M 01-25-88TOWN OF LOS GATOS CALIFORNIA
TOWN COUNCIL/PARKING AUTHORITY AGENDA
JANUARY 25, 1988
TOWN COUNCIL
The Town Council/Parking Authority met in the cafeteria of the Blossom Hill
School, 16400 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos, in adjourned regular session.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT:Joanne Benjamin, Thomas J. Ferrito, Robert L. Hamilton,
Brent N. Ventura and Mayor Eric D. Carlson.
ABSENT:None.
ATTENDANCE
There were 51 persons in attendance at the meeting.
TRAFFIC STUDY CHERRY BLOSSOM NEIGHBORHOOD
Mayor Carlson stated this was the time and place duly scheduled for a hearing
on the Cherry Blossom Traffic Management Study. He introduced Town
Engineer Ron Zapf who spoke on the summarized report which had been
prepared by DKS Associates regarding a comprehensive Traffic Management
Study and its recommendations. These recommendations came about from the
first study session held whereby Council took testimony from the neighbors in the
Cherry Blossom area. Mr. Zapf stated that the Town would like to do something
to control volume of traffic and speeding in the area. However, at the same time,
would like to preserve the character of the neighborhood and not have it changed
into a plastic, concrete and asphalt area. He stated that there are no issues
regarding sidewalks, so that has been deleted as result of testimony from the last
neighborhood meeting and direction from Council. Mr. Zapf reported the study
recommends the use of traffic circles in order to control speed in the
neighborhood and spoke of four locations that had been recommended. Another
recommendation is the betterment of the traffic signal at Blossom Hill Road and
Cherry Blossom. This would include moving the crosswalk to the east side of the
intersection and possibility of an "all red" pedestrian phase. He feels, by
bettering the arterials this would give a good viable alternate to drivers. Mayor
Carlson spoke on the issue of funding. He stated, with respect to traffic study,
Council has approved no additional funding of any projects before this study was
done. There was already a funding, with some participation from Kings Court
Developer, for traffic signal at Camellia Terrace. The signal was funded prior to
and was a planned project independent of this study. Council also had, as part
of our tentative approval of The Terraces, required them to participate in the
improvements of the signal at intersection the of Cherry Blossom. This is a
committed project as well. When the project will take place depends on when
The Terraces will actually be built. The signalization at Camellia Terrace, mayor
sidewalk improvements and the handicap access ramps are already funded
projects and have nothing to do with this study. Speaking from the audience was
Dave Roach, favoring traffic circles as he feels that gives a nice visual effect and
keeps neighborhood looking rural rather than have stops signs at every corner.
Several people spoke on this issue (no names were given) Some favored traffic
circles and other favored stop signs at various corners. Speaking from the
audience was representative of Kings Court Shopping Center; representative
from Lunardi's Market; Ms. Holland, owner of Wooden Horse Toy Store and Dr.
Chamberlin speaking in favor of the signal at Camellia Terrace. Mr. Wimberly
also favors the signal as he stated the two shopping center serve this
neighborhood area and the need to be able to get from one shopping area to the
other. Further discussion was held with regard to removal of bike route signs on
Jasmine, Escobar, Jacaranda, Azalea, and Oleander; installation of stop signs
for all direction at Cherry Blossom at Cherrystone; 5 foot widening of Los Gatos
Almaden from Cherry Blossom to Peach Blossom and the possible installation of
islands in order to restrict the left hand turn at Los Gatos Almaden at Peach
Blossom. After further discussion, Mayor Carlson stated the hearing is closed
and thanked all in attendance for their input. Council directs staff to consider all
information given tonight and at the previous study session and create an action
plan and present for Council consideration at a later date.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
ATTEST:
Rose E. Aldag
Town Clerk