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Eric Pestana stated that he lives across from the project site and that the empty lot has become somewhat of an eyesore and has been used for all sorts of different things. He indicated that putting a project like this would add beauty to the Downtown, with the front use of the house changing from rental to retail and the addition of a nice plaza. He added that it would beautify that end of town and that he and his wife support the project. Emil Oxsen stated that he also lives across the street from the project site. He indicated that he has no problem with the lot being developed, but his main concern is the height and he disagrees with the three stories. He noted that he had to fight to build his house: he had to construct a one story, and it had to be 1,200 square feet. He added that he did not take away any off - street or on- street parking because his driveway was already there. He inquired why the garages are not placed in the back like the houses next door. He noted that there are three or four houses right next to him that are just like that, except they are not three stories and are not 40 feet tall. He added that they are putting a residential project in a commercial zoning, which would start a precedent and create a problem going forward. Michael Knuppe stated that he owns Kimberly Commons, the houses directly across the street and the duplex on the corner. He indicated that he is also the owner and developer of the Angela row houses at the other end of the street. He stated that he knows the Peters Avenue corridor very well and thinks the proposed project would fit in and be a great adjunct to that particular corner. He added that it is a great mixed -use project and has merit; the architecture and the design are excellent. Mr. Knuppe stated that his only minor concern is the three ugly garage doors facing Peters Avenue. He indicated that there are no other garage doors facing anywhere on Peters Avenue and proposed that the developer consider leaving the garages open so that people do not put their stuff in the garages or park their cars out in the driveway. He noted that when he first brought his project to the City and asked to put in garage doors, he was told that garage doors were specifically denied on Peters Avenue. Mike Carey stated that he has been a Pleasanton resident since 1973 and have lived Downtown with his wife and three kids. He indicated that he lives, works, and own property within a few doors of this project, so what is built on this site would personally affect his family, his neighbors, and the Downtown community. He stated that they worked really hard and closely with staff for over two years to create a project that they are excited about and believe adds to the vibrancy and beauty of the Downtown. He added that throughout the process, they have strictly followed the set of rules established by the General Plan, the Downtown Specific Plan, the Downtown Design Guidelines, and the zoning district. Mr. Carey stated that the final product is consistent with surrounding properties. He referred to a City map that he earlier handed to the Commissioners and noted the six yellow highlights of approved and built high- density PUD's on Peters Avenue, and the blue highlights of existing commercial /residential mixed -use sites. He referred to a one of the blue highlights, Valley Plumbing, which is a long -time existing business and has nine to eleven residential units behind it which have also been there for a long time. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, November 18, 2015 Page 12 of 34