18 ATTACHMENT 13 - Laserfiche WebLink

Page 1 of 1 Leslie Mendez From: Bob Cole [colero@comcast.netj Sent: Wednesday, June 15, 2005 8:32 PM To: Leslie Mendez Subject: Planning Commission Inquirey Re Chickens at 2598 Skimmer Court Dear Ms Mendez, I am responding to the Planning Commission request for comments or concerns regarding the request for an exception to current zoning regulations to allow the keeping of chickens at 2598 Skimmer Ct, Pleasanton. I strongly object to the granting of this exception or any similar exception that would allow the keeping of farm animals in the City of Pleasanton on property zoned "Single Family Residential". Such a waver of existing regulations would introduce unacceptable farm animal noise and odors inherent to such barnyard animals. The related feeding of chickens or similar farm animals would also attract mice, rats feral animals and other foraging creatures. Approval of this request would open the door to similar requests to introduce other farm animals and wildlife into the neighborhoods. Grant one exception and you will open the door to other similar exceptions without a basis for denial. I grew up in an agricultural community and, in fact, enjoy interacting with farm and wild animals. However, I visit farms, parks and wilderness areas for such enjoyment.Young people may avail themselves to Scouts, 4-H and similar groups which have access to farms, parks refuges and other facilities appropriate for keeping, viewing and interacting with farm and wild animals. Frankly, I find that there is an increasing level of apparent self absorption where many citizens disregard the rights of others to quietly enjoy their neighborhoods through the introduction of tree houses and similar eyesores in their yards, permanently placing playground equipment such as basketball and tetherball rigs in the streets and the parking of large recreational vehicles and boats in the streets. Such actions result in congestion, traffic and safety hazards and teach our kids that is okay to play in the street. The introduction of barnyard animals is but one more example of this trend. This is why we have zoning regulations. Rather than finding ways to grant so called "one time exceptions" which inevitably open the door to more exceptions, 1 believe that we should enforce the existing zoning regulations. If those regulations are thought to be too stringent, let us review them and consider proposed changes under due process. Thank you for considering my thoughts. As you can see, I believe that Pleasanton has more at stake here than allowing a few chickens to roam the neighborhoods. Robert H Cole (Bob) 2518 Larrikeet Ct Pleasanton, CA 94566 925-462-2615 colero@comcast,net ail ~nnns