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Commissioner Blank moved to find that there are no new or changed <br />circumstances or information which would require additional CEQA review of the <br />project and that the proposed PUD rezoning and development plan are consistent <br />with the General Plan and Downtown Specific Plan; to make the PUD findings for <br />the proposed development plan as listed in the staff report; and to recommend <br />approval of Case PUD-82, subject to the Conditions of Approval listed in Exhibit A <br />of the staff report, with the modifications that: (1) the applicant work with staff to <br />determine the tree species that would ensure appropriate tree sizes and to <br />maximize shading; (2) the fencing material be con-heart redwood; (3) plain <br />language be utilized in the disclosures and restrictive covenants; and (4) train <br />whistle noise and vibration be included in the train disclosure. <br />Commissioner O’Connor suggesting including for the record that the project fits with the <br />zoning and Specific Plan for the Downtown Specific Plan as amended a couple of years <br />ago, and that the Pleasanton Downtown will see higher density housing going forward. <br />Commissioner Blank noted that the applicant was very articulate when he stated that <br />these types of infill projects are tough. He indicated that he likes the idea that, while <br />technically not affordable housing, these units may be affordable. <br />Commissioner O’Connor agreed, stating they may be considered affordable by design <br />because of the number of units that can be developed per acre. <br />Chair Olson added that Downtowns do better with higher densities. <br />Commissioner Blank inquired if there were any concerns by staff regarding the <br />construction duration of the project, such as constructing the houses in phases, and any <br />impacts it may have on the surrounding neighborhoods. <br />Mr. Otto replied that staff has not discussed phasing with the applicant but that this is <br />something that occurs in projects. He indicated that staff would want to see a plan <br />detailing which units the applicant would want to built first. <br />Commissioner Blank noted that phasing is not specifically called for in the project <br />conditions and inquired if staff felt that the standard construction conditions would allow <br />for such flexibility or if it would need to be specifically spelled out. <br />Mr. Otto replied that the Commission could add language that the applicant could <br />propose phasing. <br />Chair Olson noted that the applicant had indicated that the project would likely be <br />constructed in phases. <br />Mr. Dolan advised that the applicant had asked the City for flexibility to address the <br />market. He indicated that it might be setting up an artificial construct if it is not known at <br />this point how the construction would roll out. <br />PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, September 15, 2010 Page 16 of 23 <br /> <br />