SR 06:245 - Laserfiche WebLink

Stan and Stacey Knight Page I of2 .3 Natalie Amos From: Murphy, Erin Sent: Thursday, May 11,20063:07 PM To: Natalie Amos Cc: Gentile, Shawn Subject: Stan and Stacey Knight Dear Ms. Amos, I am writing on behalf of my husband and myself to express our support for Stan and Stacey Knight's proposed remodel. We live across the street from them on Mirador Court and, for several reasons, wholeheartedly believe that they should be able to remodel their house as proposed. First, we believe that, as a matter of right, the Knights should be able to remodel their house provided they have complied with all zoning and permitting requirements imposed by the City of Pleasanton. We understand that the Knight's proposed addition is currently (and always was) within the zoning limits adopted by Pleasanton. The Knights are not asking for a variance or other special consideration to remodel their home. Therefore, we believe that their remodel should have been approved automatically. We understand that anytime a neighbor undertakes construction there will be inconveniences such as noise and dust. However, as residents - and voters - of Pleasanton, the time to address these concerns is when zoning requirements are established. We, as a community, have decided what is and is not acceptable for homes in Pleasanton. Clearly, what the Knights are proposing has been deemed acceptable by the residents of Pleasanton. Accordingly, one or two unhappy neighbors should not have the power to undermine what the community as a whole has determined. While we understand that a small minority of the Knight's neighbors may be distressed by changes that may occur to their view, light source, etc., we think it is ridiculous that this small contingency has the power to delay the Knight's project for months, simply on the basis that they "don't want it." Given the fact that the Knight's initial design was within zoning limits, one hearing should have decided the matter. They simply proposed to do what was within their rights - it should have been the end of the story. Once the neighbors raised concerns, the Knights agreed to downsize their proposed addition to accommodate these concerns. This is not something they were required to do to make their plans comply, rather, it was an effort to amicably resolve the situation. The fact that this effort has also failed and the neighbors can continue to appeal is outrageous. On what basis are they appealing? As a taxpayer, I can think of many more legitimate uses for public funds than allowing frivolous appeals that have no basis other than a personal agenda. If this had been a question of a variance or some other use of the property that was outside of the standard acceptable use, that is one thing - but multiple appeals over an addition that is well within established regulations? Why? Furthermore, our neighborhood has many existing two-story homes - on Mirador Court alone, 25% of the homes are two story. On E. Angela, there is a similar, if not higher percentage of two-story homes. Clearly, the Knight's proposed addition will fit within the overall look and feel of the neighborhood. As a property owner, each of us has an obligation to understand what changes may occur in our neighborhood. One cannot buy a home in an area with multiple two-story homes and then complain when another one is added. If the complaining neighbors wanted to ensure they bought in a neighborhood with only single story homes, or that they would have perpetually unobstructed views, they should have bought elsewhere. They cannot say they were unaware of the possibility that a single-story home would be renovated. Someone with such a high intolerance for change is not only iII- suited to city living, but also naIve to its realities. Finally, from a purely selfish point of view, we believe the Knights should be allowed to proceed with their plans because we will directly benefit. The nicer and more valuable their home is, the higher property value our home can command. And on a more personal note, the Knights are great neighbors - we feel very lucky that we live on their street and would like to see them happy in their new and improved home. They are a friendly, courteous family with a great sense of community involvement and pride, and Mirador Court would be a less enjoyable place without them. Please feel free to call me if you have any questions. 6/9/2006