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3. Is the Planning Commission satisfied with the measures shown on the plans to <br />screen/buffer the view of the Safeway service area from the Bernal Avenue off-ramp? <br />Commissioner Fox indicated that she was unsure of the answer to this question and <br />expressed concerned about the project's proximity to the freeway. She stated that she <br />believed the whole project should have more of a buffer from the freeway and should be <br />moved 20 feet or so away from the freeway with more screening for the back of Safeway. <br />She believed the back of Safeway would be an eyesore without screening. <br />Commissioner Pearce would like to see visuals and a landscaping plan, which would <br />enable her to determine the answer to this question. She noted that visuals of Bernal <br />Avenue from I-680 and the future park would help her determine this issue. <br />Commissioner Olson agreed with Chairperson Blank's comments about ample use of <br />landscaping as a good start in screening the service area. He noted that more landscaping <br />would be needed. <br />Commissioner Narum agreed with Commissioner Olson's comments regarding <br />screening. <br />Commissioner O'Connor noted that more detailed visuals would be needed to determine <br />the amount of screening. He agreed that rotating the service station, increasing setbacks, <br />and increasing screening should be shown in the visuals. <br />Chair Blank agreed with the previous comments and would like drivers coming off the <br />freeway to see this project as a park-like environment with more screening from the <br />freeway perspective. <br />S. Is the Planning Commission satisfied with the overall architectural design of the office <br />and retail buildings? <br />Commissioner O'Connor stated that he would like to see more detail and noted that <br />contemporary metal overhangs were used. He suggested maintaining a "Pleasanton look" <br />and noted that using a more modern look would not detract from that. He noted that <br />canvas awnings and wooden beams were good but was concerned about the metal <br />elements. <br />Commissioner Narum liked the architecture on the office buildings but was concerned <br />with the visual along Bernal on the last page of the staff report. She suggested that it have <br />a more open look to appear more like a village or a park to draw people in. She <br />suggested rotating the gas station 90 degrees and adding a water feature with some <br />greenery. She was concerned about the streetscape with tower elements and would like <br />to see fewer towers and more articulation and detail on them as well as on the building <br />facades. She indicated that the gateway could be showcased better. She stated that she <br />liked the concept of the paths and would like to see more attention to the retail building <br />along Bernal Avenue. <br />PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, May 28, 2008 Page 12 of 17 <br />