Attachment 02TOWN OF LOS GATOS ITEM NO: 3
DESK ITEM PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: August 10, 2016
PREPARED BY:
APPLICATION NO:
LOCATION:
APPLICANT/
CONTACT PERSON:
PROPERTY OWNER:
APPLICATION
SUMMARY:
EXHIBITS:
Jennifer Armer, Associate Planner
jarmer@losgatosca.gov
Architecture and Site Application S-15-056
Conditional Use Permit Application U-15-009
Environmental Impact Report EIR-16-001
401-409 Alberto Way (Located on the northwest comer of the
intersection of Alberto Way and Los Gatos-Saratoga Road. The
westerly rear of the site is bordered by a wooded strip of land and the
on-ramp to northbound State Route 17. Access to the project site is
provided on Alberto Way.)
Shane Arters, LP Acquisitions, LLC
CWA Realty
Requesting approval to demolish three existing office buildings and
construct two new , two-story office buildings with underground
parking on property zoned CH. APN 529 -23-018.
Previously received under separate cover:
1. Draft Environmental Impact Report
Received with August 10, 2016 StaffReport:
2. Location Map
3. Required Findings and Considerations (two pages)
4. Required CEQA Findings of Fact (24 pages)
5 . Recommended Conditions of Approval (15 pages)
6. Letter of Justification/Project Description (15 pages), received July
15,2016
7. Project Construction Details (three pages), received August 3,
2016
8. Letter of Outreach Conducted (40 pages), received February 10,
2016
9. Second Letter ofNeighborhood Outreach (26 pages), received
August 3, 2016
10. Consulting Arborist's Report (41 pages), dated September 26,
2015
11. Architectural Consultant 's First Report (five pages), received
September 10,2015
ATTACHMENT 2
Planning Commission Staff Report Desk Item-Page 2
401-409 Alberto Way Project
August 10, 2016
REMARKS:
12. Architectural Consultant's Final Report (five pages), received
March 18 ,2016
13. Conceptual Development Advisory Committee Meeting minutes,
June 10, 2015 meeting (four pages)
14. Public Comments
15. Final EIR and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program,
dated June 29, 2016
16. Development Plans (37 pages), received July 15 , 2016
Received with this Desk Item :
17. Comments received from 11:01 a.m. on Thursday, August 4, 2016
to 11 :00 a .m. on Wednesday, August 10,2016
The attached public comments (Exhibit 17) were received after distribution of the staff report.
~~
_P.fopeye'd by:
p:Jennifer Armer, AICP
Associate Planner
JP:JA:sr
Approved by:
Joel Paulson, AICP
Community Development Director
N:\DEV\PC REPORTS\2016WbertoWay401-40908.10.16 CUP AS EIR-DESK.docx
July 30, 2016
Town of Los Gatos
Planning Division
110 E. Main St .
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Attention : Jennifer Armer, Joel Paulson
Subject: Proposed Development at 401-405 Alberto Way, Town of Los Gatos
It is important that the Town of Los Gatos maintain the character and charm that we all love .
Therefore, the Planning Commission should take great care in its consideration of this project.
The proponents intended to build residential units at this location. The City staff effectively
steered the developer away from a residential project. I agree that this location is well suited
for professional offices, provided that the site is not overbuilt.
After reviewing the project information and environmental documents on the Town's website
one can appreciate the openness and dedication to detail that has been provided . As a
professional Civil Engineer, and former municipal official for over 30 years , I have seen many
development proposals, some incomplete, some good, some bad . Before you, is a project that
seems to have been specifically designed to meet and exceed the Town's gu iding principles and
policies . The aesthetics, building massing, under-ground parking, and landscaping clearly shows
that the designers not only understood the Towns goals, but have celebrated them.
Overall the reports are very complete and technically good. I have a concern, looking toward
the future . As more people telecommunicate, and rely upon alternate modes of
transportation, we should be concerned about buildings being over-parked . I understand that
under-ground (structured) parking tends towards satisfying the greatest demand rather than
the normal parking demand . But we should not encourage too many parking spaces, as that
may lead to a desire to utilize unused parking space for unplanned uses. Astonishingly,
although Americans have been tied to their cars since the Model T, the current/future trends
are away from cars, to bicycles, and pedestrian ways where available, ride-sharing and
telecommuting. Many modern meetings are held at the coffee shop, or at lunch, or along the
Los Gatos Creek Trail. (Hurrah!) Therefore, be wary of over-parking, rather than encouraging
traffic demand reduction strategies.
Of course, new projects raise genuine concerns and fears from neighbors, expressed in the
comments section of the reports. I must hand it to the Town staff who have clearly understood
those concerns and obviously acted upon them in their reviews . The requirements to improve
bicycle and pedestrian access and make safety modifications to the roadways are appropriate
to reduce motor-vehicle traffic, improve safety and address livability to those who live, work,
and play in the community. We all would like the traffic of the 1950s while enjoying the
benefits of technology. It is balancing these values that are always the difficult task. But, how
EXHIBIT 1 7
fortunate we are to live in this area at this time. And how great to be able to expand job
opportunities right here at home, without the long commute.
While other areas seek the balance and right mix of retail, residence, and work, Los Gatos is
implementing it. Now the Planning Commission has to weigh the potential concerns with the
benefits of a reasonable project by an applicant who has followed the Town's desires, and
complies with the Town's goals and requirements.
I salute the Los Gatos Town staff working with this developer to achieve a Los Gatos worthy
project.
Yours truly,
Mark Rogge, Professional Civil Engineer
Retired City Engineer,
proponent of livable communities and good urban design.
Jennifer Armer
From: Jennifer E Liebthal <jliebthal@gmail.com>
Thursday, August 04, 2016 1:53 PM
Jennifer Armer; Council ; Planning
Sent:
To:
Subject: 401-405 Alberto Way development-please do not approve
albertoway5jpg; albertoway4jpg; albertoway3jpg; viewfrommycondojpg;
albertoway_pic1jpg
Attachments:
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Follow up
Flagged
Dear Planning Commission,
I own a condo at 420 Alberto Way. I implore you not to approve the application development for 401-409
Alberto Way. I have met with the developers to provide my feedback. ·
Below is a list of issues I have with the proposed development as it stands today:
• The development direction cuts off mountain views I have from my condo! Pictures included! Please
note the story poles go all the way into the trees in this photo .. it is a little hard to see. I currently enjoy,
as do most of the residence at 420 Alberto Way a lovely open view and if this development is approved I
will see only this concrete mini city which is being proposed.
• Not only are those on Alberto Way views being taken away this new structure will interrupt the
beautiful views for residents of Bella Vista and the Bella Vista bridge which currently has beautiful
views towards downtown.
• The removal of views from my condo will have direct impact on the value of my property and I am not
ok with that not should the town of Los Gatos let that happen.
• The developers directly said in a meeting that they were hoping to get a "Google" type company in this
structure. This is a residential area not business complex area! We don't need a Google type complex
near our downtown area. The reason people live in Los Gatos is to get away from this type of large
complexes that take away from the ambiance downtown areas ..
• Traffic impact will be brutal not only to residents in this area but also residents all over Los Gatos who
travel down HWY9 from Los Gatos Blvd.
o Currently, on any given morning traffic is back up on HWY9 going to town and the freeway
from Los Gatos Blvd and there is never anyone at the light turning left onto Albert Way. With
300-700 employees there will be constant traffic at this light that in turn will stop traffic coming
off Los Gatos Blvd and will back up Los Gatos Blvd both ways!
o Alberto Way current! y has much needed parking on the street that will be taken away to
supposedly widen the street will help. It will only take away much needed parking
o All this added traffic with have both safety and environmental impacts. The amount of people
on Alberto way will likely double!
• Does not meet LG General Plan
o Policy CD-1.1 Building elements shall be in proportion with those traditionally in the
neighborhood.
• At 93,000 sq. ft ., the PDs buildings are massive compared to what's on the site now and
what's in a residential neighborhood.
• This building is too large, to tall and too close to the street. It looks to be double/triple the
size of the current structure. The current structure has some small areas off roofing that
1
is higher than the rest of the the structure however the new proposal wants all of the roof
line to be 3 ft higher than the current tallest peak. I say peak become the current structure
is mostly very low roofline as you can see from enclosed pictures.
o Policy CD-1.2 New structures, remodels, landscapes, and hardscapes shall be designed to
harmonize and blend with the scale and rhythm of the neighborhood and natural features in the
area.
• Again this is a small residential neighborhood. This build will tower over the street
blocking sunlight on the street many enjoy walking and blocking views.
o Policy CD-1.4 Development on all elevations shall be ofhigh quality design and construction, a
positive addition to and compatible with the Town's ambiance. Development shall enhance the
character and unique identity of existing commercial and/or residential neighborhoods.
• This new complex is in no way compatible with the ambiance of the neighborhood. The
buildings in the neighborhood are all small with meandering grass areas throughout the
complexes to that not only break up the buildings but provide a lovely openness to the
complexes
I want to thank you for your time and consideration!
Jennifer Liebthal
2
Jennifer Armer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Cathleen Bannon <cathleenbannon@gmail.com>
Thursday, August 04, 2016 8:18 PM
Planning; Jennifer Armer
401-405 Alberto Way project input for 8/10 meeting
Follow up
Flagged
As a LG resident and local neighbor to the proposed project at 401-405 Alberto, we are very concerned with the
current plan.
We are concerned that the developer is planning to demolish all existing office units /buildings and parking and to rebuild from
scratch the office units /buildings and a new underground parking structure that will provide parking for employees and visitors
-383 underground parking spots and 7 surface parking spaces.
This is a dramatic increase in the number of cars & traffic at an already impacted intersection at the Hwyl7 onramp. There is
only ONE entrance & exit to Alberto Way so all cars need to u se the Alberto & Saratoga Los Gatos Rd. This will
create tremendous back up and grid lock similar to what is happening at Lark Ave. The big difference is that the Saratoga LG
Blvd is only 2 lane s that in no way can support a large office park.
We are in favor to updating buildings, but this town can not support large office parks tucked into
neighborhoods with only narrow roads.
Please, please deny the current proposal. Thank you
Cathleen Bannon
•The ingress and egress access and parking on a very busy narrow corridor located at the central apex of Los Gatos.
Cathleen Bannon
415.819.1239
1
Jennifer Armer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Fo llow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Jarmer,
Reilly, Justin (SJC) <Justin.Reilly@colliers .com>
Thursday, August 04, 2016 11:57 PM
Jennifer Armer
Alberto Way project
Follow up
Flagged
As a native of the Silicon Valley and a twenty plus year Commercial Broker, I support the Alberto development.
The need for "Live Work" development have never been so important, as they are today and going forward .
This development, will provide the opportunity to reduce our congested highways and service street, as well increase
tax revenue for the City of Los Gatos.
I have worked with Lamb Partners on several development over the years, and each and everyone of them have put the
towns needs first.
I look forward to a positive outcome from the town.
Regards.
1
Jennifer Armer
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Attachments:
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Mark Rogge <cprmgmt@att.net>
Friday, August 05, 2016 11:48 AM
Jennifer Armer; Joel Paulson
401-405 Alberto Way
Letter 7-30-16 Town of Los Gatos Alberto Way.pdf
Follow up
Flagged
Dear, Joel Paulson and Jennifer Armer,
I noticed the story-poles and read the documents about the proposed development at 401-405 Alberto Way.
Attached is a letter with my comments about the project. i am impressed with the professional approach the Town staff
has taken with this project.
Thank you for your work to maintain the character of Los Gatos.
Mark Rogge, PE
1
Jennifer A rmer
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc :
Subject:
Follow Up Flag:
Flag Status:
Joel and Jennifer,
Jon Shank <Jon@pelio.com>
Friday, August 05, 2016 2:58 PM
Joel Paulson; Jennifer Armer
'randy@lambpartners.com '
401 Alberto Way
Follow up
Flagged
I am writing in support of the 401 Alberto Way development, which is directly across the street from our property at 53-
57 Los Gatos-Saratoga Road (Best Western Inn of Los Gatos and Grill 57 property). The use being pursued seems
appropriate for the site, and the architecture appears appealing and fitting of Los Gatos. Class A office space near a
major freeway with on/off ramps in all directions makes sense, and it is likely that the developer could attract a solid
tenant (or tenants) that brings highly-paid employees to Los Gatos. With this type of tenant typically comes employees
that are likely to spend money in the Los Gatos community. This could have the multi-faceted effect of increasing
revenues at local businesses and increasing tax revenues. Specifically for us, this development could help increase
revenue at our property and thus increase the taxes we pay to the Town of Los Gatos. It would also be nice to see jobs
being brought to an area where there is housing.
We would greatly look forward to providing services for the new tenants at 401 Alberto Way, and we hope that the
Planning application is well received by other members ofthe community.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further.
Best regards,
Jon
Jon Shank
Pelio & Associates
14573 Big Basin Way
Saratoga, CA 95070
0 -( 408) 872-9500
c-(408) 497-2887
F -(408) 872-9505
1
August 3, 20 16
jennifer Armer
Community Development Department
I 10 E Main Street
&.s b..t-l.s., t!.lt 9S030
Dear Community Development Department,
RE CEIVE D
AUG 5-2016
TOWN OF LOS GArOS
PLANNING DIVISION
My name is Virginia Carr, a resident of 439 Alberto Way. The business development proposed at 401-405
Alberto Way is not in keeping with that quality and does not harmonize with the existing residential neighborhood.
I am deeply opposed to the proposed development as it is OUT OF SCALE and PROPOimON to the quiet senior
residential neighborhood.
We have tolerated the business parks on both ends of our street for years. They have been low density and low
traffic impact. This proposal will triple the density and significantly increase traffic congestion on a short narrow
DEAD END STREET. THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY IN AND OUT OF ALBERTO WAY!! This proposal will hinder
emergency vehicles to our Seniors, who often need quick assess and a safe evacuation route.
Again this is a DEAD END STREET, WITH ONLY ONE EXIT!
Please consider the health and safety concerns of the Senior citizens who already live on Alberto Way and bring this
project back into proportion and scale of the existing business park.
Thank You,
Virginia Carr
.·,
~ ' . '·· ' . ~ . \
Jennifer Armer
Subject: RE : 401-409 Alberto Way Site Application S-15 -056
From: Andrea Scheuerlein [mailto:roy.scheuerlein@qmail.com]
sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2016 9 :19AM
To: Planning
Subject: 401-409 Alberto Way Site Application 5-15-056
I strongly object to the proposed office buildings . The story boards show they will tower over the adjacent
residential units.
They are far taller than typical two story buildings on Alberto Way.
They are built very close to the property line and look down into my private yard area .
They block the existing view of the hills and sky giving my property a depressing walled in feeling.
The unit will cause excess noise and traffic to what is a quiet residential area.
The traffic will cause increased danger to pedestrians and young children walking along Alberto Way.
Please deny the Site Application S-15-056
Sincerely,
Roy Scheuerlein
owner
435 Alberto Way Unit 15
1
Jennifer Armer
Subject: RE: S-15 -056
From: Andrea Scheuerlein [mailto:roy.scheuerlein@qmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2016 10:23 AM
To: Planning
Subject: S-15-056
Dear Sirs:
The proposed office building S-15-056 will impact the general welfare and safety of my property at 435 Alberto
Way.
The office building is too close to the residential units. I set back in keeping with residential codes should be
required since it is residential property which is impacted. For safety considerations of a fire spreading from the
tall structures to the wood residential structures in adjacent property, a larger s etback should be required.
Excavation down 20 feet so close to the adjacent property could destabilize the adjacent property. The
excavation should be shallower or increased distance from the property line.
The square feet of office space is being increased dramatically.It is almost equal to the total area of the property,
floor area coverage ratio is about 99%. This is far greater than in the adjacent properties and impacts the
general welfare of the neighborhood.
Sincerely
Andrea Scheuerlein
1