11 Staff Report Pinehurst Lynn Ave
PREPARED BY: Marina Chislett
Environmental Programs Specialist
Reviewed by: Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, Town Attorney, Finance Director, and Parks and
Public Works Director
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 09/19/2023 ITEM NO: 11
DATE: September 5, 2023
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Provide Direction on the Pinehurst Community Garden (CIP No. 831-4610)
and Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Path Design (CIP No. 832-4510)
RECOMMENDATION:
Provide direction on the Pinehurst Community Garden (CIP No. 831-4610) and Lynn Avenue
Pedestrian Path Design (CIP No. 832-4510).
BACKGROUND:
In 2021, community members advocated for a community garden on a Town-owned parcel on
Pinehurst Avenue and for a pedestrian path parallel to Lynn Avenue between Union Avenue
and Pinehurst Avenue (see Attachment 1). The walkway would be located on two separate
properties: one owned by the Town and the second owned by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E).
All three lots (one for the garden and two for the walkway) are encumbered with PG&E
infrastructure and land rights, Valley Water easements, and existing utility services. Staff is
working with PG&E and Valley Water to secure the necessary permissions and any design
requirements for these projects.
At its June 20, 2023 meeting, the Town Council authorized staff to enter into an agreement
with Dillingham Associates to provide the necessary design services for both projects. The
scope of services for this current phase of work includes project management, evaluation of
existing conditions, community engagement, development of conceptual designs, and
advancing a preferred design through 35% completion.
PAGE 2 OF 4 SUBJECT: Provide Direction on the Pinehurst Community Garden (CIP No. 831-4610) and Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Path Design (CIP No. 832-4510) DATE: September 5, 2023
DISCUSSION:
At this time the project is in its early phases with the following work completed or underway:
• Project kick-off meeting held with staff and the consultant team on July 18, 2023;
• Staff and consultant team conducted site visits to observe community garden
operations in adjacent communities; and
• Field survey is underway and will be completed in September 2023.
A project schedule is presented in Attachment 2.
In these early phases of concept planning and design, the projects are being developed
concurrently so they can fit together and cohesively serve the neighborhood. The community
garden was envisioned by the project proponents as a way to revitalize an underutilized Town
property and provide a common gathering space. The walkway would enhance underutilized
properties across from the community garden, enhance the aesthetics of the space, and
improve safety.
For both projects, the consultant team will work with the community to identify needs for each
space and will develop plans for a phased implementation, with priority on the basic
infrastructure needs. For the community garden, the initial infrastructure would include
fencing, handicap parking, raised garden beds, potable water service, a tool shed, and storage
bins for compost and similar materials. Optional future items might include a community
gathering space, shade structures and fruit trees. The pedestrian path project will focus initial
improvements on a walking path and the required stormwater management. Future
improvements might include benches, landscaping for shade and other amenities that are
inspired via the community process.
Direction from Town Council is a critical first step in the development of concepts for both
locations. The project team will hold three community meetings to discuss the projects with
residents. The first of these will introduce the project goals, identify the constraints of the
sites, outline what type of infrastructure can and cannot be placed on each site, and request
ideas from the community. At the second meeting, concept plans for each location will be
presented and the community will be invited to comment on the concepts. The third meeting
will present a final concept plan and phasing based on feedback received. At each of these
three meeting phases, in addition to the community meetings, the project will be placed on a
Parks Commission agenda. Additional community input will be sought via these Parks
Commission meetings.
PAGE 3 OF 4 SUBJECT: Provide Direction on the Pinehurst Community Garden (CIP No. 831-4610) and Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Path Design (CIP No. 832-4510) DATE: September 5, 2023
CONCLUSION AND NEXT STEPS:
Staff is seeking direction from Town Council regarding the Pinehurst Community Garden and
Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Path. This direction will be used to refine the scope and presentation
materials for the initial community meetings, which are expected to be held in fall 2023.
COORDINATION:
This staff report was coordinated with the Town Attorney, Town Manager and Finance Director.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The adopted Fiscal Year 2023/24-2027/28 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Budget is
sufficient for this preliminary design service phase of the Pinehurst Community Garden and the
Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Path Design.
Budget
through
23/24
24/25
Funding Costs
GFAR 285,000$ 100,000$
Total Budget 385,000$
Costs
Prior Consultation Services 14,314$
Agreement with Dillingham Associates 68,108$
Total Costs 82,422$
Available Balance 302,578$
Budget
through
23/24
24/25
Funding Costs
GFAR 190,000$ 100,000$
Total Budget 290,000$
Costs
Agreement with Dillingham Associates 55,448$
Total Costs 55,448$
Available Balance 234,552$
Pinehurst Community Garden
CIP No. 831-4610
Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Path Design
CIP No. 832-4510
PAGE 4 OF 4 SUBJECT: Provide Direction on the Pinehurst Community Garden (CIP No. 831-4610) and Lynn Avenue Pedestrian Path Design (CIP No. 832-4510) DATE: September 5, 2023
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
The Council’s discussion is not a project as defined under CEQA, and no further action is
required. The construction phase of the Pinehurst Community Garden and Lynn Avenue
Pedestrian Path are projects as defined under CEQA and environmental review will be
completed in future phases.
Attachments:
1. Project Location Map
2. Project Schedule