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DRAFT <br /> Michael Knuppe stated that he owns Kimberly Commons, the houses directly across the <br /> street and the duplex on the corner. He indicated that he is also the owner and <br /> developer of the Angela row houses at the other end of the street. He stated that he <br /> knows the Peters Avenue corridor very well and thinks the proposed project would fit in <br /> and be a great adjunct to that particular corner. He added that it is a great mixed-use <br /> project and has merit; the architecture and the design are excellent. <br /> Mr. Knuppe stated that his only minor concern is the three ugly garage doors facing <br /> Peters Avenue. He indicated that there are no other garage doors facing anywhere on <br /> Peters Avenue and proposed that the developer consider leaving the garages open so <br /> that people do not put their stuff in the garages or park their cars out in the driveway. <br /> He noted that when he first brought his project to the City and asked to put in garage <br /> doors, he was told that garage doors were specifically denied on Peters Avenue. <br /> Mike Carey stated that he has been a Pleasanton resident since 1973 and have lived <br /> Downtown with his wife and three kids. He indicated that he lives, works, and own <br /> property within a few doors of this project, so what is built on this site would personally <br /> affect his family, his neighbors, and the Downtown community. He stated that they <br /> worked really hard and closely with staff for over two years to create a project that they <br /> are excited about and believe adds to the vibrancy and beauty of the Downtown. He <br /> added that throughout the process, they have strictly followed the set of rules <br /> established by the General Plan, the Downtown Specific Plan, the Downtown Design <br /> Guidelines, and the zoning district. <br /> Mr. Carey stated that the final product is consistent with surrounding properties. He <br /> referred to a City map that he earlier handed to the Commissioners and noted the six <br /> yellow highlights of approved and built high-density PUD's on Peters Avenue, and the <br /> blue highlights of existing commercial/residential mixed-use sites. He referred to a one <br /> of the blue highlights, Valley Plumbing, which is a long-time existing business and has <br /> nine to eleven residential units behind it which have also been there for a long time. <br /> Mr. Carey stated that the final project does not use the PUD process as a variance tool <br /> to build more than what is currently acceptable. He indicated that it is far below the <br /> height limit allowed, noting that in March 2015, the Planning Commission approved the <br /> project next door at 31 feet, 8 inches and three feet from their property line. He noted <br /> that they have larger rear yard setbacks than required; it is less dense than the prior <br /> approved surrounding properties with five total units at 225 Angela Street, six units at <br /> Kimberly Commons across the street, and eight units for the Peters Street Condo <br /> Complex diagonally across from the project site. He further noted that their project is <br /> approximately the same-sized lot with four units, has four off-street parking spaces <br /> when only two are required for the residences, and has a lower floor area ratio (FAR) <br /> than what is allowed on the lot. <br /> Mr. Carey stated that they worked to create not only what is in the Guidelines but also <br /> significantly under the limits in all aspects. He noted that with respect to the pre-existing <br /> commercial site, they felt it had a great look and used it as their inspiration for the <br /> residences. He added that they created a mini-plaza that will enhance the building and <br /> benefit the Downtown, Downtown residents, and the community as a whole, and make it <br /> a destination for people to gather. He indicated that they have worked well with staff <br /> DRAFT EXCERPT: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, 11/182015 Page 5 of 22 <br />