Saratoga News
News
Retail, residential plan for Buy and Save site
By Shannon Burkey
The Saratoga City Council and Planning Commission will hold a joint study session on Sept. 6 to discuss a preliminary Village development proposal that could potentially add 13,500 square feet of retail space and 58,500 square feet of residential space to the area.
The proposal submitted to the planning department by the current property owner of the Buy and Save shopping center--the Frank Burrell Trust--suggests demolishing the structure that sits on a 1.3-acre site on Big Basin Way.
In its place, the owner is proposing to construct a mixed-use development that would consist of ground-floor shops and restaurants with two levels of residential units above the commercial space. Two three-story 1920s California courtyard-style residential buildings would also be located on the site. All the residential units would be for sale. Additionally, a two-level underground parking structure with 150 stalls is being proposed.
"This is all still very early in the process," said Councilwoman Kathleen King.
The purpose of the joint study session is to present the facts and an analysis of the proposal and take public input, according to senior city planner Lata Vasudevan.
"This is not an application," Vasudevan said "If they go through the application and planning processes, it could take awhile."
The study session was scheduled to give the trust feedback on the project before it makes any moves or spends any money on the project, King said.
"Basically they are coming in with a conceptual plan," King explained. "At the study session we don't make any decisions or pass any resolutions; it is just to study the issue and offer feedback."
Although the proposal is in in the preliminary stages, Village area resident Jim Rosenfeld said it could potentially have terrible long-term consequences on the Village.
"This is a decision that is going to seal the coffin on Saratoga being a sleepy village," Rosenfeld said. "The proposal is completely inappropriate for the Saratoga Village."
Rosenfeld also said he does not think the kind of large retailers that the project plans to attract will be interested in the space, leaving many empty storefronts. He said parking in the area is not going to be adequate for all the residential and retail space that is being added.
"The residents in the building will need about 90 spaces. They are adding 150 and eliminating the 50 that currently exist there. So really the net gain is only 10 spaces," Rosenfeld explained.
Rosenfeld said the property owner cares only about selling condos at the expense of the retail business in the Village. He wants the city to be proactive on this issue.
"Greed can be good, but this is over the top," Rosenfeld said. "I know where they are coming from, but this is toxic."
The Buy and Save has been family-owned for more than 50 years. Many of the current tenants, all small "mom and pop" type stores, have been in their shops for some time.
"This is going to be a huge change to the Village," said Planning Commissioner Jill Hunter. "I am not even sure if many of the tenants know about the proposal."
The addition of the tall residential buildings would also have an effect on the residents who live behind the Buy and Save, Hunter said.
"All the people on Oak Street have a lovely view right now," Hunter said. "They will be very distressed to hear about this."
