12 Exhibits - Laserfiche WebLink

first work session the Planning Commission discussed that idea. At the second work session, staff brought the current site plan to the Planning Commission and noted that the lOa-foot area was not being provided. The outcome of that work session was such that the Planning Commission accepted the current setbacks, provided that a very thick and opaque landscape barrier was created in that area. As conditioned, staff has stated that the shrubs would be planted on the spacing in a manner that would achieve a 50-percent overlap of the shrub canopy in five years. Commissioner O'Connor noted that at the last meeting, the landscaping strip was to be a berm, and he could not tell from the photographs whether it was on a berm or level ground. Mr. Pavan noted that it was level ground and indicated that the applicant could respond to that concern. Acting Chairperson Fox inquired whether staff believed that this large of a center was appropriately scaled for its surrounding neighborhoods and whether it preserved and enhanced the existing character of the Downtown due to its proximity to the Downtown area. Mr. Pavan noted that staff would answer "yes" to both questions. He noted that the project had a very low floor area ratio as specified in the staff report. Additionally, the buildings were designed to minimize, if not alleviate the "big box" look of a big-box store, The architecture was intended to replicate the Pleasanton look and character. The design treatments were intended to resemble a series of individual storefronts versus a massive big-box store. Staff examined its proximity to the Downtown area and felt that Downtown Main Street provided a level of nice eating establishments, a farmer's market, parades and other interesting uses and activities, as well as offices. Staff did not believe the project would have a detrimental effect upon the use and viability of the Downtown area. He noted that there had been concerns that WalMart would destroy the Downtown area, and this has not taken place. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Pete Knoedler, applicant, Regency Centers, 228 Monte Carlo Way, Danville, complimented staff on a very comprehensive staffreport. He noted that the identification of a pad as a fast food pad was incorrect. They were in negotiations with Starbucks for a drive-through location. With respect to the concerns about bike riders cutting through the site, he noted that they had worked with staff and the local community and had widened the sidewalks with a five- foot separation to increase safety. They had also held numerous talks with the synagogue and satisfied its concerns with the landscaping. They agreed to add extra buffering at the berm, and bioswales would be located throughout the site. He noted that significant architectural upgrades had been made to the store, and he believed it was the nicest one he had ever seen. He anticipated that the project would generate about $1 million in sales tax revenue to the City and 400 to 500 new jobs in town. Dave Johnson, project architect, Johnson Lyman Architects, displayed the store design and described how the buildings were scaled down to a more pedestrian feel. He added that the addition of gable elements, parapets, trellises, and cupola elements lent an old-town feci to the center. EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, December 13,2006 Page 4 of 16