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saying that they do not need another Costco and do not want one here; they like the small hometown feeling of Pleasanton; the intersection at Hopyard Road and Owens Drive gets so busy as it is, and the traffic would be a nightmare; traffic would get worse on Stoneridge Drive where they live; this is a terrible idea, and so forth. Ms. Cox stated that it is clear that the people of Pleasanton want to have a say when it comes to the uses that are permitted for this project, that they especially do not want anything approved that will increase traffic in any way and see no reason for another Costco within a ten -mile radius. William Wheeler, owner and operator of Black Tie Transportation on the corner of Commerce Drive and Johnson Drive, in the middle of what is now being considered as a new economic development zone in Pleasanton, stated that he has owned this building for 15 years and his family has been doing business in Pleasanton since 1988 He indicated that Black Tie and its 150 employees have been active members and supporters of this community for over 30 years. He noted that they believe in being good corporate citizens and support just about every charity in the valley. Mr. Wheeler stated that he is here tonight to bring attention to what he feels is an irresponsible direction of the City planners proposing a retail box store like Costco or Walmart with fuel and tire stations. He noted that the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in an already gridlocked area of Johnson and Stoneridge Drives proposes an additional 12,000 cars per day and does not take into consideration the traffic issues it will cause at the already congested intersection of Johnson Drive at Owens Drive and Hopyard Road, where another fast -food franchise, Chick- fil -A, is going in across from Burger King and next to In -N -Out Burger. Mr. Wheeler stated that the EIR also does not take into consideration that there is currently a 500 -unit residential property under construction across from the BART station on Owens Drive, and the residents of that development will also be using this intersection as their primary entrance and exit. He pointed out that there already is a terrible gridlock at Stoneridge and Johnson Drives; it is bumper -to- bumper at Santa Rita Road and 1 -580, and at Bernal Avenue and 1 -680 where hundreds of new homes are being built next to Safeway. He added that if a Costco or any other big -box retailer is allowed here, many small business owners in the community will be affected, from local fuel stations like the Cox family fuel stations to locally -owned tire companies like Seaver and Sons and Big -O Tires; that jewelers, optical pharmacies, mattress retailers, and hundreds of other small -town businesses and owners will be affected by retail leakage to companies who are more concerned about returning shareholder value than hometown values. Mr. Wheeler stated that City Councilmembers and Planning Commissioners have sworn to uphold the quality of life for the citizens of Pleasanton, and he is pleading with them now to study these proposals and recognize that it will be irresponsible to continue and would cause irreversible damage to our community. He urged them to do what is right for the community, to stop spending tax dollars on studies that are designated to refute what people already know that there is too much traffic and congestion in Pleasanton. He asked that they show their support for small business and the residents' quality of life. He then wished everyone a happy and safe holiday. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, December 9, 2015 Page 3 of 40