PC 051315 - Laserfiche WebLink

the applicant gave the Downtown a plaza which is not reserved for a specific restaurant; anybody could go in and not have to order something. Ms. Harryman noted that the Municipal Code specifically excludes patios, decks and terrace, porches, and exterior balconies if not enclosed on more than three sides. She indicated that she did not want to get into a long discussion when the Code is specific on that topic. Commissioner O'Connor noted that the Commission does have some discretion on the credit it is going to give. Ms. Harryman said yes, but that it is the other section that is cited in the staff report that talks about the Commission having discretion if the replacement structure will be an architectural improvement compared to the existing structure that is removed; the Commission would then have the discretion to remove and contemplate all of the spaces required, which would have been 12. Commissioner O'Connor inquired what the timeframe is on this. Ms. Harryman replied that it is silent as to the timeframe. Chair Allen asked for clarification that the Commission does have the flexibility and can consider the outdoor dining in its deliberation. Ms. Harryman replied that the Commission does not have the flexibility for the outdoor dining area. Commissioner Piper thanked the applicants for their willingness to bring forward such a beautiful project that will bring so much vitality to the Downtown. She stated that she is excited about it and thinks it is fabulous. She added that she is also excited about bringing back Pleasanton as the leader. Commissioner Nagler stated that the uniqueness of this building and its accessibility to the street and the expense that is obviously going to be incurred in constructing this building is a kind of catalytic structure that could cause others to make different decisions down the road in contemplating either building or remodeling other structures. He indicated that it is a terrific project coming to Downtown. With respect to parking, he stated that he is completely sympathetic to the total impact of the utilization of the building, to the fact that most people will drive and have to park somewhere. He agreed that this is a much larger issue than one particular building going up and generating "x" number of cars, and the in -lieu parking fee right now seems to be more theoretical than useful because there is no project for it to actually fund, such that it could be seen by a developer as a cost of doing business as opposed to contributing to the creation of parking. He commented that this is a conversation separate and apart from any particular building going in or any particular demand on parking that may be created by a development Downtown; it is a conversation about how to look at the entire Downtown PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, May 13, 2015 Page 15 of 32