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Dear Mayor Thorne and Cil:y Council Members, Pleasanton is known for the historical styles of architecture used in its downtown business area, and in its surrounding historical neighborhoods. While there are many attributes of Pleasanton, it is this specific element that gives Pleasanton it's charm, uniqueness and it's character. It's "brand". It is these historical neighborhoods surrounding the downtown business area that add richness of character and beauty to the experience of the downtown customer. It is these historical neighborhoods that maintain home value and increase the desirability of living in Pleasanton. That is why it is important to maintain the cohesion of these historical neighborhoods. We ask that you: • Require any changes to a house in a historic neighborhood to use materials and craftsmanship of a high quality nature, and to add to the inventory of historical homes by using the architectural styles existing in the overlay area. • Make clear the process of remodeling, additions and new construction in the overlay district. • Provide clarification to the Downtown Specific Plan Guidelines for Historic Neighborhoods. • Require full disclosure to residents through the use of story poles before approval of a project. • Create designation of local historic neighborhoods and recognize their value with signage. We ask that you do not support: • The method of calculating FAR by taking the average FAR of the surrounding homes and increasing that average by 25%for the total FAR allowance. This as a rule comes with an unintended consequence. Downtown consists of many properties with original small houses about 750 sq.ft. in size dated prior to 1942 and would therefore be limited to a total of 938 sq.ft. This does not allow for people,families especially to improve scale over time. This is a common example in our neighborhood. • Any changes to the existing demolition rule. • The city having authority, instead of review,over the first 10' of a home that is being remodeled. • Do not support the Mills Act. Maintaining and improving our historical neighborhoods is of value to all of Pleasanton. These neighborhoods contribute to Pleasanton's identity. They make value-added contributions to the downtown business area and they contribute to the desirability of living in Pleasanton. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully, John & Kathleen Dlugosh