SR 06:079 - Laserfiche WebLink

"The PDA's Design Committee first reviewed the architectural plans on November 15, 2005. At that time, the Committee voiced its concerns that the proposed design was not in keeping with the established historical setting of Downtown Pleasanton. Additionally, the proposed design did not conform to the Downtown Design Guidelines or Downtown Specific Plan. Due to the significance of the project, it was also reviewed by the Board of Directors at their November 22, 2005 meeting. The Board directed the Design Committee to continue to work with City staff on revisions to the proposed external design. " Mr. O'Callaghan supported the function of this building and trusted that the Civic Arts Commission and the Task Force had done their homework so the building would fit their needs. The PDA would like to see the project move forward posthaste. Two members of the PDA sat on the Task Force: its president, Judy Wheeler Ditter, and its treasurer, Janet Yarborough. Christine Salidivar, who was instrumental in the writing of this letter, was very supportive of moving ahead, and he noted that they did not wish to delay the process. He noted that in his meeting with City staff on November 15, 2005, he was assured that the design of the exterior of the building would continue to be considered. He believed this design did not conform to the Guidelines and was not a good fit for the Downtown. He believed, however, that the design could be improved and that it could look better than the Amador High School. He added that the design had an institutional look. He noted that the staff report was void of that discussion, and the PDA would like to continue to work with staff. He would like staff to work with the PDA and the Design Review Committee to bring this project into conformance with the Downtown Design Guidelines. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Roberts regarding whether Charles Huff was involved with the design review, Mr. O'Callaghan said no. Mr. Huff had hoped to speak but he was ill and could not be in attendance. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Roberts whether the PDA had any problem with the floor plan, Mr. O'Callaghan replied that they did not. He added that the PDA did not take exception to the program elements or the interior layouts. He believed that the exterior was not consistent with the design guidelines for the Downtown and that the architects had represented the volume of the building as being driven by the function of the building. He noted that he was surprised that the design went to design review so quickly, and he hoped the building would be more in conformance with the Downtown Design Guidelines. Ron Greenspan, Chief Executive, Axis Community Health, 4361 Railroad Avenue, noted that his building was directly across the street from the firehouse and was very happy that the fire engines were gone. He noted that he had worked on the Task Force for over a year and added that there was a lot of community participation in the design, which he believed was a very good one. He believed it was functional, aesthetically pleasing, and fit Pleasanton in both a historical and contemporary sense. Rudy Johnson, 5655 Black Avenue, spoke in support of this project and noted that he had been very involved in the fundraising for the Cultural Arts Council and the Cultural Arts Foundation. He noted that until the design has been agreed upon, it would be very difficult to continue EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES, February 8, 2006 Page 4 of8