St. Andrew's obtained approval in 2003 for the construction of a new gymnasium. The portable units are intended to provide St. Andrew's students with temporary indoor facilities for activities such as calisthenics, dance and gymnastics during the gym's construction. Each portable is to be approximately 12 feet by 60 feet with an interior height of 9.5 feet. The units will be painted brown, a color determined to blend in with the area. They are to be used only by St. Andrew's students Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are expected to remain on the premises until June 2006.

In response to opposition to the portables, Planning Commissioner Jill Hunter cited a recent article in Money Magazine that listed Saratoga as the 26th best place to live in the nation. Hunter said the quality of local schools, not affordable housing, was a reason Saratoga ranked highly. The commissioners agreed that school children should not be considered an intolerable inconvenience for the community.

But Crestbrook Drive residents Caroline Munce, Philip Wu and Clifton Williamson listed numerous complaints against St. Andrew's, including a restroom that obstructs their view, parking problems, noise and wayward balls. Other concerns were whether the construction at St. Andrew's would affect property values, and whether the portables would actually be removed next year when the permit expires.

Commissioner Mike Uhl was in favor of approving the permit for the portables but acknowledged that relationships had been strained. He expressed a desire to seek compromises, especially concerning parking on Crestbrook Drive during events at St. Andrew's.

Harry McKay, St. Andrew's head of school, said he had no control over parking on Crestbrook Drive as it is a public street. Uhl wanted the commission to seek a solution to people parking on Crestbrook in front of homes and driveways.

Commissioner Linda Rodgers said the conditions of the permit were for the portables to be visually unobtrusive, have a less-than-significant aesthetic impact and the location not be detrimental to public health, safety and welfare. Rodgers saw no reason not to approve the permit under the stated conditions.

Commissioner Susie Nagpal said she thought the request from St. Andrew's was reasonable and that the permit for the portables was for one year, after which the units would be removed, or if necessary, subject to review.

Munce, who has lived on Crestbrook Drive since 1967, was unhappy with the decision. She stated that the commission did not have sympathy for the point of view of residents on Crestbrook.

"They don't live there," Munce said. She stated that the commission is not preserving the rural nature of Saratoga. "I love kids," she said. "I love the noise. It's a happy situation, except I see big money. They want to make that school a money-maker."