_Minutes_November 18, 2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

if the alleged behavior had occurred recently, but the center had struggled for years and the project was a major lift as retail did not seem to thrive in the space. Commissioner O'Connor asked if the project made sense even though the City was adding more residential to the area and losing commercial at the mall. Mr. Luchini noted that retail was moving from brick and mortar to online and the City was trying to adjust. Community Development Director Ellen Clark stated there are advantages to having residential close to such a big employer, as well as retail next to residential. Commissioner Pace recalled a project that was brought before the Planning Commission earlier in the year that would redevelop a corner of the mall and include a gym, movie theater, a modification to the shopping experience, and some apartments. He asked if that project and the one currently before the Commission should be considered together or looked at entirely separately. Ms. Clark stated the two projects had been considered together and appeared to work well; and she discussed the importance of considering the totality of traffic. Chair Ritter asked if Workday was still interested in the plaza and Mr. Luchini stated they were no longer interested as their needs had shifted. Representing the Applicant, Brian Jencek, Senior Principal HOK San Francisco, gave a presentation on the proposed project. Commissioner Allen asked for clarification on the business model of 10x Genomics, particularly the sales tax revenue to the City. Mr. Jencek informed her the company made diagnostic equipment, which did not require large transport trucks. He explained the building itself would be used for Research and Development (R&D), as a lab, and as an office, which was more of a technology campus with many clean rooms. Mr. Jencek also stated he did not have information on sales tax generation, but he would investigate it and bring the information to a future Planning Commission meeting. Mr. Luchini explained 10x Genomics was more of an assembler than a manufacturer and they were a top ten sales tax producer for the City. He discussed the City's support of the company and growing life science center. Deputy City Manager Pamela Ott confirmed 10x Genomics was one of the City's top ten revenue generators but could not share specifics as it was confidential information for the company. She also explained biotech and life sciences were on the City Council's priority list. She stated, after auto dealerships and casual dining, biotech, life sciences, and medical were the third top sales producer in the City of Pleasanton and the project was an opportunity to look at what 10x Genomics meant to Pleasanton and what the City could do to retain the business in the City. Chair Ritter inquired whether 10x Genomics was planning on keeping its headquarters in the City of Pleasanton. Mr. Jencek confirmed that to be the case and that the company was interested in growing together with the City. Commissioner Allen asked if the company was planning on keeping all three locations in the City or if they would consolidate after the opening of the proposed campus. Mr. Jencek stated the idea was new net growth. Commissioner Pace asked for guidance on how to consider the economic impact to the City when the usage of land was changed and whether staff considered that in its analysis. He stated he wanted to ensure the best use for the land was selected because, even though it Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 of 8 November 18, 2020