AgdaPkt 2013-03-11 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7.A. - Page 5 In summary, after considering the testimony provided at the public hearing and the information provided in the public record, the Planning Commission had a lengthy deliberation, which included clarifying questions for staff, as well as the Applicant, and discussion of several key issues before deciding to approve a 16 fueling position gas station. The following issues were of particular concern to the Planning Commissioners: • Middlefield Road operations, specifically at the Woodside/Middlefield Intersection and the Middlefield/Willow intersection; Commissioners expressed concern about the level of service at the Woodside/Middlefield intersection and whether the proposed project would generate any further impact on said intersection. Additional concern was raised regarding the operations at the Middlefield/Willow intersection, namely the fact that vehicles exiting the subject property are blocking the intersection and affecting the overall operation of the intersection. • Comparison analysis of other expanding Costco gas stations; 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.