PC 12/08/1993 - Laserfiche WebLink

A discussion ensued between staff and the Commissioners concerning the front sign not being framed like the rear signs. Because the sign is on a plane of stucco, staff feels that carries forth the framing concept. Commissioner Finch asked if planters could be installed at the front and sides of the building to soften the "sound wall" look. Mr. Ashworth indicated there are some planters along the front wall, though a consideration for adding more planters would be for the safety of customers and interference of pedestrian circulation. Mr. Ashworth explained that they had designed the building with planters, though to incorporate the trellis work, they removed the trees and added those trees to the existing planters across the aisle to give a denser screening effect. Commissioner Michelotti and Mr. Bell discussed the arcade wrap-around and how close the beams and columns are to each other (every 15 feet). Commissioner Michelotti asked if this type of structure could be added to the back corner (at Hacienda and Owens) because she feels it is highly visible to passing motorists. Mr. Bell indicated the arcade structure had not been planned for that corner, though he agreed to her request for more landscape screening at that corner. Mr. Bell indicated that Pleasanton had recently enacted the Clean Water Act, which states that any water falling on the site becomes storm water and must be treated through a mechanical filter before going back into the waterways. He stated Walmart wants to be environmentally sensitive and asked the Commission if the rear down spouts could be kept on the exterior of the building so residents could see passive "ecology at work" with the storm water draining through the down spouts, over the splash blocks, over the pavement to the soil and grass, and then into the storm drains. The Commissioners felt that the idea was too "futuristic" for the general public. The Commissioners would rather compromise and see the down spouts incorporated into the interior of the building, emerging at the bottom, where the water would come out and hit the splash blocks and continue on to the storm drains. In response to Chairman McGuirk regarding Condition 3g, Mr. Bell indicated that Walmart uses regular shopping carts. Loading is not a problem because there are parking spots right in front of the store reserved for loading purposes only. There is no over-night outside storage of carts. Commissioner Hovingh inquired if Condition l4d was acceptable to the applicant. Mr. Bell would rather use heavy metal coping instead of flashing. He indicated he would like to take the Commissioners to Oakland's Performing Arts Building to view an example of what he envisions for Pleasanton Walmart. In response to Chairman McGuirk, Mr. Bell advised that any future expansion would be of existing services only, and the new structure would be stepped down in height from the existing height. Planning Commission Minutes Page 7 December 8, 1993