AgdaPkt 2013-03-11 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7.A. - Page 398 Chair Schmidt asked Mr. Babcock about the 16 pumps getting "kicked back." Mr. Babcock stated that originally Costco proposed a 16-pump facility which was studied in the EIR, but during the Use Permit hearing it was decided that 12 was more appropriate, so all studies were based on 16. Chair Schmidt opened the public hearing. Kathy Sulard spoke against the project. She stated that traffic around Costco's facility is a mess. She noted that she met with Mr. Rogers and Ms. Hennum and they were very respectful. She stated that no matter what measures they take to improve traffic, it will not fix the current problem. She stated that possible changes proposed such as adding pedestrian crosswalks to Middlefield/Woodside should be allowed to take effect before voting on the additional fuel pumps. She noted that Costco's report says more members come to get gas than to just shop, so perhaps Costco should open a stand-alone members-only station in an area not involving Woodside Road. She stated that granting Costco's request would reinforce the belief that the City cares more about businesses than residents. She noted the blocking of the intersection by the cars leaving Costco. Jim Dombroski spoke against the expansion. He noted that he got notice of this hearing on October 4 and received Staff's recommendation on October 11 so has been scrambling to prepare. He noted Ms. Littlefield's statement that the Statute of Limitations has expired on the previous transportation impact analysis but argued it had not because it is incorporated into the Addendum #2. He noted that his client is willing to finance an updated report to give more accurate information before a decision is made. He stated that the Planning Commission is being asked the sanction a monopoly in providing fuel for the public. He stated his clients are independent gas station owners that compete every day with Costco. He asked for more time on this project. Bob Dabner, the assistant warehouse manager at the Redwood City Costco, spoke in favor of the expansion. He stated he has not noticed much difference in traffic since the Costco relocation. He stated that the queuing causes safety issues for both members and employees and the extra pumps will move traffic to where it needs to be for the gas station. Steven Canny, gas station supervisor for Costco, spoke in favor of the expansion. He stated that traffic is bad and will continue to be an issue for cities in this area but the expansion of the fuel stations would make the parking lot safer for employees and members. James Jonas, a Costco member, spoke in favor of the expansion. He noted he has been caught in that queue many times and also has trouble finding parking. He also spoke about issues with parking and traffic around Osh and that the area in general needs more traffic mitigations. Chip Krug, resident of Redwood Village, spoke against the expansion. He stated that cars coming out of Costco ignore the light and block the intersection so that traffic on Middlefield backs up. He stated he has sat through four changes of the light to get through it and there doesn't seem to be any coordination with the lights. He stated there needs to be more study. He noted that people waiting too long for Costco gas can go to other local gas stations and the job of the Planning Commission is to represent the people against powerful corporations and the choice here is between private value for Costco and the price that local residents will have to pay. He asked why the pumps are Page 6 of 21