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`7 have looked at the rendering of the proposed modification of the Schmitt's home. I actually think the architect has done a nice job of mitigating the visual impact of the second story. But in the final analysis, the City of Pleasanton has deemed it a second story addition. With the one exception in the last 20 years, all other requests for second story additions have been denied. I fear approval of this second story addition will mean the next second story addition will be approved and then the one after that Those of us who bought in Rose Point for the privacy it affords in our own backyards, will see that privacy eroded and the enjoyment of our homes diminished. "Please again vote no on this request for a second story addition. Thank you." Mr. Munn stated that he can appreciate what the speakers have said. He indicated that they are not looking down into anybody's lot; they have roof on all three sides and it would be pretty difficult to put windows in that. He added that they were very conscientious of the privacy issues, and in talking circles about what happened before, he is not sure all of that is exactly true. He indicated, nevertheless, that the property is still zoned for two stories, and if they can mitigate the view and the issue with privacy, he does not see why the additions cannot be approved. He thanked the Commissioners for their time. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. Commissioner Allen stated that it is challenging for the Commission to evaluate cases such as this where there are two competing neighboring points of view: the applicant's right to build and the neighbor's right for a view, and a view is part of the design criteria that the Commission is being asked to evaluate. She indicated that she visited the neighborhood for the very first time this week to get a sense of the character of the neighborhood and to see the story poles to get a sense of the massing. She stated that she actually biked in the neighborhood and noticed that all of the two -story homes that do exist in this neighborhood are on the periphery of the neighborhood. She noted that, in fact, the two -story home in this area mentioned by one of the speakers does not impact his view because it is at the very far north end of the property in the opposite end of the hills. Commissioner Allen stated that the character is mainly single story, most especially on Hamilton Way, which is the core of that neighborhood. She noted that with respect to the addition itself, she was glad she visited because the photos in the staff report did not convey the magnitude of the addition. She stated that she initially thought that seven feet higher was not very much, but when she saw the scale and re- reviewed the diagrams, it became clear that the addition pretty much eliminates the view that the neighbor has of the hills, a significant view impact as stated in the staff report. Commissioner Allen stated that the other thing she realized by both listening to the speakers tonight and her personal assessment is that this is a unique neighborhood and that a lot of people who moved here may have done so because of the views and the large lot sizes. She noted that there are other neighborhoods where views are not PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, August 13, 2014 Page 9 of 32