PC 07/08/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. Iserson concluded that there aze advantages and disadvantages to the realignment of St. John and Ray Streets as proposed in the Downtown Specific Plan. Further, that staff believes that the disadvantages of the realignment outweigh the advantages. Therefore, staff recommends approval of Case SP-98-02 to the City Council to delete the realignment from the Downtown Specific Plan and Downtown Revitalization Plan. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Mike Madden, 5955 Coronado Lane, Owner of the St. Vincent de Paul Building, expressed concurrence with the staff recommendations. Further, he stated in Mazch 1998, a preliminary review was submitted for the hotel project, as referenced in a handout provided to the Commission by Mr. Madden. Further, he noted that pazking studies are being conducted and negotiations aze being conducted with the owner of the Pleasanton Hotel relating to parking. Mr. Madden stated that the removal of the realignment language from the Downtown Specific Plan is the first step in bringing the hotel project from concept into reality, and concludes by expressing his enthusiasm for the hotel project. Ed Churka, 507 St. John Street, expressed his support for the proposed hotel at 807 Main Street. Further, he stated that downtown Pleasanton is a unique town due to freeways not proceeding through the downtown area. Further, he spoke in support of preserving the downtown azea. PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED Commissioner Dove suggested that staff address issues relating to the traffic concerns on Ray Street and the possible removal from the General Plan of the extension of Railroad Avenue. Commissioner Roberts stated her opposition to a realignment due to its effect on the chazacter of the downtown azea, and expressed her support with staff s recommendation. Commissioner Sullivan stated concurrence with Commissioner Robert's statements, and expressed opposition to putting a thoroughfaze in the downtown azea. He concluded by expressing concurrence with staff s recommendations. Commissioner Maas expressed concurrence with the staff s recommendation. Commissioner Kumazan stated that there aze pros and cons for the realignment and expressed his concern relating to excess traffic in the downtown area. Commissioner Kumazan concluded by stating that he will support staff s recommendation; however, his desire is for traffic issues to be mitigated and staff to consider possible solutions to this issue. Chairperson Cooper expressed support for staff s recommendation. In addition, he states there aze alternative routes to going through the downtown azea to alleviate some of the traffic. A motion was made by Commissioner Maas, seconded by Commissioner Roberts, recommending approval of Case SP-98-02 to the City Council. Planning Commission Minutes Page 16 July 8, 1998