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Mr. Isemon believed this was a unique situation. Staff recognized there is an imbalance in the Genemal Plan with regard to land uses, mitigations available, and policies in the Cimulation Element. Staff is suggesting that if Council finds other benefits tO this project, such as the location and the fact that it might preclude other trips from residents of the ama, the design is worthy of a gateway to the community, etc, There may then be a way to be more flexible in allowing this project to go forward. Them will be small projects coming that Council may want to consider on a case-by-case basis. Fmom a literal point of view, adding even a few trips to an intersection without mitigating it has in the past been found not to be consistent with the General Plan. Staff suggests a couple of ways for Council to ovemome that. One would be to establish a higher threshold that would say this project is not significant or that there are mitigating factors. A service station is unique in the way it generates traffic. Many people who use the stations are already going by that location. If another project applied for this site, it might create more traffic than a service station would. There is an option to wait for completion of the General Plan update, but Council did direct that projects taken on a case-by-case basis be judged on their own merits. The majority of the Planning Commission felt that on balance the project offered benefits to the community and the neighborhood and consistency with the General Plan could be found. Ms. Hosterman asked for clarification that an alternate land use would likely generate more traffic than a gas station. Mr. Iserson said that was true. Mr. Bmzosky asked about other projects in this area. Mr. Iserson said there was a preliminary plan for a carwash on the next site, but he was uncertain if the applicant intended to pursue it. Across the street there had been a discussion about a major retail center, but no application has ever been presented. On the other side of town them is a small commemial project pending and the applicant is waiting to see how Council acts on the one before it. Michael Aminian, 1975 Hamilton Avenue #100, San Jose, representing the applicant, said he had been working with staff for three yearn to get a final design for this project. They have worked very hard to get a cimulation pattern to preserve the 35-foot easement. The proposal is for a 3,600 sq. ft. store on a 56,000 sq. ft. lot. He reviewed the operation of the convenience store and the type of memhandize it will carry. The results of traffic studies were presented and he reiterated the traffic impact would be insignificant. He noted them are other automotive services in Stanley Business Park and this station would be of benefit to those businesses, particularly for car washing. He reviewed the possible traffic cimulation patterns in the ama. Blythe Wilson, 1340 Arnold Drive #110, Martinez, amhitect for the project was available to answer any questions. There were none at that time. Jack Healy, 2389 Raven Road, said Mr. Aminian has worked with staff for years and done everything the Planning Commission has requested of him. He just wanted this station built so he could use it. Them being no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. Pleasanton City Council 6 10/19/04 Minutes