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Lieutenant Bretzing thought it could. However, he noted that the number of calls for service and police <br /> presence at the Hopyard location is higher due to the traffic volume and in his forecast he concluded <br /> that the proposed project would more closely resemble this location because of its traffic similarities. <br /> Councilmember Cook-Kallio asked and Lieutenant Bretzing confirmed that he saw no nexus between <br /> that and the 7-Eleven brand. <br /> Councilmember Brown noted that many of the community's concerns relate to the project's proximity to <br /> an elementary school, which was not included in staff's analysis of comparative uses. She asked staff <br /> to comment on the exclusion given the value and relevance of that data. <br /> Mr. Weinstein explained that the tables were crafted primarily for illustrative purposes, with a focus on <br /> the proximity of alcohol sales to any population that would be considered sensitive. In this case, <br /> residential uses were a good focus for that population though schools could be a good addition. <br /> Councilmember Brown expressed concern that the no u-turn sign at the exit to West Las Positas would <br /> simply result in people travelling further into the residential community before being able to reverse <br /> directions. <br /> Mr. Weinstein explained that motorists do have other options, such as making that exit and then turning <br /> back through the shopping center to get onto Santa Rita Road. <br /> Community Development Director Dolan added that there is an opportunity to make a u-turn just <br /> beyond the first opening, where it is prohibited only to facilitate ingress to and egress from the fire <br /> station. He also noted that anyone visiting the project with any frequency would likely learn very quickly <br /> to simply exit onto Santa Rita Road rather than make the right hand turn. <br /> Councilmember Brown said she has visited the site and felt it was unsafe to cross Santa Rita Road, so <br /> ultimately exited onto West Las Positas going east bound and made a u-turn to go back towards <br /> Hopyard Road. She asked about the total anticipated trip generation for the project. <br /> Traffic Engineer Tassano said the data is somewhat limited but estimated that the total number of daily <br /> trips would be in the 2,000 to 3,000 range, noting that these are total trips. <br /> Vice-Mayor Pentin said it was his impression that the 7-Eleven on Valley Avenue is as close to the <br /> middle school as this project is to Fairlands. <br /> Mr. Dolan thought the proposed project might be a bit closer. <br /> Mr. Weinstein continued his presentation, stating that the Planning Commission held a public hearing <br /> on the project with four residents speaking in opposition to and one gas station customer and several <br /> applicant representatives speaking in favor of the project. Petitions were also submitted in support of <br /> and opposition to the project. The Commission ultimately recommended approval of the project by a 3- <br /> 2 vote, with modifications to the Conditions of Approval as described. Commissioners Allen and <br /> O'Connor dissented, noting that they generally supported the project but desire more limited hours of <br /> operation for the convenience store and alcohol sales and also wished for the CUP to return to the <br /> Commission for a formal review of operations within six months of the project opening. <br /> Staff believes the project has improved since its initial submittal, particularly in regard to the reduction <br /> of operating hours. After careful consideration and research of the issues raised by the community, staff <br /> has also concluded that the project and Conditions of Approval are designed in such a way that would <br /> ensure project does not adversely affect nearby residential neighborhoods. Furthermore, the Conditions <br /> of Approval allow for the project to be brought back to the Planning Commission if unforeseen issues <br /> arise including those related to noise, traffic and crime. Mr. Weinstein noted a slight revision to <br /> City Council Minutes Page 13 of 22 November 18, 2014 <br />