06 - Laserfiche WebLink

DISCUSSION The Appeal On July 7, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Pleasanton Masonic Center filed an appeal of the Planning Commission's approval of a modified Conditional Use Permit (Attachment 2). Reasons for the appeal are listed below, with staff's responses in italics: 1. Request to reschedule hearing was not granted. Staff's Response: The hearing had been rescheduled a few times due to personal reasons (the Millers) and meeting conflicts (the Masons). Staff contacted both the Millers and the Masons prior to scheduling the June 22, 2016 Planning Commission hearing, and both parties accepted the date. The Masons later requested a change of hearing date, which could not be accommodated as the agenda for the meeting had been finalized and the Planning Commission was eager to work on a resolution of the complaints. 2. Information the Commission received regarding parties at the Masonic Center is untrue and has been exaggerated. Staff's Response: According to Police Department records, three events held on May 31, 2008, December 18, 2008, and January 18, 2009 had attendance up to 600 persons. As described in the Planning Commission staff report, these events caused a significant amount of disturbance to surrounding residents. Calls reporting a gunshot(s) were received by the Police Department during one event, and juveniles were found consuming alcohol after another event. No events of a similar magnitude have been held at the Masonic Center since January 2009. 3. Planning Commission, at the hearing, asked staff for information regarding actions by the Masons. The Masons would like to present information and answer questions. Staff's Response: In addition to the opportunities to comment in writing and /or in person at any time, Masonic Center representatives will be able to clarify information at the hearing on the appeal. 4. The Commission's decision would cause financial harm to the Masons. The conditions requiring business hours to end at 9 p.m. will not work for the Masons. Staff's response: Staff cannot comment on whether the modifications to the Conditional Use Permit approved by the Planning Commission would cause financial harm to the Masonic Center and such an issue is not within the purview of the Planning Commission's review. Staff believes that the allowed operational hours set forth in the modified conditions of approval are reasonable in light of the proximity of nearby sensitive residential uses. Page 11 of 13