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theater, and the outreach he had done with local merchants on his ideas, with many being <br /> supportive. <br /> Chair Allen thanked Mr. Ojermark for his involvement with the Downtown Specific Plan Update <br /> Task Force, the Pleasanton Downtown Association and for helping people think <br /> outside-the-box by bringing an outside perspective. <br /> Commissioner Brown inquired about Mr. Ojermark's comment during his presentation that he <br /> had interviewed all the restaurants and businesses on Main Street, where he was proposing to <br /> close the streets. <br /> Mr. Ojermark responded that he had interviewed all the restaurants and some of the <br /> businesses. <br /> Commissioner Ritter asked Mr. Ojermark for his opinion whether he was in favor of having <br /> Airbnb's available within the City of Pleasanton. He remarked that if Airbnb's were allowed, the <br /> City would need to be a destination city, receptive to bringing people into Pleasanton, but <br /> sometimes that isn't the case, which could be a challenge. <br /> Mr. Ojermark said he didn't have concern in having Airbnb's available in Pleasanton, but that <br /> he didn't have a strong opinion because he hasn't done enough research. <br /> Commissioner Balch commented that approximately eight years ago, he was on record in <br /> support of the idea to close Main Street and he feels eventually the City will be amenable. He <br /> said he must recuse himself from discussions regarding the Downtown Specific Plan Update, <br /> therefore, he cannot speak too much on the downtown plan, but he'd hoped the process <br /> would've evaluated such an option; however, it may not be the right time for the City. <br /> Mr. Ojermark gave his suggestions that restaurants can migrate into the street to add more <br /> tables during weekend service and that this initial approach can be achieved with minimal <br /> expense. <br /> Commissioner Balch remarked that the challenge to this approach is that the restaurants don't <br /> own the property, which presents a right-of-way issue. He mentioned the topic was addressed <br /> several years ago, with regard to establishing a licensing agreement with the restaurants to <br /> pay per chair, in order to allow seating in the public right-of-way and through a contract, the <br /> restaurants could be obligated to operate during specific times. Although there would still be a <br /> lot involved, prior to moving forward, he encouraged the concept. <br /> Chair Allen thanked Mr. Ojermark for his presentation. <br /> Planning Commission Special Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3 March 13, 2019 <br />n on the horizon as to whether those <br /> sites are in or out. From an environmental perspective, staff is comfortable that the <br /> document allows that policy conversation to take place. <br /> Commissioner Ritter lastly said his biggest issue is to make sure the environmental report is <br /> not overly restrictive in its analysis, where if the whole City was wiped out by a natural <br /> disaster, the roads and buildings could be rebuilt. He wants to be sure they are <br /> encompassing the big picture where they can put a garage underneath and two units above <br /> so they are not over-restricting their analysis. Other than that, Commissioner Ritter said he <br /> thinks the DSP came up with some good recommendations at the last meeting and he <br /> endorsed most of those. <br /> Mr. Beaudin confirmed that a motion was not needed and he thanked the Commission for <br /> their comments. <br /> Planning Commission Minutes Page 17 of 18 March 13, 2019 <br /> anticipation that <br /> the envelope, location of the driveways, number of trips, location of the parking structure, <br /> hotel, etc. will require more analysis and details, especially around traffic. <br /> Planning Commission Minutes Page 16 of 18 March 13, 2019 <br />nutes Page 7 of 18 March 13, 2019 <br />m a head start. <br /> Their two-year-old tested highly in both English and Spanish when they began kindergarten <br /> which was a huge benefit. <br /> Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 of 18 March 13, 2019 <br />