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Nancy McKain stated that she and her sister are taxpayers and business owners in Downtown Pleasanton and that they are wholly in favor of the Guidelines and the amendments recommended by the PDA. She noted that the Downtown area desperately needs to be revitalized so as to make it a destination, and by doing that, the proverbial doors will be kept open. She added that in this economy, it is important to make the turn and thanked the Task Force members for their great work. Commissioner Olson asked Ms. McKain what her business is. Ms. McKain replied that she sells fashion jewelry at The Bracelet Bar, and her sister owns Serenity Stoneworks on Main Street. Charles Huff, a Downtown resident, stated that he and his family came to Pleasanton in 1980 and bought their first house in Pleasanton Valley, and over the years when their children were raised and went off to college, they decided to move Downtown. He stated that they live about 275 feet higher than Main Street, so they hear everything, including the car shows at the Fairgrounds, 1 -580 and 1 -680 traffic, but they knew what we were getting into when they moved Downtown. Mr. Huff stated that it is good to feel a part of the Downtown and that his family enjoys its vitality. He noted that back in the late 70's and early 80's, it was a little risky to go Downtown, which had about two or three restaurants and nothing else. He noted that the Downtown has really prospered quite a bit since because of the vitality being talked about tonight. He indicated that they are happy to be in the Downtown area, and part of that is because of the various restaurants that have moved in. He noted that they can hear bands playing, but it is just part of being here. He stated that they are not interested in discussing decibel levels because they know why they are living in the Downtown area and hope that people who have moved to the Downtown from other areas will tolerate that. Christine Bourg stated that she was a member of the Task Force. She indicated that it was no secret that it seemed to be not necessarily equally divided among people who had business interests and those who were residents; however, all their meetings were very congenial, and opinions were listened to. She added that Ms. Ott did a good job of trying to explain things and giving the members enough time. She stated that she thinks there were concerns among the five people who voted "no" that were concerns about taking this too quickly too soon. Ms. Bourg stated that she loves living Downtown, she likes all the activities although she thinks there are a lot of special events that are growing a little too fast, and she enjoys the Farmers' Market and being able to walk Downtown to wonderful restaurants. Ms. Bourg stated that she supports more vitality Downtown but is concerned about the negative impact on residents who live Downtown in the Core Area as well as those who live in the surrounding neighborhoods, particularly that Transition Area on the west side. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, September 12, 2012 Page 20 of 35