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after this first one is allowed to go through. He agreed with Mr. Cummings that it is not really about this family but about whoever comes in later. Elizabeth Cummings, Appellant, reiterated the point of privacy. She stated that this is a pretty sensitive and emotional subject for her, and the reason is that as she stands in her master bedroom and looks straight out through a very large sliding door, she can already see right into their neighbor's backyard. She indicated that for about six months, the mulberry tree is dormant with no leaves, and if she can see what is going in the neighbor's upstairs bedroom, taller people on the other side of the fence can see what is going on in her bedroom. Ms. Cummings stated that when they bought their house, it was beautifully designed in the backyard so they could actually enjoy the views of the backyard and the greenery back there; and now all she thinks about is that she cannot even open her drapes to get dressed in the morning; she cannot open her drapes when her daughters are taking a shower in their bathroom. She indicated that her daughters are getting older, and she is really concerned about her family's privacy and that of their friends who come over. Ms. Cummings stated that she grew up in Pleasanton Valley in a Monterey -style home, where she always felt safe and secure and comfortable in her backyard because there were no balconies on the backs of the other houses. She noted that they have felt that way for the last three years in their current home, and it makes her pretty emotional as she starts to envision this balcony and think that there could be somebody looking in. She concurred with what some have said that it is going to be the current neighbors, but this sets a precedent for who may move in, and there is no guarantee that this is not going to continue on. Todd Merrill followed up with Mr. Smith's comments that the improvements to the house are great considering the condition that the house is in and the previous owners that had it, and they are all excited to see improvements to the house. He indicated that he also has two little girls who are friends of the Cummings kids and who could potentially be at that pool as well. He voiced his support for the Cummings' request for some privacy and agreed with them that the balcony does sort of add to the concern. Mr. Merrill stated that he lives in a two -story house that has a balcony on the front, but this was a planned balcony from the beginning. He indicated that he has had additions put to the backyard, but they are single -story and a great format for that style of house, which is very similar to the applicants' house. Julene Henning stated that the applicant's house is not in great condition and thinks what the applicant is doing is fantastic. She noted, however that every two -story house, either the Heritage or the Monterey that has a balcony has it on the front. She noted that the bushes the applicant planted will not get high enough for privacy from a balcony on the second floor. She stated that this is not the right thing to do and will not be right to the people next door. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, May 27, 2015 Page 8 of 18