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teardowns, large scale and inappropriately styled additions. #17, as Mr. Dolan pointed out, on this page states that Pleasanton should protect the established size and space and new buildings in historic residential neighborhoods by avoiding excessive lot coverage and maintaining appropriate separations. #19 states Pleasanton should maintain the original character of homes by encouraging additions to the rear. #20 states garages should be at the rear. She strongly believes that the integrity of our City government and City staff requires and rests upon consistently following the rules, policies and guidelines set out by the DSP and this proposal is not in conformance with that plan. Linda Garbarino, President, Pleasanton Heritage Association (PHA), she pointed out that there are a variety if people associated with the PHA who work towards preserving history. Bothersome is the practice that the City has taken on of using the California Register status criteria for demolition, and this is not what it is for. It is to determine whether a house qualifies for status. If it does, give it to it. If it does not, it does not mean it is a license to tear it down. There have been 5 houses torn down in the last 2 years and this is a practice the City should avoid because weaker homes in historic neighborhoods are being whittled away. Also important is that sometime in the recent past, the former owner of 205 Neal was told by planning staff that she could not add a bedroom onto the small cottage which was in violation of the DSP. She questioned what happened between that time and 2012 that we are now willing to demolish it and put a house there that is simply too big. It now has been so modified that it has an ugly shed roof profile which does not bespeak any heritage property. The trend she is seeing is that the City is looking at variances as the rule instead of the exception, which is a bad slope to start on because of slippage. Soon, variances will become the rule of thumb. She thinks there is also an issue of consistency. One of the problems between initiation of the DSP and the current staff is there is no orientation with this document. While there are natural turnovers, there is concern that this document has been ignored. She is extremely disappointed in the quality of the historic report. Homework was not done. She has read 6 others prior to that which was well done. She said the Hall home is owned by the Cunningham's and no one is speaking in defense of 215 Neal Street because he owns that. This house has been allowed to deteriorate, which is not a good thing which should also be looked at. Joyce Shapiro said since 1966 there probably have been about 7 DSP's and every time there is a new Council or Planning Commission, they change. Also, she was on the committee that picked where the plaques on homes should go and there is no historical significance that the State or federal government would consider historical, but something they did during their celebrations. She thinks it is very interesting that downtowns are unique. There are many types of homes, setbacks, garages, driveways, most people park on the street and do not use their driveways or garages, and this all mixes well which is unique, and they seem to get along much better than the occupants. She was not sure what is considered heritage or historic which is very fuzzy. The Cunningham's have been very good in dealing with the City and all the requirements which have been placed on them. They spent considerable time and money and it is unfortunate that this is a clear case of NIMBYism, and she hoped the Council will approve the project so they can get on with their lives. Cathy Pasit-Graham, 4443 Second Street, said like many others she has seen numerous changes. Most are wonderful and the City has done a good job of maintaining the essence of Pleasanton. In 2010, the City was number 63 on CNN Money's best place to live. This is the result of good planning and dedication to the fundamental roots of their community and maintaining the history of the town. Preservation and culture is the very thing that brings business, tourists and homeownership to the community. She said the reality is, this subject has been brought to the forefront many, many times and there is not much in the manner of new and profound that she can say. But, everybody comes here today with heavy hearts. The Neal Street residents are here because they are staunchly and wholeheartedly protecting their neighborhood from the demise of the historical beauty and preservation. Mr. Cunningham's reason for being here tonight is strictly financial. He wants to tear down and build a bigger house. He says he needs 1800 square feet, as anything less would be too small for his family. It saddens him that someone who works in this community and whose source of income is a historical and architectural home sold here would actually want to put an end to its wonderful existence. Mr. Cunningham may say this is just one old, unstable house and a small request. This is why she is City Council Minutes Page 14 of 26 February 7, 2012