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DRAFT and accommodated all their concerns and recommendations, with the exception of their proposed removal of the residential use for the front site. He noted that while it is their preference to use this space as commercial, they do not want to remove the existing allowed use enjoyed by the surrounding parcels. He explained that, depending on the economy, this gives them the flexibility to put a short-term residential tenant there, which they have right now, while they work on the perfect tenant to create vitality. Tony Adams stated that he has been in Downtown Pleasanton for 44 years, has 150 full-time employees, and owns the property east of the proposed project, which he thinks would be an absolutely fantastic project. He indicated that he backs up to the project, and as earlier mentioned by Mr. Carey, they are within 36 inches of the project and within 18 inches of its height. He added that he has no issues whatsoever with the proposed project. Charles Huff stated that he has been viewing this site with an empty lot for many years and wondered many, many times how this could be developed. He noted then that it was going to take somebody with vision in order to incorporate the house on the corner with this empty lot, and there is just no way to develop it due to the current zoning there. He indicated that he thinks the proposed project is a rare opportunity to consider how the developers have looked at this lot and address mixed-use residential and commercial opportunities. He noted that the Spanish Colonial architecture of the front lot actually ties in quite well with the residential use and is seen in many buildings in the Downtown, including the Veterans Hall. Mr. Huff stated that it is a rare opportunity to develop this infill site to address the need for quality residential units while creating a retail plaza that will bring much needed vitality to this part of town. He noted that at nighttime, a retail use at the corner lot of this part of Downtown would not be a place that people would flock to, whether it be a coffee shop or a restaurant; but a public plaza would be a good addition that would encourage people to come and gather. Andrew Shaper stated that he has lived Downtown for 33 years within a couple of hundred feet of this proposed site. He indicated that there is no question that the empty lot will ultimately be developed, and he does not have a problem with most of what has been proposed. He noted, however, that he has a couple of issues: 1. The height, at three stories. The houses down on the other side did it with two stories, and that makes a lot more sense. The actual mass of the row houses down on Peters Avenue is urban, compared to the old house that was preserved or the existing house farther down Angela Street. It is not Downtown Pleasanton; it is not small town Pleasanton; it is not historical Pleasanton. The 88 historical houses got major restrictions and need all kinds of permission if the owners want to do anything. So this is not like the green fields; it is not like other parts of Pleasanton that are just being developed. The use of the old house is fine. 2. The mini-plaza. A lot of work went into the Downtown Hospitality Plan — many people, a lot of public comments, a lot of meetings — and the idea was to have a buffer between the main commercial zone on Main Street and the residential area which really starts on the other side of Peters Avenue, and that is why it is DRAFT EXCERPT: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, 11/182015 Page 6 of 22