Traffic Woes Highlighted As Pleasanton Development Moves Forward

PLEASANTON, CA — After nearly two hours of discussion about traffic woes around Owens Drive, Hopyard Road and Johnson Court, a development project for the area is moving forward following a recommendation Wednesday by the Pleasanton Planning Commission.

The plan to demolish the old Denny's restaurant at 6455 Owens Drive and build a 10,980-square-foot, single-story, multi-tenant commercial building will now move to Pleasanton City Council for consideration.

The 3,510-square-foot Denny's restaurant closed down approximately four years ago. The plan to turn the site into retail, service and office came forward from property owner Abbas Mash. The applicant has been working with the city on the plan since the Denny's closure, according to city documents.

The commissioners agreed that existing traffic in the area is challenging. Several traffic mitigations are being recommended for the project, including a designated right-hand turn lane from Hopyard to Owens, and a center median on Owens that would prevent a left turn onto the busy roadway from the proposed project site. Parking would be in the rear of the new building, and certain high-traffic businesses — such as fast food drive-thru restaurants and convenience markets — would not be allowed unless a conditional use permit were obtained.