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Developers get second chance
By Jeff Kearns
Villa Felice developers got a reprieve last week, after the Town Council voted July 6 to give them a second chance on their ill-fated development application. Now, instead of having to file a new application and start over again--which could cost upwards of $15,000 because it requires a zoning change--the Braddock and Logan Group can bring their complete plans back to the Planning Commission.
After two Planning Commission meetings and two study sessions, the developers blundered by showing up for their third commission meeting with no new plans. They earned some sharp words from commissioners and a quick denial on April 28. The developers filed a written request in May to get a Town Council hearing, and asked to go back to the commission.
At last week's council meeting, developer Jeff Lawrence said he didn't call or write to the town to say they didn't have a new plan ready because he felt it was more important to ask for a continuance in person. He added that the plans for the 36- to 39-unit development weren't ready until the day of the hearing.
Steve Patrick, a neighbor who lives next to Villa Felice, urged councilmembers to uphold the commission's denial. "The developer has shown over and over again that they're not interested in Los Gatos, the town, the residents, or the town's processes."
Randy Attaway said he was willing to send the developer back, but warned Lawrence to do a better job next time.
"I hope you're hearing that Los Gatos has very high expectations," he said. "We could deny you tonight and it would cost you a lot of money to go back again through the process, and I'm sure you would. We just want to have a firm commitment that if we send you back that you really listen."
Mayor Jan Hutchins said he couldn't go along with that. "I believe it would send the wrong message and show disrespect for the Planning Commission, which has expressed its outrage at the way they've been treated by the developer."
Councilmembers voted 3-2 to send the developers back to the Planning Commission, with Hutchins and Joe Prizynski voting nay.
Pirzynski said he didn't think the plan was appropriate for the site and that Braddock and Logan should start over with a whole new frame of mind. "We cannot do works in progress," he said.
Steve Blanton said he didn't sense any dishonesty on the part of developers, and that they should get a second chance--if they submit complete plans next time.
A Planning Commission hearing date will be set once the Planning Department receives a full set of detailed blueprints from the developer.
But while the company didn't get stuck with hefty fees for filing a new application, it will still have to pay for additional meetings and planning staff time and materials.
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Los Gatos, California Since 1881
