PC 04/08/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Chair Cooper asked whether there are any plans to have a traffic light at the intersection of Del Valle Parkway. Mr. Higdon stated that the plan is to coordinate Stanley Boulevazd and Del Valle Parkway to - have signals at both places. He noted that it will not be included in this project but rather under the Capital Improvement Projects. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Brad Hirst, 1811 Santa Rita Road, #128, represented Mt. Diablo Bank. He introduced the architect for the project, the branch manager of the bank, and the chairman of the boazd. He noted that the bank has been successful in this City and wants to get a new site to better serve the public. He noted that the site is actually just over half-an-acre since the County took easements for the right-of-way. He also commented that the applicant will dedicate 10.5% for street improvements. He also commented that the proposed building would be 13,382 square feet and not 19,000 as listed in the staff report. Mr. Hirst reported that Mt. Diablo National Bank is not a major corporate chain bank, but rather a local community bank. He also stated that they considered adrive-through window, but gave up on the idea because they felt they could not make it work for maximum customer service. Mr. Hirst stated that the bank wants to keep the proposed six-foot fence because it delineates the bank property from the other property. He also noted that landscaping has been proposed along the fence line. Peter Shutts, 4133 Mohr Avenue, stated that he is the architect for the project. He presented a materials board to the Commission. He stated that he and the applicant worked very hard to make the building an attractive gateway to the City. He presented an illustration showing the proposed building from all sides. In addition, Mr. Shutts described the proposed window modification and presented sketches of it. He fully described the proposed building and the architecture. Mr. Hirst stated that parking is extremely important to the bank, and they would like to provide as many as possible. He commented that the applicant is working diligently to acquire anoff--site location for additional parking. He asked whether the Commission would consider granting a reduction or a deferment of the in-lieu parking fee given the applicant's street dedication. He noted that the applicant would also be pleased if the code were modified. Commissioner Barker asked whether the applicant could use that space for on-street parking now, since the right-turn lane will not be needed until build-out, with the understanding that it will be taken away. Mr. Iserson stated that he would ask Bill van Gelder if that would be acceptable. Mr. Hirst noted that he discussed that same suggestion with Mr. van Gelder, who said that no on-street parking will be allowed. John J. Hounslow, Chairman of the Board, 156 Diablo Road, Danville, stated that the bank is happy to be in Pleasanton. He noted that his main concern upon looking at the site was the appeazance of the back of the building and parking lot. He stated that the bank tried to buy the property behind the parking lot in order to increase the lot, but the owners were not interested in selling. Therefore, they came up with the fence plan. In addition, he stated he was shocked to hear for the first time tonight that a three-foot fence was proposed. He also commented that the applicant currently has another property on escrow that may be used for additional parking. However, at some point in the Future, they will continue to try to get the property behind the bank for additional parking and will continue to search for other Planning Commission Page 23 April 8, 1998