Addendum with Exhibits.244 Harding Avenue
PREPARED BY: JOCELYN SHOOPMAN
Associate Planner
Reviewed by: Planning Manager and Community Development Director
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6872
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
PLANNING COMMISSION
REPORT
MEETING DATE: 09/22/2021 ITEM NO: 2 ADDENDUM
DATE: September 21, 2021
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Requesting Approval for Modification to an Existing Architecture and Site
Application (S-19-016) to Modify the Conditions of Approval on Property
Zoned R-1:8. APN 532-36-049. Architecture and Site Application S-21-025.
Property Owner: Marcus Thordal. Applicant: Henry Riggs. Project Planner:
Jocelyn Shoopman.
REMARKS:
Exhibit 10 includes additional information from the applicant and Exhibit 11 includes additional
public comments received between 11:01 a.m., Friday, September 17, 2021, and 11:00 a.m.,
Tuesday, September 21, 2021.
EXHIBITS:
Previously received with the September 22, 2021 Staff Report:
1. Location Map
2. Required Findings and Considerations
3. Recommended Conditions of Approval
4. Project Description
5. Letter of Justification
6. Architecture and Site Application S-16-068 Conditions of Approval
7. Architecture and Site Application S-19-016 Conditions of Approval
8. Public comments received by 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 19, 2021
9. Development Plans
Received with this Addendum Report:
10. Applicant’s Additional Information, received, September 16, 2021
11. Public comments received between 11:01 a.m., Friday, September 17, 2021 and 11:00 a.m.,
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
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EXHIBIT 10
Gas
Summary
Minimal impact on the environment
Naturally blend into the existing environment
Low unnoticeable retaining wall
Wider usable sidewalk
No watering necessary
Minimal impact on existing utility lines
No impact on driveway
Considered logical design by all neighbors
Gas
High impact on environment
Does not blend into existing environment
Tall noticeable retaining wall
Slimmer usable and swayed sidewalk
watering necessary to maintain aesthetics
Excessive burden to homeowner
Complete reinstall of gas line, water main, and sewage
Driveway requires retaining walls on each side of driveway
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From: Erika Varga McEnroe
Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 2021 10:23 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <jshoopman@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Regarding Modification of Application S-19-016 - 244 Harding
Dear Ms. Shoopman,
I live at , very close to 244 Harding Avenue. As a pedestrian who frequently walks in
front of that house, it is my opinion that there is no benefit to having the sidewalk sway or turn in any
way. It would actually be much less convenient for pedestrians if the sidewalk swayed or turned. It
would be more convenient for the sidewalk to line up directly with the sidewalk on the property next
door (246B Harding). It should be noted that there is no sidewalk on the other side of the property for
at least 7+ houses. Therefore, once this sidewalk is in, a pedestrian will need to make a choice about
when to jump on or off the sidewalk/street here at 244 Harding. Based upon the substantial width of
the street and the set-back of this particular property, the value of any sidewalk in front of 244 Harding
is questionable because it is simply not the most direct path to the street or sidewalk beyond this
property. One will almost need to go out of their way to utilize the sidewalk in the first place, but even
more so if the sidewalk swayed further away from the street. I would bet that most people would
choose to skip the sidewalk all together and take the more direct path from the sidewalk at 246B
Harding to the street (or from the street to the sidewalk on 246B) if the sidewalk turns away from the
street in any way. The extra cost of adding the turn aside, as a pedestrian, I would simply prefer the
direct straight route. Please see my picture below.
Thank you,
Erika Varga McEnroe EXHIBIT 11
From: Derek Idemoto (didemoto)
Sent: Sunday, September 19, 2021 1:15 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <jshoopman@losgatosca.gov>
Cc:
Subject: 244 Harding Sidewalk Issue
Hi Jocelyn,
I would like to express my perspectives regarding the type of sidewalk for 244 Harding
Avenue. I live at essentially right across the street from this residence. I
strongly urge you to not enforce standard plan #201 and instead create a simple, less
construction heavy sidewalk to fit the existing conditions and the style and format of the
sidewalks on opposite sides of the residence.
As you may know, 244 Harding sits right in front of one of the busiest intersections in our
neighborhood. To me, it is all about the safety of our children and senior citizens that walk on
Harding and the adjacent streets at all times of the day. Making frankly unnecessary and over-
constructed modifications will no doubt cause an extension of unsafe walking conditions and
will result in a much longer construction process that will interfere with keeping that high traffic
and chokepoint intersection safe. A sidewalk with minimal modifications will result in a much
safer environment during what will already be a disruptive construction process in the first
place.
Thank you for your understanding.
Derek Idemoto
From: greg martin
Sent: Sunday, September 19, 2021 11:18 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <jshoopman@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Regarding Modification of Application S-19-016-244 Harding
We are neighbors of Fang and Marcus.
We are requesting that you grant their request for modification of sidewalk layout to fit existing
conditions. The site does not need excessive excavation for construction of a 5 ft. Retaining
wall.
Their request for a modification of the standard #201 sidewalk is very reasonable and safe.
Please grant them their request.
Sincerely,
Gregory and Nancy Martin
From: Christina Ljungblom
Sent: Sunday, September 19, 2021 10:40 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <jshoopman@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Regarding Modification of Application S-19-016-244 Harding
Hi,
In addition to my previous mail. Fang and Marcus proposal with the sidewalk to fit existing
conditions will look so much better since it would just be a continuation and same look as the
fence their neighbor in 236 has.
Regards,
Christina Ljungblom/Gary Geaves
From: Lynn von Kaenel
Sent: Sunday, September 19, 2021 5:33 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <jshoopman@losgatosca.gov>
Cc:
Subject: Regarding Modification of Application S-19-016 -244 Harding
Memo to: the Los Gatos Town Government:
We do not agree with the proposed layout of the sidewalk for our neighbors at 244 Harding.
The Town wishes to apply the standard (#201) for sidewalk layout. Their plan does not take
into consideration that the lot is on a hill slope. Also, it does not follow the layout of existing
sidewalks at 246 and 248. Instead the town wants to sway the sidewalk into the slope to create
room for a planter strip between
sidewalk and the street.
This requires excessive excavation and construction of 5’ tall retaining walls, scarring the
environment and appearance with no genuine benefit. The proposed 5 foot wall is an eyesore
and would be detrimental to the curb appeal of both the street and new home, impacting its
home value.
We strongly recommend that the sidewalk plan fit and continue the existing sidewalk, as it
would be both functionally consistent with the current sidewalk and vastly more aesthetically
pleasing to the Town's proposed standard plan #201.
Sincerely,
Lynn and Will von Kaenel
The Town - standard plan #201
Sidewalk plan to fit and continue existing sidewalk.
From: Judy Crow
Sent: Saturday, September 18, 2021 6:26 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <jshoopman@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Modification of Application S-19-016 244 Harding Ave
I Have lived in this town for over 51 years. Harding is a street with a variety of houses. Some
have sidewalks, others none. Some have the curb strip others not.
The house we are talking about (244) is next to a house with neither. Looking at the pictures it
would look out of place with the strip on the street. A simple sidewalk would be what needs to
be done. The three houses past 244 heading to the Blvd, has no sidewalks. Why would you ever
consider a sidewalk with a strip next to houses with nothing.
I cannot believe you came out and observed the situation. If you did, someone was not paying
attention.
Thank you,
Judy Crow-/
Los Gatos.
Sent From My I Phone
From: Christina Ljungblom
Sent: Saturday, September 18, 2021 4:33 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <jshoopman@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Regarding Modification of Application S-19-016-244 Harding
Hi.
We are Christina Ljungblom/Gary Geaves and live in . We are fully
supportive of our neighbors Fang and Marcus proposal for the sidewalk to fit existing
conditions. Specially since few properties on this stretch of Harding Avenue have high fences
like suggested in the standard plan #201. It seem very unnecessary for them to have to comply
to that with excessive excavation and retaining wall.
Regards
Christina Ljungblom/Gary Geaves
From: Greg Henry
Sent: Saturday, September 18, 2021 1:03 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <jshoopman@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Fwd: Regarding Modification of Application S-19-016 Harding
Dear Ms. Shoopman,
I live about 2 blocks from the property noted above. I understand there needs to be rules and
guidelines within the city to ensure some level of consistency and normalcy. That said, there
will be instances where those rules and guidelines could not have contemplated everything.
We live in a world, especially these days, which requires some sensitivity and deviation to the
norm. I would say that is the case on the modification requested below. In my opinion, the
town standard plan looks far worse than the modification request and almost looks unusual for
this specific stretch of sidewalk. We are also trying to conserve water, so why would we
continue to add grassy areas that will require more water, more chemicals to keep it looking
nice. This does not make sense.
If someone asked me which one looks more aesthetically pleasing to the eye, I would have said
the deviation version.
In the end, I don't have a 'dog in this hunt' per se as I don't live at the property, nor have to look
at it daily. That said, I do feel that we need to be as considerate and thoughtful to people, our
town and the environment, which is why I am writing to you to approve the deviation.
Greg Henry
From: Pat Heller
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2021 4:27 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <jshoopman@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Regarding Modification of Application S-19-016-244 Harding
EXTERNAL SENDER
Dear Ms. Shoopman,
The Thordal family are my neighbors. I am writing on behalf of their application for a
modification of the sidewalk layout to fit their existing conditions. Their application is a plan
that makes the most sense at this time.
With the growing necessity for conservation of our resources (i.e., water: the standard plan
requires additional landscaping) and the importance in accommodating young families living in
our community, I believe that it is relevant and important for the planning commission to
review the standard plans that have been enforced in the past.
I support the Thordal’s plan and hope that the committee will allow them to proceed in
finishing their home as they have requested.
Thank you for your consideration,
Pat Heller
Sent from my iPad
From: Mark Townsend
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2021 2:40 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <jshoopman@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Regarding Modification of Application S-19-016-244 Harding
Hi Jocelyn,
I am a resident on Harding Ave. and am just down the street from the home at 244 Harding
Ave. I've been made aware of the request to appeal the standard sidewalk layout in which they
would instead marry up with the look/feel of the existing sidewalk from the neighbors house.
I am completely in support of this appeal as it will maintain the consistent approach from the
neighbor's house.
In addition, with the drought conditions we continue to have in the area, many of the
landscaping portions throughout the neighborhood next to the sidewalks have become either
eyesores due to dead grass or are resulting in irresponsible watering to keep the green look.
In short, I hope you will consider the appeal at 244 Harding Ave. and allow them to move
forward with their request.
Thanks,
Mark Townsend
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