Saratoga's City Council Feb. 17 unanimously approved a scathing response that will be sent to Saratoga Union School District Superintendent Mary Gardner, shooting back at the school district's initial study for impact caused by renovations scheduled to take place at the Saratoga Elementary School.
The SUSD Board of Trustees announced after the initial study was completed that it would grant a negative declaration, meaning that no further environmental review would be needed to go ahead with the project.
In its letter, the city protests the district's decision to remove two historic eucalyptus trees from a proposed playfield site. It also states that the initial study is flawed because it does not provide a comprehensive look at how already-heavy traffic problems around the school might worsen or be mitigated.
The City Council approved the letter just one day before the final deadline for responses to the SUSD, which will likely grant the negative declaration at its Feb. 23 meeting at Foothill School, 13919 Lynde Ave.
Councilmembers said they hope the SUSD will take another look at the proposal, especially since so many community members have protested it.
The Council also mentioned possibly seeking legal action against the school district if it continues on its current course. Community Development Director James Walgren said that under the California Environmental Quality Act, community members have the right to sue if they feel environmental studies weren't adequately completed.
Saratoga, California Since 1975
