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between two-foot wide walls, different shaped roofs and different materials. She further <br />expressed concern about the use of the existing house as an accessory structure, which also <br />enlarges footprint. She noted that this is a PUD with a right to build and was concerned that <br />someone could eventually purchase that lot and build an enormous house that would stretch out <br />over the building pad. She expressed concern about the driveway and retaining walls and that a <br />large number of trees than necessary are being taken out. She noted that she proposed that the <br />driveway go up another way or be located on the other side to take up less land, and she felt that <br />the only reason for not doing that is because the applicants would not have a grand entrance. She <br />stated that she had requested the addition of other conditions, and some of them had been <br />included. She indicated that she did not want her property to be used for access during <br />construction. <br />Ms. Roberts expressed her concern about how staff has changed its recommendation with regard <br />to the project's conformity to the Specific Plan, when in 2003, staff comments were quite <br />negative. She concluded that she did not believe the finding that this application is consistent <br />with the intent of the Specific Plan can be made because of land use issues, lot position, <br />subdivision, and the enormity of house have to be dealt with. She indicated that the project may <br />have to be continued to find answers to all these questions. <br />Greg Remick spoke in opposition to this project and noted that the commluuty's commitment to <br />planning contributed to the City's quality and character. He believed the City took the time and <br />effort to develop a Vineyard Avenue Corridor Specific Plan that was thoughtful and comprehensive. <br />The residents of Pleasanton in general, the property owners, and the planner have come to rely on <br />this Plan for a clear commitment to a specific vision for the development of the Vineyard Corridor. <br />He stated that continued commitment to this plan is important to ensure a high quality outcome <br />because property values have been established based on the confidence that the Plan would be <br />followed. He indicated that the proposed PUD does not conform to the spirit or the letter of the <br />Specific Plan. He noted that while the "blobs" appeared to be imprecise on paper, there was no <br />ambiguity on the ground. He noted that the "blob" was on a flat spot that was big enough and suited <br />to build a reasonably sized house without disturbing the topography or the oak forest. He stated that <br />moving the house to the top of the knoll clearly violates the Specific Plan; it affects the subject <br />property and other properties for which the Specific Plan promised an open space view because this <br />PUD is an oversized and conspicuous development. <br />Mr. Remick noted that the Sariches were aware of the Specific Plan when they purchased the <br />property, and he believed that the suitability of the site should have influenced their purchase <br />decision from the beginning. He added that since they bought the land, they have been going <br />around the constraints of the Specific Plan, and they claim that the Specific Plan allows for two <br />houses of any arbitrary size, with an entitlement to move to any area in the property to <br />accommodate their house. He noted that the adjacent property owners are likewise entitled to the <br />benefits promised by the Specific Plan of an tuispoiled view of the hills to the east. He felt that <br />changing the rules is unfair. <br />Mr. Remick stated that project development in the Vineyard Corridor should honor the open space <br />that is treasured by all. He did not believe this project was suitable for the site and, at 35 feet tall <br />and two stories, was too tall and had too many stories. He believed that the PUD was an effort by <br />EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, November 14, 2007 Page 11 of 19 <br />