Saratoga News

Letters & Opinions

Speak Out

Nothing wrong with
discussing zoning

I am amazed at how many times Marcia Fariss ("Abrams property should not be zoned commercial," letters, March 6) wants to tell the citizens of Saratoga what I have said or what I plan to do. This is the third letter I have needed to send to correct what Ms. Fariss has written in your paper about me.

Ms. Fariss has stated that I want to re-zone the Abrams property to commercial from its current professional administrative office designation. This is not accurate.

Chuck Page and I did ask to evaluate the zoning of this property. This would be considered good planning in most cities, evaluating the zoning of any major piece of property on a regular basis. Many cities evaluate their open space, sometimes deciding to change the designation and sometimes deciding to leave it exactly as it is. They have public meetings so that everyone interested can discuss major zoning issues.

The current designation is for medical offices. Medical offices bring many cars, very little tax benefit to the residents and not many advantages to the surrounding area. Should the zoning be changed to mixed use (housing and small retail stores or restaurants)? Should it be changed to support a boutique hotel, a research and development center, or remain for medical use? I don't know, but I think there should be a public discussion and that we shouldn't fear a public meeting on zoning. Open dialogue is a good thing and should not be criticized before it has even occurred.

Kathleen King

Saratoga City Council