PC 08/28/96 - Laserfiche WebLink

. . . PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Tom Terrill, 1200 Concord Avenue, #20, Concord, represented the applicant. This project is the latest in a long list of projects proposed for this site, starting back in 1981. Mr. Terrill distributed an analysis to the Commissioners. Mr. Terrill talked about the original configuration of Owens and the land dedications made to put Owens Drive in its current location. The left-turn median was a very critical part of the original discussions. The applicants are very sensitive to the number of trips in North Pleasanton and have been a member of NPID from the beginning. The total complex has a total overall FAR of 27%, which is 17-18% below the maximum allowed. They will retain ownership of the buildings and will maintain all landscaping. The project site, in particular, has a 32 % FAR, including the hotel. The 1-580/680 flyover was a significant issue in context with this site. The applicants did not want to invest in a property without having freeway access at Hopyard. The applicants are very concerned about upgrading the gateway to Pleasanton at Hopyard. Not enough money has gone into the landscaping of this gateway. They request the City to secure for them from Caltrans right of access from the area of CompUSA out to Hopyard Road so they can upgrade the landscaping along the off-ramp to Hopyard. They would also like to see a Welcome to Pleasanton sign on this property. By dividing the property into two areas, the applicants have not created a "back-door" appearance. They achieved this by orienting the retail as a secondary phase to the Home Depot across the street and allowing the restaurant and hotel to be accessed from the south. The late afternoon traffic flow is the problematic issue in this area. The applicants feel the dinner restaurant and extended-stay hotel are perfect uses for the property because their main source of traffic is in-flow during these hours. These uses match the concerns of staff by minimizing the left-turn movements and focusing the traffic to Johnson Drive. The hotel was originally designed with 150 rooms, but was reduced to 126 rooms. The traffic report was based on the reduced room number. The applicants feel the retail use is a good use for this area and the major tenants will do very well in this area. All the buildings in the Pleasanton Park will have the same look and finishes complementing those in Pleasanton Square I. In answer to a previous question, there is a total of 50 feet behind the stores for access by delivery trucks. Regarding the abandonment of Johnson Court, the applicants would like to eliminate the bulb on Johnson Court. It was put in originally because it was not known what would be developed there. Mr. Terrill feels that reducing the drive aisle to 25 feet would provide more parking for Denny's and the office building. However, he would not like this to be a condition on the building permit for the retail center. Planning Commission Minutes Page 12 August 28, 1996