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Chair Olson referred to Condition No. 44, Conditional Uses/Retail No. 7, and stated that <br />he is disappointed that this project does not include the gas station but that he is glad to <br />see that it has been left in as a permitted use. <br />Commissioner Pentin corrected that this is a conditional use. <br />Chair Olson inquired if a self-service gas station could be installed at some point in the <br />future. <br />Mr. Pavan said yes. He added that not only is it a conditional use, but would also <br />require a major modification. <br />Referring to signs, Chair Olson stated that while he is opposed to flashy signs in the <br />window of a bank, he grew up in the grocery business and this would be the first <br />grocery store in the country that would not be allowed to put a sign in the window <br />indicating what the daily specials are. He stated that he would be disappointed if the <br />City told Safeway it could not put a sign in their window. <br />Commissioner Blank stated that he was also disappointed to see that the gas station <br />was no longer a part of the proposal. He inquired whether, given this, would the <br />Jack-in-the-Box people be screaming about competition should a fast-food restaurant <br />come in on Pad 4; and would the Starbucks Coffee people be screaming about <br />competition if a Peet’s Coffee came in. He expressed concern that there is a level <br />playing field and if it is a permitted use, competition is good in business. He indicated <br />that he wants to ensure the City is not establishing artificial barriers. <br />Mr. Pavan stated that he has encountered the question before by other businesses. He <br />noted that when the Asian restaurant on Main Street opened, the existing restaurants <br />complained. He indicated that staff’s statement was that this is part of a business of <br />commerce. <br />THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. <br />Scott Trobbe, Vice President for Development, Pleasanton Gateway, LLC, stated that <br />between the staff report and working with the various departments in the City, it is <br />refreshing to note that the dialogue and communication are always open and <br />responsive. He indicated that he would discuss the project geographically and then turn <br />over the presentation to Ken Rodrigues, project architect, and then to Jim Reuter from <br />Property Development Centers, which has a Safeway division. <br />Mr. Trobbe presented an aerial of the site, stating it is very different from ten years ago <br />because there are now two very vibrant communities, the park has started to come into <br />play, and infrastructure has expanded. He stated that all this gave them an opportunity <br />to re-look at the property for what might be a better solution and opportunity for the City. <br />He indicated that the area is amenity-challenged from both services and a shopping <br />PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, August 25, 2010 Page 30 of 38 <br /> <br />