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need the type of competition that will destroy them. She felt Main Street will die if the proposed project is approved. Mrs. Pam Blank, operator of Baskins Robbins in Vintage Hills Shopping Cen- ter, stated she lives in this neighborhood, walks to work, and knows most of her customers by name. She felt to have to move her business to a regional shopping center would be expensive and remove her community type. atmosphere. She felt the timing is wrong for the proposed center; she is just now begin- ning to show a profit with her business. Ms. Debbie Crabb, employee on Main Street, stated she moved to Pleasanton because of the absolute charm of downtown. Now that new buildings and beautification are underway she felt it would be wrong to consider another big shopping center nearby; work on one project at a time. She asked that the proposed project be denied and let downtown grow. Ms. Sue Martinovich, owner of the Pleasanton Hotel, stated she is con- cerned about allowing this development take place. She asked for a show of hands in the audience of those persons opposed to the proposed project. Ap- proximately 90 people raised hands in opposition to the development. Rebuttal Mr. Hirst stated that he has lived in Pleasanton for twenty years, raised his family here, and always been supportive of the downtown merchants. He stated this project will contribute to the downtown association and will not allow certain types of uses that might be detrimental to downtown. He stated · that Pleasanton is exceptionally well planned; that this area has been zoned commercial for thirty years in the general plan. He stated the purpose of this project is to be built at a crossroads intersection and will be auto- mobile oriented. He added the owners will contribute to signalization and road improvements. Mr. Hirst stated that one of the goals of the General Plan is to bring a shopping center within one mile of residents; this major community center will bring shopping to within one mile for a number of residents, and will also serve for future growth. There has not been a last minute scramble for ten- ants; the major tenants are well known and will provide a needed service to Pleasanton and will allow the developer to bring in other committed occupancy. Mr. Hirst disputed the vacancy rate presented by the opponents. He listed various contributions by developers that have greatly benefitted the City. He stated the Valley Avenue extension will alleviate any traffic circulation problems. He stated that a Mission Park shopping center has not been built because of lack of marketability in that area and T-intersection. Mr. Hirst stated that the parking lot will be landscaped and have ap- propriate benches, walkways, etc., to encourage those who want to walk to the center. He stated there would not any'any laundromats in the center because of the water and sewer fees, therefore this would eliminate any competition to neighboring shopping centers for this type of business. He stated this will provide an opportunity for employment for residents in the area. Mr. Hirst concluded by asking for approval of the proposed project, or continuance for 90 days until after completion of the downtown study, upgrated site plan, further discussion of a community redevelopment agency, and further discussions relative to phasing. - 12 4-7-87