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In response to Councilmember Pentin, Director of Community Development Beaudin stated that if there <br /> were any changes in rental parking they would have to amend the PUD and evaluate the project on the <br /> whole at that time. <br /> Councilmember Brown inquired regarding the policy of giving parking credit for the destruction of <br /> buildings. Staff responded that the policy was designed to encourage redevelopment Downtown and <br /> only applies to only the Downtown area. There are some buildings which have not aged very well and <br /> need to be replaced. The Downtown parking is constrained. Buildings need replacement and it is hard <br /> to accommodate parking in tight places. <br /> Councilmember Brown confirmed that the approximate parking in-lieu fee per space for this project is <br /> $19,000. She also felt that the proposed tandem parking would result in tenants moving their parking to <br /> the street, further impacting parking in the Downtown area. Staff commented that there are 3-hour <br /> restrictions for parking on Spring Street and there is also a proposed 20-foot drive aisle to jockey cars <br /> within the subject site. <br /> In response to Councilmember Brown, staff noted that if the project is meeting the expectations of <br /> Council and the community in regard to the massing, there is ability within the existing Code and <br /> policies to consider a project that goes higher than 30 feet. <br /> Mayor Thorne opened the public hearing. <br /> Galen Grant, applicant, thanked the staff for their work and for their initial feedback. A PowerPoint was <br /> presented which highlighted the architectural features of the project which meets the City's intent for <br /> retail and commercial in a neighborhood friendly way. The resemblance of the building and the <br /> structure next to it was inspired by others on Spring Street and Main Street to the west. Every unit has <br /> three decks to encourage an indoor/outdoor living experience and they softened the elevations and <br /> provided for the kinds of articulation that would justify allowing a 3-story structure. <br /> Mr. Galen further elaborated on project features including the commercial and retail space tile accents, <br /> awnings, arched windows, articulated parapets, and Mission Revival details. The western facing view <br /> shows the ground drops off significantly and they have created a beautiful fence that separates while <br /> also rebuilding the retaining wall. The neighbors requested an 8-foot wall and the applicant will <br /> accommodate a 6 or 8-foot wall, depending on the Council's desires. The Knuppe family (the property <br /> owners) would prefer all residential, however the City wants the mixed-use in the Downtown area. This <br /> building is designed to be part of the retail community and wants to feel like a commercial building. To <br /> that end, it wants a sense of mass to reflect all of the two story massing on Main Street. He described <br /> the high-end pavers and landscaping that would be installed in the project. Although the Code allows <br /> building all the way up to the property line, they are not doing that. They have pushed the setback to 6 <br /> feet. The commercial was intended to be a law office. The overall height of the 3 story units is <br /> essentially the height of the commercial building and there is also a deck in front that is a commitment <br /> to livability. The Knuppe's intent was to have the units rented as executive homes. <br /> Mr. Galen further explained other architectural features including backside undulations and glass for <br /> commercial space. He spoke to various agencies and the landscaping will be very rich. He would <br /> appreciate consideration of the 3 car credit to the in-lieu fee and that they do conform to the <br /> requirement in the Ordinance. They want to be a good neighbor and are proud of the project as <br /> proposed. <br /> Laura Olsen, representing the Pleasanton Downtown Association, stated that they do not want this <br /> project on this parcel. It is designed nicely; however the location is not beneficial. Staff is working with <br /> an outdated Downtown Specific Plan and they want to see the document updated with more clarity and <br /> with less confusion. She expressed concerns about the proposed project's parking and traffic impacts <br /> and was anticipating the updated traffic study. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 6 of 12 February 2,2016 <br />