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clean -up because the soil is contaminated, regardless of whether this proposal is <br />approved or not. <br />Bev Gill stated that she is a retired teacher who lives on Vineyard Avenue and has been <br />a very proud citizen of Pleasanton for 37 years. She indicated that she was quite upset <br />to learn of the 7- Eleven proposal, which she absolutely knew nothing about until she got <br />a card in the mail. She noted that this indicates to her that perhaps there ought to have <br />been some outreach to the community. She stated that she is very heartened to hear <br />concerns of her fellow citizens and has nothing to add regarding to why she does not <br />approve this plan except to just state publicly that she is entirely opposed to this <br />7- Eleven proposal. She added that she would like to support those of them who are <br />proud of their little Downtown and the surrounding community. <br />Ms. Gill stated that she moved many, many years ago from San Francisco to <br />Pleasanton because of its small -town nature. She added that she was looking for a <br />beautiful place to raise her children and work as a teacher, and she has not been <br />disappointed. She indicated that a 7- Eleven in this particular location just a few blocks <br />from where they live would be a bad decision for what they all hold dear — a town that <br />supports local citizenry who want to raise children and do business. She added that <br />she believes the proposed 7- Eleven is not a money issue, as she is sure it would be <br />lucrative, but one of quality of life: feeling safe and proud about where they live and not <br />feeling they are one of the minions in a town that supports large business chains rather <br />than the local endeavors. She noted that the developer cited having put a year and a <br />half of effort, but she has put 37 years into this community and intends to be happy, <br />living in this area until she dies. She asked the Commission to help make that happen <br />by supporting what is right around here for Pleasanton, which is not a 7- Eleven at First <br />and Ray Streets. <br />Tom Gill expressed concern about a 24 -hour anything at that location because it would <br />be a magnet for the wrong kind of people and the wrong kind of activities. He indicated <br />that he knows alcohol will not be sold there now, but he also knows that there is nothing <br />from keeping the owner from applying in the future for a permit to sell alcohol. He <br />added that after seeing the traffic flow, he will get his gas someplace else because that <br />parking lot is going to be a zoo.. <br />Jeff Michael stated that he owns a 106 - year -old historic home lives less than a block <br />away from the proposed 7- Eleven and thinks this is absolutely wrong for this area and <br />for the Downtown and is not characteristic of Downtown Pleasanton. He noted that in <br />the morning, there is so much foot traffic, pedestrians, and cars that sometimes he can <br />barely get out of his driveway due to the traffic and children all walking to school. He <br />added that having a 7- Eleven in their area is wrong because of the crime and everything <br />else it brings along with it. <br />Gina Ouelette stated that she lives in the neighborhood that abuts the old train tracks <br />and has three - year -old twins whom they frequently take outdoors. She indicated that <br />they love to go walking along the old train tracks; they bring bags and collect trash and <br />PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, December 12, 2012 Page 20 of 40 <br />