Exhibit 12 - Public Comments received by 1100 am FridayFrom:
Sent: Wednesday, May 1, 2024 8:23 AM
To: Erin Walters <EWalters@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Concerns Regarding Construction Project at 15411 National Avenue, Los Gatos
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Hi Erin,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to formally express my concerns regarding the construction project at 15411
National Avenue, Los Gatos.
Upon reviewing the architectural plans for the project, I noticed that the placement of windows and balcony on the
second floor directly overlooks my master bedroom and master bathroom. As a result, my family's privacy is significantly
compromised by this design.
Concerns marked in red
I have attempted to address this matter directly with the applicants, but unfortunately, I have not received a response to
my previous communication. I reached out to them via email on 9th April, 2024 (attached email PDF), outlining my
concerns and expressing my willingness to discuss potential adjustments to the design to mitigate the privacy implications
for my family. However, I have not received any acknowledgement or response from them.
I believe that open communication and mutual consideration are essential in addressing neighborhood concerns and
ensuring positive outcomes for all parties involved. Therefore, I am providing this email as part of the public comment for
the project file and public hearing, as requested by your office.
I am hopeful that this email will prompt the applicant's team to engage in constructive dialogue to find a mutually
satisfactory solution that respects the rights and privacy of both parties.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please let me know if you require any further information from my end.
Best regards,
, Los Gatos – 95032
EXHIBIT 12
This situation gives rise to considerable privacy concerns for my family.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please let me know if you require any further information
from my end.
Best regards,
Venkat and Sahithi
Ph:
Blackwell., Los Gatos, CA - 95032
—
From:
Sent: Monday, October 28, 2024 11:34 PM
To: Erin Walters <EWalters@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: APN424-12-40 Architecture site application S-23-033
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Helow Erin,
After our first letter, see blow, our neighbors removed a balcony from plans and in our direct
conversation promised to remove trees, however
I looked at existing plans and noticed that all trees are still present. If it is a plan to keep them, trees
need to be move them from a fence, so all dripping area would be inside neighbor’s yard.
Also, we would like to see engineering justification for prosed basement. We have concern that it can
affect structural integrity of our house foundation.
Thank you for your consideration,
From: LLL <
Sent: Monday, May 6, 2024 10:22 PM
To: EWalters@losgatosca.gov
Cc:
Subject: re: APN424-12-40 Architecture site application S-23-033
Hello Erin,
We, Valeria Simets and Leo Rabinovich – owners of the property at (APN 424-12-135)
neighboring the parcel APN 424-12-40 have looked at the proposed building development plan site
application S-23-033 and are concerned about the 2nd story porch overlooking the east side our property.
The 2nd story porch is looking directly into our backyard with the family room and bathroom windows
impeding on our privacy.
The trees proposed to be planted along the property line to create privacy will take years to mature, and
when they do, the drip line will fall onto our property creating lots foliage like the existing oak trees from
that property that we have to pay for to trim and constantly clean after. We propose to not build the 2nd
story porch at all, or if it must be built, completely cover the West and North West facing sides of the
porch.
We also propose for the trees to be planted further away from the property line fence so that the drip
line is inside the property line of APN 424-12-40.
This situation gives rise to considerable privacy concerns for my family.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please let me know if you require any further information
from my end.
Best regards,
Blackwell., Los Gatos, CA - 95032
On May 7, 2024, at 10:44 AM, > wrote:
Dear Erin Walters,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to formally express concerns regarding the construction
project at 15411 National Avenue, Los Gatos, CA - 95032
After examining the architectural plans for the project, my family is
1. Concerned about the privacy due to a big two storied building.
As our 3 bedrooms (including the Master Bedroom) are open to our backyard and it’s a concern for the
privacy of my family due this big construction.
2. This big two floored building is going to obstruct the view of the mountains and it's a claustrophobic
for my family.
3. After hearing that we are going to have tree screening to obstruct view from their windows or big
balcony, we are concerned about the time and maintenance of these trees going forward.
Looking at the situation now, we are concerned about the maintenance.
4. As I mentioned, the way the bushes (vine iv) or sheds or barn roof iron sheets are maintained, I see
animals (bobcats), snakes on the fence or barn roof and it’s a big concern.
Another concern about the flying barn roof iron sheets during the storm and not maintaining them.
5. Due to vine iv bushes in the back, growing on my shed and damaging the roof. Also the fence. My
gardener cleaned the vines and also paid for the repair of fence in the past.
6. Looked at the latest plans at this link and here is the big balcony that my family is concerned about…
https://www.losgatosca.gov/2380/N
Development-Plans---15411-National-Avenue-PDF (03/29/2024)
<image001.png>
This situation gives rise to considerable privacy concerns for my family.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please let me know if you require any further information
from my end.
Best regards,
Blackwell., Los Gatos, CA - 95032
—
From:
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2024 11:44 AM
To: Erin Walters <EWalters@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Re: Concerns Regarding Construction Project at 15411 National Avenue, Los Gatos
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Hi Erin,
I hope you’re well. I’m following up regarding my concerns on the construction project at 15411 National
Avenue. I appreciate that story poles have been added to help visualize the structure’s impact on the
surrounding properties. However, after further assessment, I still have several concerns I’d like to raise:
1. Privacy: The current design of the second-floor windows, based on the story poles, continues to
present a privacy issue. The placement and height of the windows appears to allow direct visibility into
my master bedroom, bathroom (particularly the shower area), and backyard. Given the proximity, this
remains a significant concern for my family’s privacy. Additionally, the proposed new trees do not
adequately shield the second-floor view. I’ve attached a few pictures below from my bathroom to
illustrate this issue:
2. FAR Justification: The justification letter for this project refers to a few structures in the area to
support the construction of a two-story building with a basement. However, I believe the examples used
are not fully comparable. While the letter references Mission Oaks Medical Plaza (15400 National Ave) as
an example of nearby multi-story construction, the plaza is a large hospital with a significantly different
use case and footprint. The construction project at 15411 National is behind the front lot with no direct
relation to the hospital, so quoting it as a basis for building a two-story structure plus a basement doesn
’t align with the property’s context.
3. Neighborhood Comparisons: A more fitting comparison is with nearby flag lot properties. For
example:
- 15439 National Avenue (Behind Lot): Constructed as a single-story, respecting the privacy of
surrounding properties.
- 15461 National Avenue (Lot Facing National Avenue): Constructed as a two-story building, positioned
in a more suitable location that aligns with the neighboring two-story medical plaza.
This example demonstrates a balanced approach in terms of height and placement for properties in
similar configurations. It would be beneficial if the plans for 15411 National Avenue could similarly
consider the neighborhood’s layout and aim to maintain harmony in both design and privacy.
4. Tree Placement: I also noticed that the proposed trees will overlap with the planned Accessory
Dwelling Unit (ADU) location. Since the trees will be situated very close to the property line, I am unsure
how effective they will be as a privacy barrier or how they will grow in such limited space. If planted near
the fence, I worry that the ADU construction may interfere with the trees' ability to provide meaningful
privacy coverage.
3. Basement Impact: Finally, I understand the project includes a basement. I am concerned about
potential effects on my property’s foundation, as the excavation and subsequent construction could
impact soil stability and drainage patterns.
I hope these additional observations provide helpful context for evaluating the project and its potential
impacts. I am more than willing to discuss any of these points further to find an effective solution that
protects my family’s privacy and maintains neighborhood harmony.
Thank you for considering these concerns, and please let me know if I can provide any further
information.
Best regards,
Blackwell Drive, Los Gatos - 95032
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