CCMIN04162019 - Laserfiche WebLink

not reduced or waived parking requirements as part of this update. He added that under SB 50, the corresponding issue will be the BART Station. Mayor Thorne opened the public hearing. Howard Tsztoo referenced articles in the Pleasanton Weekly and results of a survey indicating 51% or more oppose residential in the downtown commercial area and over 90% do not want ground-level residential. He referenced the prohibition of three- or four-story structures behind shallow store front retail and referred to the recently build Spring Street structure that he concerned an eyesore. He felt mixed-use areas downtown should be amended and commented on the Barone property offering a great opportunity, but not for residential. Diane Envent referenced results of a survey relative to density; felt the real issue is how it feels and how it reflects the City's values and vision and noted people want the downtown core protected at two stories. She referenced challenges with the Starbucks building asserting it is shoved in like an ocean liner on a little street; referenced comments about tying in smaller streets to Main Street and reported people are struggling to keep Main Street vital. She discussed the importance of maintaining the small-town light and space that gives vibrancy, attractiveness, and invitation to mingle and economic vitality. Laura Olson, Executive Director of the Pleasanton Downtown Association and member of the Task Force, thanked everyone for their hard work on this process; discussed heights and FAR; noted the Task Force did not recommend changing anything in the commercial core and wanted clear and consistent zoning. She stated support to keep the 46-foot height and for the master design. Sandra Yamaoda reported participating and encouraging others to complete the survey and stated she does not support residential in the commercial core area of downtown or the height of 46 feet. She felt the Task Force veered away from the goal of increasing the vitality and maintaining the small-town feel in downtown. She opposed housing backing up to commercial buildings in the core area; noted parking and circulation are huge issues and asked Council instruct the Task Force and staff to consider the results of the survey and community emails and change the recommendations to reflect the desire and concerns of the community. Mike Carey commented on the work of volunteers, staff and the Task Force and asked Council to respect their time and commitment to the process and their recommendations as to what is best for Pleasanton. He reported no one supports ground-floor residential on Main Street and no one wants four stories. He provided examples of existing housing behind commercial uses; asked Council to preserve the existing zoning code to maintain the small-town character of downtown and the rights of seven years of the City's evolution. He noted if Council votes to change the allowed uses, what exists today could not be built and reported the PDA, the Chamber and the Downtown Owners Group all support no change. He urged Council to retain the current zoning and agreed with the idea of having 50 feet of commercial frontage. Mr. Carey discussed the City of Danville and reported their ordinance encourages residential in their downtown, as retail and residential compliment each other and addressed misinformation that has been circulated. Steve Van Dorn, President and CEO, Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, referenced his letter to the City; reported supporting the Task Force and staffs recommendations except for the active ground-floor overlay and a request for more parking. He hoped additional parking will be considered in this plan before it is finalized. He suggested a good location would be behind the Museum on Main Street, and commented on partnering with various groups on this issue and commented positively on the collaboration. City Council Minutes Page 14 of 20 April 16, 2019