PC 01/22/97 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Lutz asked how many times the residents have called the police advising them of the unauthorized cars. Mr. Bielby stated they have not called the police. Commissioner Cooper inquired if the Del Valle Court residents had asked the City for help before Mr. Finn addressed the Planning Commission about a month earlier. Mr. Bielby stated they had not. Lana Caspersen, 201 Del Valle Court, stated that many people drive down their street and turn around and come back. At the time of purchase, they did not know the adjacent project would go in and increase the traffic. She had an experience of a home intruder and feels that this would not have happened if a gate were there. Gina Rivera, 249 Del Valle Court, is also in favor of the street gate. Advised that there are 13 children in the eight existing homes. Their only effective means for their children's safety is to yell "car" when a speeding car is on the street. The sense of community in Pleasanton depends more on attitudes, and she does not believe a gate will diminish their sense of community. Mr. Finn spoke to Commissioner Cooper's question about alternatives. Staff advised to make the street thinner andlor to install signs. The neighborhood wants the gate first and foremost. The neighbors would have to finance the street improvements, and if they didn't work, they would then have to finance the gate as well. The residents want to spend their money on a gate and not stopgap measures. PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Commissioner Wright, Dove, Cooper, and Chair Barker advised that they spoke with the applicant. In discussion, Commissioner Cooper advised he drove the cul-de-sac and agrees the residents have some special circumstances unique to their court. It is quite isolated and is very easy to drive into. Commissioner Cooper feels there are enough factors present to argue that a gate would be appropriate in this area. Commissioner Dove stated that he was on the committee that recommended discouraging gates and also agrees that this situation is quite unique. He also noted that it is possible the extension of Del Valle Parkway will increase the traffic on Stanley, which will exacerbate the problem. Commissioner Dove will support the gate with the proper conditions. Commissioner Wright also concurs, the General Plan speaks to communities, not a single private street. Further, this application was also filed before the General Plan approval and that it should not apply. With the emergency response issue of opening the gate, the residents are aware of this and is one of the trade-offs of having the gate. Commissioner Wright will also support the gate. Commissioner Lutz empathizes with the concerns of the neighbors, but he would like the neighbors to attempt to solve the problems without changing the General Plan. Commissioner Lutz cannot make the findings that this modification is consistent with the General Plan. He will vote for denial. Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 January 22, 1997