PC 10/14/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

S&. Citv of Pleasanton Downtown Revitalization Plan To Consider the adoption of the Draft Downtown Revitalization Downtown Task Force, containing recommendations and policies Downtown, an, prepared by the or the improvement of Commissioner Michelotti stated that she was advised by the City Att rney to abstain from the discussion as she owns property downtown. Commissioner Finch also abstained from the discussion because of a nflict of interest. Mr. Iserson presented the staff report recommending approval of the Draft Downtown Revitalization Plan, subject to the conditions of Exhibit A. He not that staff has received a number of letters tonight from business owners objecting to any dow town street and sidewalk reconstruction which unfairly shifts the burden of lost busi ss revenues upon it. The various letters stated that the desired improvements could be ma e without full street closure, but possibly at a greater cost to the City. In addition to the letters received tonight, petitions were also received requesting that the City develop a plan at will allow travel lanes for all phases of construction as well as access to the parking 1 ts on Main Street. Mr. Iserson advised that staff is continuing to engage in dialogue wi h the downtown merchants to come up with the best construction schedule for busine s people downtown. He further noted that the most controversy with the proposed Downtow Revitalization Plan itself seems to be with the Land Use Plan, which would permit only retail on the ground floors on Main Street. Commissioner McGuirk discussed with Mr. Iserson the possibility 0 streets such as Division Street for parking purposes during the time closed. using some of the side ain Street would be Commissioner Wright questioned Mr. Higdon whether the funds are actually available to do the work downtown. Mr. Higdon and Mr. Iserson explained that at this time the funds are available to do the project as scheduled, but that changing the sched Ie to keep all blocks of Main Street open to traffic would involve additional funds. These f nds would have to be gained by shifting various City projects around. Mr. Higdon furthe explained that the construction would have to be stopped by November and resumed a ter it is sure the rainy season would be past. Otherwise, the construction would be extre ly inconvenient and disruptive. Commissioner Wright questioned Mr. Beougher in regard to the let rs and petitions received tonight, whether those merchants might actually be able to take leg action against the City for lost business. Mr. Beougher indicated that anyone can file a cl 'm; however, he felt there would be no validity in such actions by merchants. Planning Commission Minutes October 14, 1992 Page 8