PC 090804 - Laserfiche WebLink

In response to Chairperson Roberts' inquiry regazding how diverted trips were counted, Mr. Knowles replied that they did not show up in the calculations. He noted that they would show up in the calculations if a driver would make a left turn from Stanley Boulevard onto Bemal Avenue in the morning because the driver would make that left whether or not the gas station was present. Commissioner Fox inquired whether the recently approved synagogue across the street from the gas station had been notified. Mr. Iserson thought that they would have been notified and that they did not make any comments. Commissioner Fox inquired whether new developments were considered in terms of the overall volume on Valley Avenue and new traffic patterns. Mr. Knowles replied that the 2003 baseline model (existing and approved) was used; only the projects that had not been approved since the creation of the model were not included. He believed that traffic to and from Neal School was included in the 2010 model; he added that California Splash came after the baseline report. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Michael Aminian, applicant, 1975 Hamilton Avenue, Suite 1, San Jose, noted that he was pleased to appear before the Commission on the anniversary of taking his oath of citizenship. He noted that he was changing the gas station from an Arco station. He noted that he would like to bring amoderately-priced product to the community and that the last two-and-a-half years of work on this project has been a challenge. He noted that they had carefully planned the ingress and egress of the station and tried to make the best use of the land. He added that they took the advice of staff and Mr. Cannon to improve the project. He noted that customers generally parked at the pump and walked to the convenience store, which was the generally accepted practice in new gas stations. He noted that in 30 years, he has never had a violation on his Alcoholic Beverage license. He did not believe that the traffic created by the site would be a problem and noted that people generally bought gas in combination with another errand or when driving between home and work. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Fox, Mr. Aminian confirmed that the "Pleasanton U.S. Gas" was registered in Alameda County, and that the U.S. flag was part of the company logo. Chris Beratlis noted that he had no interest in this project and had met the applicant six month previously; he spoke in support of this project. He believed it would be convenient for the east side of Pleasanton and added that it would create more traffic to travel to the other side of the City. He believed that it was needed in the community and urged the Commission to support this project. Blyth Wilson, project designer, RHL Design Group, noted that they had worked intensively with staff and Larry Cannon to develop this project in an attractive manner. He noted that most gas stations drew its traffic from existing traffic in the vicinity. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES September 8, 2004 Page 7 of 14