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<br />Wendy Rager noted that she had strong roots in this neighborhood and did not oppose the <br />concept of this organization coming into Pleasanton or her neighborhood. She was very <br />concerned about the potential view and sun blockage resulting from the building being <br />constructed on the highest elevation. She was also concerned about potential exterior <br />lighting of the dome on a 24-hour basis and asked the Planning Commission to evaluate <br />that possibility. She noted that a 14,000-square-foot facility would be for 250 people and <br />inquired about the growth potential beyond the first year. She liked the idea of making <br />the exit a right-turn only. She believed that a stronger police presence monitoring the <br />traffic would alleviate the concerns on the winding road. <br /> <br />Sophie Chantrenne spoke in support of this project and noted that she had translated some <br />Sufist websites into French. She believed this would be a good activity for teenagers. <br />She believed that if a 2,400-student school like Foothill High School could solve its <br />traffic problems, then this center could handle its traffic problems. <br /> <br />Ali Saleihfar spoke in support of this project and believed this would be a positive <br />addition to Pleasanton. He understood that traffic would be a challenge. <br /> <br />Mike Bennam spoke in support of this project and noted that they had been commuting to <br />the M.T.O. center in Pleasant Hill. He hoped the Commission would support the M.T.O. <br />center in Pleasanton. <br /> <br />Hooman Jenab spoke in support of this project and noted that he was the coordinator of <br />this project. He presented a letter from the Reseda Neighborhood Council <br />complimenting the building design, landscaping design, and the congregation. He noted <br />that the project architect was out of the country for the State Department but that he <br />would address as many issues as possible. He noted that speakers’ concerns about the <br />applicant trying to hide anything were not valid and that the building size was normal for <br />such a center. He noted that they had no designs on other people’s properties and that <br />they wished to accommodate larger congregations during the three regular religious <br />services. They did not intend to park on Dublin Canyon Road or to visit the neighboring <br />parks. He noted that they would definitely perform a traffic study and that their traffic <br />would take place during off-peak hours. He noted that the City would hold them to their <br />promises. He noted that the square footage was typical for a three-story building and <br />added that the beauty of the landscaping would enhance the beauty of the site. He noted <br />that they would comply with the reasonable requests from the neighborhood and City <br />legal requirements and that they would do everything could to make it the safest project <br />possible. <br /> <br />Sylvia Barboza spoke in support of this project and noted that she attended M.T.O. <br />meditation classes in Berkeley. She described the meditation classes and noted that <br />people from many cultural and religious backgrounds attended the classes. <br /> <br />PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES August 8, 2007 Page 13 of 24 <br /> <br /> <br />