Safeway's expansion wins Planning Commission OK

By Nathan R. Huff

Los Gatos Planning Commission's unofficial motto, "if at first you don't succeed, try try again," held true for Safeway Inc. as it finally received commission approval for its Pollard Road expansion and renovation.

Bolstered by a strong showing of neighbors, Safeway presented its latest plan revision at the Feb. 10 Planning Commission meeting and received the unanimous support of commissioners. Safeway has been trying to expand what their spokespeople call a marginally profitable neighborhood store since summer.

The company's application had most recently been continued at the commission's Jan. 12 meeting, where commissioners asked Safeway to lower planned towers, and create a "better marriage" between the new structure and the existing shopping complex.

Safeway officials responded by lowering the entry towers five feet, and the front and side walls three feet, as well as modifying the building's roof and exterior to more closely match the adjacent center.

"We have taken this to Safeway corporate [managers] and we have discussed it in great detail with them," Safeway spokesperson Richard Zlatunich said. "I think this design you're seeing presented tonight is a compromise on their part."

Commissioners responded favorably to the changes, particularly the mass reductions, and complimented the store for its cooperative attitude with both the town and neighbors. "I'm very pleased at this applicant's obvious willingness to provide us with what we're looking for," Commissioner Sandy Decker said.

Neighbors, who collected 176 signatures in favor of the store's plans, spoke on their need for a local grocery market, as well as Safeway's role in keeping the center viable.

"Many people in the area walk to the store," Rinconada Hills resident Ralph Wolf said. "The neighborhood and the other stores in the shopping center need Safeway." Wolf also added that many neighbors would like the town to reconsider Longs Drugs' application at the same center--an application that was previously rejected because of vehement neighborhood opposition.

The one issue commissioners had trouble settling was that of idling delivery trucks behind the market. Residents abutting Safeway had previously complained of exhaust and noise from trucks waiting to use Safeway's single loading dock.

Zlatunich explained that, owing to the presence of a trash compactor, installing another loading dock was impossible. However, he said Safeway would mandate that all trucks without refrigerator units kill their engines while waiting, and Safeway would also raise the rear wall up to eight feet to provide better sound insulation.

While several commissioners looked for a legal condition regarding the trucks, Town Attorney Orry Korb said enforcement of such a condition would be impossible. However, the town will require a sign to be posted.

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