Los Gatos Weekly-Times

Editorial

Edelen neighbors prefer status-quo

Last week, Bill Hirschman of Maxim Investments invited Edelen District neighbors to the four-acre parcel where he'd like to build some 34 homes. Anyone who follows Los Gatos politics could have predicted the outcome.

The neighbors were not impressed. Given their druthers, many would prefer that the parcel be left as it is--with just two houses.

That's not going to happen, of course.

This is four acres of prime real estate that was part of the estate of Zona Mae Boyer. Her family has a right to develop the land to the fullest and best use allowed by the zoning--and it is in an area where density is about five houses per acre.

Add to the drama of a close-knit neighborhood with a reputation for putting up a good fight and a determined developer convinced that his project is a winner, an election-year atmosphere that is tuned in to a perceived anti-growth sentiment in the town, and we have a prescription for a classic Los Gatos land-use battle.

To his credit, Hirschman is meeting with neighbors, following the successful model of SummerHill homes, whose long battle with neighbors culminated in applause for SummerHill's representative in a packed Council Chambers.

Planners and councilmembers will certainly want to know where the neighbors stand on the Maxim development.

Unfortunately for Maxim, there is less opportunity for give and take on this four-acre parcel than there was on SummerHill's property.

The town requires "community benefit" of all planned developments, and SummerHill was able to oblige with some 80 acres of open space. So far the benefit that Maxim has offered is the addition of a right turn lane for turning from University onto Highway 9.

This is a small, but significant improvement because currently, just a few cars going straight across Highway 9 can cut off access for right turns, causing a considerable bottleneck.

Hirschman argues that the housing itself is a community benefit because the community needs housing. Lots of Los Gatans would probably dispute the need for more housing in Los Gatos, although the need for housing--especially affordable housing--in Silicon Valley is indisputable.

We think Hirschman is correct in his claim that the number of cars on University as a result of his development will be small compared to the number of cars that Old Town will bring.

The problem isn't 30 more homes on University, however; it's how close to the corner of Highway 9 and University the homes will be.

We think what Hirschman and the traffic engineers need to show is that traffic turning onto University Avenue from Highway 9 won't back up when residents make left-hand turns into the development at 330 University Avenue.

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