PC 11/28/83 - Laserfiche WebLink

MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION November 28, 1983 Page 9 Commissioner Wilson felt that to adopt the new ordinance for Pleasanton would set double standards. He didn't feel it would be fair because it requires new buildings in the same area to meet parking standards. Commissioner Getty felt an expansion could include moving walls within an existing structure, not just an add on. She said the intensity of a use within a structure could be an expansion. Commissioner Wilson felt people should pay as they go and still did not believe the proposed ordinance would be equitable. Commissioner Getty stated one wants to encourage people to use downtown by parking and using more than one facility. She said there are many businesses which cannot go in downtown because they are shy one or two parking places. Commissioner Wilson stated that parking in downtown has been a topic for years. He stated that LaRochelle had to participate in an assessment district for their use. Commissioner Lindsey stated that Gay 90's wanted to expand and have tables outside in their patio area and couldn't do it. An ice cream shop was proposed for Neal Street and they couldn't go in for lack of parking. They want to make downtown Pleasanton a viable business district. Commissioner Getty said there is a condition where this would have to be reviewed every two years and the needs can be rechecked. She didn't feel that many businesses in the downtown area could afford an assessment distric t because they could not get high rents required for it to be viable. Commissioner Doherty would like to see an assessment district for all of downtown but people have refused to agree to participate in an assessment district should it be formed. Mr. Harris stated that this ordinance will discourage the formation of a parking assessment district. Commissioner Getty did not agree. She said the whole idea is to make downtown more viable and healthy and used more. She stated that studies show there is parking available. Commissioner Wilson felt that if there is an abundance in downtown then the parking ordinances should be reviewed for all of the shopping centers and other areas. Commissioner Lindsey stated the Police Department did an extensive parking study at various times of the day. He stated the results show the maximum capacity doesn't go over 40%. He reviewed the boundaries of the study. Chairman Jamieson agreed with Commissioner Doherty that an assessment district would be nice but doubted there would be many participants. He concurred with Commissioner Wilson that the proposed ordinance change would not be fair nor equitable as it is setting a double standard. This double standard would then be removed in five years. Mr. Harris reconfirmed that the purpose of the proposed change is to encourage the use of existing older structures where there is a deficit in parking. He stated that the "0" zones wouldn't be effected by the proposed change. The public hearing was opened. Lori Scott-Vintner, 210 Rose Avenue, represented the Downtown Association and the Chamber of Commrece task force. She concurred with the staff report and encouraged the Planning Commission to recommend adoption of the draft ordinance. -9-