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any questions about the design. Mr. Antrim said there were several neighborhood meetings at which they tried to address concems. Fifty-eight new trees will be planted. He urged Council to approve the plan as the Planning Commission did unanimously. Timothy Bowe, ARC, Inc., 940 Tyler Street, Suite 23, Benicia, reviewed the design features of the building. He explained that the highest point of the building is 35 feet, which is similar to many two story houses. There had been discussion about mitigating the view of the building by lowering the building pad and he explained that this building will be viewed not only by the residents behind the building, but also by thousands of people driving on Sunol Boulevard. He believed that sinking it into a hole would be counterproductive to the presentation that was intended. He believed this was a building with a contemporary design, but also one that will age well and continue to look good and not be dated with the passage of time. Michael Robertson, 4222 Remillard Court, another of the partners in the building, indicated he was very proud of this building and hoped to be a tenant in the building. Brad Hirst, 1811 Santa Rita Road, indicated he had brought up the idea of a berm along Diamond Court. The City's landscape architect does not recommend a berm under the eucalyptus tree. He indicated if Council wants a berm from the eucalyptus to the eastern property line, he would be happy to do that. One of the conditions of the Planning Commission was that the trees be 24 inch box as opposed to 15 gallon sized and he agreed to do that. In addition a request was made to plant the trees early in construction rather than later and he agreed to that. The City's landscape architect, the applicant's horticulturalist and landscape architect all reconunend not berming under the eucalyptus and not planting any shrubs under it. With regard to the lowered building pad, he believed the occupants of the ground floor offices would not be pleased. He referred to the berm at 7901 Stoneridge and indicated the view was not good and that berm was a lot farther away than it would be in his proposed building. For the occupants, he asked that no berm or retaining wall be required at the front of the building. Mayor Pico declared the public heating open. Dolores Bengtson, 568 Hamilton Way, indicated she lives around the comer from the subject property. She believed this project will enhance the entrance to Pleasanton. She had confidence the City planning staff would require the project to meet all applicable standards, but she was more concerned about whether the project owners could address the concerns of the neighborhood in a fair and reasonable manner. She wanted the architecture and landscaping to enhance the neighborhood and be complimentary to Sunol Boulevard. She also wanted the allowable uses on the site to be compatible with the neighborhood. She believes this project has met or exceeded her expectations. It is a beautiful building and the landscaping is lush and covers 40% of the property. She was opposed to lowering the building pad and felt like the building will look like it is in a hole. With regard to the berm, she felt that was a concern of the adjacent property owners and not hers. If it helps them, she supported it. She urged Council to support the project as submitted. Pleasanton City Council 5 02/20/01 Minutes