For years, the late Lou Dorcich operated a business selling a variety of fruits from his home on 13089 Quito Road—one of the last private orchards in Saratoga. The property was left vacant for nearly two years following his passing, leaving no one to care for the fruit trees. However, a local resident expressed interest in relocating the structures on the 1.97-acre parcel, which include a farmhouse, as directed by the Saratoga Heritage Preservation Commission, to allow space for the construction of seven two-story homes ranging from 10,074 to 12,365 square feet.

The proposal depicts six lots with road frontages on a private cul-de-sac near Martha Avenue and the seventh intersecting at McFarland Avenue.

The new cul-de-sac is designed to have a private road measuring 28 feet in width with two 12-foot-wide travel lanes. This is significantly narrower than the traveling lanes on Martha Avenue, which total 40 feet in width.

According to the assistant staff planner, Ann Welsh, the project meets all zoning requirements but does not comply with subdivision regulations.

In terms of subdivision-design requirements, the only lots that conform to standards are the two corner lots, which are positioned at right angles relative to the cul-de-sac. The remaining five lots are positioned at irregular angles.

"The project has to be aesthetically pleasing and compatible with the neighborhood," Welsh said. "The proposed development makes the neighborhood look awkward."

At the meeting, residents expressed concerned in three main areas: traffic congestion, pedestrian safety and the preservation of a historical landmark.

As stated in a report, the proposed project would generate approximately 10.5 trips per day for each household, equating to approximately 74 trips a day. This increase in traffic would have an impact on the surrounding community, resulting in an overflow of parking onto neighboring driveways.

Tom Stagomi, who lives on McFarland Avenue, said that if the plan were approved, it would create a huge traffic problem. He illustrated that even if a driveway were spacious enough to hold six cars should a resident decide to have a party or large gathering, realistically not everybody would park in the driveway because a car parked behind another vehicle would eventually have to move to allow that driver to leave.

"It would be like valet parking," Stagomi said. "What we'll see are a bunch of cars flooding the streets."

At the meeting, Stagomi alluded to the profit that the applicant, Salim Sagharchi, would be making from the housing project.

"Although it may be a good idea economically, it doesn't make it right," he said.

Resident Conner Lynch added to that statement.

"We all have to make a living," Lynch said. "But your profit should not override our concerns."

Nearby resident Christopher Duporte opposed the point of access to the cul-de-sac from McFarland Avenue and shared his personal experience with commissioners. He said he's been hit several times by drivers coming onto McFarland Avenue from a curvy road. He said that the curves make it difficult to see ahead, especially at night, and more people coming in and out of the area would worsen the situation.

In addition, resident Elizabeth Lara said that with such a big project going on in an street that is heavily used by commuters and with all the construction involved, it would cause major problems for residents waiting at a nearby bus stop and for children trying to get to the Southwest YMCA. She said she is concerned because not only are there a lot of children in the neighborhood, but her elderly father occasionally uses the bus stop.

Lara also said she is concerned with preserving the building and keeping it as a gateway to the community.

"We should continue to showcase this historical property," she said. "It has been a reference point for so many people for so long."

At the meeting, Tom Corson of Swathmore Lane expressed frustration at the applicant's disregard for the neighborhood.

"You're trying to put 10 pounds of stuff into a five-pound bag," he said. "This project only benefits the developer and is disrespectful to those who live here."

However, Sagharchi, a longtime resident of Saratoga, said that he cares about the city and the neighborhood. He said he will be living in one of the new houses.

Commissioners said they were hesitant to approve or reject the project and wished to hear from more neighbors.

"There are a lot of emotions attached to this property," said the Planning Commission Chairwoman, Jill Hunter. "The community should have a right to give their input on the future of the property."

Commissioner Michael Shallop said that adding seven houses would be considered an exception and is inconsistent with the neighborhood. He proposed reducing the number of homes to five or six.

At the end of discussion, Sagharchi announced that he would agree to change the number of homes to six if the commission made a decision during the meeting, but commissioners found the issue too important to settle without more community input. Commissioners directed Sagharchi to come back within 30 days with a revised plan entailing details for six homes and evidence of communication with neighbors.