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6.1.A. - Page 7 <br /> Kathy Soulard, a 35- year resident, spoke against the expansion. She opined that <br /> people have choices on where to buy food or gas, but not where they live and that <br /> should be protected. She further opined that many people only go to Costco for its gas <br /> while others avoid the other businesses there due to the traffic. <br /> Steve Kanney, current gas station supervisor for the Redwood City Costco, said they <br /> want to provide better service and they believe the expansion will reduce their lines and <br /> deal with the current demand. <br /> Ronald Freeman opined that it is very stressful with just one exit for the entire shopping <br /> center and only two entrances if one is coming Northbound.. He spoke against the <br /> expansion and cited concerns about increased congestion and pollution, more fender <br /> benders, difficulty finding parking, and he suggested building another gas station at <br /> another location. <br /> Chip Krug, a resident neighboring Costco, spoke in agreement with an earlier speaker's <br /> comments against the expansion because he believes it will cause more traffic. He <br /> opined that the language staff used is prejudiced in favor of Costco's proposal and he <br /> asked Council to think responsibly by looking out for residents and preventing the <br /> degradation of their quality of life as collateral damage for the greater good of others. <br /> Tom Linebarger said he used to live in the North Fair Oaks area for over 30 years with <br /> his family and it was very polluted due the industry there. He opined that it is time to <br /> look at small, local businesses, which are important, rather than larger, big chain <br /> businesses that take money out of the community. <br /> May Stone held up a hand-drawn map and spoke about the limited options for exiting <br /> Orchard Supply Hardware (OSH), which is next door to Costco. This is where one <br /> cannot turn left and must go down and bump into Costco traffic. She opined that it is not <br /> safe with backups and too many people are running lights and/or wanting to go back <br /> towards Woodside Road. She made some other suggestions, asked if Costco could <br /> possibly add their own road at their own cost to get people in, and mentioned that <br /> children at (nearby) Hoover School need to be protected. <br /> David Franklin, partner with the law firm of McKenna Long & Aldridge representing <br /> Costco, stated that the question/issue is whether or not 20 pumps will have a better or <br /> worse impact. He opined that the 20 pumps will make things better. <br /> Andy Chow, a resident for over 20 years, says he owns a one person transportation <br /> business and he spoke in favor of competition's impact on prices and the role Costco <br /> plays in keeping the prices lower. He opined that traffic is the more legitimate issue as <br /> opposed to competition, and he expressed confidence in Council's decision. <br /> M/S Seybert/Ira to close the public hearing. Motion carried unanimously by voice <br /> vote. <br /> Recommendation: <br /> 1. Hold a Public Hearing on the Appeals of the October 16, 2012 Planning Commission <br /> Actions. <br /> CITY COUNCI L March 11, 2013 <br /> MEETING MINUTES PAGE 7 <br />