_Minutes_March 24, 2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Pace stated he did not support residential only but could support mixed-use. He stated his preference would be commercial only if the applicant was open to it. Chair Brown stated he was not in favor of residential only. He stated he was willing to consider fully commercial or mixed-use. He discussed the supplemental material and properties referenced as examples of what would be good in the space and stated people were looking for unique commercial space. He reiterated that he would not support residential only on the site. B) If a mixed-use project is required, should the project be required to expand the commercial component to encompass the entire frontage east of the driveway, or to occupy a greater proportion of the lot? C) Should the commercial building be required to have a commercial (versus residential) character and frontage? D) What other modifications, if any, should be made to the commercial component of the project in terms of size, allowable uses, design and configuration? Commissioner Allen stated a substantial portion of the project should be active use retail. She suggested the majority be active use retail, similar to the City of Livermore's Blacksmith Square, or the Creamery, with unique retail, a courtyard, light outdoor music, not big bands due to nearby residential. She stated she was open to residential on the second story with the right kind of design and/or some in the rear as long as the majority of the project was active use, with exciting, engaging, retail-oriented projects that excited the community. Commissioner Gaidos agreed with Commissioner Allen. He stated he looked at the Robson Homes website and they had done beautiful projects. He stated he liked the design of the homes next to Salt Craft restaurant but encouraged the developer to consider mixed use with the frontage of Lots 10 and 11 as retail. He stated a restaurant could flourish in the area based on the existing restaurant. He stated the project should be required to expand the commercial component to encompass the entire frontage or occupy a great portion of the lot. He suggested retaining the existing large oak tree between Lots 2 and 3. He suggested parking in Lots 10, 11, 9 and maybe some of 3 and 8 and retaining open air. He stated he was not opposed to residential towards the rear, with higher density. He stated the current design seemed out of place. He suggested an outside restaurant and some other potential retail and residential above and in back. He stated he read all of the supplemental material, heard the feedback and talked to business owners who would like more housing downtown as it added vibrancy and business, particularly considering the impacts of COVID. He discussed increased pressure on cities to develop housing. He read a quote from Governor Newsom regarding cities' responsibilities for housing. He discussed the City's responsibility under the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) and need to approve housing in Pleasanton. He suggested the project was an opportunity to use the expertise of the builder to develop a special project. He stated he could support mixed use but not the two currently proposed. Commissioner O'Connor stated that he also read all of the supplemental material and saw the references to the City of Livermore's Blacksmith Square. He referenced the City of San Jose's Planning Commission Minutes Page 8 of 12 March 24, 2021