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properties facing Main Street, and the active use requirement did not apply to the particular <br /> property; however, mixed use could be considered through the PUD process. <br /> THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED <br /> Applicant Mark Robson gave a presentation on the project, noting Robson Homes has <br /> experience creating infill developments for over the past 30 years, including integrating new <br /> neighborhoods into existing neighborhoods as well as historic restoration projects and working <br /> in historic districts. He explained they are a small, privately held, family-owned and operated <br /> builder experienced in similar projects. He noted the project was designed with the intent to <br /> maintain the physical characteristics of downtown Pleasanton and staying consistent with the <br /> DSP and the City's General Plan. <br /> Property Owner Maricela Barone provided comments regarding the project, a background on <br /> Barone's restaurant and expressed her appreciation to the community. She mentioned the <br /> restaurant business comes with challenges and explained she and her husband have made <br /> creative changes along the way due to downturns in the economy and explained the current <br /> reasons behind closing the restaurant. She gave her and her husband's full support to Robson <br /> Homes and the quality of homes they build. <br /> Linda Behers, resident of Pleasanton, expressed her concerns about the proposed Barone's <br /> project. She mentioned she is currently the St. John Court Homeowners Association (HOA) <br /> Board President and was speaking as both a homeowner and member of the HOA. She <br /> referenced the construction of a recent residential development across the street on Wise <br /> Way, stating her hope that any future project would have minimal impact on the current <br /> residents in the area. She cited traffic and parking as the biggest concerns and mentioned the <br /> impacts of the current traffic and parking to the residents in the area. She further mentioned <br /> the vegetation around the Arroyo, inquired whether the ADUs would be offered as rental units, <br /> asked for further clarity on the proposed commercial option and the proposed new home size <br /> and any impact to existing residential. She referenced Commissioner Allen's previous <br /> comments regarding the resident survey, indicating no additional residential downtown but <br /> more commercial business, and she inquired whether the City was dedicated to that portion of <br /> the DSP or would there be exceptions to allow more residential. <br /> Kelly Mokashi, resident of Pleasanton, expressed her concerns about the proposed Barone's <br /> project. She noted the parcel of land has unique attributes to the historic downtown and felt it <br /> was important for that to be preserved for all Pleasanton residents. She supports more <br /> housing, but stated consideration should be given to the location of housing as well as towards <br /> more commercial use, which promotes more community engagement. <br /> Sandra Yamoada, resident of Pleasanton, expressed her concerns about the proposed <br /> Barone's project. She stated she does not support the designs presented for the project and <br /> does not believe they meet the intentions of the DSP. She feels if housing is increased and <br /> retail decreased downtown, the less appealing and smaller the downtown will become; she is <br /> in support of a replacement eatery for the location, which will also provide jobs for those in the <br /> community. <br /> Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 of 12 March 24, 2021 <br />consistent for the existing residence to remain. Chair Brown confirmed that <br /> the discussion about the ground floor use would be restricted to the restaurant portion of the <br /> property. Ms. Clark clarified the active ground floor requirement of the DSP applies to <br /> Planning Commission Minutes Page 5 of 12 March 24, 2021 <br />