12 Exhibits - Laserfiche WebLink

Acting Chairperson Fox reconvened the meeting at 9:22 p.m. Steve Ward, 3020 Badger Drive, spoke in opposition to this project. He believed the architectural design was beautiful but did not believe another big box Home Depot was needed in Pleasanton. He was not in favor of the traffic it would bring, and he was pleased this item would be heard by City Council for the final decision. He noted that they had fought the water slides, which were approved, and added that there had been no traffic determination for them. He believed that Valley Avenue, Stanley Boulevard, and Santa Rita Road were already a traffic nightmare and was very concerned about this project's effect on them. He believed that if the traffic mitigation was the answer, then the City should do it themselves rather than the developer. He had not heard much discussion about the children biking to the BMX Park on Saturday s. He believed the local neighbors would have to endure the problems generated by this project. He noted that only three emails were included in the packet and noted that many more emails had been written in opposition to this project. He did not believe this use was a good fit for Pleasanton. Bob Russman, 2459 Via de los Milagros, a member of the synagogue, spoke in support of this project. He noted that when the synagogue on Nevada Court heard about this project, it initially expressed concern about traffic, access, and noise. They were further alarmed when the City added the possibility of a loop road from Bernal Avenue to Stanley Boulevard, which they believed would severely and negatively affect them. He was pleased that the City and applicants had heard their concerns and did an excellent job in working with them to limit any potential problems, He noted that they made good progress with Regency Centers with respect to landscaping, access, and the viewshed. He was confident that they could conduct their programs, services, and school in a dignified manner without interference. He noted that the traffic on Valley Avenue was a problem, but that it was a Stoneridge Drive-to-EI Charro Road problem, not a Home Depot problem. Heidi Massie, 4183 Hale Court, representing Stop Pleasanton Gridlock, spoke in opposition to this project due to the increased traffic it would bring to an already congested area along Valley Avenue. She was also concerned about the noise levels avenue and safety risks to schoolchildren and further deterioration ofthe quality oflife along Valley Avenue. She read the traffic study and did not believe it modeled the impacts on the weekend traffic and noise levels. She was concerned about the possible closure of the Johnson Drive store, and understood that the lease had been extended for nine years, She noted that there was no guarantee that they would not sublet. She noted that the traffic mitigation had only been addressed for the Stanley BoulevardlBernal Avenue intersection, but not the Valley Avenue/Santa Rita Road intersection. She appreciated the applicant's efforts in listening to her concerns and those of her neighbors as well as their expressed willingness to work with the City and effect and pay for some traffic mitigations. They admitted that they could not control all the traffic due to the distribution of traffic fee monies. She noted that the removal of a crosswalk had improved the safety problems for pedestrians slightly, and they looked forward to the activation of the radar signs. She had been told in May that the trucks would definitely not use Valley Avenue and would like some assurance that trucks would be removed from Valley Avenue. She did not believe this was the time for this project in this location. EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, December 13, 2006 Page 6 of 16