PC 102214 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Balch stated that he personally likes Mr. Tassano's comments and would personally support that left -turn lane in the entry to the entire complex because this is the only entry for 475 parking spaces. Commissioner Allen inquired if staff considered another entrance into this shopping center and if that would be feasible. Mr. Tassano replied that he recommended El Charro Road in the future because there are some conditions that prevent that. He continued that as a vehicle gets closer to the traffic signal at Stoneridge Drive, and if it is just a right turn in and out, most of the traffic will not take that second right, except maybe those going to Building C or D. He indicated that his concern is that if the majority of the traffic is going back to the freeway, and a driveway is added closer and closer to the signal, people can just drive sideways across six lanes where there will be a right -turn pocket, a bike lane, two through -lanes and then three left -turn lanes, and that can be problematic especially if they then want to do a U -Turn and then they actually go across all six lanes. He noted that staff tries to prevent driveways in general from being on arterial roadways, especially in close proximity to intersections. B. Are the design, colors, materials, and heights of the proposed buildings acceptable? Commissioner Allen stated that she is generally supportive of everything staff put here. She indicated that she strongly agrees that a traditional style architecture would better reflect the architectural style commonly found in Pleasanton. She added that this did not feel like Pleasanton to her but more a little bit like the Hacienda Crossings in Dublin. She noted that she thinks Pleasanton can do better. Regarding materials, Commissioner Allen stated that the exterior materials still felt heavily stucco - oriented even though there are bricks as the bricks felt like they were the same color as the stucco so it was difficult to differentiate. She indicated that she would prefer the applicant to continue to work on more materials to be integrated into the exterior of the shopping buildings, as was stated in the staff report. With respect to colors, Commissioner Allen stated that she thinks more earth tones are needed. She indicated that she does not like the bright red architectural feature and that the corner reminds her of the movie theater in Dublin. She added that even if it is desired by the community because of the demographics, she felt that the applicant should look at some other color because red does not age well. She stated that she agrees with the building orientation, the street side pedestrian entrances, and staff's points on the awnings. She commented that the buildings feel monotonous, especially the two -story buildings and the longer buildings, and need some other architectural styles and work on that part of the design so it really feels strong. She pointed out that this is the last piece of vacant property for a retail shopping center and it is somewhat of a gateway to Pleasanton coming in from the Livermore side, so her ideal hope is that it be something that does not look like Dublin but really looks like Pleasanton, really top quality all the way. She added that she liked the idea of potted plants and outdoor dining furniture and things like that would create a plaza which would look really top -notch with any furniture that is put out there. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, October 22, 2014 Page 22 of 30