PC 110911 - Laserfiche WebLink

She indicated that this is why everyone wants to live in the Downtown and chooses to stay there. She noted that this property was bought as a single lot small home and is now being turned into two big homes. She stated that she is passionate about the neighborhood because very soon, if the neighborhood is not preserved, it will not be there. Bonnie Krichbaum, neighbor, stated that she has lived in the neighborhood for 36 years and is a Pleasanton resident for 44 years. She stated that she is opposed to the Cunninghams plans to build the home, and the majority of neighbors also object to this plan. She agreed with Mr. Dolan and Ms. Amos that the property does look like two lots and it certainly will look more like two lots with two big homes, but it is actually one lot with one deed and one owner but two different address numbers. She added that since the Cunninghams have owned the property, there have also been two rentals. She indicated that the property is zoned R-1 6500, as is the entire neighborhood, which allows only one house on a 6,500-square-foot lot. She stated that before there were zoning restrictions, the two structures were already on the property which is now termed non-conforming. She noted that the new construction on the property is being required to conform to the present building codes and all the regulations, and, therefore, should also meet the current zoning requirements. The structure at 205 Neal Street could become a 1,200-square-foot granny flat, which is more or less what it presently is; but another home of 1,800 square feet would be illegal under the R-1-6,500 zoning and should never have been planned. She stated that it was mentioned that there are older homes and older lots that have variances, but this is because they were built before there were regulations, and new construction built now should meet the regulations. Ms. Garbarino stated that before this new house was planned, the property and the owners applied for and received a variance to allow some of the property to be 80 feet deep instead of 100 feet deep, so there is already a variance on the property right now, shrinking its size. She noted that another variance was requested for some tandem parking at the west side of the property, which was mitigated somewhat by a small bump-out. She added that the new construction will require three more variance, for a total of more than four variances. She stated that she sincerely hopes each Commissioner has visited the property and seen it from all angles, including from the tory poles to illustrate the size of the new construction, but as with most new construction, the actual building is much larger and more imposing than what the plans show. She noted that all properties in the Pleasanton Historic District are unique properties, one of a kind, on a unique street, in a unique neighborhood. She indicated that this lot and this block have been under siege for several years; changes have been grievous, and they have to be stopped. She added that once Downtown heritage neighborhoods, once the small cottages and heritage homes are gone, the charm and character will also be gone, and this is irreplaceable. She stated that their neighborhood is protected by the Downtown Specific Plan and does not have as most neighborhoods in Pleasanton do. She noted that right now, the City is going parcel by parcel trying to make long-term decisions for their area. She asked the Commission to look at each heritage property it is asked to consider and make a PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, November 9, 2011 Page 16 of 29