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Mr. Dolan stated that this is something that they can definitely take a look at. He noted <br />that there are some things to balance, and people have taken their shots at Pleasanton <br />Gateway tonight. He pointed out that one of the reasons for Pleasanton Gateway's <br />parking problem has to do with the design and all the vibrant establishments there at the <br />smaller parking lot. He explained that the real problems happen when the restaurants <br />are full, and when this vibrancy creates a parking problem, then it becomes necessary <br />to have some spaces that are not quite as demanding mixed in and consider some <br />limitations on the percentage that could be allotted to certain uses there. <br />Commissioner Allen commented that it would be good to know that certain types of <br />businesses would be no more than, say, 10 percent; to the degree that it could <br />potentially be 30 percent creates a feel that it is out of balance and relates to the health <br />of the center. <br />Mr. Dolan agreed. <br />Chair O'Connor stated that he understands the reasoning behind a discussion in the <br />staff report regarding limiting the percentage of restaurants because of the problem at <br />Pleasanton Gateway, but he is not certain he would want to tell the project owners how <br />to run their business. He pointed out that no one wants to run out of parking or get it so <br />congested that people will stop coming, because then the tenants will leave. He noted <br />that he thinks it is best to let the owners decide how they are going to do their mix; <br />beyond that, staff would have to determine what is allowed and what is not: for <br />example, pre -owned clothing or a second -hand store are either allowed or conditionally <br />allowed in some parts of Pleasanton, but he would not want to see a Goodwill store on <br />the first floor. <br />Chair O'Connor stated that he does not like the look of having signage on the upper <br />floor at the top of the gutter line. He noted that the way some of these signs are all over <br />the place looks so busy, particularly where there is signage in the middle and then <br />signage at the top. He suggested that a better way might be to tuck the signage <br />underneath the overhang for the walkway. He added that he would not want to put a <br />gas station in here; other than that, the other mixes are fine. <br />Commissioner Ritter agreed with Chair O'Connor that the Commission is responsible for <br />zoning but not for picking the type of businesses, and with Mr. Dolan that the <br />Commission can determine the percentages and /or types of permits allowed to manage <br />parking issues. He pointed out that this location is right next to a park and he could <br />envision people parking here, go get a sandwich, and eat at the park. He suggested <br />that putting a parking lot near this side of the park so people could park there instead of <br />at this parking lot. He agreed that self - service gas stations would make traffic even <br />worse. <br />Commissioner Balch inquired if Item 19 under Permitted Use /Office, Emergency <br />standby electricity generator, fuel cell, and battery facilities, is a common allowed use or <br />if it should be a conditionally allowed use. <br />Mr. Dolan replied that it is a common allowed use in the zones off of which this list is <br />based. <br />PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, October 22, 2014 Page 27 of 30 <br />