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George Withers questioned the success and safety for pre-empted signaled intersections between the development and the fire station, noted that Home Depot recently lost 29% of its revenue last quarter and were selling off their building materials division. He requested seeing the population figures of those cities surveyed in the economic analysis and how many of the Home Depots were located in close proximity to freeways. Karl Yang opposed the Home Depot, felt it was bad planning and that the development affected the entire city and voiced concerns with traffic. Heidi Massie asked that the Council not approve the project because of traffic congestion and excessive truck traffic. She questioned enforcement of vendor trucks not owned by Home Depot, said the Commerce law allows for trucks to take the most direct route to their delivery. She expressed concerns with safety of school children and said Home Depot representatives have met with her but she was still not in support of the project because she did not feel the store belonged in the center of the city. Mike Fahy said he was not in favor of the project because he does not see the benefit of another large box store in the center of the city. He voiced concerns with cross town traffic and how it was analyzed, 60%-70% of the large delivery trucks were not under the control of Home Depot and they would take the shortest and fastest route. He asked the Council to vote against the project. Ronald Marovich supported the project, said traffic on Vineyard Avenue could be significantly reduced between Stanley and Bernal if Vine Street were opened. He felt the bridge should have been four lanes when it was built and felt jobs would be created once the store was built. John Carroll spoke against Home Depot as he felt the location was not appropriate and too far away from infrastructure that other stores are located adjacent to freeways. He questioned Home Depot’s community involvement and asked the Council to deny the project. David Bouchard, addressed the City Council on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce and asked for approval of the Home Depot shopping center project as it would generate significant revenues and create hundreds of jobs. He stated the center would create a common space atmosphere and close service retail for residents and would enhance the gateway location of the property. He felt with all conditions placed on the project, the center will be an excellent addition to the community and asked the Council to approve the project. Kelly Fasman said she was opposed to the project and questioned whether the revenues would be enough to jeopardize the downtown and residents’ quality of life. She voiced concerns with traffic, the location of the store, the need for an EIR, and asked the Council to deny the project. Michael O’Callaghan said he was in favor of the project and felt Home Depot was a perfect fit. He discussed the lack of success with the Vineyard Shopping Center, asked Council to keep traffic congestion in mind and ensure the rear of the Home Depot be aesthetically pleasing. City Council Minutes 11 May 15, 2007