PC 07/26/79 - Laserfiche WebLink

PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES JULY 26, 1979 (continued) The public hearing was opened. Mr. Ken Gooch, applicant, 608 Main Street, stated he felt this was a good application, that it is in the best interests of the community and will allow for flexibility. He stated the intended use was for offices, including his own. He stated this particular site is the gateway to Pleasanton and would have as much or more impact than Kaiser, therefore, should be aesthetically pleasing with high quality structure and good landscaping. Mr. Gooch requested the zoning change in order to allow for more flexibility. Commissioner Geppert asked how many stories the proposed structure would have. Mr. Gooch replied it was planned for two stories. He also added that a racquet ball club was being considered as a possible use of the property. Commissioner Geppert also asked if the land was planned to be heavily landscaped. Mr. Gooch replied that the property would be landscaped with evergreens similar to Kaiser. Mr. John Van de Roovaart, associate of Caroline-Knudson, stated the existing zoning is not appropriate due to the traffic that would be generated and the situation at the railroad underpass; the proposed amendment would downgrade the zoning and be more appropriate and would be complimentary to this entrance of Pleasanton. Mr. Rennie C. Couper, 6525 Alisal, representing Alisal Homeowners Club, stated the Happy Valley homeowners group is concerned about access into the property as the road is narrow and comes out into a curve on Sunol Blvd. He stated they realized the present zoning request would generate less traffic, but they felt both were inappropriate. They felt the zoning was not compatible with the rural area as there were lots of horseback riders in this area and increased traffic would be dangerous. Mr. Couper stated he felt this zoning was in conflict with the Scenic Route restrictions of I-680. Mr. Couper stated that the general policy regarding the Alisal-Happy Valley area was being updated by the homeowners group for presentation to the Alameda County Planning Department and that he would send a copy to the Pleasanton Planning Commission as soon as it is completed. He stated the general consensus of the residents was to keep it a rural area. Al Morris, Happy Valley Road, stated he was opposed to this application because of the traffic situation at this location. He stated that a racquet ball establishment would cause increased traffic on the weekends while a general office building would generate increased traffic during the week. Mr. Morris expressed concern regarding the grading which he felt was getting ahead of the rest of the project. Mr. Harris stated the applicant did have a permit to do the grading, which was being done to clear the land and to do a geological investigation. John Van de Roovaart stated the grading was being done to prepare a soils report that would be necessary for any movement of earth and future foundation recommendation. He stated the soils engineer's recommendations have been made and forwarded to the Company for review. He added that investigation work was done before any dirt was moved on the site and there was no import on the site. Mr. Van de Roovaart stated the grading permit was obtained under the rules and regulations set forth by the Uniform Building Code. Mr. Harris added the dirt was being moved legitimately. Mr. Dennis Galfkydes, Happy Valley Road, voiced two objections to the current zoning and proposed change; one, neither zoning is compatible to rural nature; and two, safety, as the road is too narrow. He stated he was concerned about the amount of traffic this application would generate on Happy Valley Road. Mr. Gooch made no rebuttal to the opponents. -2- __..._ _... _......_.T.-._,.._