PC 06/11/97 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Wright noted that the concerns regarding W. Angela are valid. He advised that he likes the idea of the commuter train, and the demonstration project will show ridership, as well as serve a purpose for the people living there, as it will demonstrate any problems which may arise. Commissioner Kumaran stated that he would like to see firm numbers regarding the capacity of the trains to determine if the parking will be adequate. He expressed concern about the narrow streets and the need to determine if the streets can accommodate the anticipated traffic. He commented that he is in favor of commuter transit, but that he does not want to disrupt the lives of the people living in this area. Commissioner Lutz noted that he supports the commuter train, but that he has a problem with the location. He stated that this is the wrong place for the station, and that he supports the use of City funds to find a more appropriate location. He commented that the streets in this area are small and narrow, and that the turn from Bernal is difficult and it probably will not be signalized during this demonstration project. The Planning Commission endorsed the idea of the Altamont railroad commuter line. The Planning Commission has concerns regarding the impacts of locating a station at the proposed site. The consensus of the Planning Commission was that the City should use its resources to make a positive effort to put the station in the right location. c. RZ-97-03. City of Pleasanton Application to consider an amendment to the Pleasanton Municipal Code to delete Chapter 18.72, Civic Overlay District, and to remove the Civic Overlay District designation from the Zoning Map. The amendment would affect properties within the area bounded by Bernal Avenue, Main Street, Abbie Street, First Street, and Old Bernal Avenue. Mr. Iserson presented the staff report recommending approval of Case RZ-97-03, subject to the proposed draft ordinance. He noted that the original intent of the Overlay District was to give the City extra design and use controls in the area where City Hall and other civic buildings are located. He noted that there are other regulating mechanisms in place such as the Downtown Design Guidelines, Downtown Specific Plan, Downtown Revitalization Plan, Downtown Revitalization District, which provide sufficient controls to ensure proper design for structures in the area of City Hall and that the additional requirements of the Overlay District are no longer necessary. He stated that this will reduce the processing time for projects in this area. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED There was no one present to speak to this item. PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Chair Barker stated that since the City is installing more trailers Downtown, she cannot support this revision without a design review body in place. She advised that she would like to see the requirement stay in place even if the approval process takes longer. Planning Commission Minutes Page 13 June 11, 1997