PC 110911 - Laserfiche WebLink

the FAR for the proposed structure by accessing the property next door, as she thinks they really look like two separate parcels of land. She indicated that she personally has no problem with the design and thinks it is a lovely structure, but it is too big for the lot. She added that at this point, there are issues that speak to the height, FAR, the bulk, massing, and setbacks, and every time a problem arises, a variance is needed, which is a departure from what should exist within a historic neighborhood. She stated that the crux of the issue is what has been said earlier regarding protecting the established size and spacing of the buildings in the residential neighborhood by avoiding excessive lot coverage. She added that the Downtown Specific Plan talks about building elements which should be consistent with elements of the Heritage buildings in the immediate neighborhood, and each variance takes away from the intent of those guidelines. She questioned how many variances are needed before too many are sought. She stated that these additional variances become a problem because they vary from what is expected to be seen there. Ms. Garbarino stated that the Downtown specific guidelines for historic neighborhoods prohibit demolition of primary buildings if no other reasonable means of rehabilitation or relocation can be achieved, and these buildings can be retained for residential use as She indicated that this project, if approved, historic neighborhood and replacing it with oversized new structures which do not add to the historic look of the neighborhood. 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 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 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 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. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, November 9, 2011 Page 15 of 29