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that was a convincing argument that the mass worked to reduce freeway noise into the housing area. He indicated that four stories was reasonable in the middle section. He noted that Exhibit F included and In `N Out Burger and had never seen one that was not a drive-through; he suggested that it be stricken from the list. With respect to Question 4, Commissioner Olson stated that he supported the fuel station and noted that the possibility of rotating it was a good idea, possibly in conjunction with re-examining the amount of retail space in the project, with the exception of Safeway. Commissioner Pearce agreed that convenience markets should not be allowed as well as with staff's recommendation regarding medical facilities. With respect to the concept of the Safeway lifestyle center at the City's gateway, she stated that she could not support a gas station. She noted that there was already a gas station at the Jack in the Box restaurant and that having a great number of gas stations may not be necessary. She noted that this store would compete with uses similar to Whole Foods and that she had not seen a gas station at Whole Foods. She added that she did not see how it would be an integral part to her idea of an appropriate gateway. She noted that it would be counterproductive to have a gas station in a center that tried to promote alternative energy and transportation modes. She stated that the uses were good. Commissioner Fox agreed with Commissioner Pearce that the gas station should not be there. She stated that she did not believe the City Council would support a gas station there as well. She inquired what kind of alternate retail could be placed there if Safeway was not in the plan. She suggested that it maybe an appropriate place for a Target. She recalled Commissioner O'Connor's comment about additional retail on Bernal Avenue and inquired whether the additional retail would cause blight and empty stores in a portion of town closer to Downtown. She stated that this should be carefully examined as well as the effect on existing businesses. She suggested having several options, including mixing the retail uses at Bernal Avenue and Valley Avenue such as senior housing. She indicated that she was not convinced that the retail at the corner of Valley Avenue and Bernal Avenue would be anything other than commercial freeway-oriented businesses. She noted the fuel station may become a draw from the freeway for people who just want to buy fuel and was concerned that the intersection would end up with retail that was commercial freeway-oriented. She expressed her preference that it remain a neighborhood-serving retail development. Chairperson Blank did not object to most of the uses that were indicated and noted there was a shortage of nice sit-down restaurants in Pleasanton. He would not want to see an In `n Out Burger with no drive-through in that it would still be a fast food restaurant. He had no issue with the fuel station and stated that it could be rotated 90 degrees and be shielded properly. He noted that a condition could be added to disallow "Fuel Next Exit" signs to discourage freeway traffic. He stated that the Commission should support Safeway, which was a Pleasanton company. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, May 28, 2008 Page 11 of 17