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Referring to comments made by homeowners that they were not made aware of <br />regulations prior to the purchase of their homes, Commissioner Blank inquired if realtors <br />are required to disclose the DTSP to homebuyers in the Downtown area. <br />Mr. Dolan said no. He added that he has never heard of a specific plan being a <br />required disclosure document or who would be required to disclose it. <br /> <br />Commissioner Blank stated that it was his understanding that when someone <br />purchases a house, the previous owner is required to disclose certain things, for <br />example, that getting approvals may be problematic. <br /> <br /> Dolan had earlier mentioned the need to <br />publicize this more for clarification purposes. <br /> <br />Commissioner Blank stated he would maintain that, whatever form this historic <br />preservation document takes, whether soon or years from now, buyers be noticed of <br />what they are getting into. <br /> <br />THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. <br /> <br />Jerry Hodnefield, Downtown property owner, expressed his frustration with what he <br />believes is a very subjective process. He stated that they were not informed of how <br />difficult their renovation experience would be and that there is so much inconsistency, <br />ambiguity, and unnecessary costs and paperwork. He noted that when his children <br />tried to navigate the process for their property on Spring Street over the last year, they <br />were told that the house had no historic value but that it was in a historic district. He <br />questioned the need for the numerous requirements in the process to a point where <br />nothing can get done. <br /> <br />Linda Garbarino, Downtown property owner and President of the Pleasanton Heritage <br />Association (PHA), stated that she wonders how much disclosure is provided to <br />homeowners from City documents, business promotions, advertisements, and real <br />estate brochures. She indicated that she has owned two historic homes in Pleasanton <br />and sees it as her responsibility to take care of them and expects future owners to <br />assume that responsibility as well. She stated that while she does not support punitive <br />ordinances, she suggested that the City look at the entire neighborhood and not just at <br />one building, as moving into a community of historic homes is a responsibility because <br />the surrounding economic vitality of a Downtown is supported by strong and attractive <br />neighborhoods. She clarified that the PHA is an advisory group and has no authority to <br />tell people what they can and cannot do and that the group is in the process of working <br />through an educational component to provide people with information on restoration, <br />maintenance, and upkeep. She indicated her support suggestions to move <br />forward with a process for more disclosure. <br /> <br />PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MINUTES, March 9, 2011 Page 12 of 24 <br /> <br />