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followed by Police presence on the street, when reported. He added personally calling the Police <br />when he observed drug use in the property and in cars on the street. As captain of the group, he <br />was involved in what other neighbors observed and Police presence seemed to focus on the <br />subject property. He reported a lot of nighttime activity and noticing different people going in and <br />coming out during all hours of the day. He reported the property owners attended a Neighborhood <br />Watch meeting and indicated they wanted to be left alone and were not responsible for what other <br />adults did on their property. He added the disclosure of Police activity in the neighborhood made <br />his house difficult to sell. Mr. Farmer concluded the project would bring more undesirables into the <br />neighborhood. <br />Eric Wedeking spoke in opposition to the project noting his neighbors feel the same; they are not <br />opposed to home improvements, in general, but are opposed to worsening problems. The <br />property is a problem to the street and the community, because of the resources used to enforce <br />laws. He reported the Police are a constant presence in the neighborhood as illegal activity pours <br />out of the house and it meets the definition of a "nuisance neighbor." He reported they were using <br />their attic as an illegal living space and have no regard for the law. Mr. Wedeking reported there is <br />a constant stream of young people speeding on the street and the residents and their visitors <br />have no regard for the peacefulness and safety of the streets and have been observed dealing <br />drugs. He reported one-third of the houses in the neighborhood have been sold, in the last two <br />years. He urged Council to deny the appeal to keep current problems from getting worse. <br />Glen Johnson noted his main concern is the privacy of his family and reported there is a transient <br />population going in and coming out of the subject residence. He expressed concerns regarding <br />the maintenance of the subject residence, and said if they expand the size of the home, there will <br />be a larger nuisance and reported it has been the worse property in the neighborhood for many <br />years. He questioned the capability and sophistication of the contractor, commented on the <br />permits he has pulled in the last six years and spoke of the possibility of the contractor <br />abandoning the project. <br />Shoni Johnson shared her and her husband's experience in moving to Pleasanton and noted <br />challenges living in the neighborhood. Residents have had the responsibility to report activities <br />related to the subject site and the property owners seem to have a total disregard for what is <br />occurring. She complained of people urinating on her lawn and selling and doing drugs. She <br />reported Mrs. Robles had claimed, at a previous Planning Commission meeting, they do not rent <br />rooms but rather, they "help people," but they are not trained and are only providing a haven for <br />criminals and drug addicts. She expressed frustration noting the project will increase existing <br />problems. <br />Ed Broome commented on the project being "unremarkable" in its design and mass and said it will <br />contribute to the overall improvement of the neighborhood. He commented on the history of the <br />property noting Council cannot take that into consideration, but addressed the issue of parking. <br />During a previous Planning Commission, the use of the garage, for parking, was addressed. The <br />applicant had no intention of using the garage for parking. He said approval of the project will <br />continue the condition of deferred maintenance and urged Council to uphold the Planning <br />Commission's decision. Mr. Broome added the applicant has not followed the Planning <br />Commission's recommendations and opposed the project. <br />David Robles reported living in the house for 38 years and accumulating a lot of stuff, as they are <br />a big family. He explained the need for more space and reported meeting all the requirements of <br />City staff. Mr. Robles reported they are foster parents and some of the kids have had problems, <br />but have addressed them. <br />City Council Minutes Page 6 of 9 October 3, 2017 <br />