PC 11/21/83 - Laserfiche WebLink

MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION November 21, 1983 Page 3 when this matter was voted on at the 10/19/83 Park and Recreation Commission meeting, three members were absent. He had concerns with a park on Peters Avenue because that street is a major thoroughfare; the depth of the lot is such that it would be dangerous for small children to use the site. He has seen three accidents in the area already. When there was a park behind the police building, there were always problems and felt a park on Peters Avenue would also be problematic. He felt that office/business uses should be allowed on the west side of Peters Avenue. Paul Johnson, Real Estate Broker, Walnut Creek, works with the Catholic Church properties in Pleasanton. He indicated that the Church parcel at Rose/Peters is a surplus site. Gregg Buckley, 420 Division Street, supported a park on the west side of Peters Avenue. Jocelyn Combs, 4857 Harrison Street, had her small child with her stating she was living proof that there is a need for a park in the area. She indicated that in most instances she has to travel by automobile to take her child to a park. She felt that with the zoning of the area allowing for apartments and duplexes there would be more children in the area. She felt a park would foster a feeling of community and allow neighbors with small children to get to know, one another. Ed Valin, a former Pleasanton Police Officer for 21+ years indicated he is familiar with parks in the City. He felt they can cause problems especially in the downtown area. He expressed sympathy with the owners of a residence on Division Street which backs up to the new structure on Peters Avenue. He felt this individual had been deprived of privacy. He felt that a park would encourage dope smoking and other problems. Apartments would have the same result. Office uses usually have working hours of 8:OOam - S:OOpm and are closed on the weekends. As a Detective Sargeant for 11 years, he has had to deal with transients in the back of the police building when it was used as a park. He said people also left dogs and cats there unattended. He felt the traffic pattern on Peters Avenue would not be conducive to a park. Clare Wilbrandt-Koenig, 4885 Harrison Street, spoke in favor of a park. She has a small child, lives in the area, and feels there is a definite need for a park. Concerning vagrants, she felt they could be present any time even in a parking lot. She would hope that with the Police Department so close, there wouldn't be a problem. -3-