PC 10/09/96 - Laserfiche WebLink

. . . Commission would still see all hotel applications as they are processed. Commissioner Lutz inquired about the goal of getting a convention hotel facility. Staff commented that the idea has been discussed by the Convention and Visitors Bureau and others throughout the City. Staff feels it has merit for consideration. In response to Commissioner McGuirk, Mr. Iserson did not know if the City had received any inquiries from a development company regarding a convention hotel project. Chair Barker inquired if a task force has been formed to look at the land adjacent to the BART station. Staff advised the task force has not yet been formed. In response to Commissioner Dove, Mr. Iserson assumed the calculation of the room occupancy rate is an average of a week's occupancy rate. Commissioner Dove further advised that he has learned that the hotel industry, in general, is not looking to build this type of convention facility anywhere in the country. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Mark Sweeney, 4309 Hacienda Drive, represented the property owner, Prudential Insurance Company of America. Mr. Sweeney commented he wished to clarify a few matters. He stated that in 1985 they offered land to the Marriott Courtyard; consequently, the Sheraton officials were upset. Prudential instituted a self-imposed moratorium on adding hotels in Hacienda for ten years except on those lots that had hotels and Lot 56C. In the last ten years, Prudential has not been able to attract a large hotel/convention center for Lot 56 (being an ideal site for such a facility adjacent to the freeway and the BART station). However, there is a critical need for more hotel rooms in this area. On this particular date, Mr. Sweeney advised that there are no hotel rooms available in Pleasanton. Mr. Sweeney thought their original proposal was an innocuous request for the City to reinstate the hotel use on commercially-zoned land. However, the City Council has requested it become a major modification. At the present time, Prudential is not negotiating with any other hotels, but they would like to reinstate the hotel use on several parcels for when the time does come that a hotel looks at Pleasanton for a building site. Prudential does not agree that staff's justification for denial is to allow time for the task force to study the land uses adjacent to the BART station. This citizens task force may not be a high priority to the City Council. Mr. Sweeney noted they are in favor of citizen input, but is doubtful Prudential would agree to be bound by a development plan that is designed by the citizen committee that requires development to be done all at one time. Mr. Sweeney concluded by saying the reinstatement of the hotel use, which was a self-imposed restriction, will not compromise the future of Pleasanton. He feels that adding hotel rooms to Pleasanton will enhance the prospects for a convention hotel, not hurt them. Mr. Sweeney further stated that local business owners find hotel room availability is at a critical point and that there are not enough meeting rooms in the market. The Chamber of Commerce is in the process of making an inventory of meeting spaces in the Valley and will rank them from largest Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 October 9,1996