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In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Blank regarding whether the major difference between the two renderings was to “Pleasantonize” the design, Ms. Decker confirmed that was the case and that they intended to soften some of the harder edges and create more architectural detail as well as examine other materials. She added that while the Pleasanton character is softer than this example, one of the challenges of this site is its location between more severe office/industrial buildings. Staff did not want to go towards a significantly residential appearance, given its location, which would make it appear more out of place. Staff felt that the additional siding and the roofing detailing do soften the architecture considerably and allowed it to blend with the surrounding area. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Eric Hefffner, applicant, stated that in addition to the walkway being offered to the City, they were offering an office for the Pleasanton Police Department and the BART Police Department. He noted that would enable people to make reports to the Police Department more easily. He added that the signage on the emergency vehicle access (EVA) should make the residents feel more secure and give more of a community feel. He indicated that they did not have any signed retail leases at this time, although they were engaged in discussions with several retailers. He clarified that the retail space measured 14,400 square feet as opposed to the 12,000 square feet noted in the staff report. Based on the Commission’s comments, the retailers would have a number of conveniences within one store, including a dry cleaners, coffee shop, florist, pharmacy, fresh fruits and food, and a deli. He noted that the market would be determined by the retailer, and they believed that although they did not have a signed lease, they had sincere interest. Chek-Fong Tang, lead architect, noted that in terms of the common open space, the previous proposal was approximately 0.7 acres. The net area of the building footprint would be approximately four acres, and the open space has been increased to approximately 1.1 acres. He noted that the number of units with private balconies was increased to 75 percent of the units. The proposed FAR was 0.95 percent, and the open space was increased by reducing the net rentable area on the project by approximately six percent. He noted that the overall concept of the site plan and relationship to the BART station had not changed, nor had its relationship to the project across the freeway. He noted that in opening the building up to increase open space, some acoustic issues had been presented from the freeway into the core of the project. He noted that they had to find a more child-friendly play area as well. Previously, they had intended to compartmentalize the courtyards to create more individual courtyards; they had since created open space that flowed from courtyard to another, creating a larger feel as well as larger open space. It also allowed one landscape program to flow into another. He noted that the lawn area could be a passive open space with pathways between the courtyards. He added that other amenities such as a fire pit or a barbeque area could be included, as well as some public art on top of the podium gardens. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES August 22, 2007 Page 6 of 20