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Mr. Cunningham said he spoke with Councilmember Sullivan last night, and Debby Ayres believes <br /> there is a privacy issue because of two windows. He noted there was 30 feet between the walls. If he <br /> comes from their backyard and 15 feet to his back wall, those windows will be up high and he will not <br /> be able to see them. The window from the second floor is low and from that angle, he will see his <br /> backyard and not see in her backyard. He does not want privacy issues and does not want to be able to <br /> see in her backyard. <br /> He referred to conditions and the City was asking for installation of a system so he could install a solar <br /> water heater system on. He would like to have solar on the roof, but there is not enough roof exposure <br /> for solar for electric and for hot water. Therefore, he has proposed a tank-less hot water system and <br /> knows his application will exceed the required 50 green points. <br /> Fran Cunningham, Applicant, said she and her husband have complied with every request to modify, <br /> change, rearrange, and eliminate everywhere possible their 3-bedroom home of 1800 square feet, <br /> which has now become a 2-bedroom home of 1500 square feet. They cannot go any smaller. She said <br /> she simply does not understand it—they have tried to comply in every way possible, does not <br /> understand why neighbors didn't hold conversations to try and resolve any building issues. She does <br /> not understand the degree of opposition from neighbors. The reason they are here tonight is because <br /> neighbors are appealing the project and it is strictly because they live next door and not a concern for <br /> the City. If they were in a different location, they would not be here tonight. There have been many <br /> homes built and in the downtown built that have gone through very lengthy processes, and rarely do <br /> they get appealed. She thinks this appeal is unjustified and very unfair. They have had to fight the issue <br /> for almost 3 years and complied with everything and she just doesn't "get it." All she asks is that the <br /> Council agrees to what has already been approved and let them move on. They have met every <br /> guideline and legality, they have a few variances that have been approved, and currently, the majority <br /> of homes downtown has few variances. They are only trying to build a home for their family that <br /> conforms to the neighborhood. It fits on the lot and one that will have better appearance and appeal <br /> than what is currently there now. Right now, there is absolutely no historical value. She guarantees that <br /> they will build a nice home with beautiful landscaping, and visitors and residents will walk by and enjoy <br /> it. She hoped everybody can move forward and turn this grueling experience into a happy home. <br /> Mayor Hosterman said because of the numerous speakers on this item and the remaining item on the <br /> agenda, she asked the Clerk to set the timer to 2 versus 3 minutes. <br /> Bonnie Kirchbaum, 303 Neal Street, voiced opposition to the plan, have read and re-read the DSP and <br /> the replacement house does not fit within the guidelines in many ways. The DSP is not advisory but <br /> planning policy. This has been told to her by Jerry Iserson, Brian Dolan and Natalie Amos. The <br /> guidelines come first from the General Plan, second from the DSP, and then from zoning. The DSP on <br /> page 1 states, "Under California law, no rezoning, subdivision, use permit, development plan or other <br /> entitlement for use shall be authorized for construction within the plan area which is not in substantial <br /> conformance with the plan." The DSP committee and the City have compiled a list of specific plan <br /> historic resources. This has 90 heritage sites listed; #7 is for the Second and Third Street <br /> neighborhood, all homes and buildings in the neighborhood. Within this designated historic <br /> neighborhood, 19 homes and sites were chosen with special recognition including the Buford Hall <br /> Home at 250 Neal Street, which is definitely in the DSP map. Joshua Neal's homestead is also on Neal <br /> Street. In 2009, the planning staff wrote Charles Huff and Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham telling them that <br /> the house at 215 Neal Street was built in 1890, is listed as a historic resource, and also listed in the <br /> General Plan as a historic resource. The planner further informed them that a survey in 2003 stated <br /> that 215 Neal Street has a greater level of significance because it is associated with one of <br /> Pleasanton's early families. She thinks the desecration of the Hall property which has taken place over <br /> the past few years is shocking and to demolish the cottage or a home that is too big for the site <br /> requiring many variances is wrong. In the DSP #5 states that the bulk and massing of new residential <br /> construction should be consistent with the neighborhood. Page 76, #14 states, Pleasanton should <br /> preserve and protect the character of the East Side Neighborhood around Second Street from <br /> City Council Minutes Page 13 of 26 February 7,2012 <br />