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store, which was truly a neighborhood store, and that they really miss it. He indicated that like everybody else, he is here obviously to support this new store. Mr. Heuer stated that he wanted to ask the appealing parties tonight some questions and was shocked that they are not present. He stated that he wanted to know what the issue was for them, if it was traffic, because he cannot believe that it will be that much different than what the old Nob Hill generated. He asked if the issue is unions and what the model of a local neighborhood store is because 99 Ranch, Gene's Fine Foods, Fresh & Easy, and Trader Joe's are all non -union stores. He added that out -of -town local neighborhood stores, such as Grocery Outlet and Whole Foods, or a big box, Smart and Final, are all non -union as well. He further asked if the issue is the change of operation or that it is an eyesore, as there is no change of operation and that it is now an eyesore. Mr. Heuer stated that he went online to look at WalMart's neighborhood store, and it is bright, clean, crisp, attractive, and welcoming, and it looks a lot like these other stores. He noted that the neighborhood loved Nob Hill, and the residents did not care if it was a union or non - union. He added that he felt sorry for local officials who have to put up with bullying from local unions. He asked the Commission to reject the appeal and not to let the bullies have their way. Al Phillips stated that he lives in Livermore and that his wife works in Pleasanton. He indicated that this is more than just a discussion of WalMart moving in; this is more about property rights, sales tax revenue, and supporting the needs of the community. He noted that Mrs. Anderson has been making the payments here for the last couple of years, and no one else has been making the payments on it. He added that WalMart has put in a contractual agreement to lease the store, and there are outsiders trying to prevent that from happening. He indicated that he supports the store as well as Mrs. Anderson. Kathy Stieg stated that she and her husband moved to Pleasanton in 1986 and started their own business in 1996. She indicated that to her, this simply seems to be an economic decision. She noted that the last time she drove through Downtown Main Street, she was stunned at the number of vacancies. She added that when they first set up their business in 1996, they were lucky to find a lease space Downtown, and now there are vacancies everywhere. She stated that she cannot see any downside to someone who wants to move into a building and to create jobs. Robert Bacon stated that he has been in this town since 1966 and that first of all, he would like to commend the Planning Commission for approving this project. He stated that he thinks it is appropriate and it is good for the town. He added that bigger than that is this is going to be a job- creating machine, not just the 75 or 95 jobs that are going to be created on -site but related jobs for the businesses there. He noted that these people will now be able to hire more people, who will then have more money to spend someplace else. He added that it is a multiplier in the sense that when people go in to buy a sandwich, someone will be making the bread; when they buy a dress, PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, March 19, 2012 Page 6 of 15