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NOES: None ABSTAIN: None RECUSED: None ABSENT: Nagler The Minutes of the December 9, 2015 Meeting were approved, as submitted. 3. MEETING OPEN FOR ANY MEMBER OF THE AUDIENCE TO ADDRESS THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON ANY ITEM WHICH IS NOT ALREADY ON THE AGENDA Johnson Drive Economic Development Zone Carrie Cox: My father could not be here tonight so he asked that I deliver our family message about the �roposed Costco at Johnson Drive and Stoneridge Drive. Our family business is in its 40` year. I was not very old when it started but I love it. My brother and I work 7 days a week. My daughter and my son also work in the business. Changing zoning to allow big box club retail such as a Costco would be devastating to our family business and to many other small family retailers in Pleasanton. I urge the Planning Commission to consider this effect. Small businesses have always been important to the City of Pleasanton. Much of the tax revenue and job creation you seek to gain from Costco or a project like a big box Costco will likely be offset by a loss in revenue from hard working, loyal retailers, retailers who have provided goods and services to the community for many years. You should care about this. It should matter to you. In our entire history we have never spoken against another business entering the market. Competition will come and go. Our objective is just to be the best that we can be. Actually, we love Costco and spend a great deal of money there monthly. Many citizens of Pleasanton love Costco, but the majority of the Pleasanton residents that we have surveyed do not think this is a good location for Costco. They are afraid of increased traffic in an already highly congested area, undetermined costs to taxpayers for infrastructure costs, pollution which exceeds City guidelines. We of this community will help in any way possible to see that they get a say in this decision. Thank you. Katelyn Theobald: I'm the third generation of Cox Family Stores. My name is Katelyn and Carl Cox is my grandfather. He started our family business in 1976 and began retail in Pleasanton 33 years ago in 1982. Pleasanton is unique. I've worked here since I was 15 years old. I've talked with citizens. There's a certain pride that is hard to describe. It's the neighborhoods, the community feeling, the small business owners, the Downtown, the County Fair —it's many things. I am now a senior in college and I'm learning that there has to be a balance between the City's needs for increased revenue to pay for services and the right to citizens to help make those decisions. I understand the balance that you face, but please listen to the people. I have, and they tell me, not at this location. Thank you for allowing me to speak. William Wheeler: I'm Bill Wheeler, owner of Black Tie Transportation on the corner of Commerce Drive in Pleasanton. As always, I appreciate this opportunity to express my concerns about the proposed use of the former Clorox Company for a big box retailer on Johnson Drive, likely Costco, who I understand now, has formally signed a letter of intent with the City. First, I'd like to clear up a misconception of why I am opposing this PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, January 13, 2016 Page 2 of 26