CCMIN04162019 - Laserfiche WebLink

Kelly Cousins commended the Task Force for it work but felt it has veered considerably from the original proposal and the draft plan. She stated people have a sense of pride in the downtown area because of its quaint, small-town feel and spoke in opposition to adding residential there. She urged Council to consider a plan where everybody can continue to be proud of downtown. Laureen Green referenced a letter she submitted to the City and felt the survey and felt the plan has diverted from it. Wilson Wendt, Attorney, representing the Safreno family, owner of the Shell property, reported being involved with the process and the Task Force starting two years ago. He addressed zoning of the property and stated they would like to change it to high-density residential, consistent with all of the properties surrounding it. He reported the Task Force originally agreed to the request but reconsidered and placed them on Map B meaning they would not get a change in designation immediately upon approval of the plan. He referenced a conceptual site plan they submitted and reported they are ready to file an application as soon as possible. He noted residential is the highest and best use for the property and asked Council to approve what was discussed in February by the Task Force, to assign an overlay so they can submit their application without having to amend the Specific Plan. Councilmember Brown asked whether they would consider something else besides residential and Mr. Wendt reiterated the highest and best use for the property is residential. In reply to Councilmember Narum's question, Director of Community Development Beaudin reported there is nothing stopping the property owner from submitting an application, adding that staff has encouraged people to join the process one way or another. Mr. Wendt reported he made a commitment to the property owner that an application would not be submitted until this process is done. Bryan Bowers, President of the PDA, reported the organization supports the active ground-floor overlay and the right to do business ordinance, and that it should cover the entire downtown area in order to compete with other downtowns that have such an ordinance. In response to an inquiry from Councilmember Brown, Mr. Bowers noted there is a conflict between residents and businesses downtown. He clarified PDA encourages keeping a 300% FAR downtown. Libby Galt spoke on behalf of her 10 year old daughter; urged Council not to make any changes downtown and stated she would like to feel she has a voice in her town. She added she would not like to see tall buildings or a lot of residential units and urged Council to think about the families who live in Pleasanton. Christine Bourg addressed issues with parking, traffic and character of the downtown area; spoke in opposition to in-fill developments and suggested the City should look for small pockets of land to purchase for additional parking. She added the Barone property is a perfect opportunity to get creative to add to the vibrancy of the area; referenced the El R; said it is impossible to mitigate the traffic and spoke in opposition to adding residential downtown. Joe Barone, Owner, Barone's Restaurant, asked Council to support staffs recommendation to include them in the residential overlay and the proposed Downtown Specific Plan land use map. Since the plan is being revised, he and his wife would like to protect the long-term viability of their property; reported currently there are no plans to close the restaurant but only want to prepare for their future and those of their children; and stressed there are no plans for the property at this point. He added there are ready to submit an application but was advised by staff to wait until after the DSP is ratified. City Council Minutes Page 15 of 20 April 16. 2019