PC 111214 - Laserfiche WebLink

scary to some, but parts of those vehicles are in fact much safer than most. She agreed that the delivery schedule can change, but the general pattern is not likely to change very much. Dr. Kenefick stated that students using the playground will be behind a six -foot tall steel fence and will be supervised at all times. She added that some might find the location of this play area inappropriate on the aesthetics, but factually where safety is concerned, students are in no more danger if they are in the playground when a truck comes to Raley's and if a truck driver chooses to use this exit, then they would be waiting for a public school bus where there is no fence and often no adult monitor. She pointed out that, therefore, to suggest that the volume type of truck traffic using the utility corridor behind Oakhill requires that this application be denied is stretching the truth a bit. With respect to the issue of noise, Dr. Kenefick stated that the nail parlor and the music school are the two entities nearest YIA, and the music school's practice rooms as well as the YIA classroom have been soundproofed so noise would not be an issue to the adjacent businesses. Dr. Kenefick stated that local residences beyond the perimeter are likewise normally insulated and have dual -paned windows that would buffer sound from the exterior. She briefly addressed the letter from a neighbor, Exhibit D: 1. Increased traffic congestion. This is not a valid concern. 2. Loss of parking lot on back of the shopping center (conversion to playground) and on the street. This is also not a valid concern as the parking is not a significant issue. 3. Loss of short -cut access to the shopping center and inconvenience for disabled. The front of the shopping center is fully supplied with recently improved disabled access. She noted that there is no disabled access from the parking lot to the rear, whether or not because the Code does not require the provision of disabled access from a utility zone, but a ramp at the curb, if desired, could certainly be accomplished when the playground is constructed. 4. Increased level of noise from playground. As earlier mentioned, most Pleasanton homes are insulated and have dual -paned windows which effectively block most exterior sound; additionally, the playground will be used by limited numbers of students for limited periods of time. 5. Possibility of increased neighborhood crime activities as an place with young children is a target for child abuser. This is not really valid issue. While there are sexual predators in the world, it would not be a concern at all in a supervised environment In summary, Dr. Kenefick stated that this is not an ill- conceived unworkable and inappropriate undesirable issue to the Oakhill Shopping Center. She acknowledged that neither is it in all ways ideal, but considered in its context, it is a matter of common sense which creates a safely fence zoned for supervised recreation for the children and makes fresh air and movement part of their daily afternoon routine, encouraging focus in the classroom and promoting exercise and health. She indicated that she is not suggesting that there are no valid concerns here, but to block approval of this play area gives disproportionate weight and does these children a disservice. She added that PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, November 12, 2014 Page 24 of 35