AgdaPkt 2013-01-14 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

7.B. - Page 5 Commissioners expressed an interest in understanding more about the expansion of other Costco gas station facilities elsewhere in the country. Of particular interest were those gas stations that expanded to 20 fueling positions. • Traffic study methodology, including trip generation, corresponding air quality analysis, and fuel volumes; Costco provided a traffic study that identified multiple methodologies. From those methodologies deemed valid the most conservative approach was taken. During the public hearing Commissioners asked clarifying questions regarding the selected methodology to ensure there was a solid understanding of whether additional vehicle trips would be the result of the expanded gas station. Additional consideration was given to the potential air quality benefits and/or impacts. Lastly there was some discussion about whether the additional fueling positions would increase the overall fuel volumes, especially as it pertained to the number of fuel drops and the permit issued by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. • Queuing and On-site circulation Commissioners expressed an interest in understanding how the proposed expansion would affect the existing queue lengths and whether the extended line would be necessary under the proposed expansion. Furthermore, additional concern was expressed regarding the "internal intersection", i.e. the location where Orchard Supply Hardware drive aisle intersects with the Costco drive aisle just west of the main vehicle entrance to the site. The Commission was particularly interested in trying to identify some improvements to this area to help the overall on-site circulation. The Commission acknowledged the analysis provided in Addendum No. 2, but expressed reservation about expansion to a 20 fueling position gas station, citing specific concerns regarding on-site circulation (i.e. the internal intersection located just west of the main vehicular entrance at the Middlefield / Willow intersection, where the Orchard Supply Hardware traffic intersects with the Costco drive aisle) and existing operation on Middlefield Road. The Commission also recognized that existing conditions on Middlefield Road are largely the result of the capacity issues at the Woodside/Middlefield intersection, which are under Caltrans jurisdiction. Ultimately, under the discretion afforded to them via the Use Permit process, the Planning Commission determined with a 6:1 vote that a 16 fueling position gas station was most appropriate. Appeal No. 1 The appeal filed by the law offices of James M. Dombroski on behalf of Appellant cites two objections to the Planning Commission's decision — traffic analysis and gasoline prices, and notes a third objection on the appeal form —air quality analysis (Attachment 4).