Item 4 - Addendum and Attachment 7
PREPARED BY: SEAN MULLIN, AICP
Associate Planner
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6874
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
COMMITTEE REPORT
MEETING DATE: 03/24/2021 ITEM NO: 4 ADDENDUM
DATE: March 23, 2021
TO: Historic Preservation Committee
FROM: Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Preliminary Review for Relocation of a historic (Pre-1941) Single-Family
Residence and Construction of Exterior Alterations and a Second-Story
Addition on Property Zoned R-1:8 Located at 445 Los Gatos Boulevard.
APN 529-20-006. Property Owner: Nikki B. and Nam H. Nguyen. Applicant:
Don Shallock, Architect. Project Planner: Sean Mullin
REMARKS:
Attachment 7 includes public comments received between 11:01 a.m., Friday, March 19, 2021
and 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 23, 2021.
ATTACHMENTS:
Previously received with the March 24, 2021 Staff Report:
1. Letter of Justification, dated March 14, 2021
2. Neighborhood and Massing Exhibits
3. Building Inspection Report
4. Structural and Architectural Evaluation
5. Section 3.9, Residential Design Guidelines
6. Development Plans
Received with this Addendum Report:
7. Public comments received between 11:01 a.m., Friday, March 19, 2021 and
11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 23, 2021
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From:Lauren Fulcher
To:Planning Comment; Sean Mullin
Subject:Public Comment HPC item #4
Date:Monday, March 22, 2021 8:03:04 PM
Hi Sean et al,
I'm reaching out regarding a proposed project at 445 Los Gatos Blvd., which happens to be
directly across the street from us (& our current remodel project @ 432 Los Gatos Blvd).
As a fellow historic homeowner, neighbor & local designer, I'd like to express my support for
the Nguyen project.
Ultimately, I advocate for the town's historic preservation efforts; the rich aesthetic is a
big part of what drew my family to Los Gatos. That said, I'm certain the committee can agree
that we need to progress & grow with our community, if we are to continue to attract great
families to settle down here.
The Ngyens have 2 young children - the same age as my kids. We are thrilled to have them as
neighbors. 445 Los Gatos Blvd's proximity to LG's top-notch schools makes it an
exceedingly desirable location, yet, the property sat on the market for a long time. I presume
the long sale cycle was over concerns about the home's dilapidated state, combined with the
town's rigidity around changing historic homes . The existing home, while charming on the
outside, is definitely not suited for a growing family of 4.
I have reviewed the proposed plans, keeping in mind our neighborhood aesthetic, while being
[personally] sensitive to the way a young family lives. It is understandable that the Nguyens
want to build up, to preserve yard space for recreational use. Also, that their primary living
space be oriented toward that yard at the back of the house, with lots of natural light and high
ceilings. This highly desirable lifestyle is what drives the second story addition to be centered
on the home - maintaining lovely tall ceilings in the primary living space. I am confident that
this investment will be desirable to potential future buyers for years to come, without
sacrificing the original home's integrity.
It's my opinion that any family enthusiastic about investing in & improving our historic homes
should be commended. These historic, often tired homes are still very expensive - it takes a
special family to see future potential in something so old.
In sum, as one of the neighbors most "impacted" by the proposed plans at 445 Los Gatos
Blvd., I'd like to express my delight - that our neighborhood is still vibrant with young
families looking to build a future here. Please consider approving the plans as presented.
respectfully,
Lauren Fulcher
ATTACHMENT 7
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