PC 031412 - Laserfiche WebLink

it might not make any sense if it is a ten -foot step, in which case a split -level might fit better. He added, however, that if single - family homes or single -story handicapped - accessible homes are being considered, then there would not be any stairs. He stated that he did not think any single- stories are proposed in this development, although he would like to see a few next to the existing neighborhood and said that maybe staff can see if they can work with the developer on that. Commissioner Olson inquired if the top of any retaining wall that may be installed would presumably be 100 feet below the ridgeline and that its visibility would be minimized from afar. Mr. Dolan said he believes that is correct. Commissioner Pearce noted that it is a structure. She added that her inclination is always to minimize the impact on the hills. She noted that she does not think it should be a "blanket" this type versus that type and that the Commission is in agreement that it will be a lot -by -lot discussion. The Commission considered Questions 5 through 7 together. 5. The street connection to Middleton Place will be determined with the review of the proposed project. The Planning Commission should review this issue and provide its comments to staff, the applicant, and the public. 6. If the street connection to Sunset Creek Lane is not provided, does the Planning Commission concur that the North Sycamore Specific Plan will have to be amended to remove the street connection in order to make the Specific Plan consistent with the Pleasanton General Plan? 7. Does the Planning Commission concur with the staff determination that streets are covered by Measure PP? Commissioner Blank stated that he thinks the Commission should defer to Commissioner Olson on these questions because he was pretty passionate about them. He indicated that he agrees at the very least, that a comprehensive traffic study is necessary and that the Commission and staff ought to look at ways to increase traffic access. He added that he would support going over the 25- percent grade to put in a traffic access, but without seeing the property, he does not know whether or not that is possible. He noted that he would want to go out there and look at it to understand if it would entail an extra thousand dollars or an extra million dollars to do it. On Question No. 7, Commissioner Blank stated that he agrees with staff. He added that barring any other guidance at this point in time, staff is making the right choice to include streets in Measure PP. He noted that asking 100 different people can result in 100 different answers, and he is not going to try and interpret what people thought they were doing way back when, which was a much more emotionally- charged environment PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, March 14, 2012 Page 31 of 35