Saratoga News file photograph

Saratoga's scenic Madronia Cemetery is expected to run out of space within 25 years.




Madronia Cemetery may be penciled out of deal between Sobrato, Sisters

By Steve Enders

Local developer John Sobrato has submitted his vision for the Sisters of Notre Dame property to the Saratoga Planning Department--a plan that includes subdividing 11 large lots for million-dollar homes on 23 acres of hilly, tree-covered land.

Much to the chagrin of Madronia Cemetery officials however, Sobrato says the cemetery may not be on his list of charitable donations any time in the near future.

Officials from the Saratoga Cemetery District, which operates Madronia Cemetery, have been working with Sobrato on a way to acquire a portion of the land so it can continue to serve Saratogans well into the next century.

The Sisters' property is in escrow, according to Sister Barbara Thiella, executive administrator of the provincialate.

"The property is underutilized, and it has been underutilized. By turning it into a real estate asset, it allows us to continue to do the work that we do," Thiella said.

Sobrato won't say what he's paying for the property, which has been owned by the Sisters for nearly 100 years. But whatever the price, Sobrato said the cemetery can't afford to pay him even an at-cost option that would make Madronia the owner of two large lots on the corner of Bohlman Road near Oak Street.

"The main reason I'm buying the land is so I can build a house there, Sobrato said, adding that his family-owned firm, Sobrato Development Companies isn't involved in the deal. He plans on selling the other 10 lots to other individuals to build multi-million dollar homes.

"I'm not opposed to selling to the cemetery. They just can't afford to pay even my cost, and I can't sell for less than that," Sobrato said. "We're a charitable company, but we're not interested in giving it away, either."

Officials at Madronia Cemetery weren't expecting a giveaway, but were hoping to get a good deal.

At current plot sale rates, according to cemetery District Manager Gary Reed, the cemetery will likely run out of space in about 25 years.

"We've had discussions [with Sobrato]," Reed said. "At one time, he seemed quite receptive and it looked like we were going to get a couple acres. Then the next time we met, his attitude was kind of like, 'Why should I do anything for the rich citizens of Saratoga?'"

Reed said Sobrato wouldn't be doing any favors for Saratogans, because the cemetery district will buy the land.

Now, cemetery officials are considering various options, including possible legal action. Reed said that he hopes the deal can be worked out amicably.

"Now we're interested in three or four acres, not just two," Reed said, adding that cemetery board members have met with property attorneys to find out what rights they may have, if any, to the land that adjoins its property.

According to city planner Heather Bradley, no buildings on the Sisters' property are listed on the city's inventory of historical structures. However, there seems to be some confusion as to whether a chapel on the site is considered historic.

If it is deemed to be, it may present another hurdle to developers, who plan on razing the entire site. Sister Thiella said, however, that the chapel is not historic, and hasn't been used since the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989.

Thiella also said she's happy with the plans Sobrato has submitted.

Sobrato is planning on expanding one street and cutting a new cul de sac through the yet-untouched hillside. According to plans on file at City Hall, he also hopes to build an elevated, 8-foot-wide pedestrian footpath above the roads.

Sobrato submitted the plans on March 17 and according to Bradley, various city departments are just beginning to review the specs.

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