Los Gatos Weekly-Times Letters Previous Miles Avenue letter was inaccurate In his Feb. 3 letter in the Los Gatos Weekly-Times regarding Miles Avenue, Paul DuBois' assertion that Los Gatos Creek Village is not planned to be safe is both inaccurate and irresponsible. I would remind Mr. DuBois that the entire process of environmental review for the project occurred from September through December of 1998 when all issues were addressed by an independent consultant hired by the town. The role of this consultant is to first consider all potential impacts on the site and then to discuss all issues in depth. The result is a lengthy, fact-filled document. For Mr. DuBois to pull partial quotes out of context from the consultant's report and to cite specific data without explaining the conclusions of that data is both highly misleading and inflammatory. In sum, the conclusion of the consultant is that the proposed project is safe! In the interest of accuracy, however, I would like to clarify three specific issues Mr. DuBois raised in his alarm--the reason the project will be aimed at singles living in studios, the noise walls; and the corporation yard's underground storage tanks. The actual reason the project is directed for single people who work downtown is that this group is one that the town has identified where housing affordability is most critical. Many people have studied Los Gatos' housing issues at length over the last few years. One result of these studies is the town's excellent Updated Housing Element of 1997 which defines two important housing goals as "to improve the housing opportunities for senior citizens, families and singles" (Goal 3.3.1) and "to provide housing affordable to people who work in the town" (Goal 3.3.7). Thus, satisfying identified town housing needs is the true rationale for deciding to target the prospective residents of Los Gatos Creek Village--not any limitations of site. Another criticism used to attack this site by opponents has been the argument that the sound walls will make it "a walled community." In December, the independent consultant recommended a further study to determine if a southern sound wall would be required. Results of this study completed on Feb. 3, 1999, not only affirm that there is no need for a southern sound wall, but, more importantly, that the new replacement equipment (which has been constructed at the substation by PG&E over the last four months) has so reduced the transformer noise that there is now no need for a northern sound wall either. In short, the sound consultant recommends no peripheral sound walls! In regard to the corporation yard tanks, one must first recognize that the yard is the "office" of a significant number of town employees where health and safety issues are taken extremely seriously. The town of Los Gatos does not run an unsafe or unhealthy facility. Secondly, the 32-foot distance from the underground tanks is far beyond the federal, state and fire department requirement of 10 feet; and, to be even more accurate per federal regulations, a "buried tank ... is not considered a health hazard" to surrounding persons on the surface of adjacent parcels. (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 24, Part 51 Environmental Criteria and Standards). And finally, one must also remember that Community Developers-Local Development Corporation is not only the developer of the project but also retains ownership of the finished residences. We do not walk away from a project, and are, therefore, contrary to Mr. DuBois' claim, extremely concerned with "the cost or effects on the prospective residents." One final remark for accuracy's sake. Mr. DuBois states that "the developer refuses to look for better alternatives." In actuality, the developer is constantly looking for available sites within the town (as well as elsewhere). Indeed, a suggested alternative site was closely studied a year and a half ago, which concluded that the 71 Miles Avenue site is superior. I am in total agreement with one comment made in Mr. DuBois' letter, however, where he states, "I support safe affordable housing"; since, in fact, this is exactly what is currently proposed for the Miles Avenue site. Bill Zavlaris Project Manager, Los Gatos Creek Village Apartments, 71 Miles Ave. There are better alternatives for low-cost housing According to reports, Los Gatos has a decent housing record of 587 subsidized units. But more are needed. Community Housing Developers is a fine nonprofit organization that wants to build 12 low-cost studio apartments at the end of Miles Avenue. Many of my [Edelen-area] neighbors and I are opposed to this development because it would create a totally isolated complex--essentially a walled ghetto--hemmed in by the PG&E substation on the north, the town corporation yard on the south, Highway 17 on the east and the Los Gatos Creek culvert on the west. This is an unsafe area. Miles Avenue is the worst possible site for low-cost housing or any housing, unless the corporation yard is moved. If that ever occurs, the area could then be developed for housing. Low-cost housing should and must be integrated into the neighborhoods, not isolated. The town now plans to allocate $400,000 to assist with the building at 71 Miles Ave. This is a sizable outlay that should be put to better use to help the Community Housing group build family housing in an established neighborhood. Arguments in favor of 71 Miles Ave. state that it is up to people to decide where they will live. Community Housing Developers says there will be 150 applicants for the 12 units. Obviously whatever they build anywhere will be occupied because there is no alternative. There are other possibilities, including the trailer park conversion, sites on Los Gatos Boulevard, and the possible joining with the developers of the property at 330 University Ave. (if another access road is built). If the trailer park property [on Highway 9 where Barry Swenson wants to build condos and/or apartments] is to be redeveloped, why can it not be redeveloped as a new trailer park? This could provide low-cost housing, which is needed far more than $800,000 condominiums. Many people will be displaced from that property. The town is spending entirely too much to help develop 12 studio apartments. This considerable amount must be spent to better advantage at another location. Helen Gillespie Los Gatos Studio apartments would encourage discrimination It was with interest I read the editorial in the Jan. 20 issue of the Los Gatos Weekly-Times supporting the proposed "affordable" studio apartments on Miles Avenue and the rebuttal to my letter submitted by Bill Zavlaris, in the same issue. After careful reading, I came to the conclusion that both the author of the editorial and Bill Zavlaris agreed with me that the proposed site for the affordable housing project in question was not a desirable site for a residential development for the general population. However, both the editorial and Mr. Zavlaris stated it would be all right to complete the project as it is proposed for single tenants. That sounds to me kind of strange, that the site is good enough for one segment of our population while it would be bad for others. One more factor was overlooked and an important one. The law of the United States clearly states no form of discrimination is allowed. I don't know where Mr. Zavlaris comes from, but he has a vested interest in this project as his paycheck depends on the success of the interests he represents. Of course, the carrot the Town Council allowed in form of an allocation of $400,000 toward the project whets the appetites of Mr. Zavlaris and his cohorts as well. Bottom line, Town Council and Planning Commission have for a long time prided themselves on the quality of life, through good planning, that we enjoy in Los Gatos. Let us not turn around in midstream and lower that standard by approving this ill-conceived project. Egon Jensen Los Gatos Thanking the community on Valentine's Day On Jan. 17, we commemorated the second anniversary of the drunk driving crash that killed Jim, Jill and Jeff. The sentencing was Nov. 4, and the driver will spend 24 years in prison for four counts of second-degree murder. "I've been on the bench 22 years" said Placer County Superior Court Judge Richard Couzens, "and without a doubt this hearing is the most difficult one in my career." Our sincere thanks to all of you who wrote letters, signed petitions and those who carried a prayer for justice in their hearts. Often mentioned from various law enforcement officials was the overwhelming and passionate Los Gatos community support. Your voices were heard. He was given the maximum sentence within the perimeters of the law. Once again, the awesome Peckler Family Memorial Relay committee, participants, sponsors and volunteers collaborated to generate the much-needed funds for CASA, the Teen Counseling Center and the Outhouse. We are so honored to have our name remembered in support of the youth of our community. A beautiful tribute to Jim, Jill and Jeff. While this letter has been in my heart for months, I felt it most appropriate to write it for Valentine's Day as it was our tradition to send a yearly family "Valentimes" letter. With hearts filled with love and gratitude. Happy Valentine's Day. Judy, Jana and Jennifer Peckler Los Gatos [ Back to Contents Page | Los Gatos Weekly-Times Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, February 10, 1999. ©1999 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.