PC 07/10/1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

very near the tracks and noise is not a problem for him. He also did not feel parking in downtown would be a problem as 40,000 to 60,000 people can come in for a festival and for the fair and parking is very smoothly accommodated. He just did not think one engine running for seven hours could create problems. Chairman Mahern and the Commissioners assured Mr. Cordzt they were not taking the staff report in a negative fashion; staff was simply trying to point out any possible problems that might be encountered and dealt with. Gary Schwagerle, 189 W. Angela, spoke in favor of the project and felt it would be great for the downtown area. He said Pleasanton has always had something for the downtown such as Heritage Days and the Pasta Festival; he urged the Commission to support the project and not lose a "super" opportunity for the City. Lyman Higgins, 2171 Goldcrest Circle, spoke in favor of the project and as a member of the Tri-Valley Trails Council. He noted that Europeans are great at saying how they preserve historical places and things, and that Americans are good at tearing them down. He felt this was a great opportunity to bring some history back to a downtown that needs a "boost" very badly. He stated that the Trails Council is a grassroots organization aimed at advancing interconnecting trails and said they are neither endorsing or opposing this project. If the project is approved, the Council would hope that a trail system can be compatible with the train rail. He felt both could be a boom to the downtown. ~ Scott Miner, 1507 Ramblewood, felt the project was a unique opportunity to "boost" downtown Pleasanton and pump some blood into the heart of the community. He thought the train might be an excellent way to help keep Pleasanton on the map. Ed Churka, 507 St. John Street, clarified they are requesting the Commission's permission to have the historic trains come alive again in downtown Pleasanton. They are not seeking approval for funding and are !!Q1 requesting the City's active involvement with various departments where additional project funding may drain the City's limited fmancial resources. They are asking for the concept to be approved by the City to allow them to present a City-supported preliminary proposal to the County of Alameda. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. COMMISSION'S COMMENTS Commissioner Michelotti stated she supports the proposed project 100 percent. She would like to see the PRA figure out a way that people who ride the train would have some time to spend in the downtown area, not just 15 minutes. She felt this could be a great boost and novelty to the downtown. She said people feel there should be more shops and restaurants downtown, but people are also needed to visit these establishments. She thought the train might help the downtown economy. She did not think parking would be that much of a problem; if it becomes a problem there are plans to obtain sufficient parking. She also did - Minute. Planning eammis.ioD July 10, 1991 Page 7 ,. .