a professional, the survey works for him. He indicated that what he sees is the Cunninghams' attempt to comply with everything the Commission asked for. He further indicated that what he does not remember at that meeting or see in the Minutes is that the size would fall outside of the Downtown Design Guidelines and, if brought back six months later, the Commission would deny the proposal if the house is not reduced considerably. He expressed concern that the Cunninghams are being held to that standard today. He stated that if the palm tree were not there, if the vegetation and landscaping were not there as they are, and if the street were not what it is, he might be concerned with the massing; however, with how it sits, he is not as concerned with the massing. Referring to the historical review that was requested and professionally done, he commented that the Commission can c ite all day and consider what should and should not be retained; however, a professional review was asked for which returned a finding that the house is not historic. He questioned at what point the Commission should say that it holds the applicant to it and that he cannot demolish or remodel. He stated that he supports the project as is. Commissioner Olson stated that he was delighted to see the staff report with the one exception that staff referred to the lot that will contain the new structure as "an independent lot" in quotes. He indicated that his view on that is the reason it is in quotes is because it is really not a lot. He noted that there is one lot, and the FAR on the one lot with the new project is below the FAR at 4512 Second Street. He indicated that at the Workshop, he expressed concern with the massing, and the architect has returned with a redesigned project with less massing. He stated that he agrees with Commissioner Pentin on this point. He indicated that he thinks the problem the Cunninghams are having here is that they are trying to do a project in a neighborhood that has demonstrated a hostile view of projects, just as what occurred with the Harvey project at Third Street and Neal Street, which he sat through. He commented that he thinks it is unfortunate that some people in the community cannot view differences in the neighborhood. He indicated that he thinks this project is acceptable and that he would vote in support of it. Commissioner Pearce started with her usual comment that neighborhood disputes are always the hardest thing that the Commission does, and it is never a situation where it can make everybody happy. She stated that she thinks it is a lovely house, and she has tried to be consistent in conveying that to the Cunninghams, both formally at the Workshop and informally when she met with them on site. She indicated that she also EXCERPT: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, NOVEMBER 9, 2011 Page 13 of 17