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203 Councilmember Mohr stated the reason for this concept is that if the downtown area should develop to the point that First Street could not carry the traffic, then choices would be available to Council in the future. Mrs. Montez Baughman, Express Liquors, resident of Pleasanton for eight years, stated that the downtown area is what attracts businessess, such as Hacienda Business Park, to the community; downtown has a lot of charm. She did not feel that a thoroughfare going through downtown would be an asset; the thoroughfare would allow people to see only the backs of buildings. She stated that to spend money to put in a new road which would destroy First Street and the charm of the downtown area did not seem right. She added she has paid taxes and supported the downtown in the past and now to have a plan that would greatly impact businesses on First Street was not fair. She stated the Plan should be reviewed and looked at in a different perspective. Mr. Doug Safreno, owner of property on First Street, stated that with the completion of Bernal Avenue, and when trucks are no longer allowed on First Street, traffic on this street should not be a problem. He asked that this matter be put on hold at this time. He highly commended City employees George Oxsen and Jim Muck for their assistance in a recent sewer problem that he experienced. Mr. Ed Fitzsimmons, 209 Smith Lane, Concord, lessee of property on First Street, stated that if traffic is eliminated from First Street he would be forced to terminate his lease; he depends on the traffic that goes through for his business. Mr. Ed Chucka, St. John Street, doing work on the Train Depot, stated he lived in Milpitas twenty-five years and that traffic there the last five years has been terrible. He asked the intent of the City Council for the downtown area; do they want traffic to flow freely or do they want to maintain the ambiance. He stated Council should try to preserve the heritage in the downtown. He stated he has made a great effort to do that with the renovation of the railroad station. He did not want a thoroughfare in the downtown area. Mr. Stanley Rathbone, 325 Ray Street, stated he felt more area should be eliminated from the Specific Plan, including all residences. According to the report there is plenty of parking. He urged protection of the downtown heritage, and to leave Pleasanton as it is now. Mr. Leo Heckathorn, 4202 Stanley Boulevard, suggested that the entire Specific Plan be forgotten. He has lived here twenty five years, there have been a lot of improvements and the City does not need $53 million more improvements. - 9 - 1-17-89