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neighborhood instead of a detriment. The historic Hall home could return to its historic status as one of the most regal in all of Pleasanton and the cottage could continue to provide a unit of much-needed affordable housing. urge Mr. & Mrs. Cunningham to devote their energies to restoring the historic Christine Bourg, neighbor, stated that she lived for 37 years right next to the vintage cottage being discussed, formerly owned by the Hall family. She indicated that she has spoken to the Planning Commission at least twice in the past asking for a denial of the proposal, and she is asking to do so again tonight. She indicated that the proposal to demolish the 482-square-foot cottage and replace it with a 1,844-square-foot two-story house is wrong for many reasons. She pointed out that it would spoil the integrity of the heritage neighborhood which is one of the first subdivisions in Pleasanton, divided by Joshua Neal. She added that this block on the south side of Neal Street includes the which is now the Baptist Church, the homes of Joshua Neal, banker E.L. Benedict, Game Warden Frank Donahue which is our home, store owners, Buford Hall, and Jack Collin. She noted that these historic buildings were all constructed between 1850 and 1910 and are cherished by those who own them and by the residents of Pleasanton, including school children and adults who tour the downtown, as well as by visitors to Pleasanton who may wish their own hometowns have preserved the past so well. She added that another reason she opposes this plan is that if approved, it would set a dangerous precedent and would Ms. Bourg presented photographs of the story poles taken from her kitchen window. She stated that there were no windows on the original plan, but they recently went to City Hall to look at the plans and saw that there are two windows on the second story. She noted that those windows and the front deck on the second story of the proposed property would invade their privacy because they face their kitchen, their family room, and their bathroom. She indicated that she talked with the Chief Building Official about the height of the windows, and he stated that the windows had to serve as a fire escape and would be too high at six feet. She noted that the room is also listed as a study but could be used as a bedroom. She also noted that main vegetation referred to between the two properties is low; the largest one on their side is a 25-foot-tall Photinia tree which would block some of the building; however, Photinias have a short lifespan, and this one is about 30 years old. She stated that they did not have 30 years to grow anything that would hide the building. She added that the plan would also spoil their lovely eastern view of the historic Hall home and the hills and trees beyond. Ms. Bourg stated that another issue which was also brought up earlier is that this home provides affordable rental housing which she encourages, and there are single mothers in Pleasanton who cannot afford an apartment. With respect to the three variances in addition to the one already granted, she indicated that because the lot is not deep enough, the proposed structure would sit too close to the street. She noted that this is a PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, November 9, 2011 Page 19 of 29