PC 091113 - Laserfiche WebLink

24 feet. He noted that he likes the idea of stepping -back for the higher buildings towards the West Las Positas Boulevard side. Commissioner O'Connor stated that he is fine with the circulation and was trying to figure out where the headlights would go, but he thinks that for the most part the layout of the buildings is fine. He indicated that he was also looking for a two -story area for the pool versus the tot lot in the common area. He added that in larger developments that he knows, the pool is usually more central. He also expressed concern about putting the pool in the middle of four -story buildings as he does not know where the sun is going to be and where the shade would be. He stated that when he first looked at this, he thought that it would be fine if the pool were properly screened from the Arroyo, but he just thought if that was where the pool remained, he would like to see the one apartment building next to the pool, not on the recreational facility side but on the other side, brought down to a two -story in order to give more sun to the pool area. He indicated that he would not have a problem with moving it up to be more central, except that it would get into a shady area. As regards the tot lot, Commissioner O'Connor stated that there would be three - bedroom units but how many children will actually be living in the complex will not be known until they get there. He noted that the tot lot looked very large compared to the pool area and the open green area, and he believes more families will be using the open green and the barbecue area than just a tot lot. He added that tot lots are generally used only by younger children. He indicated that he would like to look a little bit more at the sizes of those three areas. He also noted that if the tot lot were moved to the back, then the noise the children will be making there could bother the neighbors. Commissioner Olson stated he is fine on the circulation. He indicated that he is not really excited about four stories anywhere and that the buildings along the Arroyo should be limited to two stories. He noted that he was surprised when he drove over there about how wide the Arroyo is and is glad that there would be only a five -foot delta between the edge of the Arroyo and that of the new buildings versus the current building. He added that the pool should probably be moved to the middle or farther up and the open green to the back. Commissioner Allen stated she is fine with the layout and agreed that the Arroyo side should be limited to two stories. With regard to the pool, she indicated that she would like the applicant to ideally look at an option with the pool more toward the middle, or alternatively keep it where it is but working with the neighborhood on the kind of screening as well as noise abatement through the right kind of wall. She agreed with Commissioner O'Connor that the tot lot could possibly be reduced in favor of more open space. Chair Pearce agreed with what almost everyone has said. She stated that she is fine with the circulation and would prefer to see two stories along the Arroyo if at all possible. She indicated that densities absolutely need to be feathered. She added that she is not thrilled about four stories but does not know if there is any way to get the PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, September 11, 2013 Page 21 of 27