Saratoga News

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Home design approved on lot where fire razes structure

By Shannon Burkey

The Saratoga Planning Commission approved plans for a new house at the corner of Komina Avenue and Oak Street where a 100-year-old home had been destroyed by an arson fire.

Owner Bob Baratta-Lorton first came before the commission in May 2006 with a design for a new home but was met with strong opposition from his neighbors.

Baratta-Lorton's neighbors said the 2,700-square-foot stucco house exhibited an eclectic mix of styles and was not compatible with the historic character of the neighborhood. They also said the home was too bulky for the narrow corner lot.

At that meeting, the commission rejected the plans and asked Baratta-Lorton to come back with a new design.

At its Feb. 23 meeting, the planning commission reviewed the new design for Baratta-Lorton's home, and this time the commissioners were all smiles. The new design was approved 5-0. Commissioner Robert Kundtz was absent.

"I would like to compliment the architect," Commissioner Linda Rodgers said. "This is a wonderful design. It's even better than we could have hoped for."

Commissioner Joyce Hlava, who was the only commissioner to vote in favor of the previous design, said she was wrong at that time because the new design is so much better.

"I really love this design. I think it fits in really well with the neighborhood," she said.

Jeff Barco, who lives on Komina Avenue, circulated a petition throughout the neighborhood opposing the first design but said he is happy with the new design.

"I know this has not been an enjoyable process, but I am pleased. I think it's consistent and compatible with the neighborhood," Barco said.

The lot that the house is to be built on is in one of Saratoga's oldest neighborhoods and the residents who live there take pride in the history of the area. The heritage preservation commission is looking into designating Oak Street as a heritage lane.

Before the original home went up in flames in September 2005, it had fallen into a state of disrepair and was unoccupied. After the fire, the burned-out house stood on the corner for six months, to the dismay of the neighbors, before it was torn down.

A smaller, less destructive fire had occurred at the house in 2004. Santa Clara County fire investigators determined arson to be the cause of both fires.

Neighbor Jenny Taylor, who opposed the original design, calling it an "embarrassment," said the new design is lovely and a vast improvement. Her only concern is whether it will fit in with the heritage preservation commission's efforts designate Oak Street as a historic heritage lane.

"I personally love it. It's just missing a few details that I hope wouldn't give trouble down the road if the heritage lane came through," Taylor said.

But Commissioner Susie Nagpal said she does not foresee any problems with the new design.

"If Oak Street is going to be a heritage lane somewhere down the road, I think we are approving something that is going to be compatible, and in doing so I think we can't go wrong if that designation does occur," Nagpal said.

Jason Sweeney contributed to this article.