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Attachment 18Jennifer Armer From: Alexandra Caldwell <alexandra.g.caldwell@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, May 10, 2017 11:36 AM To: Jennifer Armer Subject: 401-409 Alberto Way Project Support Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged Hi Jennifer, I am writing to you to express my full support of the 401-409 Alberto Way Project. This project will create many positive advancements for the town of Los Gatos. One of the largest benefits of this project would be the creation of more high-tech jobs in the area. Creating these jobs in the town of Los Gatos greatly adds to the very low job inventory. In addition, local retailers and businesses will also benefit by having an increase of great companies within the area. This in turn, will create jobs closer to these residential areas, decreasing northbound traffic heaviness. For the "reverse commuter" typically going North to South, the site benefits both in the am and pm hours. Bringing more jobs closer to housing, decreasing peoples commutes and adding to traffic, and bringing more service to local retailers are all positive advancements that this project will bring to the this beautiful town of Los Gatos that I call home. Best regards, A Caring Citizen ATTACHMENT 1 8 Jennifer Armer From: Lindsay Catterton <Icatte5850@aol.com> Sent: Monday, May 15, 2017 8:48 AM To: Jennifer Armer Subject: Alberto Way Yea for getting this far!! Hope we can keep up the momentum! We can't have a big building on our quiet street! We need to be able to walk our little dogs in safety ! Thank you Lindsay Catterton 439 Alberto Way #105A Sent from my iPhone Jennifer Armer From: Dick McGowan <dickmcgowan114@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, August 20, 2017 3:39 PM To: Jennifer Armer Subject: Alberto Way,The Commons Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged This is the second email I've written you and it seems there,unfortunately,more debate about the very large office building Mr.Lamb and company want to put in our neighborhood.My husband and I moved here 2 years this June and it is amazing the change in traffic; my husband has a chronic condition where it is necessary to get to the doctors often and we've had to increase that time by 20 minutes to get to the doctor and can only imagine will have to double that if this project goes thru. This is personal but I feel that these developers are arrogant in some ways,not paying attention to our concerns about the confusion of construction and our almost one way street.This project is just too big for our neighborhood,we know something is going in here that is to be expected. Thank you for passing this on. Connie Mcgowan 453 Alberto Way # 158 Sent from my iPad PROPERTY PRO, LTD. 14127 Capri Dr., Suite 8 Los Gatos, CA 95032-1534 Phone: (408) 378-1730 Fax (408) 378-0650 Email: property, propertyprolc m August 24, 2017 Ms. Jennifer Armer Community Development Dept. Town of Los Gatos 110 E. Main St. Los Gatos, CA 95031 Via E-mail: jt:rin. Re: 401-409 Alberto Way Development Dear Ms. Armer: We are the property managers for two homeowners associations on Alberto Way: Los Gatos Commons & Pueblo De Los Gatos. We drive Alberto Way two to three times per week to service these two homeowners associations. On behalf of the service providers for these properties on Alberto Way (including but not limited to: gardeners, plumbers, electricians, handyman, tree trimmers, etc.) we wish to submit our position regarding the proposed development. We are already subject to plenty of congestion along the roadways and limited by parking availability. When you add public utility service providers, water service, garbage service, cable service providers, etc. to the mix, the number of service providers coming and going through this area increases. We wish to bring this to the Town's attention in addition to the concerns brought forth by the residents in the area who have their own personal needs, visitors, caregivers, and handyman coming and going daily along Alberto Way. The feedback we are getting from the residents and homeowners of the combined 163 units is they do not want this size development on Alberto Way. There are other homeowners associations on this road that are also in agreement that this size development is too large for the area. As elected officials of the Town of Los Gatos, the community should be who they are listening to and representing. On behalf of the homeowners we work for along Alberto Way, we submit this letter in petition against the development at 401409 Alberto Way and believe the proposed development should be denied. Sincerely, PROPERTY PRO, LTD Araairey Yekve1 Anthony R. Schrock Certified Property Manager CC: Board of Directors at Los Gatos Commons Board of Directors at Pueblo De Los Gatos Homeowners Associations 401-409 Alberto Way Committee Jennifer Armer From: CONNIE <cgdailey@comcastnet> Sent: Monday, August 28, 2017 1:39 PM To: Jennifer Armer Subject: 401 Alberto Way Attachments: 401 Alberto Project.docx LOS GATOS CITY CANCEL MY NAME IS GEORGE DAILEY AND 1 RESIDE IN THE COMMONS ON ALBERTO WAY. I'M ASKING YOU TO DENY THE DEVELOPERS REQUEST FOR THIS PROJECT. LIKE MOST DEVELOPERS TODAY, THEY WILL PROMISE ANYTHING TO GET APPROVAL FOR THEIR PROJECTS. THEY WILL ALWAYS PAINT A PRETTY PICTURE. THEIR CLAIM THAT DEMOLISHING THE EXISTINE BUILDINGS, HAULING ALWAYS THE REMAINS, DIGGING AN UNDERGROUND GARAGE WITH DIRT REMOVAL, AND CONSTRUCTING A NEW STRUCTURE WON'T CAUSE ANY ADVERSE DISTRUPTION IN OUR TINY NEIGHBORHOOD. TO SAY THE LEAST, IT WILL BE A TOTAL DISASTER AND CREATE UNDUE CHAOS FOR SEVERAL YEARS. CONSTRUCTION CREWS WILL HAVE TO PROVIDE FLAG MEN TO DIRECT AND DIVERT TRAFFIC ON ALBERTO WAY, HWY 9 AND ENTERING HWY 17. I DRIVE THROUGH THESE INTERSECTIONS SEVERAL TIMES A DAY AND AT ALL HOURS AND KNOW ONLY TOO WELL THE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS RESIDENTS ENDURE DAILY. COMPOUND THESE NORMAL CONDITIONS WITH ADDED CONSTRUCTION TRAFFIC AND IT WOULD BE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO GET OUT OF OUR NEIGHBORHOOD SAFELY OR WITHOUT DELAYS. I'M 86 AND TOO OLD TO HAVE TO ENDURE THESE DISRUPTIONS. MY SUGGESTION TO THE DEVELPERS IS TO ABANDON THIS LOCATION AND MOVE IT TO THE NORTH FORTY WHERE IT IS MORE SUITABLE. THIS IS THE WRONG PROJECT FOR THIS SITE. GEORGE S. DAILEY 441 ALBERTO WAY LOS GATOS, CA 95032 408-827-4956 cgdailey@comcast.net Jennifer Armer From: Genie Phirippidis <genielamp58@icloud.com> Sent: Monday, August 28, 2017 3:27 PM To: Town Manager; Jennifer Armer; Joel Paulson; Arn Andrews; BSpector; Rob Rennie; Marcia Jensen; Steven Leonardis; Marico Sayoc Subject: Please approve 405 Alberto Way Dear Town of Los Gatos, I'm not a resident of Los Gatos but a frequent visitor (when traffic and parking is not so bad). I road The CAT, a free shuttle that a developer is sponsoring. I think it's a great idea. I hope their office building gets approved. It would make visiting your downtown a whole lot easier Genie Phirippidis Jennifer Armer From: Gerald Hamilton <ghamilton29@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 29, 2017 3:17 PM To: Marico Sayoc; Rob Rennie; Marcia Jensen; Steven Leonardis; BSpector Cc: Jennifer Armer Subject: 401-409 Alberto Way Attachments: LtrToTownCouncilOfLosGAtos.doc Architectural & Site Approval Application 5-15-056 and Conditional Use Permit Application U-15-009 Appealed to Town Council -09/19/2017 Denied by Planning Commission -05/10/2017 Dear Mayor Sayoc,Vice-Mayor Rennie and Council Members Jensen, Leonardis and Spector: Our objections to and plea for denial of the above project is as set forth in our Letter to each and all of you above email recipients is attached hereto and made a part hereof. We shall appreciate your very thoughtful consideration of our objections and pray for the denial of this Application. Gerald E. Hamilton Sondra T. Hamilton GERALD E. HAMILTON 451 ALBERTO WAY D153 LOS GATOS, CA 95032 August 29, 2017 Marico Sayoc, Mayor Rob Rennie, Vice -Mayor Marcia Jensen, Council Member Steve Leonardis, Council Member Barbara Spector, Council Member LOS GATOS TOWN COUNCIL 110 E. MAIN STREET LOS GATOS, CA 95030 Re: 401-409 ALBERTO WAY Dear Mayor Sayoc, Vice -Mayor Rennie and Council Members Jensen, Leonardis & Spector: For the record my wife and I are property owners and occupants within the Los Gatos Commons Senior Citizen community at 439-447 Alberto Way consisting of 110 condominiums. At least one owner of each individual unit must be 55 years of age or older. Many owners are in their late 80's and a few are in their 90s and one lady is 103!!!! Please note also Los Gatos Commons has its own on -site parking for approximately 152 vehicles, a ratio unmatched by any or all of the other developments on Alberto Way! With the exception of the beautifully remodeled and now a Best Western Motel, its new Club 57 restaurant and the Satellite Health Care facility located on the northeasterly corner of Alberto Way and Hwy 9, the existing office complex on the subject site (which was approved by the Town Council and constructed 30 or more years ago) and the older and semi -vacant office structures at the northerly end of Alberto Way (475-485 Alberto Way), ONLY single family residential components consisting of 227 units EXIST on Alberto Way! IF there are only TWO persons/unit (not considering children) , that suggests that more than 450 individuals reside on Alberto Way. You can also readily see at night there are insufficient parking spaces for all these vehicles and Alberto Way is highly congested all night! Without ANY NEW development of ANY kind on Alberto Way, its narrowness makes it especially difficult for one and all of us who must frequently drive to every kind of medical attention senior citizens require for daily living. We are often subjected already to considerable delays and difficulty when attempting to exit Alberto Way and access Hwy 9 in our vehicles. Letter to the Mayor and Town Council Members RE: 401-409 Alberto Way Proposed Office Project August 31, 2017 Page Two If you folks have NOT personally seen or know the difficulty emergency vehicles have had to reach those in need in theses individual homes, you too would be concerned about the safety factor of your Los Gatos resident owners. It is extremely dangerous and would be considerably worsen should you override your Planning Commission and approve the 401-409 project. Was there to be ANY new construction allowed on the subject site, it certainly should NEVER consist of 2-Story Underground Parking Structures! Essentially this has been proposed ONLY to allow MORE square footage of office space. There is no OTHER office OR commercial structure in the entire Town that has such a garage and I personally know of ONLY two, ONE-STORY underground garages, the Town's own and Safeway's, both on University Avenue, in the entire Town. The high water moisture content of the soils in the Town also has deterred developers and property, owners from considering two-story structures to date. But NOT LP Acquisitions, LLC! Let it be perfectly clear, there are ONLY TWO PARTIES, both imminently involved in the project, LP Acquisitions, LLP, the applicant, AND the current owner of the property, CWA Realty! Since CWA Realty acquired the property in 1986, it has allowed considerably building decay and it has allowed the majority of its tenants to vacate. Only two tenants remain and the real property taxes in excess of $73,000 for the year 2016-'17 were incurred and paid! This sale will generate millions of dollars of profits for CWA Realty! That is ITS real motivating factor to support the proposed project! My wife and I respectfully request that the Town Council concur with your Planning Department's unanimous denial of the proposed development of LP Acquisitions, LLP and also deny this application for the proposed project without further consideration. Thank you for considering ALL opposition to this application, including this personal letter. Sincerely, Cc: Jennifer Armer Associate Planner, Town of Los Gatos (JA rmerg losgatos.gov) Jennifer Armer From: Raymond Toney <raymond.toney2@verizon.net> Sent: Friday, September 01, 2017 11:37 AM To: Jennifer Armer Subject: 401-409 Alberto Way, Los Gatos, Ca Dear Ms, Armer: 1. No other building in town has a two level parking garage 2. No other building in town has a parking garage with onfy one entrance and exit onto a single use street. 3. in case of fire, there is no escape and can be disastrous, especially with only one exit out of the garage's two levels. 4. Fires in underground garages are more common than you may think. i have experienced one but there were more than one exit and we were able to get the car out before the gas tank exploded. The Planning Commission gave approval if the developer would reduce the size of the parking area and the building area, It was not financially feasible for them to follow the PC's suggestions so they made up some story about the PC's incorrect assessment. Our Planning Commission did an excellent job (except for the underground parking situation).and should be congratulated for an excellent plan Jesse Pue of Los Gatos Public Works approved the traffic plan but that was July 24, 2015 but since then it no longer fits in with current conditions and doesn't make much sense. The town has been under siege from internal and external traffic with newspapers reporting such an overflow that streets have had to be closed. Traffic signs, redirecting traffic around downtown, have been painted on the streets. Unfortunately, those directions send the excess Los Gatos Blvd. traffic right past Alberto Way. Alberto Way is a dead end street with only one way out to service hundreds of cars of residents, a restaurant and bar. an office complex at the lower end of the street, a 41 unit motel, a medical facility with hundreds of patients coming and going all day. Directly across from Alberto Way, and serviced by the same stop lights is Los Gatos Lodge, a motel with a restaurant and bar, three private meeting rooms which are mostly booked and 131 motel rooms. In short this property is already way over developed! Raymond M. Toney, 453 Alberto Way, #241. Los Gatos. CA. 95032 Jennifer Armer On Sep 5, 2017, at 11:03 AM, Kalane McDonald <kalancclla(&icloud.com> wrote: September 5, 2017 Honorable Mayor Marico Sayoc: Re: 401 -405 Alberto Way 443 Alberto Way B224 Los Gatos, CA 95032 I have lived in Los Gatos Commons for ten months. I moved from San Francisco after living there for 26 years. People ask, " Why Los Gatos?" Well, during all the time that I raised four children, I lived in Almaden and worked in San Jose Unified School District as a teacher and principal. 1 was very familiar with Los Gatos as we came here often to dine or to shop in the small boutiques. I always liked the small town feeling. When the kids were all out of the large Almaden house, I decided to move to the Big City in order to take advantage of all it has to offer: ballet, opera, theatre, restaurants, museums, and my job at AT&T Park. But, during the past five years it has changed dramatically with horrendous traffic, congestion, road closures, construction. made the decision to return to that small town 1 have always loved. I have been studying the Town Plan, a very thorough document with lofty goals and policies. I know that you are familiar with it, as it drives all the decisions of the Town Council and the Planning Commission. I would like to refer to a few salient sections. General Plan The Town can utilize three important means for ensuring the continuity of values: • Providing mechanisms for broad public participation in government in general and planning in particular; • Taking initiative to coordinate with other jurisdictions on regional issues that impact the Town's character and quality of life; • Consistent and resolute enforcement of the General Plan, specific plans and the Town code. Residents expect strong leadership from their elected officials to guide the community and to ensure that the high quality of life in Los Gatos is protected for future generations. The General Plan is the Town's guide to achieve this vision. Vision A. What Makes Los Gatos Special What makes Los Gatos special is its small-town atmosphere, strong sense of place, varied architecture, reminders of the past, traditions, unique physical setting, good schools, low crime rate, and the concerned and involved people who make up the community. The desire to protect the Town's high quality of life is demonstrated by extensive citizen participation in many service groups and community issues. While residents may disagree over specific issues, they share a common vision of the future of Los Gatos. Residents are adamant in their desire to maintain a high quality of life and preserve the character of the Town. The overall community consensus is that Los Gatos should: • Foster a pedestrian -oriented community with a small-town character; B. Role of the General Plan in Achieving the Vision The overall role of the 2020 General Plan is to provide a framework to ensure that the Town: • Is a full -service community that is also environmentally sensitive; • Maintains a balanced, well -designed mix of residential, commercial, service, and open space uses through integrated land use planning that fosters a pedestrian -oriented community consistent with a small-town character; • Meets the changing needs of the Town's youth and senior populations; 4 Supports an active business community that provides a wide variety of goods and services and a broad range of employment opportunities, minimizing the need to travel to other communities; • Provides a well -run, efficient municipal government that is fiscally healthy with high levels of public safety, recreational, art and cultural amenities and that is committed to a high quality of life; New development must keep pace with the community's needs and must reflect the community's values. Extreme care is used in approving all new development applications. The impacts of new development are evaluated in light of the development's overall benefit to the community. In addition, the benefit of new development is measured against the ability of the proposed development and its architectural style to harmonize with existing development while minimizing impacts on existing residential neighborhoods and infrastructure. Input from surrounding residents and property owners is a major consideration during any development review process. Preserving the small-town character of Los Gatos requires attention to a collection of related issues, including human scale of development, historic preservation, density and intensity, population growth,... Land Use Element Planning for neighborhood preservation and protection is one of the most important purposes of the Town's General Plan. Preserving the small-town heritage, natural setting, and architectural diversity are also important to this community. One of Los Gatos's most outstanding assets is the visual diversity of its individual neighborhoods. Existing development represents a variety of architectural styles from various eras, embodying a variety of sizes, design features, and building materials, resulting in neighborhoods with their own unique identity. For example, Downtown Los Gatos is the historic heart of Town with a pedestrian -scale setting of mixed land uses and architecturally historic buildings. It is a unique area that sets the spirit and style of the entire Town. Maintaining neighborhood quality suggests conservation of existing housing, good street design, traffic control in residential neighborhoods, and development review that adheres to quality design. Factors such as new or excessive traffic, aging or inadequate infrastructure, and even economic pressures may cause disruption of neighborhoods. Neighborhood preservation also includes balancing the intensity of land uses with the existing residential density. Land Use Element G. Goals, Policies, and Actions The following goals, policies, and actions guide future physical development throughout Los Gatos. Goal LU-1 To preserve, promote, and protect the existing small-town character and quality of life within Los Gatos. Policy LU-1.1 Encourage developers to engage in discussions as early as possible regarding the nature and scope of the project and possible impacts and mitigation requirements. Policy LU-1.2 Ensure that new development preserves and promotes existing commercial centers consistent with the maintenance of a small-scale, small-town atmosphere and image. Goal LU-4 To provide For well -planned, careful growth that reflects the Town's existing character and infrastructure. Goal LU-6 To preserve and enhance the existing character and sense of place in residential neighborhoods. Community Design Element Goal CD-2 To limit the intensity of new development to a level that is consistent with surrounding development and with the Town at large. Goal CD-6 To promote and protect the physical and other distinctive qualities of residential neighborhoods. Goal CD-17 To conduct careful review of new projects and provide clear direction to property owners, neighbors, and potential developers. Thank you very much for your time and careful consideration of this matter which is extremely important to the residents of Alberto Way who are concerned that the development as proposed will have a detrimental effect on the quality of life in our small community. Sincerely, Kalane McDonald ! RECEIVED SEP 7 TOWN OF LOS GAT -OS --- PLANNING DIVISION czai.0 „Li<, 02te.,L) 3 ri 2/3 z36 it?g' ,s4 2d_w—e_)c_zLk PCLLeie r A14 BAY AREA NEWS GROUP 111. THURSDAY, AUGUST 31, 2D17 Bay Area mayors are reaping what they sow Congratulations and thanks to all Bay Area mayors and city managers. Your incessant ob- session with increased density and unbridled growth has man- aged, in a few short years, to take our quality of life from ac- ceptable to pathetic. Enjoy all those extra tax dol- lars while your constituents sit stressed out and twiddling their thumbs in bumper -to -bumper traffic. — Barry Hennings, Los Altos 5/3 Date: September 7, 2017 To: Jennifer Amer: Los Gatos Community Development Dept 110 East Main St., Los Gatos CA 95030 Re; Proposed Office Building at 401-Alverto Way, Los Gatos CA 95030 Attention: Los Gatos Town Council Members From: Harold Vitale 451 Alberto Way Unit D415, Los Gatos CA 95032 CC: Loretta Fowler 451 Alberto Way Unit D247, Los Gatos CA 95032 Dear Town Council Members, 1 experienced a discourteous and lack of concern response to a question I asked Mr. Lamb. The situation took place in May 2017 when the Developer provided a review, for the neighborhood, of the architectural changes made based on directions given him to reduce the building size 35%. During that review I asked Mr. Lamb; two questions; 1) Please describe what your business- issues and tradeoffs would be if the building size were reduced as directed. 2) What benefits can we as neighbors expect if the project is approved? I received a curt, if not arrogant answer. I recall it as follows: "There is no other available land in Los Gatos large enough. I won't back off on the building size and will appeal if the planning commission rejects this proposal. If I don't build it, someone else will, and it will not be as good as I have proposed." That answer sounded like a threat and was certainly not in the best interest of good personal or good community relationships. My questions were not addressed at all. To me the response showed a lack of respect for myself and our neighborhood residents. I am worried that, if the developer wins this appeal, his poor attitude and behavior will continue during the construction phase and beyond. Maybe someone else will propose developing the property. Maybe someone else will or won't propose a gargantuan office building. Maybe someone else will propose a plan that will be based on a profitable business yet meet all of the Town statutes and be of value and acceptable to the neighborhood Thank you in advance for reading my letter and the letters of others in our community. Please carefully consider our thoughts and concerns and please listen to our voices at the September 19th Town Council Hearing and finally please do not approve the proposed property development. Respectfully Harold Vitale Jennifer Armer From: Ken Lown [mailto:kenlown@gmail.com] Sent: Friday, September 08, 2017 8:27 AM To: Council; Town Manager Subject: 405 Alberto Way Proposed Development -- I respectfully request the appeal to be denied. Dear Mayor Sayoc and Council Members, respectfully request you deny the appeal for the project at 405 Alberto Way. The developer was given direction by the Planning Commission to significantly reduce the size of the project. A number was offered by one of the planning commissioners to reduce the project to something in the order of 60,000 sq. ft. I personally feel that something in the order of 45,000 sq. ft (50% increase from the current square footage that exists at 405 Alberto Way). The current proposal stands at 83,000 sq. ft. The current planning for high density Class A office space by Apple, Oracle, Google, Facebook and many other smaller Bay Area companies is 200 sq. ft. per employee for cubical space. This number drops to 175 sq. ft. per employee if bench seating is considered. This is not my opinion but information offered to me by Apple and Oracle real estate personnel, This number includes consideration of conference rooms, hallways, stairwells, restrooms, etc. It allows for occupancy of 415 employees for 83,000 sq. ft. of Class A office space. The project plans for only 325 parking spaces. Where are the other 85 employees going to park? A 45,000 sq. ft. office space would reduce the maximum number of employees to 225 reducing the traffic impact to Highway 9 and the residents on Alberto Way and leaving plenty of parking for the development. The developer has suggested in prior meetings that they would voluntarily restrict the occupancy "if it was a condition of approval". I am hard pressed to believe they would actually do this and it is not at all clear to me that this restriction (if it is not a maximum occupancy limit imposed by the Fire Department) is enforceable. Further, what number of cars were considered for traffic study? Was it 415 or some significantly lower number of cars? Traffic: The additional traffic will leverage Highway 17 off ramps to Highway 9 from both the North and Southbound directions. Cars from the Southbound direction will need to move immediately across three lines to get into the left hand turn lane. If you have tried this maneuver you know it is a bit tricky in off hours. It is very tricky in the mornings starting from about 7:30am when school traffic starts picking up. Some of this additional traffic from Northbound 17 may leverage the off ramp onto N. Santa Cruz avenue through the downtown area potentially making the right hand turn onto Main Street past our High School. Some of the additional Southbound 17 traffic will get off at Lark Avenue and head south on Los Gatos Blvd past our Louise Van Meter Elementary School. Was all of this considered in the traffic impact study? Was the overall impact of all currently proposed development in the downtown Los Gatos area considered by the traffic impact study? These questions must be asked and answered prior to making a decision. The project, although reasonably well designed is flawed in terms of the traffic impact to Alberto Way residents (of which am one) and Hwy 9. Further, the plan for parking is wholly inadequate. For these two reasons I respectfully request that the Town Council uphold the prior decision by the planning commission to deny the currently proposed project at 405 Alberto Way. Best regards, - Ken Lown 156 Maggi Ct. Los Gatos, CA 95032 Jennifer Armer From: Joan K Larson <joanklarson@aol.com> Sent: Friday, September 08, 2017 10:49 AM To: Jennifer Armer Subject: 401-405 Alberto Way To The Town Council Members: I do agree with the Planning Commission decision on May 10, 2017. My concern is if this proposed construction goes forward how will it effect the many residents who already live on Alberto Way during demolition, excavation of a large underground garage, and construction. The air quality will be poor. (We already have some pollution from highway 17). Then there's also the nightmare of a traffic problem. Even after the construction there will continue to be major delays for entering and exiting Alberto Way. Alberto Way is a narrow and twisting DEAD END road with cars and trucks usually parked on both sides of the road. Often becoming a single lane. There is also the fact that the exits to Los Gatos Saratoga Road from highway 17 has merging traffic to a single lane by the bridge. The left turn into Alberto Way is limited to only a few cars. The backup traffic would greatly increase for our overcrowded roads considering the size of this proposed construction. There is also concern about how this would effect the resale and rentals for the home owners. Less desirable housing if difficult for vehicles to get through the intersection. What is the outcome of the delay with emergencies? Especially for the older age group at the Los Gatos Commons. The results could be serious. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Joan K. Larson 441 Alberto Way #114 Los Gatos, CA. 95033 408-348-6698 Sent from my 'Phone Jennifer Armer From: Denny Alff <dennyalff@comcast.net> Sent: Friday, September 08, 2017 8:07 PM To: Jennifer Armer Subject: Alberto Way decision Dear Ms Armer, We are senior residents of 451 Alberto Way, Los Gatos Commons. We have never written bbefore but are now very seriously concerned about the impact the new development on our corner of Hiway 9 and Alberto Way could affect us. The in and out traffic during construction poses serious (to us) issues. If there were an emergency could we safely and quickly leave the construction -congested area with our caretakers? Many of us have problems with COPD. Will the destruction of the older buildings and construction ( digging of garage) of new ones cause any air pollution and/or health/breathing issues? Will we have 12 (18? however many) months of construction noise and construction traffic and workers' trucks parked in our neighborhood during the building of these new excessively large and inappropriate buildings? We strongly feel that allowing the developer to proceed with this construction will seriously impact our quality of life in our current stable and pleasant neighborhood. Please consider denying this developers' request. Thank you ever so much. Sincerely, Ms Denny Alff 451 Alberto Way #152. Sent from my iPhone Jennifer Armer From: Carol Rosenberg <carol_rosenberg@sbcglobaLnet> Sent: Monday, September 11, 2017 7:12 AM To: Jennifer Armer Subject: Proposed 401-409 Development Dear Town Council, When my husband and I moved three years ago, we never intended to live in Los Gatos. We intended to live in San Jose. Happily, circumstance intervened and we discovered Los Gatos. Early in 2014 we resettled from San Diego to near family. Fine idea - but we neglected to do our homework and knew nothing about the affordable housing shortage in Santa Clara County. When we looked for a condominium, nothing was available in San Jose. Luckily, our realtor knew of a a unit at Los Gatos Commons, not yet on the market, and took us to view the property. The condo looked fine - nothing extraordinary - but then we walked around the grounds. As we absorbed the serenity of manicured lawns, lush greenery, blooming flowers, abundant trees, inviting benches nestled in corners, a fine pool and a spacious clubhouse, we decided right then to make our offer. Offer accepted, we called the movers, had the unit painted and re -carpeted, and became residents of Los Gatos Commons. Neighbors welcomed us. Soon we made new friends and felt part of a community. Just a year later my husband died. I found solace in the gardens and flowers, and comfort in the caring of neighbors. I knew that even without him I would stay put. Then in 2016 the specter of the 401-409 Project cast its foreboding shadow. My neighbors and residents from the others condos on Alberto Way were concerned. We fear that this development will clog our street, prevent emergency vehicles from arriving in a timely manner, hinder us from getting to stores and appointments, and add the danger of air pollution from the construction. What I had imagined as my lifetime residence might be only temporary. I suffer from bronchiectasis and need and inhaler when I'm short of breath. Dust, smoke and automobile exhaust exacerbate the condition. Will I have to leave Los Gatos Commons when I can no longer tolerate the air? The idea of having to pull up stakes at my age both frightens and angers me. I ask the Town Council not to accept the 401-409 Development until the builders modify the plans. The modification should include, but not be limited to, reducing the structure's square footage closer to the existing footprint and keeping the parking above ground thus eliminating the disastrous two story underground garage. Sincerely, Carol Rosenberg 451 Alberto Way, D253 Los Gatos, CA 95032 Jennifer Arrner From: Alex Hernandez <lookitsjustalex@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 11, 2017 12:51 PM To: Town Manager; Jennifer Armer; Joel Paulson; Arn Andrews; BSpector; Rob Rennie; Marcia Jensen; Steven Leonardis; Marico Sayoc Subject: Please approve 405 Alberto Way I love the idea of the shuttle and I support the project on 405 Alberto Way. Knowing I can a shuttle downtown helps save me time when looking at commuting alternatives Thanks, Alex Hernandez Jennifer Armer From: David Avalo <dmusic1116@gmaiLcom> Sent: Monday, September 11, 2017 12:53 PM To: Town Manager; Jennifer Armer; Joel Paulson; Arn Andrews; BSpector; Rob Rennie; Marcia Jensen; Steven Leonardis; Marico Sayoc Subject: Please approve 405 Alberto Way I fully support the project on 405 Alberto Way Los Gatos. The idea of a free shuttle is amazing. I think it's great for business and great for the community. David Avalo Jennifer Armer From: Jason Espinoza <jasonespinozal@yahoo.com> Sent: Monday, September 11, 2017 1:23 PM To: Town Manager; Jennifer Armer; Joel Paulson; Arn Andrews; BSpector; Rob Rennie; Marcia Jensen; Steven Leonardis; Marico Sayoc Subject: Please approve 405 Alberto Way I support the 405 Alberta way project. I love the idea of taking a shuttle downtown. Sent from my iPhone Jennifer Armer Front: Monica Roldan Espinoza <monica.roldan@comcast.net> Sent: Monday, September 11, 2017 2:50 PM To: Town Manager; Jennifer Armer; Joel Paulson; Arn Andrews; BSpector; Rob Rennie; Marcia Jensen; Steven Leonardis; Marico Sayoc Subject: Please approve 405 Alberto Way I support the project on 405 Alberto Way in Los Gatos. Love the free shuttle idea and excited to be able to use it. Will definitely bring more business downtown! Win win for all. Monica Roldan Sent from my iPhone Jennifer Armer From: Rob Gabel <rob@tubularlabs.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2017 12.52 AM To: Arn Andrews; Jennifer Armer; BSpector; Joel Paulson; Town Manager; Marcia Jensen; Marico Sayoc; Rob Rennie; Steven Leonardis Subject: Please approve 405 Alberto Way think this project makes sense. East Los Gatos needs investment. We have only one restaurant we can walk to - viva - which charges $36 for pasta and prawns because they have no competition. If we aren't going to ok real restaurants beyond burgers and pizza and chipotle for east side then let's install this shuttle and office building Not everyone in Los Gatos lives within walking distance of downtown!!! Rob Gabel 131 Hillbrook Dr FOUNDER & CEO tubular C,310.709.6159 W.408,827.5003 d1M1l'''. i'i)(.431 1 Jennifer Armer From: RMcwhi@aol.com Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2017 12:27 PM To: Jennifer Armer Subject: Alberto Way Development I am a resident of the Los Gatos Commons and while I have attended meetings concerning the proposed large development on Alberto Way, I have not written before to express my concern. Now I am very worried that this proposed project might go forward. Many have expressed very good reasons to oppose this project. I will not repeat these. I do want to point out, however, that an argument the developer expressed that many persons who might work at the new office building could bike to work thereby diminishing the traffic congestion. Wrong. There are no bikes on Highway 9 and it would be extremely dangerous to attempt to approach Alberto Way on a bicycle. The traffic on Highway 9 is often to capacity and would be dangerous at times if the project goes forward. I urge the Town Council to deny permission to proceed with this most undesirable project. Rodney McWhinney Email: rmcwhi©aoi.com JOHN MITTELSTET 443 ALBERTO WAY UNIT B-123 LOS GATOS, CA 95032 408-356-5970 September 10, 2017 Marcca Sayoc, Mayor Rob Rennie, Vice -Mayor Marcia Jensen, Council Member Steve Leonardis, Council Member Barbara Spector, Council Member LOS GATOS TOWN COUNCIL 110 E. MAIN STREET LOS GATOS, CA 95030 Re. 401-409 ALBERTO WAY Dear Mayor Sayoc, Vice -Mayor Rennie and Council Members Jensen, Leonardis & Spector: For the record, I am an owner -resident of the Los Gatos Commons Senior Citizen community at 439-447 Alberto Way consisting of 110 condominiums. This letter will ask you to think outside -the -box for the Town Council meeting on September 19t where the developer Randy Lamb will be appealing the unanimous decision of the Town of Los Gatos' Planning Commission to deny his project at what is variously known as 405 Alberto Way, 401 Alberto Way, and 401-409 Alberto Way, a few doors south of this senior living community. Without citing statutes, I'm aware that the State of California has mandated that communities throughout the State must within a certain time frame add both affordable living spaces, and/or senior living spaces to their communities. I was also made aware that the Town cannot mandate that any property it doesn't own be designated for senior living. And I've been told by a developer that he was told he would be denied doing a residential project on the grounds that it might generate more students than Los Gatos can serve with present school facilities. I am also presuming that Mr. Lamb has an option to buy the property at 401-409 Alberto Way at a price that will satisfy the owner's desire to sell, and at a price which allows Mr. Lamb's company to make a profit with an 83,000sgft building on top of a 2-level parking garage. Before I get to my proposed solution let me first applaud the Planning Commission for their hard work as appointed members, and who, blessed with the un-elected freedom to decide what's in the best interests of the community, have reviewed and decided unanimously that the proposed project was too big, and not compatible with the existing neighborhood. It is too big. Letter to the Mayor and Town Council Members RE: 401-409 Alberto Way Proposed Office Project September 10, 2017 Page Two The next biggest is only 63,000 sqft on University Ave., and it's not on a single -entry -exit street like ours. And the two -level garage is, as Dr. Geissler pointed out to the Planning Commission, a very significant safety hazard potentially threatening life and limb, which makes it in direct opposition to your certifying the EIR. And we at the Commons have been unable to find any other two -level garage anywhere in Los Gatos, let alone in the middle of a flood plain. Enough of that. I'd like to propose a win -win solution for Mr. Lamb, for the Alberto Way neighbors, and indeed for the whole Town of Los Gatos and its citizens and business owners. Simply stated, deny Mr. Lamb's appeal. Instead, assure him that if he brings a proposal for roughly 45,000 sqft of single -level Senior Living space, and above ground parking, with the same kind of quality that he has given to the other residential projects his company has done in the past around the South Bay, that you will instruct the staffers at the Planning Department to fast -track the approval process. Mr. Lamb may say, and perhaps rightly so, that he cannot make a profit on such a project, at the price he is committed to pay the owner under his option. But 45,000sgft is enough space for thirty 1500sgft, 3-bedroom, 2-full-bath units for seniors. Here at the Commons, 1450-sqft similar units are selling for nearly $700,000 now (compared to non -senior similarly sized condos in Los Gatos at more than $1,000,000). Thirty times $700,000 means at least a $21 million project. I'm sure there is a price for the land that would yield a nice profit to Mr. Lamb on a project of that scope. Maybe with a single -level parking garage, Mr. Lamb could get 10-12 more units on the land. And if the owner of the land comes to understand that no 83,000 sqft building is going to be approved for his property, he will begin to understand that perhaps the land is not worth as much as he once believed, making the property more affordable for Mr. Lamb. But perhaps not narrowing the gap enough. That's where we have to start thinking outside -the -box. Keeping in mind the State mandate and taking the long view, what if the Town were to help financially bridge the gap on the price of the property from the current owner to Mr. Lamb's company? I know I'm making this sound simple when there are many hurdles, but 50 years of experience has convinced me that where there is a will, there is a way, or a work -around. Yes, I'm aware that may mean all taxpayers in Los Gatos could be asked to foot the difference in the bill. But there is precedence for all taxpayers chipping in to maintain the quality and look -and -feel of a neighborhood — Almond Grove's expensive concrete streets project comes to mind. And there are other benefits to the citizenry of the Town beyond a fairly in -expensive way to lop 30-40 units off the State's mandated housing list, while maintaining the character of the neighborhood. Proponents of Mr. Lamb's project have continually downplayed the traffic Letter to the Mayor and Town Council Members RE: 401-409 Alberto Way Proposed Office Project September 10, 2017 Page Three that will be generated from the anticipated 400 employees expected to jam rush-hour Highway 9 clear to Massol Ave in the afternoon, and eastward up to Los Gatos Blvd,.and westward to at least Santa Cruz Blvd. in the mornings. Mr. Lamb has even acknowledged this traffic problem by rather disingenuously injecting his free shuttle ride into the conversation (disingenuously 1 believe, since he has conditioned the service to start only once his 83,000 sqft is fully occupied). But with my proposal for 30- maybe even 40 units of Senior Living Units in an HOA environment, everyone can agree that traffic will be much less, and be spread more evenly across the day -time hours. All Los Gatans will benefit from this. How much would you pay each day not to be delayed 5-15 minutes getting to work or to your favorite coffee place in the morning while your car is emitting more pollution, and sucking dollars out your idling tail pipe? There are real benefits as well for the business owners of Los Gatos. From my experience as a business owner, and from helping many business owners sell their businesses, when the "new" wears off from going to lunch downtown quite frequently after moving into their new digs, most employees of big companies take very short lunch breaks so that they can quickly get back to their project, so in turn they can leave ASAP after 5:0Qpm to get home for dinner with their families. They will very quickly be brown -bagging their lunches, if their company doesn't provide free meals to keep them at their desks even longer. The 50-75 seniors in a new 30-40 unit complex, on the other hand, will be doing every -day shopping in Los Gatos for all the things that each of us need every day of the week. And restaurants with Happy Hours will see increased traffic, since seniors like the affordability of the smaller Happy Hour portions, and the ability to eat before 6PM and get back home for an early -to -bed night. More sales taxes from Senior Condo owners for the Town. And potentially much more real property taxes for the Town and its schools as well. There is much more frequent turn -over of Senior Living units for obvious reasons. That means as prices move up for the units over time, property taxes for the new buyer -occupants will be moving right on up as well. Compare that to whatever property taxes the owner of an office building will be paying if he holds on to the property for thirty -to -fifty years, the only increase will be due to the incremental increase allowed by law, nothing for the inflationary increase in the market value of the property. So, there you have it. A win for the current 401-409 property owner who can profitably get out from under his under- performing property. A win for Mr. Lamb who can build what he has demonstrated he knows best how to build, high - quality residential at a profit. A chance to prove himself to truly be a contributing member of Los Gatos, and perhaps put himself in the cat -bird's seat when ultimately the Los Gatos Lodge Letter to the Mayor and Town Council Members RE: 401-409 Alberto Way Proposed Office Project September 10, 2017 Page Four will be up for re -development. A fiscal win for him as he will have a path to recoup his already sunk costs with a new profitable project on this site, and without the further costs to him of his promised litigation should the Town deny his appeal. A win for the residential neighbors of Alberto Way who would applaud the addition of another Senior housing Project compatible with this neighborhood and one within the spirit of the General Plan. A win for the Town which will continue to be under the gun to add affordable and senior living units, and which will profit over time by increased Sales Taxes. A win for our schools from the acceleratingly higher property taxes generated from the higher velocity turn -over of Senior housing units. A win for all Los Gatans who will spend less time in traffic than they will face if the Town approves the current project. And a win for Los Gatos' retail business owners who will see repeatable increases in sales from new full-time Los Gatos residents. Even if the seniors in the new complex are downsizing from existing Los Gatos residences, (and we hope all of them are coming from bigger Los Gatos homes) they will be leaving behind houses to be filled with young families who will spend even more in Los Gatos than the seniors selling to them. Again, more sales tax money for the Town. On September 19th, vote for the future viability of this Town while keeping it the kind of community that we have all come to love. Vote to support your hard-working Planning Commission's unanimous decision to deny the project. Let the rest of Silicon Valley figure out how to continue to deal with increasing traffic. It's possible. It just needs your vision and nudge to make it feasible. Respectfully submitted, John Mittelstet jrnitt@comcast.net cc: Jennifer Armer — Town of Los Gatos Planning Staff Jennifer Armer From: Eric Morley <eric@morleybros.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2017 6:17 PM To: Town Manager; Jennifer Armer; Joel Paulson; Arn Andrews; BSpector; Rob Rennie; Marcia Jensen; Steven Leonardis; Marico Sayoc Subject: Please approve 405 Alberto Way Dear Mayor and Council Members: On behalf of Morley Bros., LLC, we are writing in support of the 405 Alberto Way application. We have been a tenant of the building for nearly five years. We are in the process of moving out of the building (we move Thursday just down the street to 475 Alberto Way) and no longer have any economic interest in the building or project. However, we have been following the project since its inception and have watched the evolution of the application over time. The applicant has reduced square footage; reduced height to essentially the height of the existing buildings, complies with the General Plan and Zoning and requires no Variances or any Planned Development. The applicant has also proposed significant roadway, bikeway, intersection and other improvements that are beneficial to circulation in the neighborhood, intersection, Hwy 9 and Town. There is a critical need for additional Class A office space in our Town and this site is uniquely positioned to provide it. We request that you approve the project when it comes before you on September 19, 2017 Best, Eric Eric Morley The Morley Bros. 405 Alberto Way, #3 Los Gatos, CA 95032 www.morleybros.com 408.497.9722 el°J,h 22 AYY4kr „i )4416.7,ki-n„ e )1)__4-?,plejp.r7 j-nth f4- !, a; c,/ "mil St.+li1 l �1/ Cd/? iL J i-1 ' i L 1-c� 2 ® ,'-ebA ';JdijrN?eied 14E1 /7.4,i c}�cl v-e 'fc les /'c.;7 1 /f.„Y Cc„, .Ys Goofky 44S ii--1 ("rs-ee/ .441---44231 L 2_ o)-1 rvec 15-xi W df9 1 L /zy L rx) ?J_l A �C' �°/ 417 ;f12,, c2 k op RECEIVED SEP 132017 TOWN OF LOS GATOS PLANNING DIVISION etc rc,�+- e ©h e 1.4.16k vJd ur 6t 55`tS,/'' f 6,prcz del jr �1--t- `21Y0JeOlvi) r at 341Mond Yt7�0 hT, Jennifer Armer From: Eric Rynne [mailto:eric.rvrine@gmail.con] Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2017 3:16 PM To: vaceheard0401albe^toway.com Subject: Please approve 405 Alberto Way Good afternoon! TO whom this may concern, I believe in this project. I live out in Vancouver, WA, but was a Bay Area native for 42 years. I agree that Los Gatos would benefit from a project like this. Thank you, Eric Rynne Owner ((f) „.-.:-.1:1.... PRippy:97.19, IM,P FOR INFO, CALL ME AT 408.568.8889 110 E. Main Street Los Gatos CA 95030 Dear Mr. Leonardis and Mr. Rennie, RECEIVED ' t'-ck DXl w f ^'e v a1 SEP 1 3 2017 & MAYOR c TOWN COUNCit. The committee at the Los Gatos Common working to understand the 405 development had requested appointments with you both to review the site but your schedules were filed so this short letter will have to suffice. We did host the other town council members around the site and Mayor Marico Sayoc in addition toured the neighborhood and the Los Gatos Commons condo complex, in case you have any questions. wanted to pass on a site map that we made available to the other members. It illustrates the very tight traffic patterns on Alberto Way. The street parking is made even more congested when our neighbors return home from work at night since most of the condo complexes allow for only one car. The other Item 1 wanted you to be aware of was the 405 Alberto Way website that was up during the Fiesta de Artes. It was disturbing in that it touts full support from the Town's Planning Staff, a very deceiving endorsement. 1 have also included a brochure that was mailed to many Los Gatos residents in case you did not receive one. When we showed it to Marico Sayoc, she was unaware of it. In both cases, the level playing field is now in question. Thank You Marilyn Basham 439 Alberto Way A207 Los Gatos CA 95032 rieoll 405 taAtei 405 Alberto Way, Good for Los Gatos. Lamb Partners, a leading Bay Area property development firm, is seeking to transform an aging office complex located at 405 Alberto Way in Los Gatos into a modern, LEED- certified office building. Why is that good for Los Gatos? Over 400 high -paying jobs closer to where people live More commerce for downtown Los Gatos businesses Free public shuttle bus service to downtown Los Gatos, reducing traffic and parking problems Much needed cash into the Town's General Fund Additional bike lanes and road improvements 405 Alberto Way has the full support of the Town's Planning Staff' and meets all the Town's General Plan and Zoning requirements. In spite of this. the project was rejected by the Town's Planning Commission. That's why we're appearing before the Town Council on September 19th to gain their approval. We believe the facts show that 405 Alberto Way will provide significant economic gain to our community, without negatively impacting the quality of life we all love. Please take a few to learn more about our proposal. And see if you don't agree. In the process of developing 405 Alberto Way, we met and worked with neighborhood groups to hear their concerns, provide solutions, and make changes to the project that would benefit everyone involved, Despite our collaborative efforts (and significant revisions to the original plan) a small but vocal group of residents appeared before the Planning Commission in an effort to derail the project. They succeeded. And you know what? We get it. As the old saying goes, "Everyone like progress. but no one likes change." That said, we believe the facts prove that the responsible redevelopment of 405 Alberto Way will greatly enhance the quality of life for all of Los Gatos...aur neighbors included. That's why we're asking you to make your voice heard. 1. Enwail your support to the Town Council, Town Manager and Community Development Department. 2. Please join us on September 19 to encourage the Town Council to approve the project, 3. Share this website with your friends by email or Facebook 4. Contact us if you would like a presentation to your group or organization We're committed to taking every measure possible to reduce our development's carbon footprint whether its designating carpool parking stalls with charging stations for 27 clean air vehicles, 36 bicycle stalls or a pedestrian/bicycle/ride-share program. In addition, we plan on providing a free -of -charge shuttle service to and from downtown Los Gatos — for the benefit of building occupants, neighbors and all residents. We call it: The CAT (Community Area Transit). The service will run during the middle of the day, Monday through Friday, coinciding with full occupancy of 405 Alberto Way. The CAT will enable building occupants and all residents to visit downtown for lunch or shopping without adversely affecting downtown traffic or the limited supply of parking spaces there. In addition to improving the quality of life for those who use it, the increase in customers will improve the bottom line for many downtown Los Gatos businesses. There's also a synergy that exists between our plans and the Town's recent designation as an "Age -Friendly" community and its promise of transportation options for seniors. We will begin test-driving The CAT on August 12 per the schedule below. lt's a great way to make it to and from Fiesta de Artes or the Annual Summer Sidewalk Sale. The CAT will run in a continuous loop with stops at Civic Center, Old Town and Safeway. We estimate the loop taking from 30 to 45 minutes. THE CAT SHEDULE • Saturday, 8/12 Fiesta de Artes 9:30am to 9:30pm Sunday, 8/13 Fiesta de Artes 8:30am to 5:30pm ▪ Friday, 8/25 Shopping or lunch, 10:30am to 3pm • Saturday, 8/26 Annual Summer Sidewalk Sale, 10:30 am to 3:30pm We've received enthusiastic support from downtown business owners who believe bringing more customers downtown, without bringing more cars downtown, is just a shot in the arm they need right now. 0 DRIVEWAY AND CORNER SITE TRIANGLES PER AASHTD STANDARDS IALIERICANASSOCIATIONOF STATE AND TRANSPORTATION Of iC A18) 4 Vet, it M, r!l4RY_ wg4.AnN Mii wita �iAa:y PARKING ANALYSIS NON' l.rr11 -4 A NAANB ARAaM®mrmrrMR. NAM •'rsaarrc•I., ANV4"lmn glI=06 rwldrsn r4RRUYln sAavRtlla nRRtrrr_�t+/e.a I•ra,IRYVHQr4,4 AA MIN AVM Ril4 ARRatI NMANAIM AMAIMAMAI ill MA Aqua MyH AMANNriumm NAMNAMMINPIA ANNAIINANNAAMIN ANNIAINIAmAMM �r- .ANNANtRan'a NNIM9RYu.i MAN SUR flar ANA: �4W1. irA..,ra.au.u«rwR:nu�.,o w,.w IIMANInnII'- czar. Re 1 1 aT REIAIINNIM R•UI,MMy ANI W Y%e/RrRYil1M W NA lso.11 AMAIN nAriR•R �,Ai TMMO rdlrae.frVeirlp.^SFOiAYA, ANON '4fFR!• Yi V4 444 "MR RRfI .MaltNa e+P reeirAalamem KEYNOTER NOTER M oleo.rlMA..,Ir14yI MC.M.M..,: NIAMAIN DM WAWA ANNA �{ AcAlc f'as iRyT� N®Mq Ammar n fKA,R+•M4Vw!'A'Ip4ac1.154n I1rof:�Ysx.1 M e>R �F4:::tRrr':W r.r=,i.rc i MIAifJa; +;rC rauTJ!.'As`IF..I'lVr !� itwf'ra4aW xiyR«mC e..�n.:•:Cv„YR r,eT• �.�i.1n1r4L. mr.Irwer..4R'-i I t RY1l� a ARC iUQl i6 z irrinliQlaiec.ln erA A, IMAMA t ARAM Agifietreilw CI rar.MNo MAMA AMIA rTAN�te•�.k4L'^rR'A MANAINAIN A1,01 MIAOW WWI We support the plan to upgrade the offices at 405 Alberto Way because it will bring jobs, revenue and a free shuttle to support downtown Los Gatos businesses...but we need your support to make it happen. iii oulylc LOs Gatos supports the pruje+ t planed for405 Alberto Way". We believe that this project will bring growth and economic vitality to the downtown and greater Los Gatos area. Th it CAT .shuttle service a key element to their- project, this s11r'ttie will help alleviate traffic and parking con C[.I '' on'tlfedowntown streets and :? lborhoods ke'vping spots for open and available.” NATASHA MALE KO StudrQ Marragwr, 50 rdCycre los Gros. 66r Lair b Partners and 405 Alberto Way are niliatin9 the frame-tothe public 'CAT' CDmn1unily Shuttle Bus to transport residents and visitors of all ages around downtown Los Gatos, It's an innovative idea to ease our parking and traffic challenges that Shows their concern for our comMunity's well being-95 TERI HOPE t c.7 CL,rro. u: d 7 ti OIVOCIP& ownrc+V. f rL +dent r -12 O 0 tr,av > 0 O W rl oo [CJ to 0 tp L1 LA) FVFICOMIAMDINISI.VMUT's MTV 3 aOCV h: ❑lad 38 11 M 3D'd 0• Vi r r� m 111 7a 7z D l� owo r' O n 0 Pr Emmisime ifTransforni ng and modernizing 405 Alberto Warr will mean mare for downtown Los Gatos, helping local small businesses like outs thrive and grow.)! — NICK MOMSEN Director of operation , Rcicot_iocA Wine Bar fill like the plan for 405 Alberto Way because it will bring revenue to our Town and also the free CAT shuttle will transport workers and potential customers at lunchtime without n l ►'kind traffic or parking any worse. Please join me and other business owners. in supporting the 405 Alberto plan. ii — LING, HULLON Owner, Fir,,:F"+ Support the Transformation of 405 Alberto Way The renovation of 405 Alberto Way was developed after countless meetings with Los Gatos residents and neighborhood groups to hear their concerns, provide solutions and make changes to the project that would benefit efit everyone involved. It lakes an aging office comple-x and responsibly transforms it into a modern, LEED-certified office building - bringing jobs, revenue, commerce and a new shuttle for Los Gatos in the process. Show your support for more smart, responsible projects in Los Gatos. Add your name to the grcauirig list of supporters by returning the card I.: -law or visrling 4O5,NbcrtoWay.com today. Supporters or 405 Alberta Way P.O. Box 2378 Los Gatos, CA 95031-9953 D Yes! I support the 405 Alberto Way project! ❑ You may add my name to the list of public supporters. Ed I will attend a public meeting to show my support. ❑ I will write letters in support. Ei I will talk to my friends and neighbors about the project. D 1 would like to receive updates and more information about 405 Alberto Way. NAME EMAIL HONE ADDRESS CITY P1 116 818 4924 "�i��Llll'llll"�ill�l�lhull,�l111li1l,(In11ll1'1I11I1IIL1 .....>.....,..."..•..rr.�.."."4"r` 004 STATE 21P PRST STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID CORNERSTONE� Jennifer Armer From: Marilyn Basham <marilynbasham@mac.com> Sent Wednesday, September 13, 2017 3:56 PM To: Jennifer Armer Subject: 405 Development project Attachments: FIVE REASONS TO SAY NO.docx Dear Jennifer, Please include this letter in the stack you are preparing for the Town Council for Sept. 19, 2017 meeting. It is in regard to the 405 Alberto Way Development. Thank you for all of your help, Sincerely, Marilyn Basham 439 Alberto Way A207 Los Gatos, CA 95032 Ms. Jennifer Armer Community Dev. Dept. 110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95031 Dear Town Council, My name is Marilyn Basham, a retired Physical Therapist and a member of the Los Gatos Commons community. 1 have been working with the three other residential properties on Alberto Way in a study group focused on understanding the 401-409 Alberto Way proposed development since July, 2016. I have had the opportunity to review each of the transcripts from the Planning Commissions meetings: August 10, 2016, August 24, 2016 and May 5, 2017. In reviewing these transcripts, 1 began to appreciate how much the Planning Commission wanted to know about the Alberto Way neighborhood; how it functions and what impacts the proposed development would have on our lives. From this probing, the Planning Commission saw how frightened we seniors were about having to drive in a confusing construction zone should the project be approved; how concerned the Los Gatos Commons community was of possible social and physical isolation during the two years of construction and the continued gridlock afterwards. We support the Planning Commissions' conclusion that the project is too massive and out of scale for our dead end street. One of the Commissioners defined our neighborhood exactly when she stated, "This is a really unique place"! It's pedestrian friendly, small scale, and a quiet neighborhood with sidewalks and green lawns that pull people from their homes out to walk and socialize. It's a place of seniors on walkers (over 50% of the residents are seniors) along with children on bikes. It has a commercial section but the businesses are service oriented and they identify with the neighborhood, even inviting us to celebrate in their one year anniversary party. All along we seniors knew that something would replace the declining business park but an 83,000 square foot monolithic tech building is totally out of proportion for the town's guidelines of "small town character" and for our quiet residential neighborhood. FIVE REASONS TO SAY NO TO PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 1. The proposed development would be a "negative visual landmark, an eye sore" for the town of Los Gatos. When seen from the Highway #17, you would sense the unbalance of a historic, small scale town on one side of the highway and on the other, an overlooming, out of portion, monolithic building. It's as if the town were out of sorts and unsure of it's center. 2. The proposed development is so out of proportion to anything in town that if approved, the scale might be tipped dangerously close to "MEGA DEVELOPMENT". This new standard would be in place and resetting the balance back to the small town scale might be too difficult to restore. 3. The proposed development would dramatically change the character and tempo of the Alberto Way neighborhood from a pedestrian friendly place to one dominated by cars, over 330 from 401-409, and an additional 70 from 475-485 Alberto Oaks renovation. Walkers and bike riders would have to cautiously approach the two level underground garage exitientrance. The cueing of cars to make a quick left turn into the garage would make drivers anxious and impatient. This spot would be an accident 'just waiting to happen". We have over 65 children on this street. 4. The underground garage would be a disaster for the employees who have to sit in their cars stacking on two levels waiting for a break in the street traffic to allow them up the ramp to breathe fresh air. Dan Kirby, architectural consultant, said," This is actually quite a bit of queuing. It may not look it on the site plan but I can assure based on experience that there is going to be plenty of queuing along this in and out, both of cars coming in and going for a garage this size" (page 141, Aug.10, 2016 transcript of Planning Commission meeting). 5. Again after reading all the transcripts, it was clear that the developers of 401-409 Alberto Way project never really grasped the idea of our small town character and the need to blend into the neighborhood and never appreciated how many times and in so many ways the Planning Commission urged the developers to bring in a reduced scale project. In the end, they didn't understand the neighborhood, the town of Los Gatos, or the respect we have for our guidelines. Respectfully submitted, Marilyn Basham 439 Alberto Way A207 Los Gatos CA, 95032 Jennifer Armer From: Sharon Martin <sharon.hanley.martin@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2017 4:27 PM To: Jennifer Armer Cc: sharon,hanley. martin@gmail.com Subject: 401-405 Alberto Way Project Dear Jennifer, I am a resident at 443 Alberto Way and would like to share my thoughts on the office building being planned on the North West corner of Alberto Way. I have lived on Alberto Way going on 4 years and have seen a tremendous increase of traffic on Alberto Way and Highway 9 especially during the morning and afternoon commutes, it is often difficult to get through the Intersection on one traffic light. I see traffic flow on this street and highway 9 becoming more and more congested, especially with the size of the building being planned by the developers. I attended the last meeting and watched and listened to all concerned. While I think that development will be built there and should probably be built there, I highly recommend a much more scaled back approach be considered. This street was not designed to carry the traffic a building o this size will generate. I feel that the developers are not listening to what the home owners are concerned about, i.e. quality of life issues, fire and police access to senior residents on this street, and the loss of our being able to enjoy walking safely in our neighborhood. In closing, I will be unable to attend the meeting on September 19th, as i am attending a family member's funeral in Southern CA. But please study the general plan carefully, before making any decisions regarding the development of the property on 401-410 Alberto Way in Los Gatos. Thank you for taking the time to review my comments as a concerned citizen of this community. am not opposed to a building being built here if it satisfies the recommendations of the General Plan and takes into consideration that those of us who live on this street want a building whose size will be more fitting in our neighborhood. Sincerely, Sharon Martin 443 Alberto Way, Unit B220 LOs Gatos CA. 95032 Sent from my iPad My name is Thomas Dunn and I live at 420 Alberto Way. I have lived in LG for over 40 years . and what I enjoyed about living here and especially on Alberto way is still the small town feeling, ,quite neighborhood, the friendly people and the picturesque views of mountains, redwoods and spectacular sunsets. All this will be lost if the development moves forward as proposed • I feel very fortunate to be able to wake up to this every morning, • And then at night we are all able to watch spectacular sunsets drop down behind the mountains This may not be important to some people but it's very important to the people in the 18 units in the front of our complex that share this view. and (that's why here we chose to live here) We're not opposed to some development at this proposed site but with close to the same footprint 35-45,000 sqft and no 2 story underground parking. This proposed development has been denied twice by the planning commission and I have faith in the town council to uphold their decision to deny this project. Recommendations by the planning commission were given to the developer to reduce the size of the building by 30 to 50%. Maximum of 45k sqft. he ignored them with attitude and said that he will build this size and also the 2 story underground parking lot and no compromise. Is this the type of developer we want to develop our town who doesn't listen or obey the planning commission recommendations and guidance. What will he do next? Well, now there is an attempt by the developer to try to move the focus of this project to a one shuttle service to cover all of downtown , safeway, businesses, high school children and senior citizens. This is complete ridiculous and please don't get fooled by these false promises. I encourage you to deny this appeal to not move forward with this project RECEIVED SEP 13 2017 TOWN OF LOS GATOS PLANNING L�f4rE`iiold Jennifer Armer From: Cheryl Huddleston <chehud@comcast.net> Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2017 5:10 PM To: Jennifer Armer Subject: Alberto way and other developments I do not understand why developers feel that the Town of Los Gatos is obligated to provide them a huge profit on their projects. This is to the detriment of our comfort and well being. They say it will provide more jobs, okay where are those people going to live? When we moved here in 1971 there was a huge amount of development which created a revolt among the citizens. The slogan was "Enough is enough" meaning we were all fed up with the increased building which in turn increased traffic, crowded schools, etc. Look at the staff that the town has now versus in 1971, compare that to the amount of population. A lot of that is due to servicing the developers. Anybody thinking of more parks? I think they should require more open green space not just parking lots. I feel they should limit the capacity to what is already there, no more. Thank you, Cheryl and Stan Huddleston 55 Church Street, Unit 1304, Los Gatos, CA 95030 Planning From: Bonne Kauffman <bonnasue@yahoo.com> Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2017 5:59 PM To: Jennifer Armer; Planning Subject: 401-409 Alberto Way ...,and to add to Melanie Kemp's post on NextDoor, I question who is going to pay Los Gatos rents to fill up this new office space at 401-409 Alberto Way? i bet before long, the shuttle will be unsustainable because the developers might no longer be able to fund such a luxury due to vacant office space. Without the whole road of Alberto Way being reconfigured, this is a dangerous situation. The road is curvy and right now when cars are parked on both sides of the street, it's quite a feat for 2 cars to pass each other in motion. Heaven forbid one is distracted! This development is a no-brainer and needs to be denied. -Bonna Kauffman, Bella Vista Village, 109 Treseder Ct P.S. If Natasha Malenko, Teri Hope, Nick Momsen, Ling Hullon (supporters of the development in the glossy mailing) lived on Alberto Way as we do, they certainly would be singing a different tune, you think? Jennifer Armer From Kemp, Melanie <Melanie.Kemp@cbnorcaLcom> Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2017 6:18 PM To: Jennifer Armer Subject: Re: PLEASE INCLUDE THIS in Town Council members' packets for Sept 19 hearing Hello, Jennifer, I posted an article on the NextDoor/Los Gatos website this afternoon that summarizes a new concern the residents of Alberto Way have for a new ploy the developer of 405 Alberto Way has made to the Town Council — approval of his project in exchange for providing a free shuttle bus. I ask that you please forward this to the Town Council in advance of the hearing scheduled for September 19. Thank you. Melanie Kemp 174 Cuesta de Los Gatos Way Los Gatos, CA 95032 (Homeowner in Bella Vista Village townhomes off Alberto Way) (NextDoor Post on 9-13-17 by i'ielanie Kemp) 405 ALBERTO WAY: Developer's Glossy Brochure is a Con for Getting Town Council Approval I applaud well -planned public transportation. As a resident of Los Gatos for the past 17 years, I also recognize the problem our town is having with the lack of sufficient parking and the increased congestion we're experiencing both downtown and in our residential neighborhoods. I'm afraid the intersection of Alberto Way and Highway 9 near the Los Gatos Lodge is no exception. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that this is also the intersection of major arteries transporting 3,928 children to the local elementary school, junior high and high school with two access ramps on and off Highway 17. A glossy, multi -page color brochure was mailed last week and social media advertising is currently blasting to thousands of Los Gatos residents and local merchants by a developer who's spending an enormous amount of money to win approval from the Town Council to build an 86,000 sf office building at 405 Alberto Way with two levels of underground parking. The new plan would replace an existing 36,000 sf building. The developer estimates there will be 400 employees on site. In contrast to what the developer purported in his glossy brochure, this plan has been STRONGLY contested by four residential developments on Alberto Way comprised of 221 homeowners on the basis of size, mass and scale and was UNANIMOUSLY REJECTED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION several weeks ago after numerous hearings in the Town Council Chamber for the past year and a half. The Planning Commission suggested the developer reduce his square footage by one third to one half which the Alberto Way neighbors supported, but the developer flatly rejected ANY reduction. The developer is now appealing the Planning Commission's unanimous decision to reject the proposed plan to the TOWN COUNCIL in a hearing scheduled for September 19. See details, below. In a clever attempt to overturn the Planning Commission's prior decision, the developer is offering a clever "cookie" to the Town Council and downtown merchants by providing a small shuttle bus from his new building site that will circle downtown Los Gatos every 30 minutes from Monday through Friday to alleviate downtown traffic and congestion IN EXCHANGE FOR THE TOWN COUNCIL'S APPROVAL OF HIS PROJECT. Unfortunately, this developer's offer is plagued with problems: 1. The developer has made a strong appeal to local students; but realistically if you're a high school student and miss this west bound shuttle at 2:10pmare you going to wait another 30-40 minutes to catch it on the next loop? 2. Half the student population from Los Gatos High School gees east an Main Street after school rather than west on Main Street. How does this shuttle serve even high school students? 3. As a downtown shopper, are you going to wait for the next bus with bags in hand? That's assuming, of course, there are no other students or Los Gatos residents already on this shuttle. (Los Gatos High School currently has 2,060 students; Fisher Junior High has 1,288; and Louise Van Meter Elementary has 580 for a total of 3,928 students.) 4. No one can plan on this shuttle as a reliable means of transportation. This is a particular problem for students and their parents. Some days the student may catch it, most days they will not. 5. How realistic is it that one shuttle is going to cause any appreciable difference in the parking and traffic congestion we have in Los Gatos? To move a substantial amount of traffic, most communities run large shuttles approximately every 10-15 minutes. How many LARGE shuttles would it take to sufficiently provide service to downtown Los Gatos? 6. Do you think the developer would ever agree to maintain the expense and liability of running MULTIPLE shuttles all day in Los Gatos from his building site, or is this one small shuttle just another ploy to win the Town Council's approval? 7, If the Town Council approves this project and the developer then decides to sell it, there is no obligation for the next owner to provide any shuttle service. Let's call this what it is...a cookie offered to the Town Council which does not come close to alleviating our traffic congestion in exchange for approving the developer's plan to build an 86,000 square office building which will only increase our traffic problems with their estimated 400 employees. I plead to the Town Council to reject the current plan submitted by the developer for construction of an 86,000sf office building at 405 Alberto Way and instead recommend the developer reduce his plan to 45,000sf which is still significantly larger than the current 36,000sf buildings thereby reducing extreme foot and traffic congestion, blockage of hillside views and the risky engineering feat of building two levels of underground parking. Thank you, Melanie Kemp 174 Cuesta de Los Gatos Way Los Gatos, CA 95032 (Homeowner in Bella Vista Village townhomes off Alberto Way) MCA MELANIE KEMP MELANIE KEMP Broker Associate Previews International Marketing Specialist COLDWELL BANKER C: 408.805.1555 41 Years' Experience I Coldwell Banker International President's Circle melanie.kemp@cbnorcal.corr I www.melaniekemp.com I Linkedln profile 410 N. Santa Cruz Avenue I Los Gatos, California 95030 I BRE 00867212 This email may be confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify us immediately and delete this copy from your system. Nothing in this email creates a contract for a real estate transaction, and the sender does not have authority to bind a party to a contract via written or verbal communication. Jennifer Armer From: Laura Patton <laura.patton@flex.com> Sent Wednesday, September 13, 2017 10:19 PM To: Steven Leonardis; Rob Rennie; Marcia Jensen; Marico Sayoc; BSpector; Joel Paulson; Town Manager; Jennifer Armer Cc: Laura Patton Subject: REJECT 405 ALBERTO WAY Dear Town of Los Gatos City Council, I live at 435 Alberto Way Unit *11. 1 have been a Los Gatos town resident for 14 years. My money goes to Los Gatos. I bring business meetings (dinner/lunches/gatherings/conferences/outings) to Los Gatos. I shop almost solely and exclusively in Los Gatos stores, use Los Gatos daycares, and hire community members to help me run my household. I am adamantly opposed to the expansion of 405 Alberto Way. I ask for the town to reject the Appeal based on the record and the dozens of town's General Plan, Commercial Design Guidelines his plan violates, the many unidentified and unmitigated Environmental impacts. protest the bias and promotion of outside developers' interests vs. the Town's Citizens if Lam's assertions about the Planning Department are true. Fact: the structure proposed by 405 Alberto Way WILL negatively impact the residents on Alberto Way. There are seismic studies that show scientific proof that the foundation at 435 Alberto Way will have structural damages if 405 Alberto Way builds the proposed expansion. Please confirm that you have received my email. Please advise where you stand on 405 Alberto Way, look forward to your feedback. Thank you for your time, Laura Patton flex Laura Patton Vice President. Cisco Business Solutions 6201 America Center Dr. San Jose, CA 95002 408-576-1954 (Office) 408-705-3715 (Cell) la ura. pafton@flextronici_corn www.fextronics com Legal Disclaimer: The information contained in this message may be privileged and confidential. It is intended to be read only by the individual or entity to whom it is addressed or by their designee. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are on notice that any distribution of this message, in any form, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please immediately notify the sender and delete or destroy any copy of this message! Jean Farren Jones 443 Alberto Way, Unit B 218 Los Gatos Commons Los Gatos, CA 95032 Jennifer Armer, Planning Staff Town of Los Gatos 110 E. Main St, Los Gatos, CA 95030 Dear Ms Armer, RLCEIVED SEP 1 4 2011 TOWN OF LOS GATOS PLANNING DIVISION Please include the attached information, which was endorsed by the Los Gatos Commons, Board of Directors, with the packets for the Town Council members hearing on September 19, 2017,for 405 Alberto Way, Thank you, can Farren Jones Presi ent Los Gatos Commons HOA September 13, 2017 At the Planning Commission hearing of May 10, 2017, the Commissioners evaluated whether or not LP Acquisitions had made "significant" changes to their proposed project at 401-409 Alberto Way. The original proposal was for two office buildings totaling over 93,000 sq. ft. The Commission gave directions for changes and, on May 10, the developer presented a proposal for one building of 83,000 sq. ft. Finding that significant changes had not been made, the Commission denied the project. The reasons for the denial are contained in the "whole record" (5/10: 162-64), that is, the transcripts from the hearings of 8/10 and 8/24/2016 and 5/10/17. We residents of the Los Gatos Commons wish to respond to the developer's appeal of the Commission's decision to deny approval for the 401-409 Alberto Way project. We support the Planning Commission's decision and offer counter arguments to the developer's grounds for appeal. First Reason for the Developer's Appeal: The Planning Commission erred or abused its discretion because the Commission's decision to deny the Project and refusal to certify the Project EIR were not based on substantial evidence The Developer's Arguments: 1. The Commission subjectively considered only one General Plan policy (1.4) and only one Commercial Design Guideline (1.4), arbitrarily disregarding the entire General Plan, zoning code, and CDG and choosing not to .apply the objective development standards to the Project. A. Did the Commission only consider one GP policy and one CDG? In point of fact, the Commission also found inconsistencies with LU 1.8 and LU 6.5 (both "Mandatory") and to CDG 2.3.3 and 2.3,5 by number! In addition, the Commission pointed to inconsistencies with 25 additional GP policies identified not by number but by quoting or paraphrasing them. 2 ' LU1.8 (8/24: 7, 98, 100, 110; 5/10: 8-9,129, 154); LU6.5 (8/10: 123, 125, 135; 8/24: 7, 23, 30-34, 37-39, 51-52, 75, 96, 99, 110; 5/10: 20, 26, 28,122, 129, 156, 163); CDG2.3.3 (8/10: 20; 8/24: 15, 107, 115); CDG2.3.5 (8/24: 30, 109- 110). 2 LU4-8/24: 7, 98, 100; 5/10: 154, 159;LU4.2-8/24: 54; 5/10: 154, 156, 159; LU6-8/24:51-52, 72, 98; 5/10: 153- 57; 11)6.1--8/24: 7, 27-29, 44-45, 49-50; 5/10: 135, 139-47; 153-54, 156-57, 159; LU6.2-8/24: 7, 30-31, 51, 98; 11)6.3-8/10: 18, 20; 8/24: 15, 107, 115; 5/10: 128, 153-56; LU6.4-8/24: 7, 30, 54; 5/10: 153, 156-57; LU6.8 1 B. Was the finding that the project was "too big" arbitrary? Actually, as Commissioner O'Donnell said, "Reduction in size addresses a lot of problems" (8/24: 104). Some of these problems: • The proposed two-story "massive,", "more bulky and massey," imposing building, with a "strong sense of bulk" [as described by Commissioners) (5/10: 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 154, 156), which stretches almost from one end of the site to the other, is dramatically larger in scale and mass than neighboring structures. A smaller building (s) would be the right fit with the character and sense of place for the neighborhood. • The public views of the hills would be totally blocked by this 83,000 sq. ft. building (and the private view from Pueblo de Los Gatos also blocked) (5/10: 125, 163). The existing smaller buildings do not (and other smaller, well placed buildings would not) block the views. • The construction of a two-story underground garage for 330 cars will likely cause property damage to neighboring properties, according to expert civil engineer and hydrologist, Dr. Peter Geissler (5/10: 139-40, 142-44, 146-47, 153-54). A smaller office complex with fewer cars to park would not require a two-story underground garage. • The residents of Alberto Way will experience a significant increase in traffic on their narrow, single access street and at the intersection with Los Gatos -Saratoga Road due to the introduction of 330 cars going in and out of the project (5/10: 35-37, 128, 131-33, 154, 156-57). A smaller office complex with fewer tenants would bring fewer cars . • Las Casitas residents will lose privacy with the two-story proposed building placed adjacent to their development (5/10: 24-25, 33-37, 128, 155). If the office building (s) was smaller, it would not have to be so close to Las Casitas. C. Was the finding that the project was "too big" entirely subjective? (Mand.)-8/24: 30, 51, 72, 74-75, 96-98, 100,104-05, 115-17; 5/10: 125, 128-29, 153-54, 159, 161; LU9.9 (Mand.)-8/10: 18, 20; 8/24: 15, 107, 115; 5/10: 24-25, 128, 155-56. In CD, CD1.2 (hand.): 8/24: 51; 5/10: 125, 153-54, 159, 163; CD1.4 (Mand.)-8/10: 136; 8/24:51; 5/10: 125, 153-54,159, 163; CD16.1: 8/24: 6-7, 96, 109-10; 5/10: 125; CD16.3 (Mand.)-8/24:6-7, 96, 109-10; 5/10: 125, 163. In TRA, TRA2.5-8/24: 96-97; 5/10: 154; TRA3---8/10: 115, 117; 8/24: 19, 54, 82, 108; 5/10: 156; TRA3.10-8/10: 115, 117; 8/24: 19, 54, 82, 108; 5/10: 156; TRA3.12-5/10; 157; TRA5.4-8/10: 115, 117; 5/10: 131, 133. VIS 2 & 3: 5/10: 154, 159-60; H510 & HOU5.3 &6.4-5/10: 154. And in CDG, 1.3: 5/10: 154, 158; CDG 1.5.1; 5/10: 153. 2 On the contrary: • The square footage of the building is dramatically and significantly greater than that of any other commercial building on Alberto Way and much greater than any other office building in the neighborhood (see attached illustration). • The density of the proposed office building in terms of its tenants is far greater than that of the "medium -density" neighborhood of Alberto Way (8/24: 99, 110). The building will have 330 plus tenants and the developer indicated that there would be no "cap" on the number of tenants (5/10:20). • Photographs show that the public view of the hills from the west sidewalk, used regularly and frequently by Commons residents and by other neighborhood residents, will be completely blocked by the proposed building (see attached illustration —views from 3 vantage points). • Alberto Way is a single access street that is also narrow and windy. (That is why there was so much talk about straightening and widening it to accommodate traffic and allow easy access for emergency vehicles.) Note General Plan TRA 2.5. • Seniors are about half the adult population of the Alberto Way neighborhood. There are about 335 adult residents. Seniors number 133 at The Commons and about 37 at the three other developments combined. The presence of seniors (by and large, retired) driving and walking through the neighborhood throughout the day gives the neighborhood its character and sense of place to a great degree. They are especially vulnerable to traffic delays and dangerous traffic conditions given their frequent need for medical services and therapeutic walking. Thus, it is reasonable for the Commissioners to give weight to the needs of seniors (5/10: 154, 157). D. Did the developer achieve 80-90% of what the Planning Commission directed so that their denial was subjective? Frankly, no. Consider five changes that the developer suggests meet the directive. The changes actually do not meet the directive. • First and second, the developer claims he reduced the size of the building significantly: The two buildings were combined into one and the square footage reduced by 9,000 sq. ft. (9- 10%), and the height was reduced by 5.5-6 feet, which reduced the volume by 25% . However, the Commission found 9,000 sq. ft. an insignificant reduction (5/10: 128, 152- 56, 159-61), and building size is considered by the Town in terms of square feet, not "volume" (5/10: 10). • The other three changes address the neighbors' concerns, according to the developer: The building was relocated to the rear of the site to enhance the views of the mountains when viewed from property on the east side of the street. 3 However, the view was not "enhanced" but rather, remains completely blocked on the west side (the public view of neighbors who walk up and down that sidewalk) and largely blocked on the east side of the street. The building was shifted ten feet away from the property sine of Las Casitas. However, the Las Casitas residents still have concerns about loss of privacy due to the second story windows that look from the proposed building down on their yards and windows (5/10: 104-05). The surface parking was increased in response to concerns from the Town and the neighbors who will lose eight parking places on the street. However, none of the surface parking will be available to the residents, according to the developer (8/24: 12; also personal communication from Mr. Lamb at a community meeting). E. Did the Commission privilege the neighbors' perspectives on neighborhood scale over "community expectations" and town scale? MR. LAMB ALSO ARGUED THAT THE NEIGHBORS WANTED NO DEVELOPMENT ON THE SITE (5/10:31). Actually, the project's square footage compared to other office buildings in Los Gatos was a concern of Commissioners, and Town records show that the largest office building south of Lark is at 750 University at 62,750 sq. ft. (5/10: 8-9). University is not a quiet residential street; the speed limit is 35 mph. The proposed building is more than twice the size of Palo Alto Medical Center (40,000 sq. ft.) on Los Gatos Blvd. Moreover, letters from the residents' representatives August 18, 2016 advocated for Alternative 1, Option 2 ("Existing Square Footage") as described in the DEIR. 3 In this plan, the existing buildings would be demolished and new structures built. The Planning Commission supported this idea in principle, suggesting that the combined size could be increased from 31,000 sq. ft. to less than 60,000, perhaps to 43,000 (8/24: 4, 46-48, 50-52, 86, 94-95, 104-05, 115-19; 5/10: 125, 127-28, 155-56). Residents do not oppose a reasonable increase over 31,000 sq. ft., and representatives from all four developments support a size of 45,000 sq. ft. F. Did the Commission not consider the project's compliance with the zoning code, as the developer argued? DEIR: 6-11. Alternative 1, Option 2 would result in less potential environmental impact and would meet a portion of the objectives of the proposed project. Arguably only one of the objectives is in question. 4 Actually, the General Plan does not consider the Zoning Code paramount: "Land use decisions encompass not only zoning, but circulation, design, open space, and other factors" (General Plan INT-1). G. Did the Commission arbitrarily/subjectively ignore Cannon Design's conclusion that the project complied with the Town's guidelines? Actually, Mr. Cannon recommends "starting the design with the goal of creating multiple structures with smaller scale modules ..." [similar to the existing complex]. He concluded that the project still seems "to read as one large office building without a breakdown in scale related to the neighborhood or the Los Gatos existing small town scale" and the design does not have "the careful attention to architectural ... detail similar to the Town's residential architecture" (March 17, 2017, p. 3). H. Did the Commission refuse to consider information submitted indicating that a smaller building was infeasible? Actually, (quoting from attorney Rachel Mansfield -Howlett), A developer's bare assertion that a smaller project is infeasible does not meet the standards of infeasibility laid out in Citizens of Goleta Valley v. Board of Supervisors (1988) 197 Cal.App.3d 1167: "The fact that an alternative may be more expensive or less profitable is not sufficient to show that the alternative is financially infeasible. What is required is evidence that the additional costs or lost profitability are sufficiently severe as to render it impractical to proceed with the project." (Citizens of Goleta Valley v. Board of Supervisors (1988) 197 Cal.App.3d 1181; See also Kings County Farm Bureau v. City of Hanford (1990) 221 Cal.App.3d 692, 736; City of Fremont v. San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (1995) 34CaI.App.3d 1780.) unsurprisingly, many developers doggedly resist altering projects and prefer to build their proposed project unaltered. This understandable penchant does not supplant alternative review; otherwise, CECIA review would be futile (Burger v. County of Mendocino (1975) 45 Cal.App.3d 322 [absent an estimate of income or expenditures supporting the conclusion that reduction of a motel project or relocation of some units would make the project unprofitable, an infeasibility finding based on economic factors could not be made.]; Citizens of Goleta Valley v. County of Santa Barbara 197 Cal.App.3d 1167 [record including no analysis of the comparative costs, profits, or economic benefits of scaled down project alternative was insufficient to support finding of economic infeasibility]; Uphold Our Heritage v. Town of Woodside (2007) 147 Cal.App. 4th 587 [project applicant's preference against an alternative does not render it 5 infeasible]; (Save Round Valley v. County of lnyo (2007) 157 Cal.App.4th 1437). Here, the developer has not submitted any data sufficient to show that purported additional costs or decreased profits would render it impractical to proceed with the project, as they must. 1. Did the Planning Commission abuse its discretion when it refused to certify the E!R? Actually, Mr. Joel Paulson told the Commission it would be "proper" to deny the project and not certify the ElR (5/10: 151, 161). 2. Second Reason for the Developer's Appeal: The Planning Commission did not have discretion to modify or address the following policy or issue that is vested in the Town Council in at least two respects. The developer argues that a municipality has discretion to approve a project even if it is not found to be consistent with "each and every" plan policy. But the Planning Commission did not find that the developer's project was not consistent with every GP policy. In order for the Town's plans and policies to have any weight or efficacy, they must be able to be used, where appropriate, to deny a project approval, otherwise, what would be the purpose of adopting land use goats and provisions at all? in fact, General Plan consistencies are relevant to the approval or disapproval of the CUP application. The Commission had discretion to deny the project. The developer also argues that the General Plan guidelines are merely advisory. That means that the Town can adhere to guidelines. Moreover, some guidelines (those that include "shall") are "mandatory" according to the General Plan. Should these not be considered to have special weight? 6 • $4116141. • ir; tt4",4$,,%1V7:f "-V ;•• • .tr,:".".•• •-•asfis04 • . :.•;- „72.-Ae • likt ,k0ro' •• • t•• t,;•• 10; '.'••?e.;" 4.- %:•••••, §! - A" • •••-411`...• • -20‘,.' • • ' • • . • . • 211.. • r. • • 2R1000 485 Alberto Way (office PrOpnsed prefect 33,004 401a409 Alberto Way tErlsting footage combined 31,1300 ars• �M1 ALBERTOWAY 435 Alberta Way Puebto de Los Gatos 55,190 (both wing 55 and 57 Los Gatos/Saratega Best Westarn and Grill 57 23,113 3 Los Gates/Saratoga {Medleall 8,773 'Nt+ (WRAIGHT IS NOT A SINGLE ACCESS STREET)tw- ti *1 RU.rLDiNG AT CORNER OF LG/S RD. AND WRAIGHT'! _ _ / 1/4 • ' ° - 4 LOS GATOS/SARATOGA RD. (WEST FROM ALBERTO WAY) to L(--S rw 17.: 1 SEP 14 2017 Town Council Los Gatos, CA September 13, 2017 Dear Council Members, TOWN OF LOS GAT OS PLANNING DIVISION I am writing to give you an assessment of how seniors at The Commons have been and will be affected by the developer's application process, the community meetings, the hearings, and the developer's publicity about the 405 Alberto Way project. I do this from a professional perspective. I have a Ph. D. in Cultural Anthropology and worked for 30 years as a professor and researcher. One of my areas of expertise is the anthropology of aging. My publications include an article in Journal of Cross Cultural Gerontology and a book, Husbands and Wives (2010) that analyzes changes over time in the cultural and social organization of the aged. For my research I received 3 research grants from the National Institute on Aging, a grant from the Sandoz Foundation for Gerontological Research, and a postdoctoral fellowship from the National Institute of Mental Health. My work and teaching has examined how changes in physical, economic, social, political and religious circumstances affect the elderly and how and why they respond as they do. I live at The Commons and have observed the impact of the proposed development on the seniors and their struggle to get it reduced in size. CEQA Sec. 15131 reads that social effects may be used to determine the significance of physical changes caused by a project. So if construction affects a community negatively, construction is physical change but the social effect on the community would be the basis for determining that the effect would be significant. In my opinion, the proposed huge building at 405 Alberto Way, the two -level underground garage, and the increased traffic, as well as the developer's attitude toward the senior community, will have a negative impact on the senior population at The Commons. In fact, it has already begun to do so. How so? In four respects. First, the sense of self worth of the members of the Commons community is challenged. I lived at the Commons before and after the proposed project was a possibility. Now, I often hear comments that the developer thinks "we don't count"; "we don't matter;" "we helped build this town; are we going to be discarded?" After the developer distributed his brochure, I hear "Are we going to be thrown under the shuttle bus?" The developer encouraged these feelings by telling individuals at community meetings that he did not care about the residents, only the building. Second, seniors are beginning to doubt that they can remain independent, especially when it comes to driving themselves around town to their appointments and shopping. I hear"How am I going to get to my doctor appointments on time?" "Will my therapist be able to get through the traffic to make her appointment with me?" "Can I still drive myself if the traffic gets worse?" Third, seniors are beginning to become uneasy about maintaining social connectivity, again because of fear of traffic congestion and speeding drivers trying to get through the intersections and onto ramps to highway 17. People say to each other, "Can I get my grandchildren to school or ball practice on time? I don't want to let my family down." "Can 1 be on time for exercise class or my club meeting?" "Maybe I won't try it if the traffic on the street gets bad." Fourth, the residents of The Commons are beginning to worry about their safety if they continue to walk up the street to the intersection. And they especially worry about their financial independence. "Will I be able to take care of myself if the value of my property declines" or if "the problems that can come from an underground garage (broken pipes expensive to fix) occur"? "What will happen to me if I need to sell my unit and it is hard to sell because of the construction mess or, later, all the traffic"? When I moved here about 4 years ago, I heard stories, humorous anecdotes, laughter, helpful advice, and so on —a positive, happy community here at The Commons. So it is disturbing to hear this shift in attitude. Are these fears realistic? I think so. If the developer is allowed to build this 84,000 s.f. building and 2 story underground garage in defiance of the Planning Commission and the residents, the feelings of humiliation and sadness will intensify. If the 330 plus cars, on top of the 100 cars coming to and from 475 and 485 Alberto Way, cause the delays that are expected, the seniors' trips to take care of business or visit friends and family will be relegated to the times of day when traffic is light. They will be more isolated than they are during the beach traffic on the weekends. A decline in physical activity is quite possible if seniors are reluctant to walk across the busy driveways of the proposed building. Financial insecurity is a reality for people in their 70s and above. If it becomes necessary to move to a memory unit or assisted living, most people at the Commons would rely on their nest egg, their unit —where most of their savings went. If the value of these properties falls or if it becomes more difficult to sell the units because of construction or the deterioration of the quiet, low traffic, small town character of Alberto Way, it could be harder to afford a new residence somewhere else where there is professional help. Very likely. Alberto Way is heavily populated by seniors —about 170 live here (half of the adult population). In my opinion, if the developer succeeds in getting approval for this huge 83,000 s.f. building with al! its associated traffic, this change will be detrimental to individual seniors and to the senior community at The Commons. I urge you not to allow this to happen. SinFer�ly, Loretta Fowler, Ph. D. Professor Emerita of Anthropology This Page Intentionally Left Blank