PC 08/14/96 - Laserfiche WebLink

. . . Mark Garrett, 6106 Allbrook Circle, commented that the products of Thoratec are nothing short of miraculous, however, he is opposed to the project for many reasons, most importantly because it is "in my backyard." He feels any thing of a manufacturing nature is a factory and noted that because the notice was received over the July 4th holiday may be a reason why there was no neighborhood comment. The second notice did not mention the name Thoratec nor manufacturing. Mr. Garrett advised that he had to fly home from a business trip to attend this public hearing and he submitted a list of his objections to the project. When Me. Garrett first contacted the manager of the Bank of America, the manager was quite concerned and opposed the project based on the traffic and parking problems. Me. Garrett feels this application is bending all the rules and is quite concerned that the City is allowing this application to bend the rules and grant exception after exception. He feels the verbal contract with the homeowners of the previous PUD that the subject site would have low height and small buildings should be honored. Me. Garrett feels that the "big corporation" won over the desires of the homeowners and hoped staff would have more concern for what the residents' desire to have on this site, i.e. small commercial/retail center. Me. Garrett is concerned that once the zoning designation is changed, it cannot change back to the original designation; that Thoratec may decide in the future to expand their operations and move to another location; or that Thoratec may not succeed and go out of business. Mr. Garrett feels that Thoratec should locate on a site that better fits their size, zoning needs and where exceptions do not have to be made. Me. Garrett questioned why the applicants wanted this particular site with the additional problems and need for exceptions. Mr. Hirst had advised Mr. Garrett previously that time is of the essence and this particular parcel would allow the applicants to build six months sooner. Parking for the BofA building was discussed, and Mr. Garrett believes BofA occasionally needs all of the 60 spots and the shared parking with Thoratec will take these spots away from the bank. Mr. Garrett feels there are "two stories" being told to different individuals. Me. Garrett commented that he would really like this company to come to Pleasanton, bringing with them additional City revenue and national prominence. However, he would like the City to put them on a "fast track" on a site that is more suited to their needs. He believes Thoratec could stay in their current location a few more months, if necessary, in order to build on a more suitable site. Mr. Garrett then discussed the noise issues of Stoneridge Drive. He noted it is very noisy during the day and welcomes the quietness in the evening. He is concerned about hearing the HV AC noise throughout the night. Me. Garrett then discussed the traffic flow on Stoneridge and the deceleration lane for the BofA building. Merging at this point is at times tricky with people merging right for the BofA and people merging left onto Stoneridge. He stated that he had requested a traffic study of this problem. He does not see it in the staff report and feels it is another issue to be ignored in order to approve this application. Mr. Garrett is concerned about his property value and wants to believe that staff is looking out for the residents' best interests. He advised that he will solicit opposition to this project from other residents . Planning Commission Minutes Page 8 August t4, 1996