Tearing down Barone’s Restaurant in downtown Pleasanton is OK, but it can’t be replaced only by houses.
That’s the message the Pleasanton Planning Commission delivered to the restaurant’s owners during a recent study session.
After running the popular restaurant for years, Joe and Maricela Barone have decided it’s time for a change and are planning to plop homes on their 2.3 acres at 475 and 493 St. John St., right off Main Street.
One option they’re considering is to build 10 two-story houses with seven accessory dwelling units and the other is to build nine two-story houses with five accessory units above detached garages, plus a commercial office building and a parking lot.
Both options would keep a two-story home, built in 1887 and considered a “historic resource” by the city, on the site.
But during the study session, all five planning commissioners encouraged the Barones and developer Robson Homes to return with alternate plans that include some commercial space.
Pleasanton’s downtown specific plan, which was updated in 2019, designates the area as commercial and allows residential use only if the project also includes commercial space. In that 2019 update, the City Council specifically noted that putting only homes on the Barone’s Restaurant site is “not desirable,” according to the city.
Commissioner Nancy Allen echoed that sentiment, suggesting that an “exciting, engaging retail-oriented project” is preferable.
“As nice as the designs are, and they are beautiful, both of the projects are residential. I believe that doesn’t serve our community well. It doesn’t enhance our downtown,” Allen said.
She and some other commissioners referred to a 2017 survey that showed a majority of city residents would not like to see more housing downtown, but rather more commercial space or a gathering place such as a plaza.
Barone’s outdoor cabana area is popular for live music events, and also hosts weddings and special events.
Commissioners said the property fronting St. John Street should at least be commercial, with residential either on the second floor above retail or at the rear of the property.
Commissioner Matt Gaidos said he was open to having some residential there, however. “A lot of business owners have said people living downtown brings more vibrancy,” he explained.
Commissioner Brandon Pace said whatever commercial space goes up should be viable, noting that a parcel around the coroner from Barone’s at 725 Main St. has been vacant a long time.
“There’s no sense we mandate commercial, and have it be empty. No one wants that,” Pace said. “I think they can come up with some alternatives, some creative opportunities for us to consider.”
Maricela Barone, who owns the restaurant with her husband Joe, told commissioners during the meeting they chose Pleasanton for their business because they fell in love with the community.
Although they hoped one of their sons would go into the restaurant business, they didn’t and now the couple has decided they’re at the right stage in their lives to make a change.
“I believe, and Joe believes, in Rodson Homes,” she said. “They have a great reputation.”
Robson Homes has not yet submitted a formal development application with the city.
