Laserfiche WebLink
Ms. Soo said yes. <br />THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. <br />Mike and Diane Roesbery stated that they have had this business for about 15 years as <br />a gas station and auto repair shop and that they have been struggling with this for a <br />while because they clearly had to shut down the repair shop. He indicated that their son <br />had been operating the store for them in the last couple of years, but it had been a real <br />struggle and so they shut it down about a month ago because it just did not work <br />anymore. He stated that they knew they needed to make some changes, and the <br />convenience store and car wash seemed to be the best way to go. He added that it is <br />good for the neighborhood, and it is also good for the business. <br />Mr. Roesbery stated that the gas station will stay with Valero as they have a contract <br />with Valero, and the car wash will be touchless. He indicated that he had another gas <br />station with a touchless car wash, and there has never been a problem with any <br />damage to cars. He added that about three years ago, he converted the convenience <br />store at his other gas station to a 7- Eleven. He noted that he is aware that a lot of <br />people are really down on 7- Eleven, but to him, 7- Eleven is the best. He stated that he <br />has run convenience stores over the last 20 or so years, and he does not know one <br />small fraction about what the people at 7- Eleven know about convenient stores. He <br />indicated that they are on top of everything that is supposed to be done at a <br />convenience store as far as health, safety, and monitoring, and a consultant comes out <br />every week and spends a lot of time with them. He added that they send out mystery <br />shoppers to make sure everything is being done right. He indicated that he is a big fan <br />of 7- Eleven and thinks that people who are opposed might be a little more surprised if <br />they see the newer 7- Eleven stores: they have fresh food and a lot better products. <br />Mr. Roesbery stated that they have listened to the neighbors' complaints and staff's <br />concerns about all those things that have been brought up. With respect to security, he <br />indicated that he has two people at all times the store is open, and there will be two <br />cashiers to help keep a clean store and monitor for crime and such. He added that they <br />are making some really nice improvements for the neighborhood, they will change the <br />lighting and put in all new LED lighting so it will be brighter and cleaner and have better <br />usage, and they will put new gas pumps so they will be updated and a lot easier to use. <br />Mr. Roesbery stated that there are 12 gas stations in Pleasanton, and not one of them <br />is operating an auto repair shop, including the one on Hopyard Road that he used to <br />own until about a year ago, whose new owner tried a couple of times and has eventually <br />closed down as well. He noted that it is clearly the way to go for most gas stations. He <br />added that he knows beer is a concern, but they will monitor the sale of beer and lock <br />the beer coolers at 11:00 p.m. so nobody can buy them late. He indicated that there are <br />places around that sell beer, including the WalMart Neighborhood Market next door, <br />and people who are going to buy beer will go and buy beer. He asked the Commission <br />to see this project their way and assist them in making it a reality. <br />PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, August 27, 2014 Page 11 of 44 <br />