3A Public Hearing 2008 0219 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Board of Zoning Adjustments Regular Meeting December 6, 2007 Minute No. 2007-23 Page 12 of 16 Member Shields apologized for any offense. However, the church had gambled with the business of being a church, but his comments were not meant to be against a house of worship. Beverly Guerrero, 1259 Devonshire Avenue, stated that she and her husband had become members of the church because of what the church did for the community. They had delivered Thanksgiving meals this year to families in shelters so that those families would not lose their spot in the shelter. Young people came willingly to the church, because it offered a safe haven for them. Single moms were helped. She had accompanied elderly neighbors to the emergency room, because they had no one else and it was her duty as a good citizen. Traffic occurred whether one was going to church or somewhere else. She closed by asking the Board to "Let us serve our community." Dave Burton, Castro Valley resident, stated that he was a long time member of the church, which started with about 60 people and an old double -wide trailer and outbuildings. He mentioned people in abusive relationships, drug and alcohol dependencies, and dysfunctional families who had been helped by the church, which was a positive contribution to the community. Like everyone else, he was surprised that the church had become so large. Rosemarie Reinosa, a Hayward resident, stated she had been a member of the church for 23 years and had watched the church grow. She knew of no problems with the members or with traffic. Teenagers were coming off the street looking for hope. The women's program helped with drugs and alcohol. "Love conquers all." Lucina Montejano, 2107 34th Avenue, Oakland, was sorry about the woman who hated the church, because of the traffic and "all that." She asked that the Board consider the neighbors, like the woman who had spoken, when making its decision. She invited the Board Members to come to visit the church to see what it was really like. "We'll love you, too." Gilbert Morales, Oakland resident, stated that he was one of the young kids whom the church helped. He came to the church angry and using alcohol. The pastor taught the young men how to be better men and how to love their mothers and parents. He believed he would be in the street without the church's and the pastor's the influence. He was now part of the voice of the church. Motion to Close the Public Hearing (Sidari/Marr; 7 Ayes, 0 Noes) Member Daly asked if staff could add some information concerning the parking that was discussed earlier. Interim Planning Manager Livermore believed that staff could review the parking requirements with further information from the applicant. However, that was not pertinent tonight, because this was an Assembly Use and Assembly Use was not permitted or conditionally permitted in the IP District. Many other items would have to be evaluated, if the BZA disagreed with staff's recommendation of denial.