PC 121212 - Laserfiche WebLink

concern, given the 125 feet between the station and any residences. He noted that there are only eight residences, and most of them are well outside of that 125 feet. Mr. Grayson stated that he is also a small business owner also, as is Mr. Liu, and it is natural for any small business to want to increase its business. He indicated that he wanted to address some of the concerns that were raised. He stated that the 24 -hour operation appears to be a major concern. He noted that 100 percent of the gas stations in Pleasanton right now are 24 -hour operations; however, that they are amenable to looking at a different timeframe. He added that they would also be amenable to installing walls along the side to mitigate the appearance and to diffusing the lighting anywhere necessary. With respect to the remediation program, Mr. Grayson stated that Chevron does not have to remediate; it can sit on this matter for as long as it can get the Water Board to sit on it, and that is what Chevron is actually doing. He noted that the proposed project presented a great opportunity, and Chevron jumped on that opportunity to remediate that site as quickly as possible. He added that Chevron's mode of operation is to wait as long as possible because it spends millions and millions of dollars cleaning up sites. He noted that this site has already had over $4 million spent in remediation, and Chevron is very interested in getting it cleaned up. He added that Chevron does not want to be put back five to six years. Regarding parking, Mr. Grayson stated that the gas station has the potential for 12 potential stalls. He indicated that they have studies showing that 53 percent of the people who pull in and stop at the stalls go into the convenient store, which means that 12 stalls, give or take, could be used. He stated that he understands they are pushing it and need a variance at this facility, but they also understand that there is a potential that 53 percent of the people will stop and do what they always do. Mr. Grayson stated that the reason they would have a police network there is specifically because the bottom line is that people knowing the police will be there is a crime deterrent. He indicated that he has been in many hearings in Oakland, and this is a big deterrent, and 7- Eleven can basically guarantee that. Mr. Grayson reiterated that they had Planning support up until December 4, 2012 and have spent $80,000 on this project. He admitted that they did not do their due diligence as they should have with respect to the community outreach, and that they did not expect the neighborhood's reaction. He requested that Commission to do an honest and sincere review of the proposal. Acting Chair Blank stated that before the Commission takes a break, he would like to comment to both the public and the applicant that there is absolutely nothing the Commission can do about the name 7- Eleven. He added that those among the public who have been in the community know that the City has had other lightening -rod names come down. He noted that the number of mitigations being asked for are significant and advised the applicant that it may be appropriate to consult with staff during the break to PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, December 12, 2012 Page 22 of 40