Saratoga News

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Voters to decide if city will keep North Campus or put it up for sale

It's Measure J on ballot

By Jason Sweeney

Both sides in the fight over the future of Saratoga's North Campus property have released their arguments on Measure J. The arguments will appear on the ballot June 6.

If voters pass Measure J, the city of Saratoga will sell the North Campus property to developer Mike Masoumi for $6.75 million. Masoumi plans to tear down the old Grace United Methodist Church buildings and build nine new homes on the property. Mayor Norman Kline, Councilman Nick Streit and Councilwoman Kathleen King would like to use the money from the sale to replenish the city's general fund and for city infrastructure repairs and upgrades.

If voters defeat Measure J, the city will retain the North Campus and no sale of the property will be allowed for one year. Vice Mayor Aileen Kao and Councilwoman Ann Waltonsmith would like to see the property retained by the city for public use.

Streit wrote the argument in favor of selling the North Campus property:

"We recommend the sale of the city property on Prospect Road (the North Campus). The property was originally purchased so that the senior center could be chased so that the senior center could be moved to that site, freeing up space at the community center for our sheriff's department. This move would have allowed the sheriff to stay on city property and generate revenue from the sheriff department rental. This income would have offset the increasing costs of our basic services. However, this did not happen, and the sheriff has moved to Cupertino. So, instead of generating revenue, we are spending money maintaining two properties while still paying costs for our sheriff's new location.

"Saratoga city lacks sufficient income to maintain infrastructure, such as roads and buildings, while keeping up with the ever-increasing costs of basic services, such as police. None of the proposals for the use of the North Campus provide much-needed income; indeed, all of them would increase city spending. We owe it to ourselves and to future residents of this great city to maintain infrastructure and services; to maintain the quality of life and safety all of us enjoy today.

"Saratoga does not have the funds to develop and maintain a second community center at the North Campus. No other organization has been able to raise the funds to purchase it for public use. If the city does not sell this property, it is unlikely anything will be done to benefit the citizens of Saratoga on this property. On the other hand, with the proceeds of the sale of this property, we can improve the existing community center, upgrade our current facilities and complete much needed road maintenance."

The argument against selling the North Campus was written by Kao, Waltonsmith, Willys Peck, Cynthia Ruby and Jack Mallory: "The North Campus is the 2.6-acre former Grace United Methodist Church property on Prospect Road, purchased in 2002, encompassing four buildings, flat grass and ample parking.

"Grace United Methodist Church sold to Saratoga at $1.4 million below the highest bid, based on Saratoga's commitment to community use of the property. The council majority now says that agreement is not legally binding, proposes to sell to developers and keep the profits. Is this ethical?

"Saratoga has less than 40 percent of state recommended parks and open space for its population. Saratoga's Civic Center has serious overcrowding, parking and traffic problems. Request for community, youth, recreational and senior activities are frequently rejected for lack of space.

"Previous councils and school boards have sold land which was later needed for community activities. It is financially irresponsible to use 'one-time' revenue from asset sales, such as land, for ongoing operational costs (e.g., road repair). With the city's much improved financial situation, why sell an appreciating and irreplaceable asset?

"[It would cost $250,000 to] renovate the two most useful buildings (city study, Feb. 16, 2005). Remaining buildings can be retained and rebuilt with private donations or leased. Rental incomes will far exceed the $20,000 per year in property maintenance.

"When asked (April 5, 2005, survey), Saratoga's seniors overwhelmingly supported using part of the North Campus for additional programs.

"Healthy communities have adequate facilities for youth, seniors, recreation programs and other community groups."