CCMIN081903 - Laserfiche WebLink

downtown to be a hr/ok wall. Both illustrations show the ciW hall in the location of' 157 Main Street and that forces the police parking lot to be where it would be unsightly. He reiterated his desire to sell 157 Main and use the money to purchase the three-acre San Francisco parcel, even if at full value. If the civic center project is about $30 million, $3 million for that property is not such a huge factor as to change all other plans. Ms. Ayala felt the most important aspect of this planning is the downtown area. It is important to have a great entryway to bring vitality. A parking garage is another piece that is needed by downtown. She wanted staff to keep those two elements as a top priority. The funding for this project is a long way offin her opinion, especially considering the other facilities being planned. When this planning started, the City did not have the Bemal Property. Since the City has this other property to develop, careful consideration should be given to where the money is spent first. The vitality of downtown should be a first priority. She would like to wait and see what happens with the three-acre parcel. She agreed with selling the 157 Main building so it could be used for retail to add vitality to that side of downtown. Mayor Pico felt the biggest problem was the police parking lot. Mr. Bocian said staff is aware of that and there are alternatives that can be studied as we proceed with this process. At this point, staff would like direction from Council as to whether the city office building should be on Main Street. That would determine how to deal with the police parking. To remain consistent with the Specific Plan for downtown, there were real benefits to having the City office building on Main Street. Regardless of where the office building is placed, there will be parking issues to deal with. Ms. Ayala did not feel it was necessary to spend $15,000 for an artist to review plans at this time. Mr. Bocian said the concept of an artist was approved by Council with the idea that the artist would be available from the beginning to incorporate art elements within the planning process. He would work with the architect and staff to find opportunities to incorporate art into the site plan; in railings, walkways, landscaping, etc. He is not designing art pieces per se. Pamela Stoddard, Executive Director of the Pleasanton Downtown Association, 830 Main Street, Suite A, said the concepts and ideas presented were great. PDA supported this project. The Design Committee, the Economic Restructuring Committee, and the Board of Directors have looked at these concepts and encourage moving forward with the planning. She acknowledged the gateway entrance to the south of Main Street is very important. There are opportunities for some retail or to create a synergy by having a civic complex at the south end of the street. Parking is also a significant part of this planning. They support the staff recommendation to continue this process. Darryl Alexander, 147 Old Bemal Avenue, President of the PDA, said this is a master plan and he urged continuing the process. It has been around a long time. Pleasanton City Council 21 08/19/03 Minutes