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Joan Tenbrink, 4265 Mirador Drive, Civic Arts Commissioner and member of Parks and Trails Committee and the Downtown Specific Plan Committee, wanted to keep the viewsheds for Wayside and DeLucchi Park. It is beautiful to see greenery in the downtown area. She encouraged Council to give definitive information to the Civic Arts Commission regarding the future facilities that will be available. The Commission would like to see a gallery and black box theater in the Railroad Avenue fire station. The Parks and Trails Committee and the Downtown Specific Plan Committee both agreed that would be a good use. The Commission needs to get clear direction from Council to enable them to start obtaining funding. Trudy Fabian, 4552 First Street, felt that what was being done with downtown was spectacular. She felt there was not enough space to bring in something as large as the train and it would not serve the public interests. Residents near downtown love to walk downtown and love the activity. She believed the parks and trails would encourage people to come downtown and bring business to restaurants and shops. She thanked everyone for all the hard work and hoped this can continue to be discussed in a civilized manner. Dolores Bengtson, 568 Hamilton Way, indicated she was speaking on behalf of many others in support of the Specific Plan. She referred to a petition that was presented opposing the train. She referred to information regarding the train/trails issue. Some who support the train are stating that the train is compatible with parks and trails plans and can easily share the corridor. She said she had spoken with the Trails Specialist at East Bay Regional Parks District regarding the compatibility of active trains and active trail use. He said that when the Park District discussed the Alameda Creek trail through Niles Canyon with the PLA, the PLA was adamant about not having trail use in the train right of way. In addition, the PUC rendered a decision that there could not be a trail in the right of way due to safety considerations. In some places in the United States, trails and trains do share corridors, but that is only where barriers such as fences, berms or moats are provided. She objected to remarks that the residents of Ridge View Commons were being manipulated by anyone. Those residents objected to the train earlier than anyone. The Downtown Specific Plan is the result of over a hundred meetings of countless citizens and countless reports and evidence. Many City staff hours and resources have been spent on this project. The Plan before Council has been approved by all these committees and commissions and indicates strong community support. Those who oppose the plan or wish to have decisions delayed were active participants in the process and had ample opportunity for input and bringing forth information. If they had information, why haven't they already provided it. The Specific Plan presents unique opportunities limited only by imagination and funding. It would provide ample parking, trails, new uses for the fire station (not limited by an adjacent active train) that would provide galleries, performing arts, classes, etc. that would attract residents to the downtown. Dorothy Sternberg, 5150 Case Avenue, said she lives at Ridge View and objected to the attitude that businessmen can meet and discuss things, but when senior citizens do it, they are somehow being manipulated. There were only twenty seniors at this meeting, but eighty had attended meetings at Ridge View. She said many seniors can't stay up till midnight and have physical reasons for not attending Council meetings. She agreed Pleasanton needs business and suggested the Pleasanton have a theater and other activities for citizens. She cited other downtowns and felt Pleasanton's downtown is special and good for walking. She was concerned Pleasanton City Council 13 03/05/02 Minutes