Attachment 3 - Draft Letter from Council to VTA
O FFICE OF THE MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
(408) 354-6801
Council@LosGatosCA.gov
Steve Leonardis, Mayor
Marcia Jensen, Vice Mayor
Rob Rennie, Council Member
Marico Sayoc, Council Member
Barbara Spector, Council Member
Date
VIA: Email
RE: SR 85 Corridor Study
Dear: Members of the VTA Board of Directors, the VTA SR85 Policy Advisory Board, and
VTA staff,
This letter provides input from the Town Council with respect to the future use of the SR 85
corridor and the upcoming study.
The original intent of the median island was to provide light rail service to the West Valley.
Leading up to the construction of SR 85, the Town of Los Gatos had concerns over the future of
that median and entered into a written agreement titled “Route 85 Performance Agreement” with
the Santa Clara County Traffic Authority, the predecessor to the VTA, that specified:
The TRAFFIC AUTHORITY agrees that no new freeway lanes shall be constructed in the
Route 85 median or in the shoulders of Route 85 within the geographical limits of TOWN
without prior written approval by the Town Council of the TOWN.
The Town understands that, subsequent to the construction of SR 85, VTA priorities have
pivoted and light rail is no longer considered a viable option for the corridor. The Town of Los
Gatos is interested in seeing the following components addressed through the study:
Similar to the Cupertino request, a physically separated transit guideway for high-
capacity transit vehicles, with travel speeds comparable to rail, for use by public vehicles
and fee-paying high capacity private shuttles.
Limited stops, but with one stop at Winchester Boulevard.
The Winchester stop will have adequate parking infrastructure, including bicycle parking,
to support anticipated high utilization.
Consideration for local shuttle service to address first mile and last mile needs.
ATTACHMENT 3
The Town of Los Gatos is not interested in additional freeway lanes, including Express Lanes or
Toll Lanes.
Thank you for the continued work towards understanding the needs of Los Gatos and the West
Valley.
Sincerely,
STEVE LEONARDIS
Mayor
SL:jj
cc: Town Council
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