PC 01/11/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

~- fuel load of the heavy vegetation in the Arroyo. Their access would be constrained by the development and they are concerned about fire reaching the development from the Arroyo. Mr. Plucker noted that the Fire Department asked for an additional setback for the houses to provide an additional element of protection. Commissioner McGuirk inquired of staff the reasons for keeping St. John Street closed. Mr. Plucker advised that the City has an agreement with the railroad to close a number of street intersections. Staff has discussed with the railroad and they are receptive to having an EVA for the development. In response to Commissioner Hovingh, Mr. Beougher advised that the City may have a limited liability if a resident's backyard was burned due to a fire in the Arroyo. Commissioner Barker inquired if the Zone 7 maintenance road, which is part of the trail system, is paved. Both Mr. Plucker and Mr. Swift advised that parts of the road are paved. The Centennial Committee repaired the trail to a usable condition. It has not been determined whether or not this particular section will be paved. PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSFn Commissioner McGuirk expressed his comments regarding this application. He agrees that the current site is an eyesore to the neighborhood and feels the proposed project is an opportunity to improve the neighborhood. The developer has done a good job integrating the project into the characteristics of the surrounding neighborhood. Commissioner McGuirk agrees with the original density calculation. He does not favor the frontage road, and believes the St. John residents would oppose others parking and using the frontage road as access to the Arroyo and the park. Furthermore, he does not feel the park will be an attractive draw to other residents of Pleasanton. He feels the bridge may become an attractive nuisance and is unsure whether the HOA will be able to provide for the liability. In his opinion, a dry walkway would be a more suitable alternative. Commissioner McGuirk prefers to keep the landscape/mow strip if it will not jeopardize the homes. He feels this project would be a dramatic improvement to the existing site. Commissioner Hovingh commented he is uncomfortable approving a PUD without any PUD conditions. He feels the articulation on four sides of the homes is a worthwhile endeavor. Commissioner Hovingh proposed removing Lot 11 and Lot 28, where Lot 28 does not have a front yard access because it is all driveway. He is concerned by the setbacks (Lots 21, 22, 25, 26, and 27 appear to have backyards less than 10 feet if the drawing scaling is accurate). He also recommends the single story homes be incorporated into the development (recommending Lots 43 and 1). He also felt that the size of the home could be reduced, although he understood the developer's economic situation. He also thought a Hazard Abatement District could be initiated. Mr. Beougher stated that the General Plan designated part of the development as public institution zoning so the 12 units over the holding capacity is an accurate calculation. Planning Commission Minutes Page 8 January 11, 1995