CCMIN020502 - Laserfiche WebLink

advisory vote is not brought to fruition, it will diminish the voters' confidence in any future advisory measures. Dave Wright, 5331 Northway Road, speaking for the Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council, indicated he would like to have the Railroad Avenue fire station to be designated for art uses as soon as possible. They would like to use it as a black box theater and gallery and he felt that would be wonderful for downtown. They want to start raising money. Mr. Iserson indicated the recommendation is to keep the language broad so that all the uses contemplated by the parks and trails task force and the specific plan committee can be possible. The uses would be refined when the decisions are made on the Parks and Trails Master Plan. John Kimber, 3885 Beacon Avenue, Fremont, Manager of the Pleasanton Plaza Shopping Center, acknowledged parking is a major issue, but he has not heard where it will be located. He suggested using 325 Ray Street and using it for a parking structure. He was opposed to a City office on Main Street. He was unaware of any government office that contributes to after hours vitality and night lift. He urged Council to accept a concept plan it can enthusiastically support, but remember it is only a concept. Private investment will finally control and he was confident the concept plan will be changed over time. He urged the City to acquire the Transportation Corridor. He felt if the City did not act soon, it would lose it. Gary Prince, 4166 Walnut Drive, expressed concerns about traffic on Ray Street and was opposed to commercial use of 325 Ray Street. He indicated the neighbors had talked to the land owner who wants to build ten houses on the site. He felt that would not have as severe an impact on traffic as a commercial use would. Commercial uses can change over time. The residences have been there for fifty years. Today's chiropractic office can be tomorrow's tattoo parlor. A weight lose center can change to selling packaged meals. The choice is commercial or residential. Whether it is called office or retail is a fine line that will change. The neighborhood has not changed in many years. He urged Council to designate 325 Ray as residential. Robert Cordtz, 262 West Angela, objected to the Mayor abstaining fi.om this item. He said everyone acknowledges downtown is the heart of Pleasanton and felt the downtown planning and development have greater importance than other issues. Two people fi.om Council and two people on the Planning Commission are abstaining on this and he did not think that was good government. He referred to all the previous plans for redevelopment of downtown and previous specific plans over the years, including three general plans. He referred to the PDA recommendation for another 18 months of study. He felt a decision needs to be made now. He also felt this should be put to a vote of the people in November and wanted to know how to draft an initiative. He referred to a memo from Mr. Hoge who believed the EIR was faulty and asked what his concerns were. Ms. Dennis said the letter is included in the final EIR and includes responses addressing his concerns. Pleasanton City Council 10 02/05/02 Minutes