PC 092204 - Laserfiche WebLink

Blyth Wilson, project designer, RHL Design Group, noted that he would be available for questions and thanked the Commission. Commissioner Fox inquired whether the driveway easements would change the traffic model and projections and whether they would help or hurt the situation. She was particularly concerned about the 32 PM peak-hour trips at Level-of-Service F at the intersection of Stanley Boulevard and Bernal Avenue/Valley Avenue, especially the left turns that come south on Stanley Boulevard toward Livermore. Mr. Knowles replied that the model assumes the presence of the driveway easements and those turns. He did not believe there would be any impact, positive or negative, on the southbound left turn. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Fox whether staff would be willing to put a "No U-Turn" or "No Left Turn" sign on the corner of Utah Street and Bernal Avenue, Mr. Knowles replied that it may be considered if a demonstrated congestion or safety problem could be observed. He added that people do make left turns there and that the signal at Bernal and Vineyard Avenues creates considerable gaps in the northbound traffic that makes that turn a fairly safe movement. Staff would prefer not to prohibit movements that appear to be safe when made by reasonable drivers, which was the case at present. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. Chairperson Roberts inquired whether the Commission supported a negative declazation or an EIR. She noted that she could not count diverted trips as new trips and did not believe the diverted trips were cumulatively significant in adding traffic to the intersection. Commissioner Arkin supported the negative declaration on this project and believed that the amount of trips being generated by the project was not significant. He believed the presence of the gas station was desired and vitally needed by the residents. He believed the project was designed very tastefully and that it blended in with the surrounding neighborhood. Commissioner Maas moved to make the finding that the proposed project would not have a significant environmental impact and to recommend approval of the Negative Declaration. Commissioner Arkin seconded the motion. Based upon staff s clarification memo concluding that the traffic would have minimal to little impact, Commissioner Fox advised that she had changed her mind with respect to the Negative Declaration from the last meeting and that she had met with staff and the applicant. She understood that the trigger threshold for the identification of study intersections had been reduced from 10 to 1 and would support the motion. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, September 22, 2004 Page 5 of 14