CCMIN04162019 - Laserfiche WebLink

Dr. Jason Belk shared his experience requesting approval of a CUP since before his first child's Bat Mitzva without success; hoped it would be approved by the time of his second child's Bat Mitzva and noted the City is obligated to treat Jewish people in the Tri-Valley in a fair and equal manner as all other religious institutions. He addressed parking availability noting he parks at a nearby parking lot and asked whether it has been considered as additional parking for Chabad. Jim Shiffer, St. Clare's Church, commented on cooperation between his organization and the Chabad in terms of parking and there have been no issues within the last year. He added negotiations can take place regarding building a future parking lot and asked that Chabad be allowed to use the north portion of their property and thereby, they would not need to include so much on the west side. He requested the Chabad be allowed to put the playground on the north side and indicated he found the four homes next to the St. Clare's playground have increased in property value, not decreased. Neal Newman, Director of Security at Chabad, expressed concerns with providing a public calendar as Jewish people and the Chabad have been targeted. He disagreed with publishing events that are not major holidays and said when people feel insecure, it is hard for them to worship. As a member of the Executive Council specializing in the development of future projects, commented on a trend that the Chabad is underfunded and noted the Chabad has quite a bit of built-in equity in the property, they are planning a major fundraiser and noted the importance of having a CUP and a set plan in order for it to be successful. He discussed future fundraising plans and working closely with the City to build a place of worship, culture and education for the city and community. Karthick Radhakrisnan spoke in opposition to building a parking lot as he does not want to live next to a parking lot. He asked for a sound wall to address noise concerns; requested staggering events to one per month and no third-party events. Additionally, he suggested staff consider proximity to residential properties and impacts and starting over with a new plan. Usha and Shyam Gurazada reported being in discussions with the Miller's and noted agreement with the plans as negotiated between the Miller's and the Chabad. She thanked Chabad for working well with neighbors and the Miller's for their persistence and generosity. She requested installation of an eight-foot sound wall to mitigate noise and the existing buffer zone to remain. Dr. Laura Silverstein spoke in support of the project and how all the neighbors worked together to find solutions. Regarding restriction of time on the playground, she said there will probably never be 24 children on the playground at one time; noted the need to allow children to release energy outdoors and asked for additional flexibility. Fred Schwartz, past Board President for the Pleasanton Masonic Center, said that at no time did they agree to anything related to the expansion of the 2005 plan. He added they should not be part of the CUP for the Chabad. Councilmember Brown referenced a buffer zone noting it would be infringed upon if the parking lot was built in accordance with the Master Plan and asked for clarification. City Manager Fialho reported Council approved the Master Plan in 2005 for that block, in cooperation with St. Clare's and there was significant concern voiced by neighbors regarding parking and overflow of traffic into the neighborhood. In lieu of denying the application, Council directed staff to work with St. Clare's, the Masons and the neighborhood to put forward an alternative master plan that addressed concerns. It was approved by Council in 2005. Simon Cohen expressed concerns with limitations placed on the Chabad in terms of the capacity and number of activities compared to events and activities at St. Clare's Church. He felt noise City Council Minutes Page 7 of 20 April 16, 2019