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James Swofford, Pacific Locomotive Association, 33941 MacMillan Way, Fremont, indicated conceptual approval had been received from the Capital Corridor Joint Powen Authority for a conditional station at the Niles DisUict of Fremont. The City of Fremont is in the process of taking over the railroad property from Union Pacific. That would be the starting point for a historic train ride through the original Transcontinental Railroad Corridor terminating in Pleasanton. The operations of the Pacific Locomotive Association have increased to weekly instead of twice a month in order to spread the ~deF~aip. He believed at the end of the year there will be a total ridership of 45,000 to 50,000 for the year. As development of the museum concept proceeds, he felt national advertising will be increased. This will bring people to Pleasanton to eat and shop. He was dismayed that the recommendations excluded the Niles Canyon Heritage Railway from the study area. He did not think this was in the best interest of the city, especially considering the 1996 ballot measure supporting the train. He also indicated the historic fight of way is not identified as a resource and believed its history was integral to the development of Pleasanton. He related how Jeffery Neal got the Western Pacific railroad line to be in Pleasanton. He indicated he would continue to work to have this historic rail corridor included in the plans for downtown Pleasanton. Michael O'Callaghan, 3425 Arbor Drive, indicated he works for Barry Swenson Builders, and that company owns the Round Table pi~va property and other buildings recently acquired on Neal Street. A major development is contemplated and he is keenly interested in the Specific Plan. He acknowledged the hard work of the Committee so far and commended them. Issues of major concern include the first floor r~tail limitation, which he believes would be disastrous; the traffic circle, which he believes is proposed solely to allow for consWuetion of a new civic center. He thinks Pleasanton really needs new city offices, but feels that could be done by razing the 157 Main Street and 200 Old Bemal locations. There would be room for a new city hall and parking structure. The City could save $5 million for the city hall by not building the roundabout. Other major issues are parking and the shuttle service. He wanted staff to expand the traffic issues to find ways of eliminating cars, then parking would not be such an issue. He supported the Niles Canyon train because it would bring more people to town without automobiles. Peter MacDonald, 400 Main Street, Suite 210, congratulated the Specific Plan Committee for its hard work. He wanted to make certain Council continued with the process. He is working with Batty Swenson Builders along with other downtown property owners and has sent out a survey which he hopes to have back in thne for the Town Hall meeting on Novamber 16. He encouraged Council to have an EIR that covers the plan with all options, not just the simple recommendations of the Committee. For example, the train and the munchbout should be included in the EIR. Ms. Ayala encouraged staff to continue and she would try to attend the Town Hall meeting. Ms. Dennis also encouraged people with similar interests to get together and develop consensus points to present to the Committee. Pleasanton City Council Minutes 8 11/07/00