PC 06/22/83 - Laserfiche WebLink

PLANNING COMMISSION Juen 22, 1983 Page Nine (revised 7/19/83) The public hearing was opened. Nell Martin, Valley Times, 126 Spring Street addressed the Commission. She indicated that Mr. Spiliotopoulos, Cheese Factory, did agree to have the module, but that the. newspapers have now decided to remove it from in front of the Cheese Factory. She wanted to correct the impression that all of the newspapers are not cooperating. She also stated that the downtown area is only the starting point. She did not want the Planning Commission to have the impression that all newspapers are uncaring and uncooperative and that the Committee has contacted all businesses. Concerning the Roundup Bar, Ms. Martin stated they do not want the racks against the building and requested it be put curbside. This is a very busy street in the morning and is the best place for sales. She asked the Planning Commission to be realistic in this regard because they are trying to serve the commuters and need to place racks in areas that are heavily travelled. She indicated that at the Valley and Hopyard shopping center, they have removed the clutter and installed modules at all sites including Kavanaugh Liquors. Commissioner Lindsey asked why there is a need for five locations on Main Street within one mile. Ms. Martin reported that some were installed because merchants requested them. Richard Luke of the San Francisco Newspaper Agencies (.Examiner and Chronicle) indicated this is not the only place where there is a committee at work with the communities. He stressed sales locations are a matter of economics; they will not put racks out if they are not selling newspapers. He indicated the newspaper people are trying to cooperate with cities. He would like to work out an arrangement for a test period for new locations and if it doesn't work out, the racks will not stay. USA Today is a new product on the market and racks will not stay when they find out papers will not sell at the locations. Further, numbers taken from other towns do not necessarily apply to Pleasanton. He suggested the Committee function and work out the downtown problems and then move to other areas. Commissioner Lindsey indicated that his concerns come back. to USA Today and apparently regulations are needed for one. newspaper. Commissioner Getty has spent many hours as a busa_ness pexson on this matter. She indicated the City has been working in good faith on this matter and are looking out for the best interests of the community. Mr. Luke didn't wish. to test the legality of governmental control as it is expensive and unnecessary. If all persons are reasonable problems should be able to be worked out . -9-