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Local developer tells county he is buying the Mountain Winery Hirschman to seek venue expansion
By Steve Enders
Los Gatos developer Bill Hirschman, who recently received approval for a mixed-use complex on Los Gatos Boulevard and who is seeking approval to build homes at 330 University Avenue, wants to add something musical to his repertoire: the Mountain Winery in Saratoga.
Hirschman, president of Maxim Investments, confirmed that he is buying the music venue from Monte Sereno resident Ravi Kumra. Another company of which he's president, Lexor Investments Inc., is currently under contract to purchase the Mountain Winery property.
Hirschman said he anticipates the transfer of the property within the next 30 days.
Hirschman attended a meeting last week of the county Planning Commission which had asked for an update on the winery's status. Hirshman says he will continue preliminary plans for expanding the winery's accommodations and services, including concert seating expansion. Hirschman told commissioners he intends to go through the environmental review process required for filing for the proper permits so the concerts can be held legally. The frequent turnover in owners is partly to blame for the venue's operating all these years without completion of an EIR or subsequent permits.
Monte Sereno resident Ravi Kumra bought the winery in 1995 for $6 million and has long been the center of controversy since being convicted on two counts of disturbing the peace last year. He was sentenced to three years probation after allegedly making threatening phone calls to employees of Villa Montalvo, the winery's concert operators.
Under an agreement, Montalvo is supposed to operate the concert series at the winery until 2001. There is no indication that the agreement will end--Montalvo is scheduled to announce its upcoming concerts for the summer at a March 10 press conference.
When winery owners finally file for a use permit, they'll be required to submit a draft environmental impact study, which will allow for public comment, as well as comment from the city. Neighbors on the Mountain Winery's access roads are expected to complain about traffic on concert days.
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
