PC 112812 - Laserfiche WebLink

Janice Stern presented the staff report and briefly described the scope, layout, and key elements of the application. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Bruce Myers, Applicant, stated for the record that he is with Pacific Union Holdings (PUH) and works for a local developer based at 675 Hartz Avenue in Danville. He indicated that for this particular project, they are joint venturing with Branagh Development, a custom -home developer /builder also based in Danville with projects in the Danville, Alamo, and Lamorinda areas. He noted that Branagh also developed and owns properties in Pleasanton, including the buildings in Downtown Main Street where Stacey's Cafe and the Tully's Coffee are located. He stated that this showcases the quality of projects Branagh delivers and that PUH prides itself on delivering good projects as well. He added that PUH left the home - building business as a result of the recession; they are now active again and partnering with Branagh in this development. Mr. Myers stated that he believes they have come up with a beautiful plan for this site based on the Specific Plan for this area and their interaction with staff. He indicated that they are very proud to have gone out of their way to save some beautiful oak trees on the site. He added that this is a great project and will be a nice addition to the neighborhood and the entire community. Mr. Myers stated that he is a big believer in the public process and was glad that he stayed around so he could have the opportunity to be heard and the neighbors could speak on this as well. He indicated that he met personally with all the neighbors surrounding the property and, in fact, has been to the Greenes' home, the Dingmans' home across the street, and the Dingmans' neighbors as well. He stated that he talked to them about the process and really tried to make an effort to try and engage them in the dialogue all along the process so they knew what was proposed to be done and felt like they had some say in the development before the developer filed an application to the City. He added that he is, therefore, interested in hearing what the Greenes' comments are and would be happy to their comments. Anne Greene, adjacent neighbor, read from a prepared document as follows: "Good Evening, Members of the Planning Commission. "My name is Anne Greene, I live at .... 1 have lived at this home for 56 years. My family has attended meetings regarding the North Sycamore Specific Plan (NSSP) since it was on the drawing board. We have fought to retain the beauty and rural character or our area which, when finally drafted, the Plan was supposed to maintain. "We are opposed to the planned development at 362 Sycamore Road for the following reasons: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, November 28, 2012 Page 27 of 38