Laserfiche WebLink
Warren Darmsted said he is a part-owner of the studio and building, said before buying the building <br /> they confirmed with the Planning Department that their business fit within the business park. They <br /> believe the location is an excellent choice, said they do not start their busiest times until 3:30 or <br /> 4:30 p.m. and by that time, all delivery trucks are out of the area. He said the area is very quiet and <br /> all students are all school -aged and get out after 3PM. They have been good neighbors, have tried <br /> to get along with everyone, and he believes they've done a great deal to address concerns of any <br /> neighbors and feel they are a good fit in the area. <br /> Sally Torres -Gil said she was a professional dancer for 15 years and she opened up a dance studio <br /> in 1990 in the Quarry Lane Business Park on Serpentine Lane. She has been in the business park <br /> for 9 of the 12 years she has been in business and never had a problem with any children or <br /> business neighbors. She noted there is also a Pleasanton Playhouse, Mark Anderson Music <br /> Academy, the very large Quarry Lane School, a gymnastics studio, jazz and tap studio, a <br /> cheerleading school, and a jump house. She said the piano school is very professional and it was <br /> important for her 7 year old as a dancer to receive a high quality education in piano. She felt that 5 <br /> teachers, parents and cars for the business is not an impact for parking. <br /> Michael Sendler said one of the reasons they moved to the City was due to schools, said one of his <br /> daughters has attended music class for two years, one daughter has been attending jazz classes, <br /> said children never run around in the parking lot, to or from classes and felt it would be a gross <br /> mistake not to allow continuation of the piano studio and noted her agreement in limiting the 3 three <br /> teachers up until 3:00 p.m. <br /> Honglei Bu said as a parent studying music, it is just as important to public education, said the <br /> current studio location is needed, the teachers have impressive credentials, and they moved from <br /> San Jose to the City for its good education, and felt the Quarry Lane area is perfect and accessible <br /> for classes. She said the area is very quiet, cannot imagine how one could say the studio impacts <br /> nearby businesses and supported the studio's continued operation. <br /> Brad Hirst said in 2005 he and two other local businessmen purchased the building and <br /> condominiumized it. He said the applicant is the type of person the Council should encourage and <br /> not discourage, as she came to the country 7 years ago, conquered language and cultural barriers, <br /> purchased a car, home, business and 5 pianos and is applying to expand because customers want <br /> her services and she has been successful. Over 90% of her customers live in Pleasanton and 95% <br /> live in the Tri- Valley. Initially, he was a little concerned about sound transfer and required her to put <br /> in acoustical sheetrock which she did. She is a delight to work with, many occupants support her <br /> and agree there have been times when children have played in the parking lot, but over the last few <br /> months, between 4:30 -7:00 p.m. not one time has he seen children in the parking lot. At 4:30 the <br /> other day there were 5 cars in the parking lot; one on the appellant's side and 4 on her side and at <br /> 5:30 there were 3 cars. He said he used to own the building at 1244 Quarry Lane where he kindly <br /> used to encourage people to park on their own property, and he agreed no one is always going to <br /> be completely happy with parking, but encouraged the Council to approve staff's recommendations. <br /> Jenny Li agrees with comments made, felt the studio is needed, hoped the studio will be able to <br /> take more students and felt parking was not a problem. <br /> Chris Chong said he has two children attending the music studio, said it takes them 20 minutes <br /> from San Ramon to Pleasanton, his children's lessons run consecutively on Sundays, and not once <br /> has he ever seen any commotion from children, safety issues or parking problems. He chose the <br /> school even though he had a choice of three other schools due to the high quality education and <br /> credentials of teachers. It also helped that the school principal is also a very good administrator and <br /> he added that the school contributes much to the rich social fabric of the City and is needed. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 12 of 20 April 21, 2009 <br />