CCMIN011607 - Laserfiche WebLink

3. Adopt the draft resolution establishing a limited time parking zone along the Saint Elizabeth Seton Church's Stoneridge Drive frontage. Mayor Hosterman opened the public hearing. Councilmember Sullivan noted he has met with the Gupta's, several members of the church and with staff regarding this project. Mayor Hosterman noted she has had conversations with the architect over the phone, and with Mrs. Gupta. Councilmember McGovern noted she has also had meetings with the church group and Mrs. Gupta. Sonia and Rohit Gupta, appellants, addressed the City Council noting she is a Pleasanton resident. She noted they are not against the Parish Center and are not against the gymnasium. They feel the original approval was far more appropriate for the project. They noted concerns which included concerns with church members parking on the public streets in their neighborhood; that it would be unsafe for church members to walk across Rheem Drive to use the parking lot at 2174-2186 Rheem Drive since there isn't a crosswalk or stop sign. They noted concern with existing excessive traffic speed along Rheem Drive. Their concern with additional noise that will be generated by the use of the parish center building, including traffic noise, noise from people walking to/from their vehicles, and noise from activities within the building. They stated they feel staff has failed to look at the potential expanded use due to increasing membership. It does not take into account the church's goals to increase membership and to operate additional programs in the future. They also feel there were issues expressed that have been totally ignored in the staff report. They also expressed concerns regarding the impact on the animal habitat at the location. A project of this magnitude and size deserves a full EIR/Wildlife Study and perhaps a conservation easement. In addition, Ms. Gupta expressed concerns with the CEQA exemptions; densities and FARs. She concluded by stating that this project, from her understanding, cannot be exempt from CEQA. A comprehensive EIR is needed to evaluate and analyze the direct and indirect effects of this project on the environment. She felt this project is best suited at the originally approved location on the east side of the Church. Mr. Gupta pointed out staff report inconsistencies which included the height variance, the speed survey on Stoneridge, and parking. He noted there were no story poles used which could have provided the neighbors with a correct picture. He concluded by urging the City Council to uphold their appeal, noting the whole picture needs to be reviewed. City Council Minutes 6 January 16, 2007