PC 02/25/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Kumazan asked Mr. Iserson the approximate cost of the 36" boxed trees that staff has conditioned on the applicant. He responded that the total cost would be $700 to $800. Woody Pereira, Shapell Industries, addressed the Commission. He stated that when the project began in 1988, many meeting and negotiations took place regarding which lots would have one and two-story homes. He commented that a lot of time and effort went into the negotiations and, at no time, was the applicant's lot restricted to a single-story home. In addition, he stated that no side deals or implied agreements were made. Leonard Hicks, 833 Independence, Pleasanton, stated that his main concern is the visual impact. He also stated that he assumed the applicant's lot was restricted to a single-story home in order to be consistent with the immediate area. He reiterated that his issue is not with privacy, but with visual impact. In addition, he agrees a true effort has been put forth by all people involved to try to resolve the issues. In conclusion, he stated that he feels atwo-story home on that lot destroys the quality of life for people like him who live down in the canyon and have to lookup to a two-story home. Richard Bolf, 5054 Independence Drive, Pleasanton, presented a letter from Wayne Strickler, Mr. Hicks, and himself to Chair Cooper and asked that the Commission members be given an opportunity to review it as well. He acknowledged that the applicant has the right to build atwo-story home on the lot, but wants to be sure that all negative impacts aze resolved. He stated that although privacy is not a major issue, it is of some concern. In addition, he feels that the applicant's proposed design is inconsistent with other homes in Bonde Ranch. He further stated that at the December 10, 1997, meeting with staff, the concerned neighbors asked for the privacy fence and trees in order to mitigate the privacy concerns, and they aze pleased with staff s recommendations on those issues. Mr. Bolf read portions of Mr. Strickler's letter that was previously delivered to Chair Cooper, pointing out that he and the neighbors feel asingle-story home on that lot with privacy fences would be most acceptable. He asked the Commission to reject the application and refer it back to the planning department for further review and negotiations. Roger Manning, 4725 First Street, stated that he represented the applicant in the purchase of his lot and also represented Shapell in the sale of many of their other lots. In addition, he has been involved with the Shapell PUD since the time of its approval, and is certain that the applicant's lot never had any restrictions placed on it. He further pointed out that the neighborhood was extensively involved in the PUD process and was provided with all disclosures and CC&R's, and there is no restriction in those documents that prevent the applicant from building atwo-story home. He feels that the delay suffered by the applicant is unfair, and he urged the Commission to approve the application before the applicant suffers fi~rther financial loss. In response to a question by Commissioner Barker, Mr. Manning stated that he does not understand why the neighbors seem so surprised that atwo-story house is being proposed for the lot. He further stated that Mr. Hicks and Mr. Strickler have known all along that there was no restriction on the lot, and they were not surprised with other two story homes that have been built in the azea. In fact, he stated that Shapell intended to build a 3200 square-foot two-story home on the property before Mr. Addiego purchased it. Mr. Manning feels that since the applicant has significantly modified his design at staffs request in order to address neighbors' concerns, the application should be approved as soon as possible. Planning Commission Page 7 February 25, 1998