PC 102214 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. Grant replied that an open exterior balcony serves all the office spaces on the second level, and there is as much glass as possible in order to get a wealth of natural light into all those tenant spaces. He pointed out that the exterior balcony cannot be enclosed, and that openness is carried into the stairwells. He noted that the renderings had some of the stairs extending out away 90 degrees from the face of the building, and those have been dropped in in most cases so that they tuck in tighter. He added that they are also beautifully designed architectural features and are supported by a slab of stone or brick. Commissioner Piper inquired if the exterior staircase is the only way for the people occupying the second level to get to their office space. She further inquired what the primary way to get to the office space is. Mr. Grant replied that both of the office buildings have elevators. He added that the primary way will be the way the people choose because they will have the opportunity in close proximity to parking to take the stairs or to take the elevator, whichever they prefer. Commissioner Piper stated that she liked the look but wondered about safety when it is raining and the stairs are slippery because they do not appear to be covered much at all. Mr. Grant replied that there is one covered staircase in both buildings. Mr. Blake explained that the two -story buildings is not really office space like professional office space where a worker goes there and sits all day and works and nc one comes and sees them. He indicated that this is really a public consumer, accessible office space, and they are trying to make it inviting so people see the stairs and not have to go inside a dark stairwell. David Preiss, Holland & Knight, representing Vulcan Materials Company, stated that their concern is limited to the EVA proposed along El Charro Road. He noted that on the last page of his letter, they did a little markup of the site plan to show that their preferred location would be farther south, essentially coming in along the back of Building E instead of being farther up on El Charro Road. He indicated that this would basically take the EVA away from where the largest mix of quarry truck and other traffic might occur both now and in the future, particularly with East Pleasanton coming on line in the future. He added that the applicants have indicated they will work with Vulcan, and they will work with the City to try and work this out so when it comes back to the Commission for actual approval, Vulcan need not be present. He noted that Vulcan has striven for many years to open this area up so they are not here to object to the project. Finally, Mr. Preiss stated that there was a reference on the plan to two bike trails right alongside El Charro Road near where the EVA was, and he indicated that they would like to have subsequent discussions on that as they have some safety concerns about the bike route along the road and would like that to be addressed. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, October 22, 2014 Page 17 of 30