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Letters
Town selling out to special interest groups
After receiving the devastating news that the town of Los Gatos would indeed support placing a 7,755-square-foot medical building in the middle of a beautiful residential area, it was time to find out what unbelievable rationalization the staff had for backing such a ludicrous plan. In an interview, the project director stated "an individual has the right to develop his or her property." However, he failed to complete that sentence! An individual does have the right to develop his or her property provided he adheres to the laws of the state of California and the Los Gatos town code. This planner sent a message loud and clear--the neighborhoods have lost the support of this town.
Residents living in La Rinconada, Monte Sereno, La Montagne and Courtside are extremely disturbed by the application of the Los Gatos Elks (with the town's blessing) to convert its three lots, zoned residential, into a huge office complex. This will destroy our area (not to mention the 20 to 25 percent reduction in property value). Adding insult to injury, the public works department even ordered two town employees to spend a day cleaning up the Elks' property, at taxpayer expense, in preparation for viewing by the development review committee.
Not only are the Elks requesting a zone change for their proposed office property, but a modification of the General Plan will also be required. They further have the brash audacity to request variances in the town code (40 percent coverage law) that will allow them to squeeze a proposed two-story medical building on 1/8 of an acre to be built 10 feet from a custom home on Newell Avenue.
Violation of laws which allow a special interest group to make money, regardless of the consequences to surrounding neighborhoods, does not make sense. The 3,500 members of Courtside Club can attest to the horrendous parking problem and traffic problems that will be created at Lark and Winchester. Imagine the addition of cars and trucks from an office complex--there is no more room at the inn!
We have worked extremely hard, over the years, to maintain our homes. For many of us they represented our greatest asset. It is inconceivable that a transient group of aging fraternal members could destroy one of the most beautiful areas of Los Gatos and Monte Sereno. Realtors and developers agree that, if the town approves a zone change making our area mixed residential/business, the property values will be reduced dramatically. For most of us this translates into a major financial loss. The Elks, who purchased the property for an estimated $15,000, still can make a sizable windfall, if they convert their three residential lots to custom homes. We desperately need more housing in Los Gatos, not additional businesses.
The town council has supported three special interest groups over the objection of town residents, as evidenced by PG&E/natural gas service station, skateboarders/a place for transients to hangout, and Elks Club/income for a dying chapter. As taxpayers of this town, we have become second-class citizens. We strongly urge the council to rethink the Elks' ludicrous plan. The unique neighborhoods, including the La Rinconada area, comprise the heart and soul of this town. They must be supported and their integrity maintained.
Bill and Ann Burns
Los Gatos
Woodbridge, Va
'Spot zoning' is a bad policy for the town development
The town of Los Gatos is about to engage in a dangerous policy of using "spot zoning" for the benefit of special interests. It's a dangerous action that could set a precedent that will lead to despoiling the quality of some of the town's most attractive residential areas.
The immediate issue involves a request by the Elks Club to change residential (R-1) zoning to office zoning for two lots adjoining a residential area, near the intersection of Lark Avenue and Winchester Boulevard.
This is not the first time the Elks Club has approached the town of Los Gatos to request a change in zoning. The property is zoned R-1, but, in 1962, the Elks Club received a conditional-use permit that allowed it to build a "club, lodge, hall, or fraternal organization." The last time the Elks Club proposed a change to office zoning for this property was in 1982. Their request was rejected, because the town council realized that the change in zoning would be destructive to the residential character of the neighborhood.
Nothing has changed since 1982.
* The Elks Club and its property adjoin an area of single-story housing. It is a quiet, family residential neighborhood.
* The Elks Club has been disruptive to the community, causing congestion and complaints from neighbors. Safety issues raised by this traffic were kept to a minimum by the overflow parking on the two overflow parking lots adjoining its club. These lots would now be converted into office buildings, so any future events at the club will create even more congestion, including parking on residential streets, traffic in residential areas with related safety risks and further complaints from neighbors.
* The addition of the proposed two-story, 7,700-plus-square-foot office monstrosity, with its ongoing higher traffic flows, will increase disruption within the local community.
* The property the Elks Club proposes to develop currently serves as a buffer zone for the Newell Avenue residential neighborhood. A change to office zoning would bring the traffic into the residential area, making it a far less desirable place to live.
* Traffic on Winchester and Lark is already heavy during peak commuting hours. Adding office facilities will increase this already overwhelming traffic and will encourage travel on residential streets, rather than on main streets.
* A two-story office/medical building is inconsistent with the surrounding single-story residential areas and is inconsistent with town planning for this area.
The proposed change from R-1 to office zoning for the Elks Club property is inconsistent with the overall development plan for the La Rinconada area and the town of Los Gatos. Spot zoning is, in general, a mistake. When spot zoning is used to change town development plans, the decision to use it should be considered within the town's overall traffic, environmental and commercial development plan--with particular consideration for the impact on the local neighborhood.
Bringing office zoning into a residential neighborhood should be done only when the change increases the welfare of the town and the neighborhood. In this instance, the impact on the local neighborhood would be detrimental. The impact on the town overall would be detrimental. The town, for instance, faces unspecified costs related to the traffic generated by the office buildings, as well as declining property values in surrounding residential areas, and increased services of all kinds to support the office buildings and their visitors.
The only positive impact will be felt by the Elks Club, which will convert its overflow parking lots into money-generating office buildings.
We can't see any circumstances under which this change from R-1 to O zoning would benefit the neighborhood and the town, as a whole. The proposed change is a mistake that will severely damage the quality of life for town of Los Gatos citizens, increase service costs for the town, raise local pollution due to increased auto traffic, and cause additional traffic congestion in the Lark Avenue/Winchester Boulevard area.
We think it is a mistake for the town to approve the proposed zoning change and the relative developments. We think it is also a dangerous precedent for other areas of the town of Los Gatos, which could face similar spot zoning changes that would reduce the desirability of those areas--should this zoning change pass.
Jack Aiello
Los Gatos
Demonstrator embarrassed by seat belt error
Boy, is my face red!! I neglected to have my seat belt on, while demonstrating the proper way to back up a car, in the photo accompanying the recent story regarding safe driving in the May 2, issue of the Los Gatos Weekly-Times.
This was a posed photo--the car was parked, but I realize it did send the wrong message. Thanks to all of the "safe driving" readers who called me on this error.
C. M. Weaver
AARP 55 Alive
Parent is commended for fundraiser
I would like to take this opportunity to recognize and commend a parent in this community of Los Gatos.
I have known Joell Gardner for two years. She has been very active in this community by attending Los Gatos school board meetings, home and school club meetings and special functions. Being a working mother and still finding the time to attend all of these events is something I admire.
I would like to commend you for all the work you put into the Blossom Hill School fundraiser, Night at the Opera. It was a wonderful event and a big success due to you, Joell. You were the driving force behind that event!
Thank you, Joell.
Andrew Fanelli
Los Gatos
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
