Streit submits an argument, Page, Jackman pull papers

By Kara Chalmers

Four council members have filed a written argument in support of a measure on the Nov. 7 ballot. The measure would extend the moratorium on residential development in commercially zoned land in Saratoga to March 15, 2002. As expected, Councilman Nick Streit filed a written argument in opposition. Filing deadline was Aug. 1.

The council approved the moratorium on March 15, 1999, as an urgency interim ordinance. If it is voted down in November, the moratorium will expire on December 31, 2000.

The interim moratorium prohibits any residential development on lands zoned in Saratoga's General Plan as retail commercial, professional administrative, gateway landscaping or planned development.

The Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters will determine the letter designation of the measure on Aug. 11. It is expected to be called Measure A.

According to the supporting argument, Saratoga is in danger of losing its commercial tax base, and the limited amount of commercial land in the city is being "eroded by conversion to high-density residential development ... which puts an increased strain on our city infrastructure and schools."

The argument says that residents are forced to travel out of town to obtain goods and services, and that the loss of any more commercial space would be a blow to the city. The moratorium would allow the city time to develop a plan to maintain commercial spaces in Saratoga, according to the argument.

"We need to act now, before it is too late," the argument reads.

According to Streit's argument, the measure is "based upon political agenda and emotion." He writes that the measure is a reaction to the Azule Crossing development.

The council approved a plan for a mixed-use residential and commercial development for the Azule Crossing Shopping Center in February, although some council members were concerned about the conversion of the property--which was originally entirely commercial--to partly residential.

Streit's argument states that in 10 years there have been only five projects that such a moratorium would have affected, all of which were subject to the conditional-use permit process.

According to Streit, the way to enhance commercial viability in Saratoga is with the process that is already in place.

"This moratorium may be good for politics and election campaigning, but it is not good for Saratoga!" the argument reads.

Less than 1.6 percent of the city's land area is designated for commercial development. Residential development is permitted on commercial areas only if the planning commission approves a conditional use permit for the developer, according to the city's General Plan.

The 10-day review period for public inspection of arguments is Aug. 2-15, and the review period for inspection of rebuttals to arguments--which may not exceed 250 words and must be filed no later than Aug. 7--is Aug. 8-21.

Also on Nov. 7, citizens will vote on two positions on the Saratoga City Council.

Council members Ann Waltonsmith and Stan Bogosian, whose terms both end in November, and newcomer Eva Giordano, a telecommunications management consultant and real estate broker have all announced their intentions to run.

Planning commissioners Chuck Page, who is the vice president of sales for an Internet services company in Cupertino, and Erna Jackman, a retired nurse, have also picked up their candidate binders. No one has formally filed for candidacy yet.

Citizens interested in running for one of the two seats have until Aug. 11 to formally file for candidacy. If Waltonsmith or Bogosian fail to file for candidacy by Aug. 11, the deadline for filing or nominating will be extended to Aug. 16.

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