Council commits to keeping the Heritage Orchard as is
By Kara Chalmers
On Sept. 6, the Saratoga City Council went on the record that it won't consider using the Heritage Orchard for anything but an orchard. The council, with the request of Mayor Stan Bogosian, unanimously passed a resolution recognizing the orchard.
While the resolution cannot prevent development from ever occurring on the orchard, it is a sign of this council's commitment to preserve the orchard exactly as it is, according to community development director James Walgren.
Coincidentally, the council on the same night authorized city staff to send an application for the orchard to be designated a California Point of Historical Interest to the state's Historical Resources Commission. The city's Heritage Preservation Commission recommended that the city apply for this designation.
In 1984, the city designated the orchard, which is one of the last remaining in Saratoga, a Heritage Resource, which means that it is listed on the city's Heritage Inventory. The inventory is a means by which the city acknowledges the historical importance of a property to the community.
Heritage preservation commissioner Beth Wyman prepared the application and historical narrative of the orchard.
The designation as a point of interest would not legally protect the orchard from future development. But, according to city staff, it would help heighten public awareness of the orchard as a unique community resource.
If the orchard receives the designation, there will most likely be a sign or plaque displayed at the new library.
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Saratoga, California Since 1955
