Laserfiche WebLink
restrictions and asked that the Commission follow prior actions, not set limitations, and not <br /> discriminate against Jews of the Tri-Valley. <br /> Dr. Laura Silverstein, OBGYN and Vice Chair at Valley Care, said the reason her family chose <br /> to move to Pleasanton was because of the Chabad community and so their children could <br /> have an education with the preschool. She spoke of delays with her daughter being able to <br /> start pre-kindergarten with Chabad and referred to Table 1 regarding playgrounds of different <br /> religious institutions, stating Valley Church which is twice the size has no restrictions and she <br /> believed this to be unacceptable. She then referred to Item 3 on page 6 of the packet where <br /> staff indicates newer churches have more information in the CUPs; however, these have no <br /> restrictions for outdoor activities based on location or site-specific characteristics. <br /> Edward Weiss, San Ramon, spoke about the importance of teaching his family religion, said <br /> Chabad provides joy for their children and they need a synagogue where they can have <br /> community inside and outside. He has also attended Chabad functions and observed no loud <br /> noise. <br /> Steve Williams, Tri-Valley business owner, echoed comments about the Resnick's <br /> outstanding, respectful reputation, referred to the glass domes around playgrounds which he <br /> thought was ridiculous and unfair, believes all concerns will be non-issues and asked the <br /> Commission not to restrict any activities. <br /> Bella Copleton, Dublin, voiced concerns about the level of resistance, discussed traffic getting <br /> to BART in the morning and noted that another 700 units and a commercial center were being <br /> built, voiced concern with her two young children crossing a busy street to go to the park as <br /> well as the time it would take to get there, believes there was compromise to move the <br /> playground to the side of the building and thinks it is ridiculous to add a restriction to keep <br /> windows closed. She asked for approval of the project and to remove restrictions. <br /> David Silverman said a meeting was held between the two parties and neither side <br /> compromised. He thought the recommendation for a dome was not viable, stated RLUIPA laws <br /> are powerful and favor organizations like Chabad and to disregard that was unfair. He asked <br /> the Commission to move forward and approve the project. <br /> Sagir Weiss-Ishai, Alamo, questioned why there was so much disparity between Chabad and <br /> other church's restrictions which he opposed and said he works as a Fire Engineer and issues <br /> permits to daycares and preschools all the time. He also conducts decibel level studies and <br /> stated 80 dBs was nothing compared to traffic noise and would not impact neighbors. <br /> Regarding decrease in property usage, when the Miller's bought their property 30 years ago <br /> and wanted to renovate they would follow the codes, and he said Chabad was simply following <br /> these. <br /> Mark Hoffman said he recalled in April that the Commission was poised to make a decision for <br /> approval, that they agreed the previous CUP was not germane, were told that as a religious <br /> institution they should not be treated differently than any other institution and there was <br /> consensus there should be a preschool playground and an approved outdoor event area and <br /> that those conditions would be determined at today's meeting. Before the final decision was <br /> made, Commissioners asked staff to gather more information about conditions of other <br /> religious organizations and to meet again with the neighbors. He confirmed that a number of <br /> meetings have been held but neighbors want zero tolerance, and compromises were either not <br /> EXCERPT: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, June 27, 2018 Page 7 of 15 <br />