There being no further appearances public comments was closed. 

-Paula Auburn, spoke in support of the project; however, suggested more consideration be given to the architecture, landscape and lighting to soften the look.
-Jessie Rhodes, spoke in support of the project.

-John Tymon, suggested lowering the height of the hotel and extending it evenly along the property.  

 -Joe Funky, spoke in support of the project.
-Gary Johns, requested consideration of the AAC's recommendation for more time on the architecture and design of the hotel.
-Robert Imber, requested further review of the open-space, courtyard, traffic and pedestrian circulation.
-Tim Urkins, expressed concern with the height of the hotel.
-Jacques Caussin, requested an architecturally significant rendering of the hotel.
-Frank Tysen, spoke in opposition of the project.
-Harold, Matzner, Chairman, Palm Springs International Film Festival, spoke in support of the project.
-Pamela Laverty, spoke in opposition of the project design.
-Laura Walsh, spoke in support of the project.
-John Wessman, applicant, addressed public testimony and stated that the hardscape (sidewalk and paving) and landscape plans have not been submitted; and once this occurs it will soften the project.   
-Mark Philp, project architect, Allen + Philp Architects, presented photo simulations of the project and provided an overview of the renovation plans and changes made to the  Downtown Palm Springs project.  Mr.  Philp and Mr. Wessman addressed questions from the Commission.   

·        Little controversy about project size, demolition of existing buildings, parking or traffic levels.

·        Concern is with the height of hotel; provide other options for distribution of rooms on the site.

·        Likes roof-top amenity. 

·        Reservation about project architecture and shift of open space on Block B to event space near museum. 

·        Some controversy about need for more pedestrian space; too much outdoor space given to restaurant dining / too little area for civic plaza / town square. 

·        It is not necessary to preserve village environment but use modern architecture to create a strong, iconographic skyline. 

·        Desert climate needs to be taken into account of building design i.e. sun shading and include more sustainable elements in project.

·        Building's height and mass needs to be justified by a great piece of architecture; needs to be much stronger.

·        Concerned with building massing and not so concerned with height.

·        Building articulation, open space and sustainable elements need attention.

·        Concerned with noise and transfer of noise from the rooftop.

·        Likes layout of parcel map:  streets and pedestrian circulation. 

·        Concerned that public area is now limited to a specific period of time.

·        Consideration of building pad of B-1 as future open space area. 

·        No problem with the height as long as it looks right; an architectural destination. 

·        The project must work economically, and the hotel brand is an important part of the economic success to the project. 

·        Developer has shown willingness to work with City on changes/ improvements. 

·        Encouraged the Commission to establish conditions for future review to move the project forward with a positive recommendation.

·        He was impressed that there were significant public comments in support of the project, despite lack of strong media coverage.  Some supportive comments include:  Move it forward, let it be tall, time to replace the mall; agrees with these views. 

·        Comments that were not heard from the public were:  the building design:  exceptional, distinctive, unique, great, good, beautiful, interesting or imaginative.

·        Financial viability is important, but our architecture makes us unique in the world.  This design will not leave a memorable impression. 

·        We have received too much information in a short time; slow it down a little bit to get it done right. 

·        Requested an analysis of parking needs for the project and future development, including the museum. 

·        Open space is lacking, except for the corner at Tahquitz and PalmCanyon, not sufficient for the site. 

·        Market Street may be a missed opportunity if left as a street during the day.  Use the B-1 building pad space for a piazza. 

·        Pedestrian circulation is a bit of a maze.  On-street parking is a concern; Andreas and "New Main" could be pedestrian -use only. 

• The map's street system is good and it drives the density and height of the project. 
• The density and height are also acceptable; can support the project map and the PD for the hotel height. 
• More consideration of the individual buildings will be needed. 
• Would like to see great architecture, but there seems to be nit-picking.  Some revisions from the AAC's review were not improvements.  Wants to see an appropriate process for further design review.

• Likes that New Main was straightened out in front of the museum. 
• Shares concern with lack of sufficient open space.  Hotel courtyard is too much given over to restaurant seating. 
• The tenured time-line on the event space is a concern; it cannot be considered the open space in the project. 
• Block A is good; however, Block B may need more open space. 
• Since lowering the height doesn't appear likely, the architecture becomes more important; we need architecture that gets people excited.  Can support the existing architecture, if other items are addressed.

• Sees project as a downtown; the village is gone and it's time to move forward.  We have legacy neighborhoods and districts in town, but downtown is an urban landscape for shopping, dining and tourism.  It's not a museum for an

• international reputation nor is it a village green; it's a place people will want to go to shop for something more significant than a T-shirt. 
• The existing buildings downtown are not great architecture.  The project's proposed materials, massing, placement, light, density, interconnectivity are all good things; it's good, solid architecture. 
• We need to provide a place for people to have fun: younger people, tourists and residents who feel neglected because there was nothing for them downtown.
• Public testimony given today indicates that people are tired of delays and urged the Commission to move forward.  Several suggestions by the Commission could delay the project a year.