PC 081314 - Laserfiche WebLink

Charles Meier read from a written statement as follows: `I am here to address the proposed second story addition to the Schmitt's house at 554 Hamilton Way. "First, 1 would like to say thank you to the staff of the Planning Commission for sending out notices to all of the Rose Point residents. This is a request I made to the Planning Commission in 2005 on a proposal for a second story addition to another Rose Point residence. "The residence in this case is different, but the issue is the same - the addition of a second story. "For those not familiar with the Rose Point area, like other unique architectural areas of Pleasanton such as Second Street, there is an architectural character which is dominated by modest single story homes. This characteristic differentiates Rose Point from most other areas in Pleasanton and makes it more valuable to existing homeowners and potential buyers. `In support of their second story request, the Schmitts have pointed to second story homes in nearby Carriage Gardens and behind them on Diamond Court. Those areas are not part of Rose Point. Carriage Gardens and the Diamond Court homes were built much later than Rose Point and purchased by buyers who clearly understood they were moving into an area of second story homes. Such is not the case with Rose Point residents. "Rose Point residents have come to enjoy a neighborhood of predominantly single story homes, affording a level of privacy which is rapidly disappearing in today's housing market. 1 say predominantly single story because there are a few two story homes along the west side of Arlington Drive where, with one exception, their backyards face Sunol Boulevard. Since the construction of Rose Point, only one single story addition has been approved, and that more than 20 years ago despite a number of applications through the years. That approval, in fact became a sore point with backyard neighbors. Initially built without second story windows facing neighboring backyards, windows were later added with trees to mitigate the view of the neighbors backyards. Later the trees were cut down. Lesson: Design restrictions and mitigation measures cannot be assured long term. "The last application for a second story addition, in 2005, was opposed by more than 40 Rose Point residents that understood second story additions deprive them of their existing privacy which was a significant factor in choosing their home. No one with a pool or outdoor area wants a neighbor standing on a stool peering over the fence to see into a place they consider their own private sanctuary. A second story window into someone's backyard is, in essence, someone peering over the fence. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, August 13, 2014 Page 8 of 32