Saratoga News

Letters

Council made right decision

Congratulations to the Saratoga City Council members who, on Wednesday, Dec. 3, patiently listened to the large number of residents who attended the meeting to protest the outrageous decision by the Planning Commission to grant a permit to the One World Montessori School, which would have allowed them to rent classrooms and turn a parking lot--abutting private residences--into a playground for 145 students ages 18 months through sixth grade. Parents driving their children to and from this school would have severely impacted the horrendous traffic congestion already present on Saratoga Avenue.

It is inconceivable that the Planning Commission would ignore sections of the Saratoga General Plan which address traffic impacts, and in particular the language in the section on circulation, which requires the city to "facilitate the safe movement of traffic within and through the city. ... taking into consideration the residential integrity of the city." Section C.I.10.0 goes on to require that the city mitigate traffic impacts which could create safety hazards. The Planning Commission completely ignored these mandates and granted the permit to a school whose students would be 98 percent non-Saratogans.

It would appear that perhaps the Planning Commission was swayed by the staff report of James Walgren, whose report to the City Council was heavily biased toward the granting of the permit. Walgren's report minimized the real traffic congestion on Saratoga Avenue, stating that 200-250 more cars on Saratoga Avenue at Seagraves Way would be minimal. This area of Saratoga Avenue is within the parameters that have already experienced 37 accidents. If City Manager Larry Perlin is still seeking reduction to help balance the city budget, Mr. Walgren would be an excellent candidate.

Members of the Planning Commission: hear us. We will not tolerate any decision by you which will increase traffic and jeopardize the safety of our children.

Preston Burlingham
Squirrel Hollow Lane

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