By Cecily Barnes
Starbucks may be coming to Big Basin Way. On Oct 10, architect Paul Bosman, who is working with the Seattle-based coffee company, submitted a conditional-use permit application to the city of Saratoga. The planning commission is expected to review the issue on Dec. 12. If approved, Starbucks will move into the space presently occupied by Corinthian Flowers, at the corner of Big Basin Way and Los Gatos-Saratoga Road.
Some residents are vehemently opposed to letting this corporate coffee chain into their quaint little town.
"What's next, McDonald's hamburgers?" an outraged John Scott wrote in a letter to the Saratoga News. Competition-fearing business owners have also expressed their disapproval.
"Starbucks is a major coffee business, and they are the leading coffee franchise in the business. I think they are a very serious threat to small businesses in general," said Mitch Cutler, owner of La Fondue and Blue Rock Shoot.
But other business owners seem to think Starbucks in Saratoga will be good economics.
"I love it. I think it's a great idea," said Kookie Fitzsimmons, owner of Corinthian Flowers. "It will be great for the village and great for business at this end."James Walgren, associate planner for the city of Saratoga, explained that the planning commission will not consider economics or large-chain affiliation when determining whether or not to accept the proposal.
"The planning commission is deciding this matter on a land use basis, regardless of who owns the franchise," Walgren said.
When the Los Gatos Planning Commission denied Starbucks' proposal to move into 196 W. Main St. more than a year ago, it was on the basis of insufficient parking and traffic saturation, said Los Gatos Planning Commissioner Michael Abkin.
Abkin said he also voted to deny the proposal because it would damage the character and integrity of the zone. It is these sorts of issues that residents will have to battle with if they seek to keep Starbucks out.
"They would have to address land-use issues like parking. They would have to show evidence that parking is deficient to the point where it would affect resident parking on Oak street," Walgren explained. "Or they would have to prove that [Starbucks] signage or building design is not compatible with the ambiance and structure of the village."
A parking study has already been requested by the city. Once the study is completed, a public hearing will be scheduled, at which time Starbucks' request for a conditional use permit will either be accepted, denied or sent back for review.
Following the decision, there will be 15 days during which anyone able to foot the $675 bill can appeal the decision to the City Council.
This article appeared in the Saratoga News, November 6, 1996.
©1996 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved