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egress from that area, but he does not know how much of the traffic is contributed from <br />the shopping center and how much from the gas station. He stated that Mr. Hirst had <br />mentioned that it would be a three- to four - percent increase in volume and inquired what <br />that really means in relation to that intersection. <br />As it relates to the building design, Commissioner Posson stated that he would like to <br />see a little bit more from the applicant on what they are doing in the area of energy <br />efficiency. He noted that there were some residents who were talking about building <br />heights in relation to other buildings in the area. He added that he would like to see <br />what types of heights are being dealt with and would like to see a comparison with the <br />heights of the fire station, the apartment buildings, and the shopping center to get a <br />sense of that intersection. <br />Commissioner O'Connor stated that he did not really look that closely at the color <br />scheme of the new WalMart Neighborhood Market, but thinks that because this is such <br />a small area, anything that is done here will improve the teal that is there now. He <br />indicated that he thinks it would be good if this small piece on the corner would blend <br />with the larger shopping center next door. He noted that the biggest concern here is <br />going to be circulation, and if it is really only a three, -, four -, or five - percent increase in <br />traffic volume, he does not see it as a much larger impact than what is already there. <br />He further noted that this is a very busy intersection, and it has been there for a long <br />time. He indicated that he would like to improve it, but he does not know if that is within <br />the Commission's purview. <br />Commissioner O'Connor stated that, assuming the carwash does actually meet the <br />sound study and the City's Code, he thinks the way it has been proposed is going in the <br />right direction because exiting on the south side of the building brings the traffic closer <br />to that southernmost driveway, and that is the easiest driveway to go out for multiple <br />options such as making a left on West Las Positas Blvd. or going north on Santa Rita <br />Road. He agreed that the sound study is needed before any decision can be made. <br />Commissioner Ritter noted that everyone said pretty much everything. He stated that <br />one thing he does like is the trees that they have around the carwash that might be <br />helping with the noise factor. As far as the circulation and flow, he stated that it is going <br />to be way better than the gas station at Bernal Avenue and 1 -680. He noted that this <br />really beautify that corner as it needs an upgrade of some sort, without the teal, as <br />others have said. He indicated that one thing he would caution on the entrance and <br />exits is to make sure that the shrubbery that is installed does not block the view of <br />oncoming traffic so there is not any obstruction especially along the sidewalk area <br />where children will be walking. <br />Chair Pearce stated that she would agree with most of what has been said. She noted <br />that the neighborhood has concerns about traffic, but it sounds like the City Traffic <br />Engineer is comfortable with the circulation on -site. She indicated that she has driven in <br />and out of that shopping center a lot, and making that flip around after taking a right out <br />of the shopping center is challenging at best. She agreed with what has been said that <br />PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, September 25, 2013 Page 16 of 45 <br />