SR 05:057 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Blank inquired whether unisex restrooms were the standard for such a use. Mr. Knowles replied that it was the least obtrusive, smallest, and most minimal restroom that could be fitted into the existing building without doing major alterations to the historic fabric of the building. He noted that the new steps and handicap access to the building would be added, as well as new signage. He added that there may be some fascia pieces to put on the front and sides of the building exterior, which would be considered after the structural engineering was completed. He noted that they did as little as possible to the building while still meeting the requirements. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Fox whether the restroom accessible from the outside would be accessible by wheelchair, Mr. Knowles confirmed that it would be ADA-compliant. He added that there would be room for a small diaper-changing table. He described the features of the exterior of the site and displayed the site plan. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Christine Salidivar, Executive Vice President, Pleasanton Downtown Association, 830 Main Street, Suite A, spoke in support of this application. She noted that the veterans had served their country bravely and well and that it was fitting that they be provided a place to meet that was attractive, safe, and functional. She believed the proposed renovations would maintain the historical integrity of the building, which addresses much-needed revisions to the facility, including the addition of the public restroom. She noted that the PDA was aware of the veterans' concerns and believed they could be addressed and mitigated by adhering to staff recommendations. She noted that the proposed restroom would only be accessible from the outside, and the PDA was amicable to limited hours of operation, such as when businesses are open and during events. She noted that the PDA and veterans were in agreement that they did not want a facility that would be detrimental to Downtown Pleasanton. Dan Soria, 5420 San Jose Drive, noted that he was past Commander of the Pleasanton Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and that he was on the task force for this project. He spoke in opposition to the restroom design. He noted that they spent a lot of time on the restroom placement and design. He noted that the restroom under discussion would be located between the two meeting rooms that the veterans use on a regular basis and that it should be accessible from the inside of the building; he did not believe they should have to walk to the front of the building to use the restroom. He noted that there were many public use restrooms available in the Downtown area and did not believe this restroom should be accessible to the public at the expense of the veterans inside the hall. Larry Jackson, 4106 West Las Positas Boulevard, noted that he was the current Adjutant of VFW Post 298. He noted that the renovation planning had been underway for four years and believed that the last-minute addition of a public-accessible restroom was not beneficial to the original intent of the renovation. He noted that the Veteran's Building was the most-utilized building by the City of Pleasanton Downtown and that families and other social gatherings took place there on a frequent basis. He noted that it currently has only two restrooms and that the typical residential restroom was bigger than the existing restrooms. He noted that the restroom EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES, January 26, 2005 Page 2 of 5