PC 102214 - Laserfiche WebLink

Chair O'Connor agreed with Commissioner Allen and to quote former Commissioner Phil Blank, "The project does not have that Pleasanton look." He indicated that it looks a little like the transit - oriented development (TOD) housing at the BART station that did not have the Pleasanton look. He stated that he thinks the quality is good and that there is a lot of variation on the plan; however, there are some elements that are quite repetitive such as the many awnings which are of the same kind and color. Commissioner Ritter stated that the developer has done a very good job and that his one concern is that it caters to the 21- percent Asian community while there is the 79 percent of the rest of the population. He noted that this is 11 acres of a premier shopping center, so he wants to make sure it supports all the residents of Pleasanton. He indicated that he totally agrees with getting some niche of businesses in there. He stated that he likes the idea of offices above the shops and the integration of work and eating, and the activities that prevent less traffic so people can stop there on their way home from work. He pointed out that red is the Asian color, which he did not mind, except that it is 11 acres right next to the City's premier, newest park, Staples Park and the Neighborhood Park, where a lot of residents will be coming to with their children, and he would like them to be able to go to the shopping center and not feel that it is just for a certain group. Commissioner Piper stated that she really liked the red accent wall and thinks it pops and is different. She noted that everyone keeps commenting on the "Pleasanton look" but that she likes the idea that it is different and transitional. She indicated that there needs to be more variation as the other Commissioners mentioned, but that she thinks the developers are onto something good. Commissioner Balch stated that he does not really care about the color because it can always be repainted, although he is fine with the red because it can draw attention to the eye. In terms of the awnings, he noted that one of the things happening with modern day retail is that awnings are put in and but forget to put them in places where people can walk from store to store when it is raining. He added that he has awnings on some of the buildings he owns, and they obviously degrade quite rapidly with the sun and start to fade and become issues. He suggested that while he is not against the awning material, they should be hard awning, maybe metal with a corrugated look or something so it does look monotonous. With respect to the rest of the materials, he stated that he thinks the applicant has done fairly well picking out a pretty good scheme. He did take issue with the "Pleasanton look" like his fellow Commissioner said because it looks different than other parts of town and he does not think it has to have the "Pleasanton look." C. Does the Planning Commission find the two -story buildings acceptable, including the presence and design of the proposed exterior stairways? Would the Planning Commission prefer the enclosing of the staircase even if it required a minor deviation to the maximum permitted square footage? Chair O'Connor stated that he made a comment on the "Pleasanton look" and that it would really matter to him what the structure would look like if they were to change the look. He indicated that in a more modern look like what was proposed here, he does PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, October 22, 2014 Page 23 of 30