PC 07/10/1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

In response to Chairman Mahern's question, Mr. Trapani said Galveston received a good portion of their funds from grant monies. He stated that he is good friends with a person in Galveston who has offered to assist the PRA in writing grant applications. He was hopeful of getting the necessary $720,000 in a fairly short period of time. Michael Snyder, 15730 Via Serranto, San Lorenzo, President of PLA, stated the association has not officially taken a position on PRA's proposal; however, he indicated they would be willing to work with the PRA should the project actually be approved. He noted that the PLA does not presently charge for rides on their train, but eventually they may have to charge something as they are anticipating they may need to hire some employees. At the present time, their project is run by all volunteers. Gary DeWeese, 1748 Beechwood, member of the PLA, expressed support for the PRA's proposed project. His primary objective is as a Pleasanton resident and a desire to preserve history in the area. He felt the project is a "natural" fit with downtown Pleasanton. He commended the Commission for their attempts in trying to keep the downtown area as historically pleasing as possible. He felt the project was laudable and that approval by the Commission could bring an economic boost to downtown and would bring many people out on Sundays. In regard to comments on safety, he said Federal and PUC safety regulations are followed religiously by the PLA, which would also extend to the PRA. -- Bill Laube, 855 Main Street, wholeheartedly supported the proposed project, stating he thought it was a great idea. He also felt there would be no problem with parking. He felt the project should be approved as quickly as possible. Diane Habener, 3628 Manchester Street, said she has worked in Pleasanton since 1980. She supported the train project and felt it would bring much needed business to the downtown area on Sundays and ultimately the rest of the week. She is also on the trail system committee and feels this project would be very compatible. Bruce Kubik, 1810 Tanglewood Way, said he has been a resident for 25 years and fully supports the idea of a train. He said he is a train "nut", belongs to four train clubs, but does not belong to either of the associations represented tonight. He just likes trains; feels the proposed project could be somewhat like the Skunk Train that brings people in to the town to shop and eat for an hour or so. He said as a child he lived near the trains in Chicago and felt it was a wonderful experience and that children here would also love to have that experience. He knew there would be problems to surmount but on a whole, thought it would be a very positive experience. He asked that the Commission support the project. Mike McCabe, 1534 Calle Enrique, asked the Commission to support the concept presented and bring the trains to downtown Pleasanton. He was a member of the PLA. Robert Cordzt, 262 W. Angela, spoke in favor of bringing the trains to Pleasanton. He expressed concern that the staff report appeared to be negative toward the project in their concern regarding parking and noise, which he felt might bias the Commission. He lives Minutes Planning Commission July 10, 1991 Page 6 -