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space, preserve the majority of existing trees along West Las Positas, and create and inviting plaza with a fountain and seating near the intersection of Hacienda and West Las Positas. Throughout the project, the proposed palette reflects the local climate, provides color texture and diversity and conforms to all current state and local green building landscape requirements. Following initial presentation of the project to the Planning Commission and based on feedback from Parkside residents, a number of changes were made to protect the privacy for neighbors to the south of the Arroyo. As noted, the south facing second floor balconies and third story portion of Buildings C and D were eliminated. The swimming pool and spa, community facility, dog wash area and trash closures were relocated away from the southern portion of the site and redesigned to minimize noise and impacts. A solid six foot masonry wall was added to the rear property line and a connecting wall added between Buildings C and D to increase privacy and reduce noise. He noted that Summerhill did work with an acoustical engineer to evaluate the potential for noise reflection off of the masonry wall and, based on their recommendations, will use an articulated textural surface on the southern side of the wall to diffuse any potential impacts. The project now proposes to preserve all existing trees and provide additional trees and shrubs along the southern property line as well as to add an evergreen hedge and two rows of trees along the entire property line. Changes to the project architecture include wooden gates at patio entries, additional awnings, rafter tails, sconces, recessed windows, and altered color palette, additional exterior brick and banding at key locations and a redesigned end unit in Building A. Summerhill also reached an agreement with Chamberlain Associates to provide a total of six carports on the southerly portion of the site, positioned such that they do not distract from the current views from Chamberlain Associate's leasing office. Mr. Ebrahimi said he believed the project improved significantly as a result of this collaborative process and requested approval by the Council. Councilmember Brown disclosed meeting with the applicant. She asked that he share a slide regarding traffic with the remainder of the Council and public. Mr. Ebrahimi complied, demonstrating modifications to existing right hand turn and through lanes leading to the project. Mayor Thorne said the city may request that the proposed fountain not be used if the drought is still in effect. Mr. Ebrahimi said he is happy to work with staff to explore feature alternatives and noted the project is being designed for use with recycled water. Councilmember Cook-Kallio asked about the minimum distance between the project and the Parkside development. Mr. Ebrahimi said there is approximately 240 feet between the rear fence of the closest Parkside residence and the nearest building face of the project. Robert Natsch, Parkside resident, thanked city staff and the applicant for incorporating the requested design modifications which do help to improve the overall appearance of the project. He noted that his two-story home faces the project and his master bedroom window has a clear view of the parking lot as well as over Buildings C and D, providing him with a much different perspective than some standing on the Arroyo as depicted by staff. He said he was encouraged by the applicant's sound mitigating efforts, though he had hoped for an eight foot masonry wall for privacy reasons. He said he did not oppose the 350+ residents of the project using existing access to the south side of the Arroyo, but expressed concern that direct access to the north side would invite loitering, smoking and other undesirable behavior in what is essentially his backyard. He said the residents of Curtis Circle and Harvey Court are unanimously in favor of the in lieu affordable element. He also said they had expressed a desire for City Council Minutes Page 6 of 18 March 18,2014