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Robert Byrd, 327 First Street, said he purchased property at 328 St. Mary's Street with the intention of remodeling it into a small two-story hotel and restaurant. When he learned that Red Bear had purchased property on Main Street to build a three-story hotel, he resubmitted plans for a three-story building. He withdrew the plans and decided to go with the original design because it would be more consistent with the downtown area. He felt Red Bear had designed a nice building but felt it was out of place in the downtown area. He said the Specific Plan should not be changed to allow three-story buildings. He asked when the Specific Plan would be updated. Mayor Tarver said it would take considerable time. He understood Mr. Byrd to say that the Specific Plan should not be modified for this application or other buildings at this time. Mr. Byrd said that is correct. Mayor Tarver said assuming that the Council votes to modify the Specific Plan, then the design issues will be discussed. If Council chooses not to modify the Specific Plan, either for this project specifically or all applications of three-stories, then the de sign issues are removed. Mr. Tiermy, owner of Le Pleasant Jardin, 500 Main Street, supported the project. Joseph Barone, 475 Saint John Street, supported the project. He has had several meetings with Mike Madden, who has addressed all of his concerns. He felt there is a need for hotels in the downtown area and the project will enhance the downtown area. Mayor Tarver asked if he was addressing the Specific Plan or all three-story buildings. Mr. Barone said he was addressing the height of the building, which he has no problems with. Eric Nostrand, 2654 Vista Diablo Court, supported the project. He said Mike Madden has a good track record. He felt most of the issues have been addressed and this brings a good project to the downtown area. He disagreed with the Pleasanton initiative and would rather see more projects like Red Bear. Jim Hoge, 561 Saint John Street, supported the amendment to the Specific Plan. The height is consistent with the Pleasanton Hotel and felt the project would fit in nicely. Brad Hirst, 1211 Santa Rita Road, supported amending the Specific Plan. He said the project is good for the downtown area. The height is insignificant, what is significant is the scale, the impact on the infrastructure, and the impact on the neighbors. He visited a mile long village with three-story buildings and found it to be very attractive. It has architectural interest and diversity that is important and will make any downtown attractive. Pleasanton City Council 9 03/02/99 Minutes