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Commissioner Ritter noted that the retail site is built in but it did not look like there is any parking proposed for the retail allotment. Mr. Luchini replied that the applicant is not proposing any parking at this time. Commissioner Ritter referred to the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) slide and requested clarification that the City is getting a housing credit for this. Mr. Luchini replied that the City is getting a credit of five units under the Above - Moderate Income category. He added that the project basically expands the City's overall market -rate housing. Chair Allen requested clarification as well that the City has met its RHNA requirements for this cycle. She requested further clarification that it the City were to build additional residential units now, the City would not get any credit from the State for this cycle and would not help the City numbers in the next cycle either. Mr. Weinstein replied that was correct. He stated that the City has met its RHNA requirements and has a certified Housing Element. He explained that the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is not really concerned about above - market -rate housing, which is the type of housing that would be built as part of this project. He noted that the benefit of building more market -rate housing in the community is it provides more options to people who can afford them. Commissioner Ritter noted that the staff report states that the Pleasanton Downtown Association (PDA) said it would prefer more retail than residential in town. He inquired if that meant there is need for more retail and less residential and what staff's opinion is of that balance. Mr. Luchini replied that the PDA is not opposed to some form of residential in the Downtown, but more retail would be its preference in some capacity, and its general sentiment is that it would definitely like to see retail start to creep down the side streets as much as possible. Commissioner Ritter inquired whether retail or residential brings more parking need. Mr. Weinstein replied that it would depend on the amount of residential or retail, but retail would have a higher demand for parking. He indicated that retail generally would require one parking space for every 300 square feet, while a single - family unit or a townhouse would require a minimum of two parking spaces. Chair Allen stated that in reading the Downtown Specific Plan (DTSP) and talking with people who were involved with this, it appears that the Plan was really revolving around trying to turn some of the Downtown side streets from what had been residential and apartments to more commercial to create business and extend the Downtown for vibrancy. She asked staff if they had any background on the PDA's goal to increase the ratio of commercial over residential. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, August 26, 2015 Page 27 of 43